Looking to buy Grand Am but Check Engine Light is on

[Vicmartin]

I was hoping someone could advise me on a possible purchase. I am being offered a 2002 Grand Am (V6) for 1200. The car runs wonderful. I have been advised that every two wks or so I will have to allow it to reset the security system by sitting with it in the on position for 10 minutes whenever it prompts me(doesn't allow the car to start lol)

The check engine light is on. The codes are egr and coolant temperature. He just replaced the egr, so is that just the build up carbon? The coolant temperature....I realize it could be just the thermostate but could it also mean the engine is going to blow? I have purchased a lot of lemons and realize 1200 isn't much, but I can't afford to keep putting money in things that won't last or drive right.(Jeep randomly stall while driving and Blazer blows white and black smoke)Needless to say I am a sucker that buys others junk lol.

Please advise if you can. Thanks. Looking at purchasing tomorrow

 

[oldhippie]

One question for the seller might be when, or if, the head or intake gaskets were changed. The 3.4 V6 had intake and head gasket issues; GM cheaped out and was using plastic gasket material.
Have you taken it for a ride to see what the engine temp gets to? If it's showing cool, then it could be a thermostat or the sensor. If it's hot, see gasket problem above.

The security issue can be resolved by replacing the ignition lock cylinder because it will get worse and require reset more often. Almost guaranteed it will be when you're in a hurry to get somewhere.