So, im looking into buying a 98 Pontiac Grand Prix with a series 2 3800. It is for sale at the dealer for 3 g'* or so. i wanna know what are the most common problems that happen to these cars. Trannys, Manifold leaks, anything. This way i can figure out if its a good buy.

Thanks for your input in advance.

http://www.clubgp.com/




A lot of the problems with the 2000+ bonnevilles are shared with the 97+ GPs...

GPs are known for BAD build quality after they get a lot of miles (vibrations on door panels) My roomates 2000 GTP is fine though, not a rattle or anything, both of my bonnevilles have more rattles than his GP

Headlights fail (fog or the front plastic actually falls off)

Window Motors fail

Oil Senders fail like every other 3800 out there

Fuel Senders fail just like almost every gm car

Leaks around doors, sunroof leaks

transmissions fail early

Upper Intake Manifold fails due to EGR placement problem allowing coolant into motor

Lower Intake Manifold Gaskets fail allowing coolant into motor

The brakes fail (rotors not big enough, they warp..just like bonnevilles and most GMs)

Other than that they are solid. 3800s last forever if maintained.

I think the "bad quality" is something that'* taken a lot further around here then it is in truth. All the GP'* i've been around (i've been in quite a few thanks to MGM'*) and they're no worse then a bonnie of similar wear and tear.

The brakes have a slightly easier job then they do in an H body, and they are upgradable to F body calipers.

GP'* are pretty reliable. They have some little quirks though.

Slow window motors
Poor headlight output
Weak front swaybar
Blower motor gets squeaky in some cars
More rattles than the Bonnie, but it'* not bad. Typical GM car...


I've never had any leaks in the interior, and I'm at 115K in my 97.
I broke a front sway bar by driving too hard, and replaced it with a heavy duty one.
My ignition switch used to get the key stuck, but that problem mysteriously vanished on its own.
I have some suspension and/or driveline issues right now, but that'* my fault because I lowered the car and beat the living crap out of it in the corners.

Otherwise, it'* a pretty solid car. They are cheap to buy, and cheap to work on.

Thanks Guys. I appreciate the input. All in all, i love this car and i can see myself in it. And all the problems that were posted, ive worked on before, so its not a bad deal. Now all I need to do is wait for my tax refund .

Laterz-----*Chevyboy*

Hey Sol, you know about the pin on the bottom of the steering column that you can push to release the key, right? And the nut-and-bolt trick to force that to never happen again?

Yea, that'* what I used to get it out when it was stuck.

After a while the problem just went away. It was either caused by the shifter not going in to Park all the way, or there was actually something wrong with the ignition unit on the steering wheel.

you shouldnt of sold you blazer,we could of swapped a series 1 engine with a */C.

I know huh!?!?!? That freakin thing couldnt pass smog cuz of way too much carbon build up on the valves. A major top end rebuild there.

my gp is fine, has no rattles or leaks. I have been very pleased with the car since I got it. It provides a solid performance and corners well. I have not had any major problems with it but have replaced the UIM gasket and plan on doing the lower this spring as preventative maintenance.