1996 Pontiac Grand Am review from North America
"Don't buy with high miles."
What things have gone wrong with the car?
A gear was broken, requiring the transmission to be rebuilt at 135,000 miles. Cost was $1,500.
Both lower control arms required replacement at 141,000 miles. Cost was $600.
Power steering fluid leak at 147,000 miles. Cost was $100.
An oil gasket is currently leaking, but my mechanic said that it does not need to be replaced, as I plan on selling my car after graduation (approximately nine months after mechanic made initial report of leak). Mechanic's estimated cost was $400 to $800.
The factory tape deck required replacement shortly after my purchase of the car.
General comments?
I purchased the car with high miles, but it had been reconditioned by a mechanic prior to purchase. It seems like there is always something wrong with the car. One possible reason for the mechanical failure may be because I frequently drive on steep hills and for the first 25,000 miles I owned it drove at rush hour twice daily.
I am usually happy with the performance of the car, but maintenance has become very expensive lately.
Recommended reviews
| A fun car not worth the pain of upkeep |
|
| Fun Car, but you better be mechanically inclined |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1996 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 3 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 5 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 4 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 105000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 148000 miles |
| Previous car | Pontiac Grand Am |
| Date of Entry | 9th September, 2004 |