I am currently looking at buying a 2004 Monte Carlo LS (3.4L V6) with 54K miles on it. When I took a test drive, I realized that the speedometer and fuel gauge were not working. In addition, the stereo unit was working, as in it would turn on and you could see the station that it was on, but no sound came out. The dealer said that he would rectify all of these issues before purchase, but I was curious if these were common issues. Do the speedometer and other gauges fail often, and if so, how expensive of a fix is it. Also are there any other issues that I should be aware of for the 2004 LS? Thanks for your input.

 

Yeah the gauges do seem to break a good bit. My fuel gauge doesn't work but its because I need the sensor near the gas tank. As far as other problems look for rust everywhere and the transmission. Check for slipping with that.

 

Honestly beside the cv axles, hub bearings and transmissions (in the long run) our cars don't suffer from much else. At 54k with all those problems already is either a flood car or pervious owner neglect.(either way I'd honestly just keep looking) dealer should've fixed these issues prior to putting up on the lot so already the dealer is as shady as the car is. I've never experienced those problems on my 03 LS, owned it for 11 years and have nearly 385k on it.
Get a carfax on it and choose "wisely"

 

If it is not a GM, aka Chevy, Buick, Cadillac, dealer don't buy it. As was said before, the dealer should have fixed that before he put it out on the lot. A used car dealer will only fix it enough to get you off the lot. If the dash fails again after that you are on your own!