1988 Pontiac 6000 from North America - Comments

When I first purchased the car in 1997 it had 50,000 kilometers and the original Tiger Paw tires. I had a tire blow out and lost control on the 417 (Ottawa, Montreal).

I replace the front brakes once a year. They wear very fast, so I've learned to replace them myself, but I also drive more aggressive than the average driver in Quebec.

I replaced all the shocks (normal wear, I assume). And purchased Monroe Sensa-track.

Replaced the alternator, water pump, brake lines to front calipers, front bearings.

This car is a tank! I've had a few fender benders with it on Montreal bridges and I've always driven away with zero damage. Can't say the same about the guy in the Passat or the other guy in the Audi. They both left the scene with dragging bumpers and plenty damage.

I've never needed a recovery in this car. I've even run out of gas with the thing and it still finds it's way to the service station on fumes. It has never broken down on the road, and you never see these things lined up on the side of freeways.

Montreal taxi drivers drive Pontiac 6000's and their sister cars. I always get asked by Montreal cab drivers if my car is for sale. The answer is no, because I know I'm driving gold. If I sold my car, I'd have to buy something else, people usually don't give up their 6000's easily.

I just have to say that I've fallen in love with my car. It's not the most pleasant to the eye, but I've been told that it has 'character'. The thing is dirt cheap to run, and it's been part of my life for the past 4 years. I'll cry when I have to give it up. Maybe I'll never give it up and drive it forever.

You are totally right about 6000's. I drive an '86, and ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! I've had mine for about a year and had to replace a few things, but mostly periodic maintenance (apart from the cracked windshield). I have to change my hood, headlight retainer, bumper, and grille thanks to a recent accident; but the car faired better than I expected, and still drives and runs semi-perfect (hey give it a break its 17 and has 204,367 miles on it).

You're totally right! These cars can handle a lot. I recently had an accident in my 6000, in which one of the rear wheels were ripped off, causing the whole axle to break, and the car is still running extremely well. The car still needs a lot of work to fix that though, but it will be done soon. Too bad GM doesn't make them anymore.