Looking into buying a Used Monte Carlo, are they reliable?

I am interested in buying a Used Monte Carlo for my next car. I will only have between $3 and $4, 000 to spend.
So Today I did some research online on the best mid size American cars to buy, and I came up with Buick Regal, & Chevy Monte Carlo as being
reliable. I think that the Lumina became the modern Monte Carlo, so I
am interested in Luminas too. Can anyone tell me more about these
specific cars? How reliable are they? Is the Monte Carlo a good buy?

I am trying to find out what will be a good car to buy. I need a
reliable car!

(I was told Chevy Cavaliers or Pontiac Sunfires are good small cars,
but when I looked them up online, I saw TONS of problems listed.
Everything from head gasket issues, starting problems, to brake issues.)
Can anyone tell me more about Monte Carlos or what is a reliable GM car?

I am specifically interested in what types of problems are most common with Monte Carlos.

I appreciate the help!
Thanks so much!!!:)

This question comes up ALOT. 95-99 monte's have intake manifold and head gasket issues. Those are the most common issues. I love the car.

Thanks for the info, are the head gasket issues easy to replace?

I'm surprised you found issues with the cars you listed...I talked to an independant car salesman who moves a lot of cars and he said the Cavalier was the best in regards to least amount of negative feedback from customers...simply put he said they hardly break. I own a 97 LS Monte...no major issues and I drive the crap out of it...I have to cause Chevy put a sewing machine under the hood instead of an engine. The tranny is showing signs that it needs maintenance but thats probably because of the way I drive it. No issues with the head gasket or intake manifold and I have 148k KM's on it. It was built at the Oshawa,ON plant though and they are rated as the best GM plant. My suggestion, get an SS with at least a 3.8L...the 3.8L may be a bit more on gas but they are one of the best engines built, period. The 3.1L I have is an embarrasement to the name Monte Carlo. Otherwise the car seems to be built pretty solid, then again, it's not made by Chrysler!! Comfortable ride too. More of a highway/freeway car if anything. Try and get a supercharged one! Ram air or cold air intake always does the car justice too. Find some used black nascar rims and the car looks meeeeaaaan. :smokin:

Well, I am finding that if you search the internet, you will come up with certain problems on any vehicles. Consumer report book on used cars does not report that many problems on the newer Monte Carlo's though.
Anyway thanks so much for your advice!

i have a 96 monte carlo and i love it and its never had any problems but if u do decide o get one try and buy one without a 3.4L engine because its an oddball engine and is hard to get parts for and work on.

Well, I am finding that if you search the internet, you will come up with certain problems on any vehicles. Consumer report book on used cars does not report that many problems on the newer Monte Carlo's though.
Anyway thanks so much for your advice!

The New Monte has some muchly needed improvements:

'revised suspension systems and a greater track width'
'V-8 that features Displacement On Demand'
'Electronic traction control via ABS & engine management'
'Immobilizer'
'Strut front and rear suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs'

To name a few...

The New Monte has some muchly needed improvements:

'revised suspension systems and a greater track width'
'V-8 that features Displacement On Demand'
'Electronic traction control via ABS & engine management'
'Immobilizer'
'Strut front and rear suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs'

To name a few...

Not for 3 or 4,000 dollars though. And the depreciation on a new Chevy is about 50% in two years, that's horrible. The older Montes would be a decent buy if in good shape, but I'd sure suggest having it looked at by a decent mechanic. Most mechanics these days are aware of the problems that crop up in these cars.

True, 3 or 4k to spend will obviously not get you an 06!! I was thinking of upgrading my 97 as it's in good shape but considering the improvements to the 06 I'm going to hold out. Your comment on the deappreciation is sad but true...isn't that the case with a lot of domestics though? I sure as hell am not paying almost $40K(CDN) for an 06 SS considering it's deappreciation rate...who would in their right of mind? I think a year from now I will check back. But for 3 or 4K I think a used Monte is worth it. The only issue I have with my car is the infamous Piston Slap, a knocking noise when the car is first started up but goes away when warm. I was surprised to learn that Piston slap is an issue for GM, Ford and Chrysler, sadly GM turned their back on it and told their customers that it's normal. :screwy: If it's normal why doesn't every car have it? Mine has made the noise for 3 years and never escalated but one has to wonder about it. Otherwise my 97 runs solid and I drive the crap out of it!!

Stay away from one with a 3.4,expensive to fix and that engine is a piece of junk.The alternator is a pain in the butt to replace,one with a 3.4.Go with one with a 3.1 or 3.8 series II(probally 1998 and up with a 3.8 series II in it).The only problem with the 3.8 is the upper intake.The upper intake is plastic,It starts at the egr port with a pin hole there and water gets in there resulting causing not to start if not caught in time

The only problem with the 3.8 is the upper intake.The upper intake is plastic,It starts at the egr port with a pin hole there and water gets in there resulting causing not to start if not caught in time

Has GM acknowledged this and have they ever recalled it or ignored it like the piston slap? I figure when I get the 06 SS I will add this issue and the piston slap as 2 things that GM/Dealership cover on warranty or no sale.

In an attempt to not make a duplicate post, I'll revive this one.

I'm also looking to buy a used Monte. I'm looking to get an 00-03 for about $8,000. Is that gonna be feasible? And, what are some of the common/frequent problems to look out for?