Did I make a good buy? (00' Grand AM)

[killem2]

So Saturday I bought a 2000 grand am. 138,000. Price: 1,700. 2.4, 4 cyl four door.

Front struts had just been replaced, front aligned, tires replaces, timing chain replaced at like 110k, cracked windshield minor hail damage. Replaced drivers side window motor, and kept up maintenance on it, (just had an oil change last month saw the sticker with dates and everything), was driven by his daughter who went to the local college (maybe 5 miles total each day. ) They bought it at 100k, so I am the 3rd owner.

No leaks that I can tell at this point, AC runs great as does the heater, and radio. Doesn't shift hard at all, smooth changes in the transmission too.

Interior is very clean, starts fine and runs fine.

It however, does have service soon light, cruise control does not work as far as I can tell, there is a light about trac on, and ABS is lit up on the dash as well.

I'm taking it in friday for maintenance on the transmission (its just what I do, I've had too many issues with transmissions in the past for lack of service so we keep on it now)

I probably won't keep it long, maybe only a couple years if I'm lucky, so we can just get a newer car after our current car (different from grand am) payments are done.

Is there anything I should be mindful of with this specific car? Never owned one before.

 

[Kevlar]

Just guessing at the options, KBB price for private used car comes up at $2,044 for good, $1,544 for fair condition. Looks like you paid about in the middle of that and if the body and interior are pretty clean/good shape, you did alright.

You definitely want to track down and resolve any check engine issues, trouble codes, etc. The trac on light is switchable, get familiar with the owner's manual (if you have it) for accessories.

Excellent idea to service the transaxle. I always like to start with fresh oil/filter, plugs, air filter, etc. with any used car new to me.

The two most important things you can do for your engine is keep it lubed (I change oil/filter every 3k miles regardless what others suggest) and cool. Having the cooling system flushed and pressure tested would be a smart thing too.

If the car is basically sound and you take care of the things mentioned, you could easily enjoy it for another 100k miles.

 

[killem2]

Thanks! I just found out my cruise control does indeed work

 

[richardgriese]

^^ Agreed. Keep in mind newer cars have a "service engine soon" and a "check engine". Service engine soon is automatically triggered by time - milage - and check engine is triggered by a problem - something broken. There is a spot to reset the service engine soon light. Open driver's door pull off the panel on the side of the dash (fuses area) and push and hold "reset" I don't remember if that is just for change oil or what but the manual should tell you.

Good Buy! I prefer V6 but the 4 cyl should get you better gas. Best of luck

PS as you know, do a full tune-up on any used care you have purchased.