1990-91 Grand Am Common Issues?

[broberts6221]

Hi all, brand new here, this is my first post. A little context...I've lived in my house for 11 years and have walked my dog daily on my street during that time. I have a neighbor 5 doors down who is an elderly woman and I've never seen or talked to her, only heard from other neighbors about her.

About 2 weeks ago while walking the dog, I saw her garage door was up and there is a maroon Pontiac Grand Am parked inside. I couldn't see much other than it's 1985-91, maroon, and there is a thick layer of dust on the trunk lid.

Well today I was walking the dog and as I passed by a man came outside to get the mail. I asked him about the car and he said it belongs to his sister. It's a 90-something according to him, has less than 10k miles on the odometer, and doesn't run. He said she's absolutely interested in getting rid of it.

So now that you're caught up...I'm hoping it doesn't run just because it's been sitting for so long. BUT, are there any known/common issues with these Grand Ams? I did a search and saw a post from 10+ years ago where the guy said his has become a monet pit. I'm hoping to not get into that type of situation myself.

Any help is much appreciated, thank you!

[JUSTA6]

What are they asking for the car?  Is this something in your range of mechanical ability?  Do you have help?  30 + years = most everything rubber is shot and needs to be inspected.  Such as brake/fuel/vacume/radiator hoses/ lines.  Sounds like a perfect project car if it at least turns over to start with.   Take a battery down there and at least see what codes its throwing.  Good Luck sounds like a great project for us to follow and help where we can with your restoration.  What state are you in?

[broberts6221]

48 minutes ago, JUSTA6 said:

What are they asking for the car?  Is this something in your range of mechanical ability?  Do you have help?  30 + years = most everything rubber is shot and needs to be inspected.  Such as brake/fuel/vacume/radiator hoses/ lines.  Sounds like a perfect project car if it at least turns over to start with.   Take a battery down there and at least see what codes its throwing.  Good Luck sounds like a great project for us to follow and help where we can with your restoration.  What state are you in?

Thanks for the feedback! I don't know what they want for it yet. In his words, his sister is very interested in getting rid of it so I'm hoping that translates to a very good deal. My mechanical ability is below average...I've done oil changes, spark plugs, a brake job and a number of other basic things. If there's a youtube video and I feel comfortable doing it, I'll give it a go.

I'll update here when/if anything happens. I'm in Maryland.

 

[JUSTA6]

Too cold there to walk the dog let alone work on cars.  Take a bunch of pic's when you get a chance to look at it. (we love pic's) Body wise, rust involved on all sides of the car, interior shots,  engine bay shots.  Same with engine codes ect we might be able to help you with.

[broberts6221]

On 2/4/2023 at 5:05 PM, JUSTA6 said:

Too cold there to walk the dog let alone work on cars.  Take a bunch of pic's when you get a chance to look at it. (we love pic's) Body wise, rust involved on all sides of the car, interior shots,  engine bay shots.  Same with engine codes ect we might be able to help you with.

Finally got a chance to see it up close today. It's a 1990 2.5 liter LE.  Zero rust, all rubber hoses look good, wires look good, tires look good. Engine oil looks like they just changed it! There was a mouse under the hood at one point that chewed up the insulation on the underside of the hood and made a nest out of it but it doesn't look like it chewed on anything else. 7,700 miles! Once he finds the title we're going to talk price and go from there.

 

Edited March 31, 2023 by broberts6221

[JUSTA6]

Great find!! Good luck and hope they don't ask outrageous money for it.  If so, don't jump right on it, it will be sittin there for some time to come.  Especially if its not running.  Tell em, You can't take that chance the motors not blown.  He has nothin to come back on that with.   😎