Grand Prix GTP Questions

[TheBryGuy]

I'm looking into getting an '02 Grand Prix GTP for $7400. The car has 73000 miles on it. I'd like to know several things. One, is this a good price for this car with this amount of miles on it? What are things I should look for on the car and what should I look for when I take it for a drive. Are there any specific problems these cars have? What are some costs that might come up soon (timing belt, water pump ect). I want to know if this is a pretty good deal or I'm getting myself into something that will blow up 20000 miles down the road. Thanks for the help.
Bryan

[vindication]

My mom has an 01 with a little less miles on it. Only prob so far was the ac wouldn't turn off a couple times and also the lights on the radio decided to go. Yeah, people might give you shit about the Pontiacs crap interior, but it's one nice car imho. I think it's a reasonable price. Try offering about like $6800 and see where it goes.

[seanmcsean]

I guarantee you will have to change the water pump before it hits 120k miles. Every single GM car I've had needed that done by 120k.

You also want to change the timing belt before 100k miles if it hasn't been done already..

Other than that, typical GM stuff: alternator, ignition, and wheel bearings on that car are a pain in the ass.

[ForceFed]

Awesome cars with a TON of potential...We had one and they run great...Watch out for the flying headlight lens though...They tend to lose them after time.

[illwill84]

If it's in super good shape, that's a pretty good deal.

But I wouldn't mess with a super charged pontiac with that many miles unless if it really appears to have been well maintained.

[ForceFed]

If it's in super good shape, that's a pretty good deal.

But I wouldn't mess with a super charged pontiac with that many miles unless if it really appears to have been well maintained.Why..The 3.8 is a nearly Bulletproof motor....You really cant go wron for that kind of money if its in Good shape..I'd grab it up.

[illwill84]

I sell cars........never really seen Pontiacs being a gem........especially higher mileage.

But if it's good shape, the price is definitely right.

[wicked]

the intake manifolds tend to leak,blow headgaskets easy,and tend to need the steering rack replaced more then it should.

other then that,there not bad.
just make sure you use the proper coolent type,and check the RAD cap to see if anyone stick shit in like bras leak or some other cooling system additive.

[bradicus18]

the intake manifolds tend to leak,blow headgaskets easy,and tend to need the steering rack replaced more then it should.

other then that,there not bad.
just make sure you use the proper coolent type,and check the RAD cap to see if anyone stick shit in like bras leak or some other cooling system additive.

My dad replaced his 3.8 because of the intake manifold leaking. Engine locked up. I used to believe the engine was bullet proof but it can't be if all supporting parts are inferior. That is the cheapest looking manifold I have ever seen.

[wicked]

My dad replaced his 3.8 because of the intake manifold leaking. Engine locked up. I used to believe the engine was bullet proof but it can't be if all supporting parts are inferior. That is the cheapest looking manifold I have ever seen.


no car is bullet proof,and they all have their own issues

[ForceFed]

The 3.8 Motor all in all is an Excellent Motor that has been around for many years....I havent heard of the Issue with the Intake on the GTP's.

[seanmcsean]

GM never ceases to amaze me when it comes on cheaping out. My pontiacs were disasters. I had a 95 grand prix and a 97 grand am.. both were horrid.

[msp35]

Autoblog.com had some article where the engine will catch fire after turned off. 23 reported cases and 16 confirmed or something to that affect. let me see if I can find the link.

here ya go:
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/05/nhtsa-investigating-pontiac-grand-prix-engine-fires/

But my bro has one in Cali and loves it. they're pretty damn fast.

[bradicus18]

no car is bullet proof,and they all have their own issues

oh yeah, i agree but it would be a dependable motor given a better intake mani

As far as the GTP, it may have a different design. Never seen one.

[wicked]

oh yeah, i agree but it would be a dependable motor given a better intake mani

As far as the GTP, it may have a different design. Never seen one.


they tend to blow head gaskets too,but that due to the use of horrible gaskets.
change to a MLS,and it will never happen again.

[GNO]

Hey, I just read this forum for the first time, so I thought I'd revive this thread since I have two GTPs.


I guarantee you will have to change the water pump before it hits 120k miles. Every single GM car I've had needed that done by 120k.

You also want to change the timing belt before 100k miles if it hasn't been done already..

Other than that, typical GM stuff: alternator, ignition, and wheel bearings on that car are a pain in the ass.
Yes on the water pump. No on the timing belt. . . it's got a chain. The alt will go. Ignition is great, so you shouldn't have to worry about that too much. I know of folks that have had wheel bearing issues. Not me, however.

the intake manifolds tend to leak,blow headgaskets easy,and tend to need the steering rack replaced more then it should.

other then that,there not bad.
just make sure you use the proper coolent type,and check the RAD cap to see if anyone stick shit in like bras leak or some other cooling system additive. One of my buddies had a number of problems with the streering rack. Again, no me. Coolant is a big issue. . . . Dexcool ick!

oh yeah, i agree but it would be a dependable motor given a better intake mani

As far as the GTP, it may have a different design. Never seen one.
Yes, the GTP has a different intake manifold. All the intake manifold issues mentioned earlier have to do with the plastic NA motor.

Another problem is the transaxle. Mine went at about 130,000 miles. It was pushing about well over 300 ft-lbs and the transaxle is only rated at 280ft-lbs. When I pulled the trans, I rebuilt the motor. No one believed that motor had 130,000 miles on it. The cross-hatching was still visable. Just before the trans went, it ran a 13.2 @ 103mph in the quarter.

My other one has 150,000 miles and is still going strong. It doesn't have as many racedays on it though. Although, it has made a few 12.9 runs.

I love 'em for the wide-low stance, soft muscular lines, and great low-end power.