2001-2003 grand prix info.

[volk06]

I've decided on this year range for a work car. There's quite a few in my spending range. Would like a GT model with the 3.8 series II. Is there any reason why I shouldn't consider a gtp with the supercharged 3.8? Are those a bad choice in higher mileage? Iirc the 3.8 was a better engine choice than the 3.1l in the se model. I'd there anything I need to watch fit when buying one with 100k+? There's lots of them around and parts are easy to get. Tia

 

[jsnyder49090]

Other than lower intakes leaking. The trans sometimes shift weird when hot, putting a shift kit in usually solves that.If that is what you want i say go for it i think they are very comparable to reliability.I see them all the time with well over 200,000 still running good.

 

[Trav]

I have both a GT and a GTP the GTP is the better option.
It uses a HD transmission, get similar fuel economy and has a lot more power.
No reason not to get the GTP its a better car.

 

[beast3300]

Excellent vehicle choice,
Originally Posted By: Trav
I have both a GT and a GTP the GTP is the better option.
It uses a HD transmission, get similar fuel economy and has a lot more power.
No reason not to get the GTP its a better car.


Yes!

 

[sciphi]

GTP does need premium unleaded. The GT's L36 does fine on regular.

Good luck finding one that's not flogged to death or has the rocker panels rusted out.

A similar year Bonneville or LeSabre still has the 3800 V6, and is less likely to have been ragged on. The Regal is a GP with a Buick badge. The Regal GS is equivalent to a GTP.

 

[yonyon]

The HD trans in the GTP is really just beefed up so the higher torque from the supercharged engine doesn't grenade the final drive. If you don't have the supercharger you don't need the HD trans and you don't get the HD trans.

The real benefit to the GTP is more power, if you like that sort of thing.

 

[Brons2]

Originally Posted By: sciphi
or has the rocker panels rusted out.


Only true in areas where salt is used on the road

 

[ls1mike]

I have had 3 3800 powered cars. My 2001 GTP went 270,000 miles. I had to replace the transmission at 190,000. I loved all them. I had a 98 Bonneville N/A, had to do the intake gasket. Great smooth car. Should have kept it. Let a buddy have it when it hit 250,000
I have my current Buick Regal GS. It is modified. Smaller blower pulley, larger injectors, CAI, exhaust,larger rockers ans stuff I am forgetting. Runs constistant 13.80s 1/4 miles and is an excellent daily driver. They take a good flogging.
By 100,000 miles the intake manifold gasket has most likely been done.

 

[daves87rs]

Originally Posted By: Trav
I have both a GT and a GTP the GTP is the better option.
It uses a HD transmission, get similar fuel economy and has a lot more power.
No reason not to get the GTP its a better car.



+1!

 

[addyguy]

Buddy had a 2001 GTP he bought from his dad, and drove to about 170k miles. It needed some work to keep it on the road, but he drove it hard, and overall on a day-to-day basis it was very reliable.

 

[XtraRevsSurely]

Originally Posted By: sciphi


A similar year Bonneville or LeSabre still has the 3800 V6, and is less likely to have been ragged on.



Plus, there are a lot of 1-owner LeSabres from what I've found on Cars.com! I would suspect those 1-owner cars have a better chance of being well maintained.