Super Cheap Reliable Car No One Talks About - Most Reliable Domestic Engine

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  • čas přidán 8. 07. 2024
  • In this video I will go over one of the most reliable engines ever made. Not only this engine is reliable but it also has good horsepower and torque and also gets great mpg (gas mileage). Its also cheap and I would put it on a top reliable cars under $3000 list. I go over the pros on these engines like having a timing chain, needing minimal repairs but also the cons like needing minor electrical repairs and the throttle body cleaned.
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    Due to factors beyond the control of Ratchets and Wrenches, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. Ratchets and Wrenches assumes no liability for any property or personal damage that may arise from doing a repair on your vehicle after watching any of my repair video's. Due to factors beyond the control of Ratchets and Wrenches, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Again Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Ratchets and Wrenches.
  • Auta a dopravní prostředky

Komentáře • 878

  • @Locruid
    @Locruid Před 9 měsíci +12

    My wife had a 1998 Grand Prix GT and I had a 1998 Grand Prix GTP. We LOVED those cars. Sunroofs, HUD, Dual Climate control.....on one trip from Spokane to Eugene, my wife's GT clocked in at 36.8 mpg on Regular Unleaded. REALLY miss those cars, might buy another one soon

  • @markmalinowski5951
    @markmalinowski5951 Před 3 lety +237

    The last version of an engine is always the best. On a Series II the intake gaskets will ALWAYS go bad around 120k, but it's not a hard job to DIY and if you catch it right away you'll have a motor that will run for 300k easily. I had a Grand Prix that ran great for 12 years, not having a car payment allowed me to buy other stuff... like a house!

    • @uo2230
      @uo2230 Před 3 lety +23

      And the house is worth WAY MORE than another car you would have had to buy. Good choice.

    • @misterbuklau4053
      @misterbuklau4053 Před 3 lety +4

      Ive got a series ii 3.4l v6 in my 94 firebird

    • @sezwo5774
      @sezwo5774 Před 3 lety +3

      If you have to hope to catch failing gaskets at 120k, then repair the stuff yourself and drive an old GM piece of junk you have clearly sometime in your life misplaced your priorities, badly. Who cares how much they've artificially inflated the value of your house. On the bright side, you could have been homeless, isn't America great?

    • @misterbuklau4053
      @misterbuklau4053 Před 3 lety +7

      Yeah just swap out the dexcool for green coolant but I think the head or intake gasket was only on the later model series ii's, because gm switched to the dexcool which was corrosive to the gaskets if you fix that they're really reliable motors

    • @sezwo5774
      @sezwo5774 Před 3 lety +6

      @@misterbuklau4053 Yes they are reliable engines but the overall product is poor. Should this video have been produced is my question. Buying a good engine in an otherwise questionable product is not the best advice. Some may find the proposition worthy. If you have the skills and the time and can tolerate risk, ...and most of all are a maintenance fanatic go for it. For the average person I'd say stay away, get a Toyota or Honda and forget the GM with a nearly bulletproof 3.8 engine, alocate your time and efforts to more worthy causes than car repairs. Times are not very forgiving; why hinder yourself with a GM product.

  • @seanhall8686
    @seanhall8686 Před 3 lety +14

    I used to have a 1997 Buick LeSabre with the Series II engine. I actually managed 33 mpg on a trip from North Carolina to New York, going 65-70 most of the way. Still the best car I have ever owned, and I regret trading it in.

  • @emo65170.
    @emo65170. Před 3 lety +26

    These engines are super smooth too. It's a shame GM discontinued them.

  • @User-cc6cq
    @User-cc6cq Před 3 lety +53

    How refreshing it is to have a knowledgeable expert break it down specifically to identify some underappreciated good buys. And no arm waiving or shouting! Well done!!

    • @banesik5444
      @banesik5444 Před 3 lety

      “...no arm waving or shouting “?

    • @franknabozny6062
      @franknabozny6062 Před 3 lety +7

      @@banesik5444 he was referring to youtube mechanic Scotty Kilmer!

  • @johnnorvaisas
    @johnnorvaisas Před 9 měsíci +10

    The 3.8 is probably the most reliable GM engine in the last 30 years

    • @jeladsnikpoh1289
      @jeladsnikpoh1289 Před měsícem +2

      I've owned several 3800s, and several LS V8s, along with a few '90s LT1 V8s, and Vortec Big blocks like 7.4 and 8.1, and a Duramax Diesel... If you care to include those legendary GM V8s, I'd agree with you! Even though the 4.3V6 was a dog power wise, it was also bulletproof. GM had a lot of great engines that would easily go a half-million miles when maintained.

  • @eddie2000ad
    @eddie2000ad Před 3 lety +22

    Bought a 2009 lacrosse with the 3rd gen 3800, great reliable engine, you guys will never go wrong with any car with a 3800 in it

  • @StephenJohnson-jb7xe
    @StephenJohnson-jb7xe Před 3 lety +38

    They used a modified version of the 3800 v6 in the Commodore here in Australia and those cars and engines are bullet proof.

  • @ceetwyce335
    @ceetwyce335 Před 3 lety +6

    I totally agree with this video. You're the third reliable CZcams mechanic that has said this about this particular motor. (The Car Wizard and Scotty Kilmer both have done vids about this same motor and its reliability.) I used to rent these cars out when I worked for a car rental company and the highway mileage is spectacular for it being a V6.

  • @debbieaustinendecott2069
    @debbieaustinendecott2069 Před 3 lety +4

    3800 Best Engine Ever!!! My niece drove her Grand Prix up until almost 400,000. I had 6 Buick’s with this engine all excellent cars. The last one was 2004 Park Avenue Supercharged. Sticker was over 48K new. Had all the bells and whistles available then. The problem with that one Super Charger went out. I would stay clear of Supercharged 3800. Plain 3800 excellent. All the LaSabres, Regals still running. One Regal I gave away the guy has not had one repair in past 3 years...2001Regal. Still see many of that year on the road.

  • @Allister2000
    @Allister2000 Před 3 lety +19

    One reason why I like you. You don't shy away from the unpopular opinion. I had a 1995 Bonneville with 3800 series 1 engine. Lasted 400k km and could have been more but I get rid of the car for other reasons. One being a rusted through subframe... harsh Canadian winters.

  • @boat6868
    @boat6868 Před 3 lety +13

    You are spot on about the issues with the second generation of this engine. My dad had the intake manifold problem on a 98 Park Avenue and the independent mechanic he took it to misdiagnosed it, which sucks because it was a really nice car and ran well otherwise.

  • @StyxYRenegade
    @StyxYRenegade Před 3 lety +190

    Actually, I learned how reliable the 3800 series engines were from Scotty Kilmer. He calls them the most reliable American engine

    • @markm0000
      @markm0000 Před 3 lety +29

      I strongly recommend not listening to Scotty. He’s got serious problems.

    • @StyxYRenegade
      @StyxYRenegade Před 3 lety +42

      Mark M I usually double check his claims to see if they’re true or not. He does have some merit. I don’t think he purposely tries to mislead people. He seems to mean well.

    • @robertbell525
      @robertbell525 Před 3 lety +12

      The 3800 is a great engine

    • @StyxYRenegade
      @StyxYRenegade Před 3 lety +6

      Robert Bell I realize. I wanted to get myself a car with a 3800 with a manual transmission.

    • @neilparmar5705
      @neilparmar5705 Před 3 lety +7

      @@markm0000 agreed. He's not 100% right, nobody is.

  • @edhingeley6933
    @edhingeley6933 Před 3 lety +31

    I have one in my aussie holden.
    20 years old and never had an engine issue. Still a smooth reliable engine.

  • @davidcoupal8083
    @davidcoupal8083 Před 3 lety +16

    You hit the nail on the head I drove a 2006 for 12 years
    The only problem I had was the water pump my mechanic replaced for 350 dollars
    It was a great smooth running car until 2019 when I hit a big deer car was totalled.
    Great pick for a car

    • @matinman24
      @matinman24 Před rokem +1

      I’m still driving one. Supercharged

    • @krayzietj
      @krayzietj Před rokem +2

      Wow the mechanic over charged you its plenty of room to get to the water pump its a piece of cake my mechanic is charging 100 for the waterpump

  • @msaintjo
    @msaintjo Před 3 lety +34

    I just purchased a 2005 Grand Prix today on your recommendation. Got a great deal. Only 144k miles (less than 10k per year) Leather seats, sunroof, alloy rims and a decent stereo. Everything is mechanically sound as well. $3500 out the door. Tax title and licensing. Thank you so much for all the info. I just recently found your channel and you have a vast knowledge of cars and the car business. Wish me luck!

    • @Davido50
      @Davido50 Před 3 lety +7

      High mileage type "full synthetic" 5w30 motor oil ONLY & GM Delco filters only. U will see 300k mis as i do on all my Ford trucks!

    • @msaintjo
      @msaintjo Před 3 lety +5

      @@Davido50 Thanks for the tip!

    • @Davido50
      @Davido50 Před 3 lety +3

      @@msaintjo no prob. It will work well 4ya.

    • @neilparmar5705
      @neilparmar5705 Před 3 lety +1

      If I can get a deal on this Grand Prix,
      I've gotta get one.

    • @cportmikesautomotiverepair1355
      @cportmikesautomotiverepair1355 Před 3 lety +3

      I have the same car it feels like a v8 if you punch it i never lost a race yet good job gm😊

  • @johnrickard8512
    @johnrickard8512 Před 3 lety +4

    I have this engine in a 2006 Buick Lacrosse and after my dad and I remedied the car's pre-existing conditions it has run like a champ and shows no signs of stopping. The fact that I consider it worthy in a fleet of vehicles consisting entirely of Toyotas otherwise should show how highly I regard it and I have a habit of recommending old Buicks to people when Toyotas aren't available.

    • @johnrickard8512
      @johnrickard8512 Před 3 lety +2

      Buyer beware though - these Buicks can also come with the god-awful 3.6l V6 in the CXS trim. DO NOT GET THIS TRIM! Literally the only difference between that trim and the CXL trim is the engine - the CXL comes with the 3.8, and is personally one of the best cars on the road IMO.

  • @richardb4787
    @richardb4787 Před 3 lety +70

    My experience is that, when you find something good, it's expensive and when it's cheap, it's crap. So, when you find something good and cheap, stock up on it. In a consumer society, products that favor the consumer (as opposed to generate income) get pulled off the market.

    • @bwest-yq3uc
      @bwest-yq3uc Před 3 lety +3

      Amen!

    • @electronpusher604
      @electronpusher604 Před 3 lety

      Why don't I start a company to compete?

    • @YEET-yh6qc
      @YEET-yh6qc Před 3 lety +1

      Planned obsolescence my friend leave it the American economists of the great depression. Sending our limited resources straight into a toilet.

    • @prioris55555
      @prioris55555 Před 3 lety +2

      @@YEET-yh6qc Yep. I still drive my 1999 saturn sl. still runs good. still hope to get 2-3 more years out of it. they probably won't make parts for it much longer. they realized their mistake and made later models that were less reliable

    • @YEET-yh6qc
      @YEET-yh6qc Před 3 lety +1

      @@prioris55555 my plymouth neon has been a treat its been 19 years and the water pump and gas pump went out, i also changed the timing belt and it was all factory.

  • @jamesshenay3426
    @jamesshenay3426 Před 4 měsíci +1

    My wife still drives her 2008 Grand Prix that she bought New. Car is rock solid. Just turned 100,000 miles. Keep them maintained and don't beat the snot out of them and they'll last well into 200,000miles.

  • @Zer0ith
    @Zer0ith Před 3 lety +4

    I own an 06 Grand Prix with nearly 300,000km. What you have said in this video is 100% truthful. Other than some body rust (yeah rust belt) and creaks from being a 14 year old car, she still drives like a dream. The car has been rock solid since day one with the only money spent was on consumable parts (brakes, tires, etc).
    I will also mention you forgot about the Pontiac Bonaville and Oldsmobile LSS (mid to late 90s) which also had the series 2 3.8L. I still miss my 96 Olds LSS that was one comfy ass car!

  • @chrisrobinson8610
    @chrisrobinson8610 Před 3 lety +11

    I had a 96 Ford Windstar that I drove for over 300,000 miles. It had their version of a 3.8, which is thought to be a copy of the Buick 3800. Aside from some sensor issues and pneumatic actuator failures, I found it to be bullet proof for reliability. Ford used some cheap gaskets that I replaced as needed, but the design was a homerun. It never gets mentioned as anything other than junk.

    • @sergeantbigmac
      @sergeantbigmac Před 7 měsíci

      Hey my Parents had (well, still have actually!) a 96 Ford Windstar! I actually learned to drive on that thing. One of my earliest memories as a small child was going to the dealership with my parents in 99 or 2000 and them asking me how I liked the back bench seat... So much has been hauled in that thing over the years. My Dad never got a pickup because he was able to do so much with the thing as a practical do all. He actually uses it as a hunting rig of all things now LMAO. Sure it handles and steers like shit (seriously why is its turning radius so massive? Did I mention I learned to drive and parallel park in it?) but I still have a fondness for it. I didnt realize it had Fords equivalent of the GM 3.8 which is cool.
      There have been a lot of little weird things gone wrong with it. Window motor replacements, airbag suspension my dad had put in it constantly failing, electrical gremlins, exhaust leak, etc. And of course the notorious head gasket failure. I remember my Mom was pissed when my dad plunked the cash to have it repaired and the cost was more than the thing was worth lol. And I know my parents well enough to know they dont always keep up with regular maintenance. All that and it still turns over and drives after sitting for ages. I kinda hope they hang onto it. Youre right no one talks about the Windstar and when they do its never in a positive light.

    • @mikeflege5733
      @mikeflege5733 Před 2 měsíci

      The Ford 3.8 litre actually had a big recall for the head gaskets, and actually had to buy some vehicles back

  • @ShredworthyDave
    @ShredworthyDave Před 3 lety +11

    I have a 95 camaro with a 3800 series 2 and it's the best car I've ever owned. I've only had to fix cosmetic stuff on it. Just give her an oil change and regular maintenance and they will last forever

  • @Erik-rc7iy
    @Erik-rc7iy Před 3 lety +4

    Missed your videos man, good to have you back!

  • @BrockOBauma
    @BrockOBauma Před 3 lety +19

    "If you don't buy this car you're stupide."
    Or
    "Pontiac changed the game with this car."

  • @mcnielentertainment
    @mcnielentertainment Před 9 měsíci +2

    I really loved my 05 Pontiac GP Base & 07 Pontiac GP GT. Miss owning these badass looking and mechanically sound rides.

  • @denvernn
    @denvernn Před 3 lety +6

    Well done. All excellent points.

  • @Evan_Floyd
    @Evan_Floyd Před 3 lety +97

    I saw the car wizard's video on these engines. Man the Buick 3800 is amazing.

    • @chrisgonzalez1597
      @chrisgonzalez1597 Před 3 lety +11

      I bought 2005 LaCrosse brand new. 195,000 miles, it just keeps going....

    • @tdogboy7254
      @tdogboy7254 Před 3 lety +4

      You sir are indeed, correct

    • @sirsweetness8332
      @sirsweetness8332 Před 3 lety +2

      mike brink
      Entire car would be engine.

    • @dogsplantscarsneatstuff176
      @dogsplantscarsneatstuff176 Před 3 lety +8

      Like the Wizard said the parts are cheap compared to other makes. I don't know where you could get a factory mass air flow sensor (Hitachi) for less than $70. Most MAF's are several hundred dollars.

    • @hudefuk
      @hudefuk Před 3 lety +7

      Add the fact that statistically Pontiac drivers have a high percentage of wanna-be hot-rodders, the mellow Buick driving style and maintenance mentality would make them a safer used buy.

  • @Fishsticks187
    @Fishsticks187 Před 3 lety +12

    Just over a year ago I found a garage queen example that I bought from the dealer where I was working at the time for $6,700 with only 48,000 miles on it and hardly a speck of rust to be found. I'm now sitting at just over 60,000 and couldn't be happier. This car has good power and has been nothing but reliable so far. When I worked at that same GM dealer I'd see these come in regularly with over 250,000 miles still running strong. From what I've heard the transmissions mostly get a bad rap because of the supercharged and V8 versions that just had too much power for them to handle. The N/A versions are the ones that last the longest. Great video on these hidden gems. You can't ask for a better daily driver.

  • @ecmjr
    @ecmjr Před 3 lety +2

    LOL!!! I was just waiting for you to mention about the look of the car :) Good Video!!!

  • @Fedproman
    @Fedproman Před 3 lety +2

    Not that it matters, but I actually saw Scotty speaking very highly of this engine. I had one of these in a Bonneville. I was very happy with it.

  • @gatman18
    @gatman18 Před 3 lety +4

    That car is very reliable. My Automotive Technology teacher said the same thing. Those engines are bulletproof💯

  • @johnsee7269
    @johnsee7269 Před 3 lety +2

    I had a Buick LeSabre with that engine. They run forever and have good power. You are dead on! My HHR with 2.4 4 cylinder has 184,000 miles and the oil doesn't get dirty between changes still. You are dead on!

  • @majorcalvary6515
    @majorcalvary6515 Před 3 lety +4

    I absolutely agree. My favorite is a Buick LeSabre with the same engine. I like old fashion shifter on steering wheel column. Yes, they maybe grandpa’s car, but are great American Cars.

  • @DIYDaveOK
    @DIYDaveOK Před 3 lety +5

    I had a 2004 LeSabre with that engine and 175000 mi... Sold it last year. Great engine.

  • @elliswalters6815
    @elliswalters6815 Před 3 lety +1

    best automotive channel, keep the videos coming

  • @philindeblanc
    @philindeblanc Před 3 lety

    And the hits just keep on coming....Well done!

  • @mikewinn1484
    @mikewinn1484 Před 3 lety +1

    Always great to see you.

  • @guitfiddle
    @guitfiddle Před 3 lety +7

    I absolutely agree. Just look on the road: still a bunch of them driving around. Lots of Buicks with that engine still driving around...

  • @ZippoVarga
    @ZippoVarga Před 3 lety +32

    Honorable mention should go to the GM 4.3 V6 as well. They just keep going. I've had numerous 4.3's and in one case, I had a 350,000+ mile 4.3 that only had regular maintenance through out its life. Very dependable, much like the 3.8. Cheers! Zip~

    • @MitzvosGolem1
      @MitzvosGolem1 Před 3 lety +9

      True I have over 260k on vans .
      400k on truck.
      Cheap to fix simple tech.
      GM ruled then.

    • @user-xe9ue2jr2w
      @user-xe9ue2jr2w Před 3 lety +1

      @@MitzvosGolem1 spider injectors suck though.

    • @brasolt04
      @brasolt04 Před 3 lety +4

      Yeah i have tbi version in my 92 jimmy good old engine

    • @tykellerman6384
      @tykellerman6384 Před 3 lety +3

      ZippoVarga your so right I’ve had 2 trucks with the 4.3 both over 450000 km still going when I sold them

    • @staresce
      @staresce Před 3 lety

      When you mention a 4.3 engine are you talking about a Chevy S-10 or GMC Sonoma?

  • @Tom-ll1fg
    @Tom-ll1fg Před 2 lety +3

    I own a 2008, very easy to work on and bulletproof. Love it! Best daily driver I’ve had.

  • @leonchocron4018
    @leonchocron4018 Před 3 lety

    Love your videos , keep it up!!

  • @danielsimpson8929
    @danielsimpson8929 Před 3 lety +35

    These days when I see a grand prix it's close to 100% that the suspension is shot. That or they're hauling 600 lbs of avocado in the trunk.

    • @markm0000
      @markm0000 Před 3 lety +2

      Well I mean if you’re buying one of these cars you better have some money to fix them.

    • @danielsimpson8929
      @danielsimpson8929 Před 3 lety +1

      @@markm0000 for sure. Maybe more to the point is that it seems of the era 94-07 the Pontiac grande prix and alike cars have a suspension that goes far softer when worn when compared to let's say a crown Vic or alike of the same era.
      He hadn't mentioned the suspension so I thought I'd add it.
      I also live in an era where you don't need to have inspections done which might be why people seemingly get away with a lack of suspension up keep.

    • @bryanelliott1928
      @bryanelliott1928 Před 3 lety +2

      That's too funny 😂🤣

    • @jlj547
      @jlj547 Před 3 lety +4

      Your right on the money on that one, when i worked at a shop we were constantly replacing suspension components on these cars and dont forget the electrical issues with these cars.

    • @jamesc7121
      @jamesc7121 Před 3 lety +1

      HAHAHAHAHA!!!

  • @Blue-moon12
    @Blue-moon12 Před 3 lety +4

    The 3800 series are bullet proof. Had an 1990 Toronado with one and it never let me down.

  • @electric8668
    @electric8668 Před 3 lety +2

    Excellent analysis

  • @shannonwittman950
    @shannonwittman950 Před 3 lety +2

    I understand this video and agree. GM had a real gem with the naturally aspirated V-6's in their cars. My Dad drove an Olds Cutlass with a V-6, purchased used, and he always got over 30mpg on the freeway. Peppy performance, too.
    He pulled a small U-Haul trailer to my final years of college in another state, got freeway 27mpg.

  • @nicholasdagostino2127
    @nicholasdagostino2127 Před 3 lety +2

    Have a '97 Pontiac Grand Am GT with a 3.1L, with 235k miles on it. Still runs like a top, use it as my daily driver. Bought back in '04 with 70k miles on it, for $3500, one of the most reliable cars I ever owned. Only major engine or transmission work was a lower intake manifold gasket a couple years ago.

  • @chefmike9945
    @chefmike9945 Před 3 lety +79

    You forgot to mention the Pontiac Bonneville, another reliable Grandpamobile.

    • @ZinfandelRed1914
      @ZinfandelRed1914 Před 3 lety +20

      Good call, the last model looked decent but most of those Bonnevilles were uglier than Hillary. Very nice interiors though.

    • @FredTheLutinoCocatiel
      @FredTheLutinoCocatiel Před 3 lety +2

      @@ZinfandelRed1914 😂😂😂😂😂

    • @stylinstu
      @stylinstu Před 3 lety +2

      The Booneville SSE was a very sporty car and leather seats too!

    • @kevinruger8819
      @kevinruger8819 Před 3 lety

      The 7th Generation Buick Lesabre is my Favorite

  • @unclebs4732
    @unclebs4732 Před 3 lety +1

    In Michigan a 2005 Grand Prix is soooooo rusty it is unsafe to drive. Pull the 3.8 and put it in a newer car with a bad engine, you know, the 3.6 v-6. Thanks and keep the videos coming.

  • @jeffreyfitzgerald8541
    @jeffreyfitzgerald8541 Před 3 lety +3

    I have to agree on the Pontiac Grand Prix. I had one for several years (until it was totaled in an accident), and it was probably the most reliable car I ever owned

  • @boomerguy9935
    @boomerguy9935 Před rokem

    Great info!

  • @squalewally7297
    @squalewally7297 Před 3 lety +119

    Buy used and reliable...a recipe for great savings

    • @slowbastardo9101
      @slowbastardo9101 Před 3 lety +7

      You can say the same for women 😂😂😂

    • @theroyalcrownedtiger2946
      @theroyalcrownedtiger2946 Před 3 lety +3

      You got the Wal Mart type women.
      Theres the Abercrombie and Fitch, Guess, type of women.
      Also there is the Marciano type of women.
      Finally you there is also the Prada, Gucci, Chanel, type women.

    • @tatialo37
      @tatialo37 Před 3 lety +2

      Used reliable cheap? Honda!

    • @zerkfn8501
      @zerkfn8501 Před 3 lety +2

      Totally smart move

    • @kman-mi7su
      @kman-mi7su Před 3 lety +2

      Yep, the last new car I bought was back in 1994, New cars are a rip-off. I have bought a couple of used Toyotas, a used Honda, and a used Ford F-250 pickup since then.

  • @tedenderpalmer6550
    @tedenderpalmer6550 Před 3 lety +5

    That 3.8L is a great engine, one the 3.8 replace at 190k miles, guide tensions wear if it hasn't had synthetic oil and regular oil changes.

  • @jonnyboat2
    @jonnyboat2 Před 3 lety

    That was a very good and helpful video.

  • @desertdog7171
    @desertdog7171 Před 3 lety +2

    I had a few Buick Regal 3800's over the years and never had any engine issues ever. Transmissions, and power windows were another story. They were all supercharged and modded and driven hard so maybe you can excuse the transmissions. The 3800 NA series 2 had some intake manifold cracking issues, but that's about all I ever heard being a problem on series 2 engines. They all did fine by me.

  • @maiantears9368
    @maiantears9368 Před 2 měsíci

    2005 lacrosse here. 350k miles and still drives like a champion. Video is highly accurate! My only issues are electrical. I still get 30mpg highway.

  • @potterg04
    @potterg04 Před 3 lety +2

    Great video and my brother-in-law owns a grand prix and he loves it 😀

  • @davidd9707
    @davidd9707 Před 3 lety

    Good video, good information

  • @jamesmachalik9924
    @jamesmachalik9924 Před 3 lety +6

    Current Grand Prix owner with ls4 v8. Very reliable with 303 hp.

    • @TheGrandArchitectofRa
      @TheGrandArchitectofRa Před 3 lety +1

      Ls4 gang babbbbbyyyyy

    • @CruisinComPTon
      @CruisinComPTon Před 3 lety

      Only if you get rid of the AFM/ DOD, but there's little you can do about the transmission unless you hit the jackpot and have the only one that works

    • @jeladsnikpoh1289
      @jeladsnikpoh1289 Před měsícem

      I've got a rear/4wd, non-afm version of that 5.3 in my GMC Envoy. Also very reliable, but with 365HP😁. It started @ 290hp, but it's an 'LS' so I did the right thing and modified it a li'l bit. Gots to do the right thing!

  • @kidd1072
    @kidd1072 Před 3 lety +3

    I had a Pontiac Bonneville with a 3.8 engine, I pleasantly surprised by the speed and power, but spent almost$2000 in getting the transmission rebuilt.

  • @Not_Sure_
    @Not_Sure_ Před 3 lety +4

    Great video. Very true about the 3800 series 2 and 3
    Timing chain is good for about 300,000

  • @aca2983
    @aca2983 Před 8 měsíci +2

    I really like the Buick Lucerne with the Series 3. It's basically a full-sized Cadillac with a V-6.

  • @Pack.Leader
    @Pack.Leader Před 3 lety +9

    Grand Prix's are great! I had a 1998 Grand Prix GTP with Super charged engine. Bought it when it was 2 years old and drove it all over the Country until I sold it in 2016. Great car. Could even drive through deep snow and not get stuck.

  • @Modeltnick
    @Modeltnick Před rokem

    I’m a car guy and enjoy hearing these reviews. Lots of good information!

  • @neilquinn
    @neilquinn Před 3 lety +2

    First car I bought myself was a 1998 Grand Prix GT with the 3800 II engine. Bought it specifically because of the known reliability for that engine even then!

  • @grungeman2745
    @grungeman2745 Před 3 lety +4

    My 2005 grand prix still had the plastic coolant elbows that cracked and leaked. I replaced them with the aluminum ones but one of the o-rings started leaking so I'm going to put the ac delco o-rings on them. Also the heater core in these cars are very hard to replace. Still runs strong at 220k miles though.

  • @ericvervalin4131
    @ericvervalin4131 Před 3 lety +1

    I own a 01 Regal GS with the supercharger. Apart from my car being neglected from the previous owner, I put about 500 worth of parts in it and haven’t had an issue since. Love this car it’s been the best winter beater I’ve owned

    • @pushhard2
      @pushhard2 Před 10 měsíci

      How long have you had it if you still have it?

  • @harrisburghawk315
    @harrisburghawk315 Před 3 lety

    great video thanks!

  • @mrhombregordo9556
    @mrhombregordo9556 Před 3 lety +3

    I got a 05 Lesabre and the 3800 series 2 is one solid engine❤💯👑

  • @camreed7073
    @camreed7073 Před 2 lety

    grate info thank you

  • @UncleSarkis
    @UncleSarkis Před 3 lety +8

    Car wizard always talks about these engines.

    • @knurlgnar24
      @knurlgnar24 Před 3 lety +2

      That's because GM used to make things worth owning. Today? Run far, far away.

  • @stantissue2065
    @stantissue2065 Před měsícem

    The 2004 GTP is still one of my favorites. I only put 270K on the GTP. I put 330K on the Buick GS. 600K, no issues, engine or transmission. Supercharger, no issue, gas mileage, same as the normally aspirated motor. What might be an issue in the GTP is all of the now ancient technology. It had VDC, a heads up display, etc.
    It all worked phenomenally well. At the time it was introduced GM was putting it up against the 3 series BMW for performance. It made 270hp. You could just toss it into corners any way you wanted, the VDC would kick in and correct for your steering input. Front seat folded flat like a table, back seat folded down flat. It was ugly, but it was an awesome vehicle. I bought it and the Buick with a GM employee discount. I hung on to it until 2011, when it was replaced by the Dodge Charger Max. I would have purchased another one, but they had changed to the Northstar V8. 2011 was the year with no SRT, unfortunately. 5.7L wiped a lobe off the cam at 175,000 miles. The 3.8L is the best V6 GM ever built, but the 4.3L Vortec was a close second.

  • @Azure1ol
    @Azure1ol Před 3 lety

    Thanks for the info

  • @WJHandyDad
    @WJHandyDad Před 3 lety +1

    we had a 2000 supercharged Grand Prix - it was a lot of fun and I don't remember having any issues but we only kept it for 2 years before trading

  • @davidzwart7186
    @davidzwart7186 Před 3 lety +3

    Loved my 3800 Buick big roomy and awesome mileage

  • @Dfygy
    @Dfygy Před 3 lety +5

    Goat is back

  • @Rajiihammr
    @Rajiihammr Před 3 lety +2

    I had a '99 Olds Delta 88 series II which hydro-locked on me in 2011 (no damage) and I repaired it for just $200 in parts and drove another 60k. I preventatively did the same repair, in 2011, on my Father's 96 Delta 88. On his passing 3 years ago I inherited the car and it runs like a champ and gets 29.5 mpg cruising at 75+ mph. The 3800 series II or III are the best engines ever, of course GM needed to kill'em. Personally I think the Grand Prix looks like a "girl car". I won't click on Scotty K click bait.

  • @zerkfn8501
    @zerkfn8501 Před 3 lety

    Thank you bro for the invite and information

  • @Raptor50aus
    @Raptor50aus Před 3 lety +2

    My 05 Camry V6 still running excellent !!

  • @bryanaguilar3061
    @bryanaguilar3061 Před 3 lety +3

    I agree! I had a 2000 grand prix series 2 and it was pretty good.

  • @samsung5181
    @samsung5181 Před 3 lety +3

    Yup, "car wizard" also said these 3.8 v6 were one of the best. 👍

  • @311jbknight
    @311jbknight Před 3 lety +2

    Great video. Love Pontiac and Olds and owned many. Never had problems on them. Now the dodges I owned sucked for repairs

  • @alexklein455
    @alexklein455 Před 3 lety

    I have a 2005 Impala SS with the supercharged 3.8. 200,000 miles and still flies like when new. Amazing power, comfort, and reliability. Only paid $1000 for it with 150k. Only needed brakes so far. The supercharged 3800 Series 2 came with an aluminum intake instead of plastic.

  • @mattbrown429
    @mattbrown429 Před 3 lety +3

    My Holden commodore Ute has one of these v6 engines 400000 km still good driving it daily

  • @samiam247
    @samiam247 Před 6 měsíci

    Excellent video thanks for all the great info! I just fell into the 3.8 rabbit hole so I have a question, I'm researching the
    series 2 rn, if you replaced the garbage plastic parts along with the fuel regulator on the series 2 would it be a better
    choice or would you go with the series 1 / pre series 1? I'm more interested in reliability, easy to work on, cheap parts
    etc.

  • @elmarko9051
    @elmarko9051 Před 8 měsíci

    I had an 08 Lucerne, and still have an 07 Lacrosse. The 'secret weapon' of the 3800 II and III is just about any part you need is dirt cheap, tons of good engines in scrap yards. The 3800 II went into Chev, Pontiac, Buick, and Olds...everything but Cadillac and GMC used them. You can swap the series III aluminum plenum onto a II, except you'll need to fabricate an adapter bracket as the III is drive by wire and uses an electronic throttle. What killed this engine was it was a 90° and cast iron, with OHV. Everyone, including GM, was moving to OHC 60° V-sixes, all aluminum construction.

  • @chrisr.986
    @chrisr.986 Před 3 lety

    Ur awesome man thank u

  • @anthonydefr
    @anthonydefr Před rokem +1

    Most parts for these car's are cheaper then most and pretty easy to get. I have a 04 Impala SS that I've had for 7 year's now. It only has about 148000. I've been pretty happy with it. There is a large group of people that love these car's with these engine's.

  • @mrnovacan2158
    @mrnovacan2158 Před 3 lety

    My brother bought a 2006 Buick 3.8 v6 ,it was 2 years old at the time,6 months later the transmission died. The good deal turned sour quick for him.

  • @FanatikBuilds
    @FanatikBuilds Před 3 lety +2

    Let's not forget you can also find the Grand Prix and its sister cars with the 5.3l LS4 V8 with 303hp and 323lb/ft of torque! It's the cheapest all aluminum LS you can get and we're swapping one into our project! 👍

  • @topgun213
    @topgun213 Před 3 lety

    great video

  • @dar3726
    @dar3726 Před 6 měsíci

    We had the same engine in Australia in our Commodores. And they are super reliable, and very good on petrol too. So have to agree with you 100%

  • @laurieannrodriguez4551

    Thank you!

  • @michaelg4778
    @michaelg4778 Před 3 lety +7

    I was with you till you said the Grand Prix is ugly. We had a 98' Grand Prix GTP and loved it!! The only problem and the reason we got rid of it was my wife decided to have twins. Can't fit 2 adults and 4 kids so, we traded for a mini van 🤢

    • @Viper81766
      @Viper81766 Před 3 lety

      Quadruples

    • @michaelg4778
      @michaelg4778 Před 3 lety +1

      @@Viper81766 4 kids total. The youngest are twins. I made an appointment with a Doctor after my wife told me "It's Twins!" lol

    • @Viper81766
      @Viper81766 Před 3 lety

      @@michaelg4778 I hear ya :-) I thought you may have had two sets of twins . I agree the GP was a good looking ride .

    • @jeladsnikpoh1289
      @jeladsnikpoh1289 Před měsícem

      Yeah, your generation was a good looking car, but he wasn't lying when he said the last gen Grand Prix was ugly! Have you not seen the 2004+ nose and butt!? Designed by the jerk who brought us the Aztec, I swear he was commissioned to put Pontiac in the grave!

    • @michaelg4778
      @michaelg4778 Před měsícem

      @@jeladsnikpoh1289 The 2004+ was definitely not as good looking as the previous generation but still not too bad. I think I am in the minority because I like the Aztec! It is SO ugly that it has a special charm that makes me like it.

  • @MattPSU02
    @MattPSU02 Před 3 lety +1

    I had a series I 3800 in my 91 Olds 88. That car was bulletproof, except for the ignition module and crappy alternators. Too bad a kid stole it, fled from the Philly cops, and hit a pole with it.

  • @JS-gt5bh
    @JS-gt5bh Před 2 měsíci +1

    Change the oil and filter every 5000 miles, change the coolant every 2 years...change the transmission fluid before 100,000 miles. Change the gas filter every 30000 miles and keep the air filter clean. Change plugs and wires at 80000 miles. Do these things are most any car will last for years😊 Especially GM vehicles!

  • @pi1797
    @pi1797 Před 3 lety

    Awesome video.
    I thought the early models of the Lucerne had that intake gaskets issue?
    Thoughts on the Buick Park Avenue Ultra?

  • @DIYinCA
    @DIYinCA Před 3 lety +4

    I feel exactly the same way. I worked for Cadillac dealerships from 1986 to 1996 and always wondered why they didn't offer the bulletproof 3.8L v6 instead of that boat anchor they called HT4100...

    • @jimmysapien9961
      @jimmysapien9961 Před 3 lety +1

      $$$$ profits

    • @knurlgnar24
      @knurlgnar24 Před 3 lety +2

      The 3800 as we know it didn't come out until 1989. The 1988 model years had trouble and they weren't sure how things would go over time until 1990 or so. That's part of it for sure. Also GM wanted a higher displacement engine in Cadillacs for marketing reasons. The engine you mention was garbage for sure, but I actually think they had valid reasons. And then the Northstar came out and there was no reason to use the 2800 and, goddam, that was a great engine according to car magazines! Until people figured out it too had major troubles. By then it was too late.

  • @edjackson4389
    @edjackson4389 Před 3 lety +2

    I've had a couple of Grand Ams run way past 300k miles with the smaller GM 3.1 V6. Intake gaskets and rubber hoses were all it took to get there.

    • @aaron7671
      @aaron7671 Před rokem

      Those smaller v6s are underrated. Very reliable motors

  • @dogsday52170
    @dogsday52170 Před 3 lety +1

    id like to hear your thoughts on the 2016 nissan frontier VQ 40 V6 engine and transmission

  • @PrincessTS01
    @PrincessTS01 Před 3 lety +3

    I'm thinking of buying a new 2021Blazer RS with the 3.6L V6 AWD 9 spd but its $50K