I currently drive a 97 Mustang GT, but I'm selling it and buying a cheaper car and using the money for my tuition.

Having said that, I looked at a 96 Pontiac Sunfire GT today that seemed pretty straight. The guy selling it seemed honest and said the car's been in his family since '98. He stated that his father is a mechanic at a local shop, and the car has been serviced there and has records since '98.

Here are some stats about the car taken from his add and the test drive:

1996 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2.4 LTR 5 Speed (Manual)
$1,650.00 is asking price, possible $1,550

Purple
119K

30K on tranny, put in at 100K. New plugs, wires and coils at tranny swap.
Brand New Clutch at tranny swap

Has a few minor dents and some scratches/blemishes. 6 inch key mark with a little rust. Some clear coat gone off paint.

Newer Tires on front(10-15k), might need back tires soon.
Wipers (as of 5/22/2007)
New Brake Pads and Rotors (less than 1K)
Tint on sides and strip on top of front windshield. No tint on back glass.

Subwoofer box W/ 2 Bazooka Subs, Bazooka Amp mounted to back seat. Sony Xplodes in the doors, Alpine CD player (detachable, 3 angle face).
Front seats and carpet on driver side a little worn, lower plastic piece on side of drivers seat is broke off.

Heat and Air work(although A/C needs a new compressor which he has, but it's not installed. Comes with car and "might" be able to work a deal to have his dad do it for cheap.
Cruise control works
no horn
check engine light is on.
Seemed to drive a little rough suspension wise. He stated it was probably due to the low profile tires. It feels similar to my Mustang on bumps, but I wasn't sure if this was normal for Sunfire GTs.
It also whines while going in reverse. (I've only owned one standard before, and it was a POS so I wasn't sure if this is normal.



OK... so if you took the time to actually read all of that, is there anything I should be wary of?

Are there any known problem with this car model/year that I should be made aware of?

I'll be using the car for school and I can't afford any major repairs. That's why this is so detailed. I literally can't afford a mistake here.

-Harvey-

Oh, and I appreciate any feedback or comments! Thanks for taking the time out of your day!
-Harvey-

Don't Do It Please.... Worst year to buy sunfire. I own one and it has been problem after problem. First it started with the stereo/clock light, then the dimmer light went, then the temperature control switch, Signal relay, G102, and G101 engine grounds came loose, Rad went, alternator went, had to replace belt as well, front suspension is gone, i just need some cash to replace it, oh and these year cavi and sunfires are notorious for mufflers, Headlight relay had to be switched, horn is gone Overall, just to let you know that i am not ragging on my car from my experiences. Look up the vehicle recalls for this year sunfire, you will be surprised as to how big the list is.

But in my opinion, if you know how to do most of your own work, the repairs will not be too expensive, just parts!!!. The only reason i have kept this car around is because i need something right now that i can get me around and the local scrap yard has many sunfires that i can get cheap parts from.. In my opinion keep your mustang or get a honda

despite what Lanesh said, my 96 fire has 284xxx KMS on it, and amazingly still starts everyday. the only problems ive had are a split fuel line, the horn going (as mentioned) and now my alternator is starting to rattle.

At over 100k miles usual things start to go alternator, a/c compressor, fuel pump, ex. The only one you need to worry about is water pump. I think I paid $500 for replacement almost all of that is labor. However at 119k mi the water pump has probably been replaced. Good car though.

My 96 still gets 30 mpg, original engine,5 speed and clutch, motors never been touched.I have put 2 alternators in it but the stereo could account for that, rear brakes are a little funny now and then but the car owes me nothing and then some! I just bought a 2002 only because the 96 has a cracked winshield and needs tires.I didnt want to put money into it but I just cant seem to get rid of it either!

OH by the way, it has 273000 miles on it.

You should do it, sounds like a good deal to me. I have had no serious issues with my '02 to speak of.





I'm a 6ft. tall, 250+ lb., man, and I proudly drive the Sunfire. My wife drives the half-ton 4x4...

take it to your own shop and have them check it out. the price seems fair.

if your shop says its good. tell them if his dad puts in the ac, and fixes the horn you'll give them what his asking.

I bought my 96 sunfire gt last november with 145km on it now at 180km,only replaced the "dogbone"lower mount thus far,running wise its been great.