The previous owner did not complete maintenance on this car so many items required service.
The Starter was replaced within the first week of purchase. The lower engine cradle had to be partially removed to access the unit, so I took the car to my mechanic who did the replacement. Cost of parts and labor $275.
The Water Pump failed within the first month. I performed the required labor myself, as the water pump impeller is very accessible after minimal component removal. Cost of parts: $28, labor hours: 1 hour.
The Digital EGR Valve reported an anomaly which required service. Unfortunately this is an expensive item,$175 - $270, total estimated shop cost $475. I will perform the work myself and cut my costs considerably, I have also opted to purchase a used unit for around $40, risky, but less risky than purchasing a new one and being unable to return it if it is faulty. (See your parts dealer about returning faulty electronic parts).
All four tires needed to be replaced, The wheels are premium 16 inch rims. I selected a Goodyear Allegra 225 60R16 series touring tire as opposed to a composite speed rated tire for tire life and ride quality. Cost was approximately $80 per wheel.
The GM 3.4L Dual Overhead Cam power plant has exceptional performance capabilities, it's 210 horses stock make this quiet, comfortable ride very quick off the line and the suspension complements the engine output with handling I'd not expect from a car weighing in at around 3,400 pounds.
The passenger cabin is very spacious, the controls and instruments are very accessible and easy to read, a 6 speaker stereo system came stock in this car and although I prefer peak sound performance it does have quality sound.
The general visibility from inside the car is acceptable although I would have liked a little more rear "over-the-shoulder" glass for passing lane awareness, but sometimes you can't have everything.
Other than a few minor issues this car is everything I was looking for in a car. I spent 3 months reviewing potential cars, taking test drives, reviewing repair records, investigating every aspect of a potential purchase before deciding to purchase this one. I'm very satisfied so far.
Soon after I wrote this review, I encountered a difficulty with the Timing Belt and drive system. I found out the previous owner had not changed the timing belt or tensioning system at all. I took the car to my mechanic to have it repaired. The bill for the total parts and labor was $950. The timing belt should be replaced or checked every 60,000 miles. Strangely enough it wasn't the belt that went bad, but the main idler pulley, the pulleys are constructed of a carbon-fiber/plastic and the pulley had cracked, allowing the belt to cant and begin to slide off of the cams. When we pulled the heads, we discovered the pistons were lobed and so the top end did not require a rebuild, which is good considering the additional cost (around $1,200). If the top end had required a rebuild, then the compression on the top end may have been greater than the block which could possibly have caused me future difficulties.
This year I replaced the Intake manifold gaskets, $375, parts and labor. I also replaced the fuel filter and pump, $400, parts and labor. Compared to one of my previous vehicles, a 1995 Chrysler Cirrus 2.5L V6, my annual repair costs are still considerably less (below $1,200/year), yet the vehicle is beginning to show it's age. It's still by far the best vehicle I have ever owned and has been relatively reliable. Mileage now stands at 140,000. I have been so impressed with this particular model that I have been looking for an upgrade to a 2000-`04 Grand Prix GT Coupe. I can't help it, I'm sold!
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