heiser@cca.UUCP (Bill Heiser) (02/08/85)
Have any of you readers (or do you know anyone who has purchased) the new 1985 Pontiac Grand Am (or its siblings, the Olds Calais or Buick Somerset)? If so, how do you (or they) like it? Have you(they) had any problems yet? I purchased a Grand Am 4-cyl, 5-speed in November, and am wondering how other people like theirs. I'm interested in corresponding with anyone who may be willing to share their feelings on these cars. Also, if anyone is considering the purchase of one, and would like any information, please feel free to ask. Thanks in advance. -- Network: decvax!cca!heiser USPS: Bill Heiser, PO Box 3202, Peabody, MA 01961-3202
churm@ihuxf.UUCP (b.r. churm) (08/05/85)
I recall a few postings requesting information on the PONTIAC GRAND AM a while back, so I felt this may help those who are in the market for one. This Saturday I just picked up my new GRAND AM from our local Pontiac dealer, Village Pontiac in Naperville, IL. While shopping for the car, I just about visited every Pontiac dealership in the Chicago area. The GRAND AM seems to be a very popular car making it a sellers market. Few dealers would negotiate anything lower than full sticker price. I found the best buy was through the United Buying Services (from work) at Village Pontiac. The car I purchased was loaded: I got the V6 engine/Automatic (strongly suggested), handling package w/Goodyear Eagle GTs, most options, sunroof etc. The 1986 GR AMs are out. Changes include a price increase around $600.00, center rear stopping light, different headlights, a SE (Sports) Model, and a four door model. Basically the same car except more expensive. The fun started when I took the car off the lot. The V6 fuel injected engine has good pick up and the car performs quite well. The handling package makes the ride stiff, but it was to be expected. HOWEVER...... the usual GM problems started occurring within three hours: 1) The Drivers side electric window didn't work 2) I noticed that the front end was slightly out of alignment 3) The V6 had starting problems when warm. 4) The premium sound system DELCO AM/FM/Cassette doesn't play cassettes, it eats them. when I thought I noticed all the problems. Guess what? It rained. 5) The sunroof leaked soaking the ceiling and interior. 6) When removing the sunroof, to inspect the seal, I found the glass etched. Pontiac advertises a three pass Vehicle Inspection Program (VIP) to catch all of the defects. I wonder what they inspect, the ash tray? Its obvious Village Pontiac didn't inspect this car. My advice to any GRAND AM buyers: It is a very nice little car. However, as with new GM cars there are many bugs. Inspect your car ten times over before (BEFORE) handing over the money to the dealer. I am kicking myself over that which I missed. My questions to net.auto: Being my first car with a sunroof, can I ever expect the dealer to be able to repair the leaks? Or is this something inherent in sunroofs? Also are warm starting problems common with the fuel injection V6 engines? Needless to say PONTIAC is getting the car back this week for repairs. If anybody has any questions on GRAND AMs ask, I've pretty well studied this particular car for the past three months. ihnp4!ihuxf!churm Brian Churm AT&T Network Systems