Looking at a 1996 Grand Prix GTP . . . thoughts?

[84GNTTYPE]

Looked at a 96 GTP tonight that appears to be in excellent condition. It really is a great looking car. It has the 3.4L DOHC n/a engine.

I guess I'm just looking for some thoughts on this car. If I buy this car I'd like to drive it for a few years, so I want something that is going to be reasonably reliable. I don't know much about this engine . . . is it going to be expensive to find parts/fix? Also, what kind of MPG's could I expect?

Thanks for the help.

 

[Kingsford]

Just make sure you have someone check the timing belts on that engine even if the mileage is low. I've owned two cars with this engine. The last one was a 96 Monte Carlo Z34. The timing belts failed after only 36K miles! It was an expensive repair. Fortunately for me GM issued a letter shortly after my repair was completed authorizing reimbursement for this repair . They are smooth running engines and get great highway mileage. I still see plenty of cars with this engine running around so maybe my experience was the exception.

 

[84GNTTYPE]

Ok. . . thanks alot for the info. I'm going to call the insurance company tomorrow . . .hopefully they don't rate it to high because of the engine.

Thanks again.
John

 

[Brad T]

I have a 96 GTP we bought new and have had good luck with it.It now has 130,000 on it and still runs good.The problems with the 3.4 I have seen are the alternator and the plug wires.The alt. is very hard to get to.It is wedged under the exhaust manifold and over the transaxel with a plastic air duct to blow air on it to keep it from burning up.If you buy it I would look under it to see if the duct is on there.It is hard to get back on and mechanics sometimes leave it off.With out it The alt will last about 1/3 as long.The timeing belt can be checked by removing the cover and looking for cracking or ribbons shredding off of the side. Ours gets 28mpg and runs pretty good for a daily driver.

 

[xtremexnyc]

Originally posted by Brad T
I have a 96 GTP we bought new and have had good luck with it.It now has 130,000 on it and still runs good.The problems with the 3.4 I have seen are the alternator and the plug wires.The alt. is very hard to get to.It is wedged under the exhaust manifold and over the transaxel with a plastic air duct to blow air on it to keep it from burning up.If you buy it I would look under it to see if the duct is on there.It is hard to get back on and mechanics sometimes leave it off.With out it The alt will last about 1/3 as long.The timeing belt can be checked by removing the cover and looking for cracking or ribbons shredding off of the side. Ours gets 28mpg and runs pretty good for a daily driver.

I had a 1991 Lumina Z34 (same 3.4 DOHC) and I agree with Brad T about the alternator. Here are some additional trouble spots to look out for. Intake gaskets, distributor oring, these cars didn't have distributors so what GM did is put a cover with an oring. After time these tend to leak and is a pita to replace. Also look out for the power steering line that goes to the rack for leaks. Check out this site for more information

http://www.angelfire.com/ca2/34Performance/index.html

 

[84GNTTYPE]

Thanks for all the help and input guys. I looked at the car again tonight, went over it real well. I couldn't find anything mechanically wrong with it. I did forget to look for the alternator duct, but I will look again.

I was very pleased with its handling and driving. I plan to buy it for $3400 at 76,000 miles. Seems like a good deal to be and the Blue Book. He's had the car for a year because everyone that looked at it was very young and couldn't afford the insurance (they rate it as a performance car).

Thanks again. I'm excited to get it home now.