No real problems until 30,000 reached.
Then repetitive misfiring of engine, especially at idle resulted in dealer replacing 3 plugs and wires. Plugs are platinum tipped and supposed to last 100,000 KM.
This reoccured within 5000K with same three cylinders being affected.
Most annoying problem is recurring engine light: saying check engine.
Then fuel injector on number 1 cylinder replaced once at 38000 and replaced again approx 9000 KM later. A 2nd cylinder/injector was affected and later replaced.
Fuel economy not as good as when new, but still averages 18-19MPG.
Drivers side door power window mechanism failed and replaced.
Cigarette lighter blew fuses and was replaced.
All above was covered under warranty. If you plan to keep this model past factory warranty I recommend extending it.
All maintenance was performed at proper intervals.
Always used synthetic oil. Seems to run smoother.
Add K & N performance air filter/cleaner. Gives noticeable improvement in performance.
Performance is very good for V-6. Car beats many other models, even though curb weight is relatively high.
On-board computer adapts well to Premium pump gas and Octane boost. This eliminates a flat spot in performance in rev range during 2nd gear acceleration.
Speed tricks: (most discovered by accident).
Turn traction control off for maximum speed when starting from line quickly in dry weather. Turn back on for wet starts.
Speed Shifting: Put gear selector in 1, under full acceleration, computer will upshift automatically to protect engine into gear 2 just before redline. This is noticably quicker than shifting up transmission by hand.
Using 3rd gear for most highway cruising, will provide better acceleration and pickup than waiting for transmission to downshift from D if you need to pass.
Using 2nd gear for street/city cruising will provide responsive acceleration when required, again without waiting for down-shifting to occur.
Ultimately the car could really use a manual transmission as an option.
Exceeding speed limiter: the engine is physically limited by the computer at 105 MPH, this can be avoided as follows:
Accelerate in 3rd gear until speed/rev limiter is just about to kick in... then move shift selector to D, (timing is crucial), the car will briefly be between gears at speed limiter and will then enter 4th gear (D) correctly and continue to pull away very strongly.
Caution do this on a clear road and avoid exceeding the tire rating (or upgrade the tires to Z rated). Also do not apply brakes too quickly: car will dive or may pull to one side at this speed.
As you can tell I love exploring the performance side of this car... and find it a great car for day to day driving as well as more spirited driving when the mood suits.
Car is a looker, perhaps because not too many are around, and unusual styling in rear section, people seem to always be trying to figure out what it is.
The ride is extremely smooth, yet corners well when required.
I would recommend the car as long as you are prepared to purchase an extended warranty or baby it.
I do agree on the fun part. I've owned mine since 04 with 30,000 miles on it. The car is a 2000 Monte Carlo SS with the 3.8 V6 and has now 130,000 miles on it. Still runs great and keeps up with the Mustangs GTs all the way, and makes my best friend mad.
Did install a cold air intake system, which improved my MPG by 10; now getting 38 MPG at 55 MPH WOW.
I did find out my governer stops at 125 mph, which shocked me.
Did change the transmission fluid at 120,000 miles and regular oil changes every 3000 miles/ 3 months.
The only problems I had with it was the Trac light.
The plugs up front got ripped off due to snow or something, 6 times I had to take it in.
Now so far so good, and no transmission problems at all.
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