I picked up a 1993 GXE from my neighbor with 50,000 original miles. Yes I know the guy and no it wasn't messed with, and yes Im sure. Its black, paint in OK shape, no accidents but the bumpers have been, well......bumped! The interior is beige cloth, also ok, not cleaned recently but no rips, tears, fading etc...... It also just recently had an injector replaced, a full tune up with new tires, cap, rotor, wires, plugs, fuel and air filters. The only problems were a mismatched rear tailight, a busted antenna mast and I know it needs struts, since the front feels like an old 70's caddy! lol Oh and a timing belt sooner than later because of its age and mileage.

I paid $3400 for it, think that was a good deal? Also what recalls need to be done? I will check for rust, I know the wheels were done since the sticker is on the air cleaner. What else is there?

 

Thats not a bad deal saying it only has 50,000 miles on it. The new struts will probably run you like 600 if you take it somewhere to get it done. So with a little bit of work that car will be just fine.

 

600 for a strut replacement? wow...i want to be your mechanic

 

They are going to cost me $100 for some forum sourced KYB's and my own labor

 

I wouldnt take my car to a mechanic to get that done, i would do it myself. But thats what a mechanic said it costs to have them do it.

 

That sounds decent (if you prefer to pay for install), because the mechanics will charge you about 350 for all 4 struts with boots and all. The labor is about 2-3 hours so 600 sounds right. It is really easy though, and i would personally just do it myself.

 

Do a couple tranny drain and fills, to get out that old stuff, otherwise start saving up for a rebuilt tranny.

 

Plus install a tranny cooler.

 

50K of mileage? man, I am jealous! wanna trade your engine for my 212K? j/k. that's good deal no doubts.

 

Tranny cooler? Are the auto trannies that crappy? I can see a fluid change, but a cooler? This is my daily-and-family driver. It got 160 HP! Do you guys beat these things that hard? To be honest, I bought it for my wife to learn to drive on. I just want it to last long enough til shes got some experience and we can buy something nice like a G35 or something. Then if its not trashed, we will sell it as a nice low mileage beginner car......again

This is what she looks like BTW:

 

Update: Did the full strut swap yesterday, what a PITA! Who the f**k designed that rear assembly? I had to take the brake lines off the rear drums to change the strut insert. Only plus side is I got a chance to bleed the system . As for the front, am I crazy or does it not mess with the aligment too bad? Either way, well worth the effort, it rides and handles MUCH better, although it is rougher on bumps, doesn't bottom on the big ones anymore though! Overall cost, 6 hours of my time and $196.04. Next up, timing belt!

 

In a word: Yes.

A cheap cooler at autozone or advance will run 20-30$...cheap insurance.