99 Grand Prix 3.8 Liter - What's It Worth?

[Fishinguy40]

Today my daughter calls me and says that her car overheated and died. I went and got her then towed the car home. I don't know why it overheated. It has plenty of coolant and the pump appears good. Maybe a bad t-stat?

Anyhow, once the car cooled down we started it. It's tough to start and runs rough. Also makes one heck of a clanking noise now. If you don't keep on the throttle, it dies. I suspect maybe that one of the pistons got damaged or cracked. No clank when the spark plugs are out and you turn the car over. She cranks easy.

Anyhow, to my original question....what is this car worth? And what is the best way to get the most out of it? It has 163,000 miles. I ask, because my daughter is pregnant and due in 4-5weeks. Donating for a tax write off isn't an option, as she needs the money now to put towards another used but reliable vehicle.

[Jeremy airjer W]

$200 and that might be high. If your thinking thousands there's no way. you can pick up a used engine for $500 to a $1000. Still money ahead over getting a reliable used vehicle. At least you know what you got with your vehicle. You never know what problems your going to inherit with a used vehicle.

[Big Buck Buster]

I agree 100% with the above statement. Replace the motor. 3.8L motors are outstanding motors to begin with, with some exceptions like what happened to yours. Just look at how many miles you got out of it already, assuming it was the original motor. I have seen some 3.8L's come in the shop with over 300K on them with the original motor.

BBB

[Fishinguy40]

Sounds like a pretty good deal and even a fun project except that I just had surgery yesterday to fuse my spine together due to a herniated disc. So I won't be doing any wrenching for a while.

[vister]

that 3.8 description is exactly what happened to mine years ago. problem...5 0f 6 main bearings spun out. solution...535 bucks later a new engine with 37000 miles, instead of 179000 like mine had. however, mine was a GTP, so it was supercharged. mine still ran after she broke down, but not even good enough to get out of park!!