1986 Pontiac 6000 4-cylinder

Summary:

A great car that I will miss when it's gone

Faults:

A lot of problems with the rust.

Went through a lot of belts.

The interior is starting to fall apart.

General Comments:

Extremely reliable.

The car has actually gotten better in some areas now than before.

Handles great.

Extremely comfortable.

Besides the rust, problems are very minor.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th December, 2003

1986 Pontiac 6000 STE carbed 2.8

Summary:

Reliable car, but expect to spend some money in maintenance and small repairs

Faults:

The car did not run when I bought it. I put a new carburetor, intake manifold, timing chain, tires, and stripped the computer system off the engine. She ran just fine for 2 years and I hadn't spent more than handful of hundred dollar bills, parts included. I lost the engine 2 months ago to a failed water pump however. I plan on rebuilding the motor and driving the car again next spring.

General Comments:

I like my cars to have toys. This car certainly has them in abundance. It handles like a sports car even though it has four doors. This is one of 3 Pontiac 6000s I own. Each of them has incurred some general repairs and maintenance cost, however they are a rather reliable car. I would certainly consider buying another one to add to my collection.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th July, 2003

4th Jan 2010, 19:45

Hello! I own two 85 STE's with all of the fuel injection still on the car. For me, the efi has proven reliable, though I have read where the computer fails causing the car to run very rich.

My first STE I purchased in 11/88 and the second one in 11/07. I also own a 2001 Audi A4 which I purchased new and now has 217,000 miles. My original STE has over 300,000 miles on it (the second engine, which was remaufactured), while the other STE has 129,000 miles on it.

When I purchased the car, I had the cooling system, brake system, and the transmission completely flushed out and had the fuel injection system cleaned using the Motor Vac system. Then the paint, headliner, rack and pinion were replaced. Including the purchase price, I believe I have invested $2,800.00 in the car.

What I like about the STE, is the way the car drives, the way it steers, handles, brakes, and the interior is very nice compared to the new Pontiacs, which do not have the variety of colors of the STE.

1986 Pontiac 6000 LE 2.8

Summary:

It has less problems than I've had with other cars, pretty reliable

Faults:

Alternator went out at about 74300 miles. Had to buy a new one, $85.

When plugging in a used AC Delco radio, it blew a 20 volt fuse. Had to replace that a few times.

Rattling underneath car when going over bumps, haven't discovered the cause yet.

General Comments:

Engine isn't very powerful.

Other than the problem with the alternator, it's been reliable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th June, 2003

24th Mar 2004, 21:43

Updates:

Sitting at 84,250 miles now.

Had to replace blower motor.

Winter beat the heck out of my car, a lot more rust now.

Made a mistake, I specified 2.8, it's a 2.5 Iron Duke.

1986 Pontiac 6000 LE 2.5 EFI

Summary:

Good solid value

Faults:

Previous owner had taken good care of this car (purchased as a first car for my teenagers). Major work done by previous owner was an alternator at 72,000 miles, a re-manufactured engine at 77,000 miles, and a radiator replacement at 90,000 miles.

'Deferred maintenance' done since I acquired it include new engine hoses (to repair vacuum leaks & check engine light), O2 sensor, all new belts, and new rear brakes and leaf springs (to repair a rear brake 'grabbing' problem.

General Comments:

Interior of the car is in great shape. Upholstery is like new, and all power options work (windows, cassette, etc).

After 17 years, there's very little rust on the body, but the base of the driver's door has rusted out, and I'm seeing some at the lower corners of the doors - time for some body work.

It doesn't have ABS or air bags, but being solid steel, but in any collision I'm convinced that the other (plastic) car will be demolished.

The 2.5 liter is low on power, great on gas mileage. As a teenager's first car, I'm glad he can't 'floor it' and 'peel rubber'!

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

Review Date: 16th May, 2003