Couldn't find a truck

Jpshostr · August 19, 2001

Time ran out on me and I had to buy something to replace my Blazer which I sold two weeks ago. A good K2500 never showed up so today I bit the bullet and bought a car. Its a '97 Pontiac Grand Prix with just about all the goodies in it. Anyone know anything about these cars that I should be aware of? It seems to be really well taken care of and has great highway manners. I guess this will tide me over until the exact truck I want shows up.

MountaineerTom · August 19, 2001

I can't remember what year they went to the current body style, but my mom and dad had one of the "narrow" looking Grand Prix's. I think it was the last year of that body style, before the "wide track" GP's. As far as I know, they never had any problems with it.

Kansas Kid · August 19, 2001

My aunt and uncle have had several Grand Prix's, and currently have a 98. They have all been pretty much trouble free. I do know that the 3800 V6 shouldn't give you any trouble at all, and it does run pretty well.

I know you didn't want to buy a car, but much better to hold out until the exact truck you want shows up. That way you won't be disappointed. I'm thinking of buying a 94-96 Camaro Z28 to drive around since I can't find a truck I like.

Shaners · August 19, 2001

The stock motor in most GP's is the 3.1L or the 3.4L. It's a good solid motor and makes decent power in the 180-185 hp range. You can get the 3.8L as a option and the supercharged 3.8L too.

It sounds like you picked up an SE model and they are well equipped, and have been around for awhile so I wouldn't be too concerned. It'll make a good car for you that will get mid 20's for mpg's.

Good Luck

(Edited by Shaners at 1:16 am on Aug. 19, 2001)

DigUout · August 19, 2001

The wife was recently looking at a 2000 red 4 door GT. Had all the bells and whistles and was pretty sharp. She balked when she was ? apart from the dealer, reconsidered 3 days later, went back and it was sold. Only thing me dealer buddy told me was that resale and trade-in on GP's, Taurus, and Cavaliers are the lowest among domestic cars. Apparently they are very good cars though and certainly turn heads-

Jpshostr · August 20, 2001

I'm glad to hear of no horror stories of them. I have the GT model, each time I get in it I find a new bell or whistle to play with. It is a lot nicer to drive than my parents Intrepid, sure has a few more ponies under the hood.

The deal on this car is that the dealer that I bought it from will give me what I paid for it on a trade for a truck when they are able to find exactly what I want. I won't be losing any money on the deal. It is my intention to only be keeping this thing for a few months until a good truck comes along, but this way I can be even more selective and be sure I get the truck I want/need.