OK, I've had my 2003 SSEi (45,700 miles) for about two weeks and just two days ago it started making some really ugly noises. I purchased the car from a private party and I do not have an extended warranty. Before I committed to the sale I had the car inspected by CarChex and they gave the car a thumbs up. Unfortunately when I call CarChex they disavow any involvement since they did a visual inspection only. (Did I pay them $100 to just take pictures of the car??) Anyhow, I brought it to a Pontiac dealer and the service manager is telling me that the lower rod / bearings are shot and that I need a new motor. He quoted me a price of $5500 for a "New Remanufactured Engine" from GM (Install included).

I'm hoping that ya'll might be able to help and give me some of your wisdom. Right about now I'm pretty well pissed that my car with only 45k needs a new engine.

Thanks for your help.

that is VERY odd, these motors are usually tanks. i would suggest that you first take it to another shop to have them diagnose and see if they come up with the same thing.

That'* what I was thinking. Get a second opinion on this one.

Thanks for the replies so far... Tonight I reached out to Pontic Customer Care and I told the nice lady there my tale of woe. Basically I am hoping that they will help offset the cost of the new motor. Luckily I'm a long time GM car buyer (even though the Bonnie was purchased used private party) and she is going to see what she can come up with. Here are a few things that helped me build my case with Pontiac:
* I can provide a long list of previous VINs proving my loyalty to GM brands including new and certified pre-owned cars
* I have the carfax on the Bonnie that chronicles every oil change from the original owner and all those services were performed at the Pontiac Dealer who originally sold the car
* I can prove that I use GM dealerships to service my wife'* Chevy Venture minivan.

Now I need to wait 2 days while Pontiac Customer Care contacts the original dealership to verify that it was dealer serviced as well as contact the dealer that now has the car to get the exact diagnosis.

Pontiac has made no promises as to how they will be able to help... my fingers are crossed that they'll offer me some kind of help. I'll post again when I hear back from them.

When you purchased the car.. you obviously drove it.

Please be honest.. you drove it hard?
When the car got hungry for more fuel.. what grade of fuel did you quench it'* thirst with?

The reason I ask is the durability of these motors is usually amazing. Knock could be a main contributor.

Hey Bill... Actually I didn't drive the car until after the purchase was complete... I'm in Jersey and the car was in Chicago. I drove it agressively (enjoying the supercharger) but I certainly didn't beat on it. I fed her with regular unleaded gas for only one tank, but didn't hear any knocking. I know now that she needs a regular diet of 91+ octane.

Another thing to consider is that the Dex Cool could have eaten through the LIM gaskets.... Is the coolant level full? Is there coolant in the oil? It'* possible there had been. Do the Lower Intake Manifold gaskets look fresh? If they were replaced recently, it'* possible they went bad and the previous owner found coolant in the oil and decided to dump the car fast...
Just a couple more things that may have caused the problem.
Also, a good low-mileage motor can be had for under $1G.... installation by a good reputable shop should cost around $500-$600 -these engine'* aren't that hard to change... ask Boostie.
For a low mileage engine in your area you might check www.car-part.com.... might get lucky like I did finding my 18k mile 2001 SSEi engine AND transmission for $800, even though the transmission case was shot...

Anyhow, best of luck with this and I hope things work out for you.

Marty... I doubt the intake gaskets had much if any involvement. Unfortunately my first thought is the regular fuel is the culprit. As for fueling.. highest octane possible, say 93 for example is what your car will treat you right on. Also..I understand a good part of the country lives on 91 as their best fuel.

Car-part is a good source. Are you mechancially inclinded in case GM leaves you holding the full bill?

If you do have to go with a GM reman, I've had excellent luck with them. I did a reman motor in my 88 and 92 S10s. Hopefully you won't have to pay full price. The bright side is if you get the motor done, take care of it and be good to the trans and it will last forever...

Karl...what'* wrong with you?

Fill er up with 93 and drive it like ya stole it!