What should I offer for a 2002 Monte Carlo with the 3400 and 110K on it? A little more miles than what I'm looking for, but if I could talk him down to a serious price I'd love to buy it because it was an awesome driving car with no squeaks or rattles, it drove really tight, rode awesome, and was extremely clean. He'* asking 7K but I know there'* no way he'* going to get it.

OK, pretty negative on the MC, so here'* my criterea: I'm looking for a car, newer than a 2000 with about 50 or 60K on the clicker, that will be dependable and get good gas mileage. What do y'all think I should be looking for? I've never had to really hunt for a car before, and don't really know what I should be looking for. PS, "cool" factor doesn't matter to me, but no blue ovals. In other words, I'm asking what would YOU buy in my shoes.

maybe im a motor racist, but i would go for something with a 3800.

but after reading what tjsblackbonne said about his trips to the auctions, id at least check one out. you could get a sweet car for half of what hes asking.

Don't buy it. Many people here will agree. The 3100/3400 is garbage, and isn't worth the risk. Find something wit a better engine....like the 3800.

Good luck finding a good clean ANYTHING around here with a 3800. Same guy wants 4K for a 96 88 LSS with 130K on it, and I'm absolutely not paying that. No Bonnevilles around here worth looking at, all the Grand Prixes are beat up, Buicks are to "old person" for me... and the list goes on.

I would wait for a better deal. My friend has an '00 SS(3800) with very high miles(160k), but he only paid 3g for it and its loaded. Other than rock chips on the front end, it looks good and hasn't had any problems yet. Tranny is on its way out though. Nice cars but wait for the 3800.
Grant

i may be wrong but i think he said something about an higher 90s ssei for 1100.

those are different everyday

No SC yet, don't like the idea of putting 93 in a car, I have enough trouble putting 87 in the SLE.

I had an '01 MC with the 3400 and it really wasn't all that bad. After putting twin FM40'* on it, K&N drop-in, and synthetic oil, I was pulling down about 33 mpg on the highway IIRC.

They aren't BAD engines...just gotta watch the LIM gaskets.

Go back and give it another look over if you can. Its easy to miss something the first time.

How'* the underside look and the engine? Any leaking fluids? You're right though, 7k is way too much for that year and miles. I wouldn't give more than $3500. Maybe $4000 if he put on new tires and changed the oil, but thats pushing it in my mind.

I have my beliefs on the 3400 as well, but you didn't ask for my opinion.