I must have been lucky. I had a 1994 Chevrolet Lumina with the 3.1L and it had 200K and still ran like new. It was a company car before however, so it saw the best service. I sold it 3 years ago and I still see it from time to time.
My mom also has a 1997 Oldsmobile SL, but an Achieva model with the 2.4L. It has 158K now and still runs like new. However, she wants an SUV now. We know the car is not worth much, as the resell value of the 90s GM cars are horrible, but it has sentimental value, because it was grandpas car. We will probably just keep it too. So, in conclusion, I would not put alot of money into your car, unless you plan on keeping it for many more years. If it is reliable in all other areas, I would fix the engine and you would be good to go for another 3 years at least (with that warranty). $1700 is better than a new $17,000 car.
Good luck!
Quote:
Originally Posted by mikeohart
Looking for opinions for anyone willing to share one. My '93 201 just turned 175K and purrs like a kitten; alas that is not the problem child in the family.
Wife's '97 Olds CS SL @154K just took a crap on a highway, engine failure. First diagnosis of injectors (surprise) superceded by discovery of busted cam. So she's facing an expensive fix or junk-it situation. This is that nasty GM 3.1 engine that's notorius for injector problems. Some facts:
Lifestyle: we live near downtown chicago, much city driving with occasional suburban jaunts. She's a social worker, in and out of rough hoods throughout the day.
Fix it argument: Highly reputable rebuilt engine can be had for $1773, 3yr unlimited miles warranty. Would have to find installation. Probably replace injectors and wires and stuff at that time as well. You have to tilt the engine to change plugs (unbelievable). So probably looking at change out of 3 dimes, and she'd have to keep the car for 3-5 more years. Rest of the car generally in decent shape. Also, $800 recent investment for new brakes all around, (discs, pads, rear calipers), which I did over the summer. She got the car for free, from her family.
Junk it argument: Many smarter than me have said this injector problem with this engine is a nightmare. If she does fix it, more recurring $$ down the road? She's gotten injectors done maybe twice in 80K miles, total cost maybe $1500. She could get a new/used car, but unless I find a private party, taxes on a mediocre $20K car would be $2K and where does that 2K go? Remember she's a social worker driving in urban chicago, so a nice car is out of the question. But I keep thinking her fixed car with a new engine @ 3K is a better option than a used d'jour @ $14K?
Was thinking of giving her my 201, then I can finally begin my hunt for a nice 124 or gasp, 126! But I don't think so. She doesn't like absence of a/c and stereo. Oh well. She worries about driving my car around because I love it so much, even though blue book is only $3K or so.
Does anyone have any strong feelings either way? I'd like for someone who really knows this engine/injector problem to tell me I'd be crazy to fix it, and it should be junked regardless. Is spending 3 dimes on this just stupid, no matter what? Cut your losses?
Another option is to let her drive my car for the winter so I have sufficient time to find a private party. Maybe a 6 month project?
Thanks in advance for any opinion!
mike
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