Thread: Looking to buy a Prix...

Results 1 to 19 of 19
  1. #1 Looking to buy a Prix... 
    SE Level Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    Clarkston, MI
    Posts
    8
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Hiya. I decided the other day I was going to sell my Jeep Wrangler because the ever nagging annoyance of driving a fully manual(windows, locks, trans, etc) car became too much. I expected to take a week or two to sell it while I searched for other cars, but within 3 hours of putting it on craigslist I had it sold. It will be gone Friday. Needless to say, I suddenly find myself in a rush to purchase a new vehicle with what I got from the Jeep. One of the first things that came up on Craigslist was this Grand Prix: >>>2000 Pontiac Grand Prix GT w/LOTS of extras!!<<<<<

    The mileage is high, but the car looks to be in nice shape, at least the body and interior. I'm not 100% sure this is the one I want, looks like it needs a new clock spring, and fuel level sending unit(my first guesses based on the symptoms), both very expensive parts when purchased new, at least on the Jeep they were. Still, 3500 for a fully loaded GP seems amazing, and he's flexible on price, so it seems like a great deal to me. The rust thing is my biggest concern right now, the Wrangler I just came from was rotting away before my eyes, I was looking at doing frame swaps and weld-in body panel replacements myself due to lack of funds, eventually I said enough was enough and sold it.

    Anyway, I'm going to go look at this car, probably on friday, was wondering what sorts of things to pay attention to on these vehicles? As far as rust goes, what areas tend to rust away first?
    Reply With Quote  
     

  2. #2 Re: Looking to buy a Prix... 
    Gun nut and III percenter TexasTanker19kilo20's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    Copperas Cove, TEXAS
    Posts
    5,981
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    I just traded my 90 Mustang LX 5.0 for 98 GTP (super charged) that was selling for $3500. Straight trade with no money, That is a GT, it looks good, but the mileage is high. Offer him/her $2800 and see what happens. I have seen GTP's selling here for $2500 with mods. So if he/she wants to sell don't give into the $3500. Just my opinion. Hope you get it or something you like. Grad Prix's are fun cars.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  3. #3 Re: Looking to buy a Prix... 
    SE Level Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    Indiana
    Posts
    32
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    thats high for that vehicle IMO. Thats a lot of miles and the car and its only a GT. Id pay 2500 tops for that car. Those fixes you said could be expensive so also consider that. Id keep looking..


    heres a few local to me with lower mileage and lower prices

    $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ 2000 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GT $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

    1998 Pontiac Grand Prix GT

    grand prix

    SUPER CLEAN 1999 GRAND PRIX GTP *******103,542miles*********

    2000 Grand Prix 117k $3500 OBO
    Reply With Quote  
     

  4. #4 Re: Looking to buy a Prix... 
    GTX Level Member Steel Armadillo's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    Orlando, Florida, United States
    Posts
    519
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Body rust = rust you cant imagine underneath.
    That's a lot of miles.
    What extras? The only extra he doesn't expect you to PAY EXTRA for is the tint. Rest is stock.
    In the front shot, see how effed the passenger headlight area looks? And did you read that part about all new front end parts? 1+1= danger.
    For that price, I personally advise against it.

    However, I hope you do get a GP, they're enjoyable to own for the most part.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  5. #5 Re: Looking to buy a Prix... 
    Moderator dsmuts's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    Coldwater, OH
    Posts
    15,758
    Thanks (Received)
    1
    Likes (Received)
    1
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    You should be able to find a gtp for cheaper than that.
    98 GTP modded 1.9's, sd headers, 3.4", zzp 1.0 230K miles scrapped.
    04 Comp G zzp stb's, UMI ta's, Speedbuilt sways, bully flo heads, XP, zzp headers, fsic, thrasher shift kit, 60#, 2.6" corsa 2.5", Inferno hood
    01 gt z7 turbo tep trans zzp motor
    08 g8 gt cam exhaust 11.87@118
    Reply With Quote  
     

  6. #6 Re: Looking to buy a Prix... 
    SE Level Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    Clarkston, MI
    Posts
    8
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Sorry guys, I've been going back and forth on cars for a few days. I'm still not 100% sure that I want the Prix, I really like the body style of the 00-05 Bonnevilles, but I think I like the GT's leather interior more :P also, so many people get that butt-ugly tan dashboard in the Bonneville. What's up with that

    I've also noticed another thing: the used car market in Michigan stinks! Both the GP and Bonne are about 500-1000 bucks cheaper on Chicago's craigslist. Now just to choose one that I'm 150% sure I want :P
    Reply With Quote  
     

  7. #7 Re: Looking to buy a Prix... 
    GPFs Sexy Ginger. SilvaMan61's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    MA
    Posts
    3,619
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    aint nothing wrong with a bonnie. but if i were you id also look into regals. therye basicly the same car as a gp, but youd have a greater shot at getting one that wasnt beat on. plus i do believe your insurance will be cheaper.

    are you sure you wanna go N/A?
    SMGPFC Member #9
    Reply With Quote  
     

  8. #8 Re: Looking to buy a Prix... 
    SE Level Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    Clarkston, MI
    Posts
    8
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Go what?
    Reply With Quote  
     

  9. #9 Re: Looking to buy a Prix... 
    Gun nut and III percenter TexasTanker19kilo20's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    Copperas Cove, TEXAS
    Posts
    5,981
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    GO N/A..... N/A= naturally aspirated, try to find a GTP they are FI (forced induction) and much funner IMO.
    Goldie 98 Topaz Gold GTP (retired)/ Shadow 06 GTO 6.0 Phantom Black Metallic- traded in. Now cruising a 2005 GMC Sierra 2500 HD 4x4 with the always fun 6.0L
    Reply With Quote  
     

  10. #10 Re: Looking to buy a Prix... 
    SE Level Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    Clarkston, MI
    Posts
    8
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by TexasTanker19kilo20 View Post
    GO N/A..... N/A= naturally aspirated, try to find a GTP they are FI (forced induction) and much funner IMO.
    I see...no thanks, not worth the extra cash to me. I am trying to buy something nice on gas, and having to use premium gas seems to contradict that sentiment.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  11. #11 Re: Looking to buy a Prix... 
    GPFs Sexy Ginger. SilvaMan61's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    MA
    Posts
    3,619
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by Dread Pirate Steve View Post
    Go what?
    do you want a V6.. or do you want a supercharged V6. grand prix GTP, bonneville SSEI, and regal GS are all supercharged. they arent that much more expensive, and definetly that much more fun.

    youll only be paying a couple extra dollars per fill up using 91 or 93
    SMGPFC Member #9
    Reply With Quote  
     

  12. #12 Re: Looking to buy a Prix... 
    Gun nut and III percenter TexasTanker19kilo20's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    Copperas Cove, TEXAS
    Posts
    5,981
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by SilvaMan61 View Post
    do you want a V6.. or do you want a supercharged V6. grand prix GTP, bonneville SSEI, and regal GS are all supercharged. they arent that much more expensive, and definetly that much more fun.
    +1
    Goldie 98 Topaz Gold GTP (retired)/ Shadow 06 GTO 6.0 Phantom Black Metallic- traded in. Now cruising a 2005 GMC Sierra 2500 HD 4x4 with the always fun 6.0L
    Reply With Quote  
     

  13. #13 Re: Looking to buy a Prix... 
    SE Level Member OldFart's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    Ontario, Canada
    Posts
    76
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    For comparison, I picked up a 2001 GTP recently, very clean, 120K miles, for $3000. That's Canadian $ but lately that's been about even with the US$. A friend got a Bonny SSEi about 6 months ago, same year, similar mileage for around the same price (can't remember exactly off hand)

    I'd pass on that one unless he's willing to come down. A lot! Keep looking, I hope you do find a GP, they are a hell of a nice car!
    Reply With Quote  
     

  14. #14 Re: Looking to buy a Prix... 
    SE Level Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    Clarkston, MI
    Posts
    8
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by SilvaMan61 View Post
    do you want a V6.. or do you want a supercharged V6. grand prix GTP, bonneville SSEI, and regal GS are all supercharged. they arent that much more expensive, and definetly that much more fun.

    youll only be paying a couple extra dollars per fill up using 91 or 93
    Well, the Bonneville SSEI's do have the interior I like. I can't justify the extra cost though. I don't have a job to keep up with repairs at the moment so I am looking for something for 3k or less, something that I can rely on for at least 2000-5000 miles while I get said job and save some cash. I don't want to be that jobless loser on the block who still finds the cash to buy a car with a supercharger. I also need to be thinking about buying the car today and getting smacked with 1000 dollars worth of bad parts tomorrow. Trust me, I've seen it happen too. Had a 4 cylinder Wrangler that blew the head gasket, radiator, and transmission in less than 200 miles... drove it a grand total of 300 before someone hit me and totaled it
    Reply With Quote  
     

  15. #15 Re: Looking to buy a Prix... 
    GPFs Sexy Ginger. SilvaMan61's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    MA
    Posts
    3,619
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    i dont mean to be overly persistant but you may be thinking to highly of them. its a horribly inefficient supercharger that doesnt add much power, but because of this it also isnt much to keep up with. I actually dont think it requires any "special" attention or maintenance, other than higher gas grades, and a S/C oil change every, what is it, 30,000 miles.

    if i were you, since you dont want to throw money into repairs for a while, id make sure you buy one with the lower intake manifold already replaced. these will typically go out around 95,000 miles. it can be a costly job depending on who you go to. this is the case for any 3800 powered vehicle, supercharged or not.
    SMGPFC Member #9
    Reply With Quote  
     

  16. #16 Re: Looking to buy a Prix... 
    SE Level Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    Clarkston, MI
    Posts
    8
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Yeah, I heard about those manifolds. I would be very unhappy if I started the car one day and it went boom.

    I guess it all depends on what fits my price range. And by the way I'm sorry, but if I am going for supercharged, I am going to get a Bonneville From the Chicago area there aren't any that fit my price range, from my area(detroit metro) there's 1, with issues. 2000 Bonneville SSEI Supercharged Between blue, white, and black tailpipe smoke, is there one more commonly seen in Pontiacs?
    Reply With Quote  
     

  17. #17 Re: Looking to buy a Prix... 
    GPFs Sexy Ginger. SilvaMan61's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    MA
    Posts
    3,619
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    white smoke, and a sweet smell would mean its burning coolant. which means that the LIM gasket is gone. but the ad says he rebuilt the engine with all new gaskets.. so idk. may be worth looking at.
    SMGPFC Member #9
    Reply With Quote  
     

  18. #18 Re: Looking to buy a Prix... 
    SE Level Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    Clarkston, MI
    Posts
    8
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by SilvaMan61 View Post
    white smoke, and a sweet smell would mean its burning coolant. which means that the LIM gasket is gone. but the ad says he rebuilt the engine with all new gaskets.. so idk. may be worth looking at.
    Yeah, and from what he says, it sounds like he's been driving it like that - I figure he would have mentioned a coolant leak.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  19. #19 Re: Looking to buy a Prix... 
    SE Level Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    Clarkston, MI
    Posts
    8
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by Dread Pirate Steve View Post
    Yeah, and from what he says, it sounds like he's been driving it like that - I figure he would have mentioned a coolant leak.
    I must eat my words, he said it's white smoke....he said in the ad he didn't know what it was now he claims it needs valve seals in the head. I'm kinda wary now. Plus my racist dad is very against me buying a Detroit car because apparently they're all poor and don't take care of their cars. Since he's the car person of the family, I sort of need him to come along with me, so I don't think this one is gonna happen. Also, it has 180k miles. The search continues...
    Reply With Quote  
     

Similar Threads

  1. Finding Grand Prix parts or Grand Prix's in Junkyards near you!
    By MrPoopyButthole in forum Off Topic Discussion
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 08-19-2012, 10:58 AM
  2. 1991 grand prix 3.1 swap into 1996 grand prix 3.1
    By mgosse in forum 3.1L V6 (LHO/LG8)
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 07-20-2012, 06:54 PM
  3. Your Prix, your prix, your prix is on fire
    By Durk Diggler in forum Off Topic Discussion
    Replies: 17
    Last Post: 09-09-2009, 11:06 PM
Tags for this Thread

View Tag Cloud

Bookmarks
Bookmarks
Posting Permissions
  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •