My friend is looking at a '98 lumina with 122k on it. Its $2000 I'm going to go and be mr. second opinion, What Should I look out for with these cars? Common Problems? Thanks.

Standard GM W body things. Is this a 3.1 or 3.8?

My mom has a 98 Lumina she has owned since 98. She hasn't had any major problems with it. Just the basic stuff that goes wrong with any car (brakes, alt, etc.)
Thats not to say there is other stuff that commonly goes wrong. I just don't know what they would be.
But its a good car IMO.

I'd say struts. Struts go bad on these cars pulling out of the lot!

3.1'* had intake plenum gasket issues, rod knock issues, and are notorius for clogging injectors if you run them on cheap fuel (not 87 octane mind you, but fuel from some no-named gas place).. 3.8'*, well, you have a 3.8. The L36 is an L36 regardless of what platform they're in. The 4T65E has a history of weakness, even on non-boosted apps, so be weary on that one.

But really, nothing more than standard automotive things to watch out for. If you were looking at an earlier yeared 3.4L "X" motor, I'd tell you to start running!

The cars themselves are pretty stout and safe. I've had Lumina'* (a 95), Monte Carlo'*, Grand Prix'* and they've held up really well in accidents.

Its a 3.8

Check for intake leaks, and ask the previous owner about its intake history.

Check the transmission for shift firmness. Also ask about tranny service history. Sounds like a good price if everything checks out!

i was about to say ask about lower intake gaskets regardless of if it'* a 3.1 or 3.8, cuz apprently both are edible to dex-cool.

Let'* see. It is is a 3.8L it'* either an LTZ or a cop car.

Either way, My parents bought a 98 new, and I had a 98 prior to my bonneville. Both cars were good cars.

Issues: all L36 issue apply to the motor. Center console cover breaks easy. Hard to find a good one. Just have to deal with it or pay for a new one at the dealer. Crosslace rims don't clear the front brake calipers, and 5 spokes will with spacers.

98 is probably the best year for LTZ. It'* the only year with the 3.8L and 4 wheel disk.

Good cars. i would buy another one if given the chance.

I sold mine with 158k, some surface rust on the rear quarters, and some spray painted touchup spots for $1800.

I have service manuals for a 99 Lumina/MC and a hood protector for it if they are interested.

Maybe just a northeastern problem... BUT the electircal connection in the fuse boxes under the hood in both the lumina and monte carlo of that vintage had issues. I personally have rewired 3 cars due to this problem. Had to replace the 3.8 in my buddies LTZ (9 because the wiring went bad and he didn't know it was overheating till it was too late.

The disc brakes have always been an issue also but my buddy drives his like he stole it.

I think 2k is too much for the car but check kbb. I know when they totaled his it was for 1500 in damage at 134k and that was last year. (the car still runs and drives but some idiot tboned him in front of his house destroying both doors)

Well I never got the chance to go, he got a ticket for something and he won't be able to buy it now even if it was a good car...