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Common '99 GT problems/things to look for


'00Z71,5.3RcabLbed
02-10-2008, 02:04 PM
I found a '99 GT coupe, and was wondering what are some common problems to be aware of? Also wondering what the average MPG was on this car. I believe the engine is a 3.4L V6 (the ad doesn't specify, but I think the 3.4L is standard on GT's, and it's sunday so I can't call.) It has 104,000miles. Does this engine have a good reputation? Is it likely to go another 100K? I did try to search this forum for "Common 99 GT problems" which just resulted in an error. Thanks for your help.

xeroinfinity
02-10-2008, 03:55 PM
Several issues.... wheel bearings, lower intake gaskets, passlock issues, transmission problems(low fluid preesure causes poor shifting(especialy on hills)) and at 100K miles you'll need new O2 sensors and a full tune up.

But other things I would be loking for are the coil springs & spring seats/bearing plates, and brake calipers pins not sliding causes squeakin when applying brakes.

How much they acking ?
I wouldnt pay more then $3500-4000 for a 99' unless they have receipts for any of those major repairs above.

Gooc Luck

'00Z71,5.3RcabLbed
02-10-2008, 05:11 PM
Well, add that to the leaking trunk and faulty windows I've read about elsewhere since my posting on here and one would have to ask, why do you have 2? What gives? Are those problems very rare and you've just heard of them, or have you experienced all of them? The one I'm looking at is basically the coupe version of yours, same color and all, asking price is $4299. Sweet looking car, though MPG doesn't sound like it's all that great either. A few people I've read are averaging 25mpg, I could get that with my '00 GTP with stage 1 pulley and cold air intake! That's way more car than a GA. This car sounds like what I've come to expect from GM. Good styling, good performance, make you fall in love with it, even though you know it's gonna give you trouble all the way, just like my truck! Typically nothing too major, just enough to aggrivate the heck out of you. Thank you very much for the reply, I guess I'll sit on the fence and stew about this for a while. I don't wanna buy anything other than GM, but I'm starting to feel my loyalty is unjust and not appreciated by GM's quality dept.

grfnkl
02-10-2008, 05:29 PM
Window Regulators are a problem, Multifunction Switches tend to go, leaks in the rear taillights causing non-working lights, if it has a sun roof, sun roof drain clogging causing more leaks into the interior causing more electrical problems...

You did nail it on the head, you fall in love with the styling, but know you are going to have to deal with problems in the future.

For MPG, Pure highway you could see as high as 33 mpg avg of 30, City you'll see as low as 15 mpg avg of about 19mpg and Mixed conditions you'll see an avg of about 24-25 mpg. I would say that the gas mileage is pretty good on them overall.

Xi is our Grand Am Guru! :grinyes:

xeroinfinity
02-10-2008, 05:45 PM
Yeah a fw people have issues with window regulators and wet trunks but thats nothing realy, easy to fix and cheaper then those listed above.

Those troubles are common, though I was selective when purchasing.
Both of my GAs are pretty solid problem free ,,, now that I have replaced most things listed above. :lol:

My trunk got wet from my sunroof drains, which also killed my BCM in my GT a couple times leaking down the pilars onto the fuse boxes. :rolleyes: It was problematic when I bought it but it was a fleet vehicle, which i didnt know untill after buying it. :banghead:

My SE is no where near stock but gets 24-26 mpg city, and 26-30 highway. The GT stock, just a CIA and mod exhaust and it gets 20-22mpg city and 26 on highway.

Both can get relay bad mileage iif you keep lead footin it. I've seen the SE get 18mpg on those hot summer nights

On the price, I'd say offer $3500 and see if they bite, but I wouldnt pay more then $4000 unless that includes a warranty of some sort.

Thats what I paid for my 99 GT in 2006, $4000, w/94,000 miles.
All I've spent was on LIM and 1 hub bearings and I almost forgot a new trany which could have been my fault it broke. :D

I've owned my 99 SE since 01 and it was a money pit but since extensive work it runs like a timex on NOS, just wont die. :evillol:

I guess another area is the ignition switch which causes those security lights to come on and random shut offs.

IMO I truly dont think many other brands of automobiles could hold up to my timeless abuse and pavement pounding.

realy is like most cars out there, you either have a great one or a POS.

xeroinfinity
02-10-2008, 09:03 PM
Cant believe I forgot the tail lights :disappoin
Those can be a realr pain!

Easy to check by poping open the housing and looking at the bulb ends. The wires get melted into the plastic.
If you clean them up and seal the housing with clear silicone they should be good untill you need to change a bulb( good time to switch to long life bulbs).

The multi functions are more of a maintenance issue IMO. They are plastic , a little heat and some dust shazam, usualy last to 100k miles or more if not abused.

I have 0 issues with this on any of my cars/trucks and my SE is coming up on the 200K mile mark.

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