96 Lumina, 146K, $1200 - what's your opinion?

I am graduate student. Looking for a car that would last for 1.5 years while I am in college. It has to be reliable because I am going to go interstate once in while.

I am currently looking at 96 Lumina 3.1 with 146k miles. Fuel pump and filter need to be changed. The selling price is 1200. Body is good.

I am concerned with frequent brake problems with luminas - is that true? Is the mileage ok for lumina?
Any suggestions what to look for before the purchase?

An alternative for me is to spend $4K and get 95-97 japcar.

Thanks beforehand for any suggestion and advice.

It is true, that luminas have brake problems, but only if it's 94' or older. mileage is ok, but just like anything else, if it hasn't been taken care of, it won't last. It has been well-cared for you shouldn't have a problem to go another year and a half

Thanks for the answer. I thought that even newer luminas suffer from rapid brake pads wear - they have to be replaced every 10k miles. So that is not the case?
Are there any particular problems with 96-... luminas?
Does MSN reliability review have any viability?

Here is what MSN website have to say about lumina:

Engine
Occasional problems on this vehicle are failures of the Fuel Injectors, the EGR Passages and the Timing Belt and Idler Pulleys. Failures of the Fuel Injectors and EGR passages apply to the 3.1L and 3.4 L V6 engine. Failures of the Timing Belt and Idler Pulleys apply to the 3.4 L V6 engine only. Any of these failures may prevent the vehicle from starting.The cost to repair the Fuel Injectors is estimated at $126.00 each for parts (total of 6) and $136.50 for labor.The cost to clean the EGR Passages is estimated at $10.00 for parts and $65.00 for labor.The cost to repair the Timing Belt and Idler Pulleys is estimated at $225.00 for parts and $487.00 for labor.All prices are estimates based on $65 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax.

Brakes
An occasional problem on this vehicle is failure of the Front Wheel Speed Sensors.The cost to repair the Front Wheel Speed Sensors is estimated at $39.00 each for parts (total of 2) and $78.00 each for labor.All prices are estimates based on $65 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax.

Starting & Charging
An occasional problem on this vehicle is failure of the Ignition Lock Cylinder. This failure will prevent the vehicle from starting.The cost to repair the Ignition Lock Cylinder is estimated at $50.00 for parts and $97.50 for labor.All prices are estimates based on $65 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax.

Accessories
An occasional problem on this vehicle is failure of the Headlight Switch.The cost to repair the Headlight Switch is estimated at $125.00 for parts and $32.50 for labor.All prices are estimates based on $65 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax.

I've heard of those problems, the only one I guess I can say I've heard of COMMONLY are the fuel injectors and EGR passages. Mostly the injectors. If you refrain from using gas with ethanol added, you can prolong the life of injectors, and the EGR passages can be cleaned yourself without too much pain. One of my cars is a 96 monte carlo, which is essentially the same car as the lumina except the 2 door version and it has 72,000 miles on it with the original brake pads. The ONLY problem my car has encountered is that the intake manifold gasket needed to be replaced, and the prior owner took care of that (I knew the person).

Sounds like I need to try the car out.
I'd assume that fuel injectors can be cleaned by one of these cleaning fluids that go into gas tank. Is that corret?
As for your car - lucky guy: no brake problems and only gasket replaced. Impressive!

My '97 has 116,000, replaced 1 battery, 1 set front pads, 1 serp belt, 1 water pump, first plug change 2 months ago. Rear brakes still OE, everything else original. Have had very good luck with this car. Suprised that the issue with lower intake gaskets didn't come up. I have not experienced this problem, but I gather it is not uncommon.

well, intake gasket, brake pads, injectors, EGR passages do not sound like serious problems.
i'll take the car to the mechanic to see what he has to say.

Do you think guys that i should measure compression, take the plugs out to see the condition of ignition system, check the condition of brakes etc before making a purchase? does it worth time and money that i will spend on mechanic's inspection?

I'm not sure if it's worth all that for a $1200 car. Just inquire about maintenance history, etc. find out how the last person took care of it

Oh, and I forgot - I did need to replace my battery a couple months ago. Add that to the list

dwalmop

I appreciate your advice. I will try to find out maintenance record. We'll see how it goes in couple of days.
Thanks everyone for the help.

I have a '97 with 162,000. I have had no brake problems. However, I have had the belt tensioner break on me. The main thing to ask about is whether or not the intake manifold gasket has been replaced. This is a $500.00 job and it seems to happen to a large number of these cars, mine included. I have also replaced the serpentine belt twice, which is normal, the water pump which is an $25.00 item and easily replaceable. I have put two batteries in it, and three alternators. The alteranator is another issue, but if you have a problem take it to an alternator rebuild shop and have them put larger diodes in it and that should solve the problem. If not, then just purchase the alternator with a lifetime warranty which is about $100.00. It is also fairly easily replaced.

Piston slap is an issue with these cars, but is only a noise issue. I purchased mine with apprx 30,000 miles on it and it was noisy when I bought it, but it has never been a problem.

I need to replace the AC compressor. This will cost me about $400.00.

The fuel injector issue will be a large one if it occurs. I don't know that it would be worth it to spend the money that will be involved in replacing this.

Other than that the car is great driving, quiet and gets good highway mileage. I would drive mine anywhere.

So in the end, you have to weigh the potential costly maintenance items that you may encounter with paying more for a small import. I used to own a '91 Toyota Corolla that I sold to my Dad. It has 200,000 miles on it and he has only replaced the timing belt and water pump.