1996 Pontiac Grand Prix SE Coupe review from North America
"Great ride, affordable, sweeeeet. Recommend to anyone"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Head gaskets at 170k, and transmission at 175k.
General comments?
When I bought the SE I only paid 250 bucks for it. Yes, you read right.
The head gaskets were blown and the previous owner had someone start to replace them, but never finished. So I thank god I found this car. I know a few people, and I bought a top half rebuild kit from a dealership for only 85 bucks; had to get head bolts for it and an alternator, cause they both were missing.
Got it running and was like WOW!!! The exhaust was rusted off at the beginning of the mufflers, but had this deep rumble; you might think was coming from an old school muscle car.
At 175k my transmission went somehow, and have no clue how the tail stock of the tranny broke and was still drivable, and so I didn't notice and it lost all tranny fluid, burning the clutches. So I bought a junk yard tranny with only like 60k on it for 300, and a rebuild kit for 200, and rebuilt it.
Other than that, this car has been a great car and I would recommend it to anyone.
Did I mention I have only put under 1000 bucks into this car, including the price for the car.
Don't buy from dealerships... waste of money.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1996 |
| First year of ownership | 2007 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.1 SFI Automatic |
| Performance marks | 10/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 10/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 170000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 180000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Taunus |
| Date of Entry | 20th April, 2008 |

