1995 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Z34 3.4 DOHC V6

Summary:

Good car has its drawbacks

Faults:

Leaks oil, got it checked several times by the dealer where I bought it. Still leaks don't know where from. Was told it was the intake manifold.

Transmission seems to be going. It shifts hard and double shifts sometimes.

General Comments:

Has a lot of power. Like a v8. Handles well. Overall great car.

If you can help me with my problems let me know.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th April, 2004

1995 Chevrolet Monte Carlo z34 3.4 DOHC

Summary:

Good power with expenses!

Faults:

Timing belt was wearing do to stuck pulliys. Around $275.000.

Intake manifolds done twice Around $500.00 Second one dealer did for free because it leaked within 3000 miles of first repair.

Alternator replaced Well was able to use dealers discount and had it done for $320.00 otherwise it should cost around $400-500.00.

Now I have coolant leaking out of the corners of my radiator and some where else under the engine and I noticed I have oil spots now under the car.

I also had oil on the spark plug wire boots. However that got there.

Some of the trim in the car is now falling apart and the clear coat on the car is now flaking away.

General Comments:

This car has a good amount of power. It gets up and goes. Has very good looks.

But the biggest problem is very costly and prepare yourself for headaches.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 25th March, 2004

1995 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Z34 3.4L DOHC

Summary:

Do not buy this car!

Faults:

My timing belt went out at 100,000 miles.

Started leaking power steering fluid at 100,500 miles.

Power steering fluid leaked directly into the alternator and fried it.

Currently, 101,000 miles, the brakes are grinding and my front driver side wheel almost fell off!

General Comments:

I got the car with 70,000 miles on it. Its got great power and good looks. I'm a big guy and I fit quite well in this car, very comfortable. It ran great until I hit 100,000 miles.

Almost exactly at 100,000 miles the timing belt went out. I took it to the first mechanic and he told me he "thought" he could fix it as he stared at the Chilton's manual next to him. He gave me an estimate of $1500, for a timing belt! I told him what I thought of his quote and his ability and had it towed to the second mechanic. He told me he would not even try to fix my car, and that you needed a "special tool" that only the dealerships had. I then had it towed for the third time to the dealership. Two weeks later they had it finished. Final Cost for my timing belt: $1232.88. The final repair also came with a new $594.00 estimate for my lower vacuum intake valve which was causing the idle problem I have read so much about on this site. I declined the second repair and left.

Two weeks later my power steering fluid started leaking. Of course with my last $1200 repair I didn't rush to go get it looked at. After a couple days my volts light came on and I started losing power. I took it to a new mechanic who told me the fluid had leaked directly into the alternator and "fried" it. He also told me I need a new serpentine belt. He referred to my car sarcastically as the one with the "fun" engine. Meaning "fun" to fix. Final cost for power steering, alternator, and serpentine belt: $828.01 which included a discount to keep it under the estimate.

Currently the brakes are metal on metal and my front tire almost fell off tonight. My bank account is totally wiped out and I'm going to park the car until I pay off my loan and can buy a Honda. I'll see you on the bus!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 10th January, 2004

4th Feb 2004, 16:55

I believe that you were the reason this car had so many failures, as your inability to keep up on the maintenance schedule, causing the belt to break, they are to be replaced at 60,00 miles, the power steering to leak into the alternator,you should of had this fixed also, and finally the brakes being driven until they were destroyed, etc. The next time you get a car, being it a Honda, God forbid... you should refer to the owners manual and follow the required schedule for typical maintenance...also, when something leaks... FIX IT!!!

REGARDS, JOHN.