The only real problem we've had is with the faulty rear calipers on the brakes.
Word's of wisdom BUY LIFETIME Warranty
Calipers!
What happens is if you don't use your park brake much, the rear brake calipers will engage and not release...
This is BAD and will result in you needing new calipers, pads and rotors, believe me!
This was a recall item by GM.
Other than that this care has been awesome!
The main brain box went out at about 125,000 miles, I thought oh boy this is gonna cost a bunch. Was I surprised, $180 bucks and ten minutes later the guy at the shop had one put in and recalibrated, SIMPLE!
One alternator at about 175,000 miles.
Struts at 200,000 miles, I went way to far on these and should have replaced them sooner! I ruined a set of new tires because of this.
Oh yea, car had that small oil drip that most 3.1 motors had at the rear of the block. Many folks spend quite a bit of money to get in there and to fix it right.
Our small town mechanic did it for $40,
used some type of silicone and plugged it externaly.That was about 100,000 miles ago, still no leaks.
And that's it REALLY 220,500 miles later she runs like new!
Interior still has not worn any holes thru, and is holding up well.
We could not have bought a more dependable car!
And the white 2 door euro with the rear spoiler and aluminum wheels still looks sporty.And the paint still looks good even thou it has always sat outside.
If you take care of your Lumina it will take care of you!
Changed oil every 3-4,000 miles.
Changed air cleaner about twice a year.
Flush the tranny every 75,000 miles.
I drive our 1990 Lumina every day, it honestly runs like the day I bought it
"220,500 miles later". Car does not use a drop of oil between oil changes.
Same motor,transmition,waterpump,starter,
everything! Still even has the factory exhuast!
I've never had any dash or instrument problems either, that's nice.
cruise works,as does the ice cold air "never been recharged"
I knew this motor was a good one because my father had the same 3.1 in his Pontiac Grand Prix and he put 450,000 miles on that motor with no major engine failures!! And the same factory exhaust!
His tranny went at 225,000 but he never had it serviced either!
We need a 4 door for our growing family so I'm looking for a 97-99 Lumina!!!
Tune up plugs and such every 100,000.
And that's about it!
2-2-2008
I'm BAAACK, just got off work and was looking at good old car survey.
Yep I'm still driving the Luminator and she's got right at 300,000 miles and everything is the same as the post above. Not only have I been using it for my work car but with the price of gas it's been my hunting vehicle also! I wish I could buy another car just like my 1990 lumina, what a great vehicle! God bless whoever developed the 3.1 V6!
I recall about 15 years ago my Dad bought a brand spankin' new 1990 Lumina. If it wasn't for me turning 17 and starting to drive, his drivetrain would have lasted forever.
(Word of the wise, on a highly angled driveway, don't put car in reverse and allow to roll forward 20 feet. Ouch!)
I caused a good $3000 worth of damage, both with engine and transmission.
That Lumina 3.1 Euro is still holding up to this day however! Really close to 200,000 miles, has been in SIXTEEN different car accidents (the one I caused was the worst, resulting in a fender replacement, fromt frame brace replacement, and headlight assembly).
The first accident this car was in left blue paint streaks on the bumper from the Ford that hit us. The second we were hit at 30 miles an hour from behind by a Lincoln Towncar, and the trunk crumpled a tiny bit, but that bumper... Both front and back, I swear to God that these bumpers are INVULNERABLE.
Even in the accident that I caused, the bumper was unscratched. Clearly where that car should have hit the bumper, it jumped the bumper, and tore off the fender instead.
It's such a pity that the Lumina is discontinued. For that matter, the 1990 Lumina's were the next best thing on the road next to a friggin' Sherman Tank.
Awesome cars. Dad still has it, and his girlfriend complains that he complains about small scratches from people hitting his door with theirs in parking lots. haha!
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