Honest opinion's needed please...

rizer · 02-06-2004, 07:50 PM

Honest opinion's needed please...
Ok, i know its a GAGT forum, so its gonna be natural to get one certain answer(GAGT), but thats why im asking for honest opinion.

Im lookin at getting a new car in the next month and probally selling my 1990 GT. Cars im lookin at are
A- Dodge Avenger ES
B- 97-on Grand AM GT
C- 95-on Ford Probe GT (5 spd)
D-97-on Grand Prix GT
E- 96-on Chevy Monte Carlo Z34

I pretty much want a 2 door "sporty" and with my 4k budgey, looks like its gonna end up being round 80k-100k miles when i buy it. (autotrader.com ownz)

I like all 5 of those but want a car i can rely on (engine wise).
I really like the 2nd gen Probes but everytime ive had my probe worked on, they complain whole time about the Mazda engine and how there a pain to work on/there junk engines and when i get a new car, dont get another probe.
Then theres the avenger with the mitsu engine, i dont know how reliable those are, but im fond of the body style.
not to sure how realiable the grand am gt's are, need to study them up some more.

Would just like some feedback on opinions on these cars if possible and red lights or anything. Like i said, main concern is engine and it running/lasting without having to service all the time (I travel alot). I am studying this all out, but would like real people opinions.

Thanks alot!

AznGA · 02-06-2004, 08:03 PM

97 - on Grand Prix GT gets my vote. It has one of the best engines.

kubiache · 02-06-2004, 09:56 PM

^Not a 97 or 98 GP, though. They (particularly the 97s) were notorious for engine problems.

My vote would be a GP also, but with a $4k budget...? I'm not sure without looking what autotrader has to offer, but you may be able to get a '99 GA or GP with outrageous miles for that much.

I've heard the same thing about probes from many former probe owners, so if I was to recommend against anything, it would be that.

tonmarchelli · 02-06-2004, 10:25 PM

I would go with the avenger, nice looks, strong engine. its a great car

jake3217 · 02-07-2004, 01:40 AM

I've heard that the Mitsu engine is a complete piece of crap in terms of reliability though...but that's just coming from lil old me

mr_eh · 02-07-2004, 01:57 AM

eh, i'd say go with the probe, a v6 6spd you can find for less then 4k if you shop around, but 4k aint gonna get you much

http://probetalk.com

PontiacGTboy · 02-07-2004, 08:34 AM

probe is a 5 speed,,, but,,, if speed is anything to you, off the showroom floor the GAGT (99+) should be faster than any of these. My vote goes to either the GA or the GP. I was gonna say the probe cause those are pretty nice looking cars and pretty damn fast! the 5 speed would be fun, but i didnt realize they were alot of trouble. I am now done dispensing my "Honest Opinion".

02-07-2004, 09:30 AM

Dodge Avenger ES
97-on Grand AM GT

These would get my vote. I would go with the avenger first most likely (even though I have a 2k GT). They last for sometime (mitsu engine) and are dead sexy (my friend had a 97 red 5sp...nice car).

I would go with the avenger if you are looking for something cheaper. You could probably find one with high mileage (100K ish) and rebuild if needed.

Blackrider · 02-07-2004, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by kubiache
^Not a 97 or 98 GP, though. They (particularly the 97s) were notorious for engine problems.

My vote would be a GP also, but with a $4k budget...? I'm not sure without looking what autotrader has to offer, but you may be able to get a '99 GA or GP with outrageous miles for that much.

I've heard the same thing about probes from many former probe owners, so if I was to recommend against anything, it would be that.

Its the same engine

Black2K1GT · 02-07-2004, 09:44 AM

99+ GA
98+ GP

AznGA · 02-07-2004, 12:19 PM

If $4k is your budget...I would say 97+ GA GT.
If you wanna get a manual try to find one with a 5-speed.

kubiache · 02-07-2004, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Its the same engine

Yes, but ask any of the GP guys, it's best to avoid those first two years. Lots of typical problems that occur with a new bodystyle.

MikeSilverGT · 02-07-2004, 06:09 PM

Avengers have some sh!t reliability... Thats half the reason the model was killed so quick, Dodge couldn't repair the car's image..

02-07-2004, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MikeSilverGT
Avengers have some sh!t reliability... Thats half the reason the model was killed so quick, Dodge couldn't repair the car's image..

Depends on who you talk to I guess. I do hear mixed things about the car...but I love them. Not as much as my GT though (hehe). Im sure you could swap a totally differ engine in there too...if you wanted to.

Umm...Look what I can do

UNCTYPE-S · 02-07-2004, 07:33 PM

its a dodge, who would spend money on that? bad brakes, is a starter for those after like 7k miles.

Turbodreams-se · 02-08-2004, 10:08 PM

well the avenger's body is approved for use in nascar or some **** like that... but instead of a probe, try the same year mx-6's I think they look better but i am biased cuz it was my first car. but 175'000 miles and no major problems, so hey that's gotta be saying something. and the engine is actually easier to work on than the 3.4 gagt engines... if you have the 5 spd that is. more roomy in there...and a much lighter car too.

tonmarchelli · 02-08-2004, 11:23 PM

i agree with turbodreamsse, the Mx6 is a very good car.
and highly moddable.

Turbodreams-se · 02-08-2004, 11:45 PM

i would still have the mx6 but some hobag in a honda crv was talking on her cell phone and creamed the rear end of it... so it was totalled... grrrr....

71Z28RS · 02-09-2004, 07:52 AM

I'd go with the GA or GP. You'd get more GA for the money though (less mileage, more options). The only major notorious problem being the lower intake manifold gasket would probably have been fixed by the time you got the car.

02-09-2004, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 71Z28RS
I'd go with the GA or GP. You'd get more GA for the money though (less mileage, more options). The only major notorious problem being the lower intake manifold gasket would probably have been fixed by the time you got the car.

Or get the car as ur avatar =D

02-06-2004, 07:50 PM	#1
rizer Stock Sucks AKA: Chris Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Phoenix, AZ Age: 37 Posts: 662 Vehicle: 99 GT/08 Jetta GLI	Honest opinion's needed please... Honest opinion's needed please... Ok, i know its a GAGT forum, so its gonna be natural to get one certain answer(GAGT), but thats why im asking for honest opinion. Im lookin at getting a new car in the next month and probally selling my 1990 GT. Cars im lookin at are A- Dodge Avenger ES B- 97-on Grand AM GT C- 95-on Ford Probe GT (5 spd) D-97-on Grand Prix GT E- 96-on Chevy Monte Carlo Z34 I pretty much want a 2 door "sporty" and with my 4k budgey, looks like its gonna end up being round 80k-100k miles when i buy it. (autotrader.com ownz) I like all 5 of those but want a car i can rely on (engine wise). I really like the 2nd gen Probes but everytime ive had my probe worked on, they complain whole time about the Mazda engine and how there a pain to work on/there junk engines and when i get a new car, dont get another probe. Then theres the avenger with the mitsu engine, i dont know how reliable those are, but im fond of the body style. not to sure how realiable the grand am gt's are, need to study them up some more. Would just like some feedback on opinions on these cars if possible and red lights or anything. Like i said, main concern is engine and it running/lasting without having to service all the time (I travel alot). I am studying this all out, but would like real people opinions. Thanks alot!

02-06-2004, 09:56 PM	#3
kubiache Get blown Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Age: 42 Posts: 1,858 Vehicle: 1998 GTP	^Not a 97 or 98 GP, though. They (particularly the 97s) were notorious for engine problems. My vote would be a GP also, but with a $4k budget...? I'm not sure without looking what autotrader has to offer, but you may be able to get a '99 GA or GP with outrageous miles for that much. I've heard the same thing about probes from many former probe owners, so if I was to recommend against anything, it would be that. __________________ Dave Woodward '01 GA SE --- 14.864 @ 92.61mph.....NA '98 GTP - NIC cam / P&P heads / 105# springs / Titanium retainers / INTENSE LW pushrods / CC Lifters / INTENSE TCS-300 / ZZP Poly mounts / RT 3" DP / PEMs / ZZP MPS 3.2, 3.0 / Wizair / 103s / DHP / AFC 2.2 .......still tuning

02-06-2004, 10:25 PM	#4
tonmarchelli new AASfront LOVE IT Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Cheney WA Age: 39 Posts: 279 Vehicle: 2003 grand am SE1	I would go with the avenger, nice looks, strong engine. its a great car __________________ AAS front, Billet fuel door, doctor speed CAI, hand painted pinstriping, a Kick azz kicker system, 18 inch Quantum Tek rims Click here to visit my cardomain site updated 10/19/04 check it out!!!

02-07-2004, 01:40 AM	#5
jake3217 Operation .500 AKA: J Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: - Posts: 484 Vehicle: -	I've heard that the Mitsu engine is a complete piece of crap in terms of reliability though...but that's just coming from lil old me __________________ Mods: 15" hubcaps, cold Wisconsin air, brand new FRAM air filter, newly flushed radiator

02-07-2004, 01:57 AM	#6
mr_eh Hi. AKA: xxx Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Staten Island, NY Age: 39 Posts: 4,405 Vehicle: 05 Srt-4 / 00GrandAmSE	eh, i'd say go with the probe, a v6 6spd you can find for less then 4k if you shop around, but 4k aint gonna get you much http://probetalk.com __________________ 4cyl ga se -> 431whp srt4 -> 600whp s14? wtf.

02-06-2004, 08:03 PM	#2
AznGA GAGT - Junkie AKA: YJ Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Midwest Posts: 4,440 Vehicle: GAGT	97 - on Grand Prix GT gets my vote. It has one of the best engines.

02-07-2004, 08:34 AM	#7
PontiacGTboy Yeeee Haaaaaa Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Hammond, LA Age: 38 Posts: 357 Vehicle: 2004 Mazda6s V6 MTX	probe is a 5 speed,,, but,,, if speed is anything to you, off the showroom floor the GAGT (99+) should be faster than any of these. My vote goes to either the GA or the GP. I was gonna say the probe cause those are pretty nice looking cars and pretty damn fast! the 5 speed would be fun, but i didnt realize they were alot of trouble. I am now done dispensing my "Honest Opinion". __________________ 15.24 @ 88 mph 2k spruce green GT coupe RIP Click here for my N-body member profile Click here for my 2000 Grand Am GT cardomain site Click here for my 2004 Mazda6 cardomain site

02-07-2004, 09:30 AM	#8
Hexx Guest Posts: n/a	Dodge Avenger ES 97-on Grand AM GT These would get my vote. I would go with the avenger first most likely (even though I have a 2k GT). They last for sometime (mitsu engine) and are dead sexy (my friend had a 97 red 5sp...nice car). I would go with the avenger if you are looking for something cheaper. You could probably find one with high mileage (100K ish) and rebuild if needed.

02-07-2004, 09:44 AM	#10
Black2K1GT GAGT - Rosey Roller Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richmond, IN Age: 42 Posts: 189 Vehicle: 2001 Grand Am GT Coupe	99+ GA 98+ GP __________________ 2001 Black GA GT

02-07-2004, 12:19 PM	#11
AznGA GAGT - Junkie AKA: YJ Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Midwest Posts: 4,440 Vehicle: GAGT	If $4k is your budget...I would say 97+ GA GT. If you wanna get a manual try to find one with a 5-speed.

02-07-2004, 06:09 PM	#13
MikeSilverGT Gremlins at work. AKA: Mike Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Douglasville, GA Age: 36 Posts: 108 Vehicle: 02 Grand Am GT Sedan	Avengers have some sh!t reliability... Thats half the reason the model was killed so quick, Dodge couldn't repair the car's image.. __________________ Quod Scripsi, Scripsi.

02-07-2004, 07:33 PM	#15
UNCTYPE-S GAGT - Junkie AKA: Jim Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: CHICAGO Posts: 5,517 Vehicle: 09 G37x Coupe	its a dodge, who would spend money on that? bad brakes, is a starter for those after like 7k miles.

02-08-2004, 10:08 PM	#16
Turbodreams-se Black and Blue GT Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Sacramento California Age: 38 Posts: 273 Vehicle: 00GT coupe 2.4(frmSE)	well the avenger's body is approved for use in nascar or some **** like that... but instead of a probe, try the same year mx-6's I think they look better but i am biased cuz it was my first car. but 175'000 miles and no major problems, so hey that's gotta be saying something. and the engine is actually easier to work on than the 3.4 gagt engines... if you have the 5 spd that is. more roomy in there...and a much lighter car too. __________________ 2000 Grand Am (Soon to be running again hopefully... If i find an engine that is...) shaved badges, cleared hvac, off brand wai, single outlet daytona turbo muffler with stainless steel tip. header sitting in garage waiting for new engine to be put in...

02-08-2004, 11:23 PM	#17
tonmarchelli new AASfront LOVE IT Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Cheney WA Age: 39 Posts: 279 Vehicle: 2003 grand am SE1	i agree with turbodreamsse, the Mx6 is a very good car. and highly moddable. __________________ AAS front, Billet fuel door, doctor speed CAI, hand painted pinstriping, a Kick azz kicker system, 18 inch Quantum Tek rims Click here to visit my cardomain site updated 10/19/04 check it out!!!

02-08-2004, 11:45 PM	#18
Turbodreams-se Black and Blue GT Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Sacramento California Age: 38 Posts: 273 Vehicle: 00GT coupe 2.4(frmSE)	i would still have the mx6 but some hobag in a honda crv was talking on her cell phone and creamed the rear end of it... so it was totalled... grrrr.... __________________ 2000 Grand Am (Soon to be running again hopefully... If i find an engine that is...) shaved badges, cleared hvac, off brand wai, single outlet daytona turbo muffler with stainless steel tip. header sitting in garage waiting for new engine to be put in...

02-09-2004, 07:52 AM	#19
71Z28RS Build It Yourself Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Westland, MI Age: 44 Posts: 246 Vehicle: 1996 Grand Am GT	I'd go with the GA or GP. You'd get more GA for the money though (less mileage, more options). The only major notorious problem being the lower intake manifold gasket would probably have been fixed by the time you got the car. __________________ "Trust me....... fuel injection is just a fad......so are CV joints" "Life was easier when fuel supply was measured in cfm's, not in psi"

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