The motor should be fine on that year,thread inserts with different head bolts were factory upgraded.
The other major issue with this and almost every other N* is what sound like piston slap when cold.
It could well be but more often than not its extreme carbon build-up in the combustion chambers,especially if driven slow around town for longer periods.
The fix if needed is to pour 1/4 can of gm top engine cleaner down each plug,install the old plugs and leave it overnight.Water doesn't seem to shift it in this engine,Seafoam creates more smoke than benefit.
Start the engine,warm it up then drive it with a little enthusiasm,no need to beat it.
Change the oil/filter and possibly the plugs.
Once clean or on engines that have no issues Redline SL-1 in small doses every tank will keep it clean.Amsoil pi works very well also but cant be ran every tank therefore IMO the Redline is probably the better solution in this case.
I cant comment on the price.
A 2001 that has had good maintenance is in excellent condition with lower miles is worth a heck of a lot more than beat 2001 high mileage pig.If anything use any book values as a base starting point reference only then add/subtract.
I agree the Olds is nice looking car,possibly one of the nicest jelly beans out there.
