1993 Chevrolet Lumina Z34 3.4 DOHC

Summary:

A high performance bargain (I know it's the example sentence on the form, but it's true!)

Faults:

Alternator died at around 80k, then again at around 86k due to shoddy labor "rebuilding" the original alt. (Please note was the 3rd-party service station's fault, not that of the manufacturer or the dealer.) I got a new alt with a lifetime warranty from NAPA through a different shop, and it has been going strong ever since. The second shop was cheaper with a NEW alt than the first was with a junky rebuild. The first was $490 P/L and the second was $380.

Master cylinder ruptured at approx 95k. Brakes were less responsive and the pedal would go to the floor if it was pushed normally, but brake fine if it was slammed. Simple fix; it took about 2 days to get the part and another day to have it installed. $220 P/L. Brakes have been extremely responsive since then.

Engine seized at around 102k, due to lack of oil. My fault, not Chevy's or the dealer's. I admit it, I'm a dumbass. The oil light was only coming on when the steering wheel was turned all the way in either direction, so I thought it was some electrical quirk and it never occurred to me that the oil was actually low until it locked up while I was driving home one evening. They said if I get a remanufactured engine I should expect to pay at least $2000 to fix it. Fat chance. I'm going to open it up to see if the damage goes beyond the cylinders. If not, I can get a complete piston/ring set from NAPA for around $500 and have a mechanic friend install it. If the engine is completely screwed, I'm going to save my dough and drop a supercharged L67 in it.

General Comments:

Overall, this is an excellent vehicle that has retained its value extremely well. (I bought it in May 2000 for 5 grand, and the Blue Book says it's worth about that much now, Feb 2002.) It has a great sporty look to it and is a lot of fun to drive.

The factory Bose system is clear and QUITE LOUD.

The fuel economy is fair, I think at some point I calculated that it gets approx 20-25 mpg/highway.

I've never modified this car, and I've never lost a drag race with it. (My Sentra got smoked a couple of times though.) I lost one drift race on the interstate, and that was to another Z34 (the driver gunned it before I was ready, but I'm not making excuses).

The stock setup is sweet, and there's a TON of stuff you can do to make it perform even better. I highly recommend this car to anyone who doesn't necessarily want a brand new car, but a reliable one and one that has a bit more power than your typical coupe.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th February, 2002

30th Jun 2002, 21:50

I would like to know where to find the tons of stuff you can do to this car. Because I have been looking all over for high performance add ons.

13th Oct 2002, 13:51

Just purchased car and I couldn't agree more with you. Had custom heads made for it and this increased horsepower dramatically. Later, keep on rolling.

Joe E. Rasar.

1993 Chevrolet Lumina Euro 3.1

Summary:

Value for the money

Faults:

Ongoing problems with air leaks around the rims as they are aluminum mags on the Euro.

Alternator replaced at 160k which is fairly normal.

Interior trim under the windshield is lifting due to summer heat.

Working under the hood can be difficult depending on what you are trying to access. Chevy went for looks under the hood as opposed to practicality. Fortunately there has not been too much work under the hood.

General Comments:

Overall this car has been very reliable. It offers a good sized engine which is responsive and good to go.

The steering and suspension tends to be a little loose, although my struts are probably in need of replacement at this mileage.

It figures GM decided to axe the production of this car just as it's reliability began to prove itself.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th June, 2001

23rd Oct 2003, 13:51

UPDATE

I have now had this car for over 5 years and it is still going strong with 270,000km. This car outlasted our 92 Accord and has been very reasonable when repairs are needed. In the last two years I have performed routine maintenance of brakes and tires and replaced:

A/C Condenser and Dryer

Heater Core

Rear struts

Lower front ball joints

Inner & Outer tie rod ends

Oil pressure switch

There is a slow leak from the transmission, but not worth rebuilding given the age of the car. The ABS light is on too, but not worth the diagnostic. The rear brake calipers have been replaced and continue to seize - bad design. Premium front pads have compensated. Overall this car has been very reliable and I will continue to drive it into the ground.