2005 Monte Carlo, good buy for my daughter?

[BobsArmory]

So my oldest daughter just turned 16 years old and is starting to drive. I'm looking for an inexpensive car for her that I wouldn't get too bent out of shape if she dings it up.

A co worker of mine has this 2005 Monte Carlo for sale. It's an LT with the 3800 V6 motor, 150,000 miles, has a little rust on one of the rear wheel wells, clear coat is starting to peel a bit on the leading edge of the hood. Probably needs new brakes which I could do so it wouldn't cost me an arm and a leg to get done. Everything else works. Moon roof doesn't leak. Tires have a good amount of tread left on them

The only reservation that I really have is that last winter he mentioned that it was shifting hard between 2nd and 3rd gear "like it had a shift kit in it". He says it hasn't done that since the weather got warmer though.

He is asking $2,700 on the for sale sign. KBB lists the value at $2,350. I think I could get it for $2,200

Thoughts?

 

[eljefino]

There is a shift kit for that tranny situation, and a hard shift is better on it than a mushy one. That would be a great car for a kid!

These are surprisingly cheap, I'd look around for "comps" on price. Noone wants sedans.

 

[Kira]

Are those FWD or rear? If rear you can do a pan drop and filter change (4L60E?)
If FWD you can do a D&F or two or even a pump out.
How's the fluid smell?

The 3800 is a good engine and the car is heavy enough to offer some crash protection.

Lots of people would prefer a 4 door. I think the 2 doors have different seats and impede drivers from sitting "up to the wheel".
2 door cars always seem to have front seats which lean back way too far.

 

[FlyNavyP3]

I see that you're in Michigan, check the front and rear sub frame areas for structural rust.

If the car hasn't had a fuel pump replaced yet it's likely on borrowed time.

Same goes for the lower intake manifold gaskets and upper intake if it's equipped with the plastic Series 2 intake.

Otherwise the 3.8 is a fantastic engine, one of my favorites in a FWD GM.

The car will need trinket things but parts are reasonable and these aren't terrible to work on.

If either the intake gaskets haven't been done it's a $2000 car IMO.

 

[The_Eric]

These are a good bang for the buck car. Like has been said, some trinket items and a TransGo shift correction kit and this thing will go a long ways.

 

[Ethan1]

The cradle should be aluminum IIRC but you never know if a rust belt car is gonna have holes in the floor near the cradle. Pretty rare for the front rails themselves to rot severely. Obviously need to check the rockers. The car is suspect since one quarter is already gone.

I don't know which blue book value is appropriate when there are unexplored trans issues...

I always figure that if a fluid change would fix it, the previous owner would have done it.

 

[JMJNet]

Make sure the gas gauge is operational?

 

[rshaw125]

Shift solenoids going out common.

 

[901Memphis]

Originally Posted By: rshaw125
Shift solenoids going out common.


No it's worn clutches causing max adapt usually.

 

[supton]

What's the insurance hit for a 2 door and a new driver? I'm wondering if the cost difference in getting something with 4 doors might be paid for by saving cash over a couple of years.

 

[skyactiv]

Originally Posted By: supton
What's the insurance hit for a 2 door and a new driver? I'm wondering if the cost difference in getting something with 4 doors might be paid for by saving cash over a couple of years.


I'm guessing a Dodge Stratus would be cheaper to insure.

 

[JustinH]

Mom has a 04 Monte SS with 3.8L.

Has 100k and is rotten all over (NY car).

Runs good, the fuel guage just died.

Possible BCM issue?

She is going to trade it in on a newer economy GM.

In 100k, it has required quite a bit of front end repairs, wheel bearings, etc, but maybe that is just the harsh NY climate.

Did not have problems with the manifold on hers.

My mom is 60 years old and insurance is still high on this thing, even though it is non supercharged.

The deciding factor for buying it may be a call to your insurance agent. I'd bet its pricey to put a 16 year old behind the wheel of one, even though honestly it is not a "fast" car ,and its barely sporty. It has ample power.

 

[WiskyBadger]

My wife had one when we dated. Great car, decent gas mileage, good power and reliable. 3.8s are great.

 

[umungus1122]

Find out if the manifold gaskets have been replaced, and if trans fluid has been serviced. With the trans problem, I'd want a discount for that in case it needs fixing.

 

[Nick1994]

Transmission issues, rust, and possibly needing intake manifold gaskets? Sounds like a $1,200 car to me.

Plus, I don't think 16 year old girls want to be driving old-men cars.

 

[Silverado12]

The transmissions need to be serviced on these cars. I had a 2004 Impala w/o any issues but it was well maintained.

 

[Lolvoguy]

Originally Posted By: Nick1994

Plus, I don't think 16 year old girls want to be driving old-men cars.


Any 16 year old should be pleased to have a car to call their own, regardless of "old-man" status.

 

[BobsArmory]

Well, stopped by and took it for a drive yesterday. Intake manifold hasn't been done. It isn't exactly as nice as he stated. Had 2 codes showing, 1 for evap system and another for the thermostat. There might have been a very slight shudder when shifting between 2nd and 3rd gear but it also could have been my brain fooling me too. Otherwise it seems to be a decent car.

I did clear the codes and they didn't reappear.

 

[Vikas]

EVAP code will need few trips and correct level of gas in the tank before reappearing. How many I/M tests were not completed when you looked for reappearance of codes?

 

[Benzadmiral]

Originally Posted By: Lolvoguy
Originally Posted By: Nick1994

Plus, I don't think 16 year old girls want to be driving old-men cars.


Any 16 year old should be pleased to have a car to call their own, regardless of "old-man" status.

When I was 16, the equivalent car to this would have been my father's '66 Chevy Impala Super Sport coupe. If he'd been the type to change cars every 3 years, he could have given/sold it to me . . . and I'd have knocked over a brace of 80-year-old grandmas to get to it.