1998 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP from North America - Comments

The heater blower motor chirped like a cricket for a while then started shrieking. Replacement cost at an auto parts store (if they have one) is about $90. I tried a little three in one oil on the end of the blower cage shaft, and so far so good.

To pass my first Pennsylvania inspection the car needed tie rod ends. This was surprising since it was a Texas car, with mostly highway miles. That was not cheap.

I smell oil burning after the engine heats up. I removed the nice plastic heat shield and discovered what looks like a valve cover leak. Hopefully that is all it is.

The Heads Up Display (HUD) fades in and out. Sometimes it is completely gone other times it it is very intense. Once in a while it sort of pulses.

I have not seen my last two problems in any other reviews on this site or others.

Overall the car is a lot of fun to drive and handles well.

The seats could be more comfortable with better lumbar support.

I have never owned a car with this many bells and whistles. Hopefully they do not translate into a lot of costly repairs.

If anyone has comments on my last two problems, I would love to hear them. My email is hobbes1962@yahoo.com.

The Grand Prix's are great cars. I have a 98 GT Coupe with just under 90,000 miles on it, and the only thing I've had to have replaced is the alternator and the battery. Other than the regular repairs and upkeep such as new tires, alignments, oil changes, etc... this car has been fantastic. Still has as much power as it did when it was new. If you're worried about repairs costing you in the long run, it's good to get an aftermarket extended warranty on your car. I've gotten one from a company called Accel Warranty, and it cost me about $1400 to cover the car bumper to bumper up to around 125,000 miles. They even cover things that dealers won't cover like power windows, power seats, factory radios and speakers, and other great wear and tear items that makes this warranty very well worth the price I've paid for it. I've never had to pay for a repair once, and will never have to as long as I own the car, or until it dies, but hopefully it will last until 150,000 miles, that's usually the average for a Pontiac.

When it does die, I will be returning to buy the brand new Grand Prix, you just can't lose with this car.

Dave.

Hey, I have the same chirping problem with my 97 grand prix, I went out and bought one of those costly after market blower motors, I know its on the firewall, but I was wondering if anyone knows the best way to get at it? thank you in advance; ken.

I own a 1998 supercharge Nascar Edition. with 90,000 miles on it. So far, it's been very reliable except for that annoying chirp or short rubbing sound coming from the front dash board. Also, had to replace a accessory belt tensioner. Other than these two simple problems the car is flawless! This is the first time I kept a car this long because of reliability.

I had a 2000 BMW 323i with less than 30,000 miles and kept it for only 3 months due to trimmings falling apart and needing to replace both lower control arms.

My GTP is the workhorse in our family and it drives and looks likes a SHOWROOM! No kidding.

I have a 1998 GTP with over 92,000 miles. At 30,000 I had to have my rotors shaved because they were warping in the front. My front Brake pads were replaced in 2000 at around 55,000 miles. My water pump finally went out in March 2005 - 7 years!!. Went to Schucks, and got the right part number B130-1780 "GMB" brand for $60 (includes gasket) for the water pump. Replaced my 93" belt that goes over alternator, etc with part #4060930 a Gatorback Brand. Get gatorbacks they last a lot longer, especially if your planning on keeping your car for more than 7 years. Other than that, I just replaced as a habit my fuel filter at 85,000 miles. Remember, our cars can take the 1995+ Chevy Blazer oil filters. Napa part #91036. They hold a lot more defective oil.

Remember if you belong to a Pontiac Club Grand Prix chapter you will save yourself lots of money and hardache! www.clubgp.com.

To fix the HUD issue go here.

http://www.automotivehelper.com/topic216242.htm

Then this is what the HUD motherboard looks like.

http://www.seacgp.org/images/hudfiximage1.jpg

http://www.seacgp.org/images/hudfiximage2.jpg.

Hope that helps!