anybody got advice, over 100 K mile advice !!!

I got a friend who is wanting to buy a 2000 grand prix GTX. First off the GTX are really rare and I a grand prix fan never heard of them till now. They can't even be found in the NADA book or Blue book. Anyways it's supercharged and has ram air. RAM air that usually doesn't come normally on any of the versions. Anyways he's afraid to buy the car because it's a 2000 and has 90 K miles. Besides that the car looks and rides like it's in great condition. I was wondering if anybody knows about GT's or GTP's that have had long term problems. If any ? If he buys this car he'll top 100 k before to long and needs to know if he'll be getting into trouble with the car in the long term. SO HOW ARE EVERYBODY'S GRAND PRIX OVER THE 100 K MILE AREA ?????

Intermittent problems found on some grand prix's, and other 3800-engined cars:

1) electrical/wiring has gone flaky on two of my friends cars, nothing serious, just annoying

2) supercharged engines (like the GTX) have a habit of eating up the transmission. GM built the transmission for the 3800, then let the 3800 supercharged drive it as well. get the trans checked out (look at the driver, lead foot? or grandma?)

3) fuel pump. I *think* that the grand prixs have the fuel pump in-tank like most other 3800 cars. a $400 fix if it goes bad (and they usually do above 100/120K)

other than that, the 3800 series engine itself will run f o r e v e r so long as it is taken care of. keep up with normal maintenance, and you'll have no major problems. (I have a bonneville supercharged engine with 140K on it, and at the auto shop i worked at for 3+ years, we consistently saw 200K+ cars with the 3800)

I agree, I have a 3.4 GM engine on my Z-34 and all it has is a leaky cranckshaft oil seal, even tought is no 3800 it is GM and uses similar technology. The engine has 190k without major problems. If the GTX car has had the proper maintenance just check what CarSuper told you plust the hoses. My Z-34 gave me a hard time when it reached 115k mark. All of the sudden the hoses started to break. Replaced one and other would start leaking until I got all of them replaced.

Last August, I purchased my 2001 GP with 94k miles, I was nervous to do so also. I took a good look at the car and found nothing wrong with it except it needed a coolant service, trans flush, and oil change.
Granted, its a 3.1L SE and not a GTP or GTX... but I think its the age of the vehicle that wears it down more than the mileage. As long as its taken care of and kept up with maintenance, it should last quite a while...

Beware of the Intake gasket and the bearing in the nose of the supercharger, the tend to wear out on the 3.8L s/c's.

The GTX package was actually available with a 3.8SC and a 3.8N\A engine. I think most of them are 3.8SC. Anyway, the transmission and the engine accessories is all I would worry about on it. How long everything lasts really all depends on how the vehicle was maintained throughout its life. Make sure you find out if it was well taken care of.

My '97 GTP had 161K+ on it when I wrecked it, and she still ran like a top. All of the service had been performed on schedule like clockwork, both by me and the guy who owned her before I did, because he gave us all of the service records on the car when we bought it. She had 131K when we bought it, and my dad, who's been a ASE Master Tech for 20 years, liked what he saw, so he let me have it. The '99 I have now is has 99.7k, I'll be hitting 100k soon, so it's time for new plugs, plug wire inspection, tranny fluid/filter change... basic maintenance stuff. If the car's been cared for, I'd say go for it...especially since it's a GTX and they are so rare.

The GTX concept is similar to that of any after-market tuner. SLP Performance takes an SE, GT, or GTP (Sedan or coupe) and mods it based upon a menu of levels.

I don't think you have any more to worry about over and above that for any high miles GP. Definitely see if you can find out anything about the driver. Do a Carfax! As far as the 3800 Series II goes, 100k isn't really that high. It'sa realy durable engine......when maintained properly.

Our 99 Grand Prix has experience a few problems. Partly with the drivers heavy foot. Replaced the fuel pump at 60,000 Intake at 75000 and now repairing transmission(literally broke at 35mph with no acceleration). The upper intake on the 3.8 are composite material with an EGR valve at one end. Cooling and heating that area causes the material to be brittle and crack. Water runs into all cylinders. Can't compress so usually bends a rod. Luckly ours didnt bend one and ran great until the trans. There are replacements for the intake out there...
Good Luck

I had a wheel bearing go at 98K on my '99 GTP...probably just a fluke, though. Cheap fix if you're a do-it-yourselfer, but pretty damn expensive if you have it done.

Well as a GTX owner, I concur with the previous statements about the transmission. If the previous owner frequently raced or otherwise dogged the engine, this is where the first damage would show.

Also, look for the accessories. The 2000 model, should have two engraved keychains, three body badges, and the SLP hood and airbox at a minimum.

Check the hood for a serial number to make sure it is authentic

I believe the number should also appear on the airbox and exhaust