I'm looking to buy a 2006 SS with 69K on it, the 5.3L DOD engine is one I know nothing about. Are there problems that would show up at that mileage or overall problems with this engine that occur as mileage increases? I have seen delete kits for this engine but they would not meet CA. emissions checks. Thanks

 

Biggest weak point on the car is the transmission. Let the car get fully up to temp, shift through all of the gears while parked, then check the fluid for it being burnt / not pink.

Then go for the test drive to make sure it's shifting smoothly.

 

1) Even if Engine Light is NOT on, ... have the OBD2 Codes read.
Look for Codes that say HISTORY or PENDING.

2) If the Codes were RESET with 30 days or less than 70 miles, ... BEWARE!

 

I agree with checking the transmission. I owned a 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP with that combo and it was fast but the transmission started acting up around 80,000 miles. Examples are when at a stop such as a stop sign it would hesitate to start and sometimes bucked when driving. It is due to GM putting a 3800 transmission mated to the 5.3 V8. On the other hand I have met owners with 129,000 and not a problem out of their transmission. I guess you could say it is a "crap shoot".

 

Thanks for the replies, I could not talk my self into a V8 monte, so I bought a 2004 Dale Earnhardt edition nice, condition 123K.

 

Nice! So it is the supercharged model?

 

Yes, the car is still in transport from IL. to no. ca. It should arrive any day now. It's a slow process.

 

I hope you take ownership soon and I can tell you the car won't be a slow process!