Looking to buy a new GP

[jeremylester]

I'm looking to buy a good used car that we're going to put a lot of miles on commuting. My wife and I found a 2001 GTP Sedan with 156,000 miles on it for $3800.

My questions to all you folks who are a lot more familiar with these cars than I am... Is there anything I need to look for on this car that could signal problems?

I've only looked at the exterior so far, but the thing that stood out to me was that this car has 3 different kinds of tires. Makes me think it had some kind of front end problem that was wearing tires out. Is there any problems that plague these models?

Lastly, since it's supercharged, are there any special maintenance that needs done on these models, and is there a normal lifespan of the supercharger? I've had turbo cars before, but no supercharged ones.

We're going to test drive this evening so any thoughts are greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!!

[Enjoijoe]

offer 3 grand and it and if the dealer does not take the offer walk away and keep looking and you will be able to find a nice gtp with less miles

[jeremylester]

Thanks for the pricing info. But does anyone have any advice as far as normal mechanical problems these cars have?

[GTPJOE90]

if the blower is making a ticking sound the bearing is going out or already shot. also check the underbody i made this mstake of not checking i guess its notorius for areas around the pinch welds to rust out. BEWARE haha good luck and try and get a dark bronzemist and u can join my rare elite DBMGPCLUB hahaha

[mystic231]

But does anyone have any advice as far as normal mechanical problems these cars have?

Check the transmission fluid to see if it looks burnt. Plan on changing it (plus the other fluids) if you decide to get it. The miss-matched tires could just be lack of funds on the owners part or bad struts or strut mounts. Plan on new struts if they haven't been changed already. Check underneath to see if it was a "gravel road" car; shiny paint it's a keeper, rusty with dents it will cost you more money in the long run. I've got one of each.
Check around the intake area looking for antifreeze. These cars usually need a lower intake gasket changed at some point. It's not a big deal but you m ight be able to bring them down on price.
Overall, the Grand Prix was a well put together vehicle with a top notch, world ranked motor. My personal opinion is that the '99 & 2000 GTP's are more desirable because you could get automatic air on them as well as the performance shift button on the shifter. A high mileage car with service records is worth more to me than a lower mileage car with nothing. I've got two so far and will pick up more if the price is right.

[GTPJOE90]

^agreed^

[jeremylester]

Thanks for all the advice. I'm gonna pass on this one unfortunately. After looking at it in the day time, I noticed some very bad repair work on the front right fender. Not sure how bad it was originally, but it's definitely been wrecked and poorly repaired. That may explain the mismatched tires on the front.

So now I'm back to the hunt. Going to an auction tomorrow and they have a 2000 GTP, so maybe it will be nice! Thanks again all!

[Enjoijoe]

Thanks for all the advice. I'm gonna pass on this one unfortunately. After looking at it in the day time, I noticed some very bad repair work on the front right fender. Not sure how bad it was originally, but it's definitely been wrecked and poorly repaired. That may explain the mismatched tires on the front.

So now I'm back to the hunt. Going to an auction tomorrow and they have a 2000 GTP, so maybe it will be nice! Thanks again all!

good luck with the purchase

[GTPJOE90]

dont quit until you find THE ONE ha

[Bio248]

buy mine. $2500 with all the parts on it still.

[KawaFord]

(For future reference)

The number one thing with these cars are the transmissions, 140k is right around where they start to break.

Not always, but that's the first thing usually to go, be sure to test drive it and make sure it goes into ALL 4 gears.. check the stick for clutch material

S/C Coupler, take the belt off and see if the pully has alot of play.

Power steering, make sure it's not leaking.

Be sure to check for oil leaks. (Not the worst thing ever, unless you really care)

Other then that, just general things like oil change.. radiator fluid..

Honestly, for a GTP over 150k miles, I would not pay more then $2000 unless it was MINT. (In Florida, that's the about average rate)

I picked my GTP up for $600, with very minor problems.. no damage.. no accidents, ect.

Craigslist is usually the best place to look depending where you live.

[boosting98]

Check the transmission fluid to see if it looks burnt. Plan on changing it (plus the other fluids) if you decide to get it. The miss-matched tires could just be lack of funds on the owners part or bad struts or strut mounts. Plan on new struts if they haven't been changed already. Check underneath to see if it was a "gravel road" car; shiny paint it's a keeper, rusty with dents it will cost you more money in the long run. I've got one of each.
Check around the intake area looking for antifreeze. These cars usually need a lower intake gasket changed at some point. It's not a big deal but you m ight be able to bring them down on price.
Overall, the Grand Prix was a well put together vehicle with a top notch, world ranked motor. My personal opinion is that the '99 & 2000 GTP's are more desirable because you could get automatic air on them as well as the performance shift button on the shifter. A high mileage car with service records is worth more to me than a lower mileage car with nothing. I've got two so far and will pick up more if the price is right.

my 98' has the performance shift button!

[KawaFord]

my 98' has the performance shift button!

The few 2000's before I got mine that I checked out did not have the performance shift button.

My 98 does have it as well.

[jeremylester]

Thanks guys. I passed this one up. Hopefully, I'll find one soon. You really can't beat the performance/cost of the early 00 GTPs. I've had 2 Subaru WRX's, they're a little faster, but a lot smaller, and a lot more expensive.

Well, again thanks for all the advice. Hopefully I'll find a good one!