I have been looking for a new car recently, and have stumbled across a 2006 Monte Carlo SS.

LS4
94,000 miles

Asking $7500
KBB's @ $8k

When I go to look at it (2.5 hours away) what all should I look for?

I am attempting to get interior shots, as well as engine bay shots from the guy. He hasn't responded yet.

 

Good looking car!

Pop the radiator cap and look for signs of gunk, ask if it has EVER been flushed. At that age it should have been flushed at least once.

Check the trans fluid. Get the car nice and warmed up, shift it slowly through all of the gears, then check the dipstick. Make sure that is a nice light red and not a burned red/black.

Check the wheel wells for rust. Very common area to go on the car.

Other than that, just go for a nice spirited drive, make sure the trans is shifting well. It's the weakest point of the car. Listen to the suspension as well on the drive. Make sure you dont' feel any rattling in the steering wheel.

 

If you can also look around the rockers. They can rust pretty bad. I know my car is having that issue a lot now. Also feel around the carpet for dampness. I would assume that these cars could have a similar problem to water leaking in them like the 6th gen does.

 

I'd get a CarFax report or a AutoCheck report.
How many owners ?
Is there maintenance records ?
Is it a private owner or a dealer ?
Are you mechanically inclined ? if not, I would search out a good mechanic to check it out before you buy.

I hope it's a private owner. The Monte S.S. looks awesome in pictures, but pictures can be deceiving...

Oh, are there any modifications to the engine ? Any paint work or accidents ?

Good Luck & keep us updated...Explore the MCF & you can learn a lot about this model/year Monte Carlo S.S.

 

Wow sharp car! I love my 06 Mote and pretty much what Chibi said is sound advice

My Monte did have a minor leaking issue at one point so definitely check that carpets for dampness.

Not that it's a huge issue check to see about the distance away you can use the FOB to lock/ unlock. There was a recall way back, I missed it with my car but I can only use my FOB within 5-10 feet.

 

Looks really nice! and thats a very fair price too!
Chibi nailed it, if everything he said to do checks out, i say go for it!

 

Sounds like a good deal - good luck

 

pretty much what has been stated...just make sure you get that transmission nice and warm and give it a good test.

 

It does look nice and the price seems fair. However, I suspect that the front end has been repaired at some point. That front bumper is not a SS bumper. It should have the lower spoiler with the black center, which it does not. Those stripes also look a bit wider the stock stripe kit would have been...Those are things I would ask about. What body work has been done and why? He changed the headlights and the front badge too...bonus mods.

 

I believe white is a rare color for these ls4's. Looks like it's missing the front chin spoiler. Something not right there, probably wrecked.