1995 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Z34 review from North America

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!

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!