PCA Forums

Allright, I was thinking of getting a 95-97 Chevy Lumina to replace the dying pos car I have now. What draws me to the Lumina, is one it's a Chevy, I love em; and two, more importantly, the price. As an example, in a recent Auto Trader, I saw a 1997 Lumina with 75K miles on it, for $4900. Now, I know car prices and what other makes models years etc go for, and this seems like a really good deal for such a new car, even with the slighty high miles. Nearly every 95-97 Lumina I've seen have been this cheap, on a lot or private seller.

Now, the only thing in a car I'm looking for is reliablity. After the nightmare I've had with my last car, it is a must. I know about Toyota & Hondas great rep for reliablity and what not, but the price is a little to high for me.

So basically what I'm asking is, does anyone know of any nightmares or problems with this year Lumina, or why the price could be so low for them? I know Chevys generally have weak brakes, but that's not a problem. I'm concerned about Engine/Tranny failure. You know, the big stuff. Would this car be good for at least 10 years with around 80k miles on it? With no bank breaking repairs? I've heard mixed storys about them, which makes me kind of iffy. Thanks everyone!

get the Monte Carlo instead, the z34 is a sweet pimpin ride also if it's the 3.4 or 3.8 i think, both very strong motors from GM. the 3.8 is the series 2 buick engine, great design!

Reg, I dont think you can get the monte with a 3.8.....but that'd be sweet
225hp and similar torque

the 3.8 is rated at 200 hp, and 240 lbs of torque at the flywheel

AVOID any Lumina with rear disc brakes. The pistons in the rear calipers are notorious for freezing solid in the bores. Little or no rear brakes if that happens and an expensive b*tch to fix....

I've driven a 97 (may have been a 98) a couple years ago and personally i thought it shifted horribly. Maybe just how it was tuned but i personally didnt like it. I would stay away from lumina's. Maybe a cavalier if u want chevy?

Thanks for the help guys. I've done some more research, and I've decided that I'd rather not fool with something that may or may not be a good car. Just playing it safe.