1997 Chevrolet Lumina LS 3.1L V6

Summary:

A car I don't regret purchasing

Faults:

Water pump.

Alternator.

Front passenger window switch.

Starter.

Valve cover leak (minor).

Radiator drain plug leak (after I serviced the radiator).

Ball joint damaged (purchased this way).

Fuel sending unit (fuel tank floater/was damaged prior to purchase; repaired as condition of purchase).

General Comments:

I managed to drive this car 2 hours (highway) from Hartford to Bergen County, NJ using just a quarter tank. Of course if you are a lead foot and don't take good care of this car, your results won't be as good.

This car came with the optional dual climate control, power driver seat, 3:28 gear axle. They all work great!

The vehicle was well cared for by the previous owner since it had very little miles for its year, and minimal wear and tear both to the interior parts and exterior paint.

Very roomy, reliable, engine/trans responds well, minimal wind noise, Easy to work on, inexpensive to repair (I do my own repairs).

As soon as I purchased the car I performed preventative maintenance, had the car aligned, replaced brakes, and recently had to replace a leaky radiator drain plug (due to my ignorance), detailed the car and scotch guarded the interior, and recharged the A/C.

Only common issue with this car that I have is an engine tick when the engine is started (goes away when the car is at operating temperature), which I will look at when the weather gets warmer. I've read that this issue doesn't affect engine life.

Custom items I've installed are aftermarket combo alarm/remote starter system (professionally installed), Sony MP3/CD car stereo (I installed) but kept the stock speakers (they sound great), and rubber mats (to aid in easy cleaning).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th February, 2009

5th Apr 2009, 07:22

That 'tick' is common on the 3.1. I've had 2 GM's (my Lumina and and an Olds Cutlass) that had it and there isn't much one can do. It's annoying but not anything abnormal. As you mentioned it goes away after warm up.

1997 Chevrolet Lumina Sedan 3.1

Summary:

She's a lemon, but you can always make lemonade

Faults:

Head gasket went on motor --- covered under warranty. (Redone/Replaced) Car had about 120,000km on it at the time.

Altenator replaced twice!!

Power Steering pump replaced once. (Although, no shame on it)

Transmission giving problems in the Automatic Power Drive mode. (D) Problem started at about 175 000.

Problem with Manifold. (? - Haven't bothered to fix it though, due to age of car...It's soon going to car heaven)

Had Front Control Arms Replaced (Problem with Rack and pinion), and rear suspension.

General Comments:

Cons:

Car had a lot of problems in it's earlier days (Major Motor/Transmission issues). I stuck with her though, and "PAID" the price... (Parts are expensive)

Pros:

She rode smoothly and 'til this day she has her original exhaust (11 years old!)

*Probably would consider buying other Luminas (as long as I knew Motor was redone --- would be weary about considering buying one if it only had between 90,000.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 6th March, 2008

1997 Chevrolet Lumina 3.1

Summary:

I wish I had kept it

Faults:

I had to put a fuel and water pump at about 175000 miles.

General Comments:

This was the first Chevy I have owned. It was a very roomy and comfortable ride. It also had good gas mileage.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th August, 2007

1997 Chevrolet Lumina 3.4 V6

Summary:

I would recommend it!!

Faults:

Gas sender broke after 80,000 miles can't tell how much gas is in the car.

The tape player broke doesn't work at all!

General Comments:

Pretty nice like the room not to crowded the performance could be better, but it's a sedan its OK.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th July, 2007

30th Jul 2007, 00:51

I have a white 97 Chevy Lumina.

I can't tell how much gas is in mine either. I've had people tell me that this is a common "old" chevy problem. Don't know how much truth there is to that, but my problem is that I really can't find anyone to FIX it or guide me in the right direction. It seems just to be one big mystery. I don't really have any other problems with mine, but this can get annoying when you have to make the "can you bring me some gas" call. (and more than once)