Every manufacturer has good and bad cars and engines. The 3.1 has a decent reputation as already stated. Sounds like Lee's has a good history. Usually they are going to be lemons right off the show floor or they will be fine.

Someone else (like me) could have bought that same VW as you Dustin and sunk thousands into it so you just never know. It helps to know the person you are dewaling with to get the straight poop.

Sheesh ... no wonder Katie says I'm on here too much. }>

I didn't know anything about them, except the 1.7s are slow, but reliable (as long as the fuel system is working). The one I bought had a broken odometer and was rusty... had lots wrong with it (now has less).

I'll mention the olds to a few people that are looking for a cheap car. I figured that many in here would know more about the 3.1's then I do, which is why I asked.

Oh yeah I have had many $500 cars that have run for years but I was just saying that anything under 1k is a crap shoot as will it run for 1 month or 10yrs. Just a matter of how lucky you are.

I don't know, I think anything over 80k miles is a crap shoot. Lot of original components getting ready to get replaced at that point and the bad part is people usually need to get a lone because they are in the $4000-10000 range. So you get car payment plus repair costs.

My escort wagon I bought for $800 and probably put that much into repairs but that is fine because no loan payment and should hopefully get a couple years of just less expensive maintenance. Just my opinion

That car runs good and tranny is good. The only issue I have know other than heater core & alternator is that dang pass lock system which know no longer exists. That was a bad system on GM's part.

I have never had an engine problem with a 2.8 or 3.1 or 3.3 gm. I love the 3800, but did have one die with 160,000 miles but that was do to an improperly cleaned oil sump after I had the timing chain replaced.

If you never had a problem with a 2.8, then you were one of the lucky ones. What a P O S! I had one in college in an S10 Blazer. I liked the vehicle, but the engine was complete crap. Complete lack of power. Head gasket went out. I had it fixed and it ran great (better than before) for a whopping 3 days.

a current good example of a cheap car...

It's tougher when the person doesn't work on cars. Us, no biggie.

My BMW I bought for 600, and have 800 in maint. and repairs... But that includes a matching door without bullet holes, and a hood that is straight... (plus other various parts that needent be replaced for functionality)

I wasn't trying to rag on your car Lee, just don't know squat about gm's stuff. Well, except if I buy it- it breaks...

I did not think you were and rag away. I have never been a fan of the Achieva's. I just have one I want gone.:-X21

good. I don't need anyone thinking I'm submarining you.

Even if you needed to pay someone to work on it you wouldn't be making payments to a bank and mechanic at the same time. But we can thank Obama for taking a lot if the cheap rides out of circulation :-arrgh:-arrgh

I had one in a Corsica that went 280k+ until the tranny died.

Seems to be a decent engine, but like the 3400 and 3800 look for leaking intake gaskets. Just did a set and coolant elbows on a 3800 yesterday.

There is a 3100 in the shop right now that has leaky gaskets.

Good evening guys.

Good evening all!

Yep, like Mike said they have intake gasket problems. The 3.1 and 3.4 aren't as good as the 3.8.

But the 3.8 has a history of eating upper intakes. Fuel Pressure Regulators, Passlock and the ignition cylinders are common on all GM's. Otherwise, the big problem is it's a GM. ICK...