1989 Pontiac LeMans LE Aerocoupe from North America - Comments

One dead battery.

One set of brakes.

New rear brake cylinders (wheel was locking up).

Three new exhaust systems till the thermostat was just changed.

Drivers door lock that sticks.

Knocks on days below zero when starting up.

I bought this car as a freshman in high school and I still drive it as a junior in college today! It isn't the greatest car in the world, but it is cheap to operate (gas, my dad's the mechanic, and insurance) and most importantly - it has never neve,r never left me stranded!!! Newer cars have been towed and jumped by my trusty LeMans.

I think I will drive it till it doesn't run anymore!

1989 VL Aerocoupe:

Pros:

• Quick for a 1.6 liter engine

• More than 40 mpg on the highway!

• Very solid body: I got rear-ended by a 280Z so hard that the tape popped out of the cassette player: the front end of the Z was a mess, but there was literally only a scratch on my rear bumper.

• Rear seat folds down, creating considerable storage space.

• In the winter, I’d let it idle with the front defroster on full and with the rear defroster going, and it would be snow-free in about 15 minutes.

• If the timing belt fails, the internal engine parts are not damaged; just need to install a new belt, and you’re on your way.

• Seat fabric very durable, easily cleaned

• Handled very well, and very stable on the highway; could cruise at 100 mph.

Cons:

• The blower motor failed regularly, and cost about $125 back then. I wasn’t happy when I had to wait a week for the dealership to get one in, IN JANUARY!

• Brakes wore unevenly

• Starting troubles in damp weather

• Thermostat failed regularly: replacement involves removing the timing belt.

• Cheap GM plastic interior parts.

I maintained the car regularly (since I was making my living delivering pizza when I bought it new) ; finally gave it to the local salvage yard after 7 years and 175k miles.