Should I buy this 04 MC????
#11
08-15-2011, 08:31 PM
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: St.Louis , MO.
Posts: 7,523
#13
08-16-2011, 03:26 AM
Here are some pics of the Monte, i read that somebody said i might need lower intake gaskets or manifolds??? how much is that??? thank you everybody for all your advice i really appreciate it.
#14
08-16-2011, 03:29 AM
The 3800 as stated is a great engine. I bought my '04 Monte SS in September of '08 with 52K on it and paid $9K for it (right around KBB for the car). It still has less then 70K on it now.
When I was shopping for a Monte, people with 6th gens between 110K-150K were asking a MINT for them!
Do the carfax, look the car over (top and bottom, inside and out). See how it was maintained, maybe even have a scan tool hooked up to it to check for any code issues. If it checks out, it's a solid buy. You may need to get lower intake gaskets done on it, but those are not a big deal.
When I was shopping for a Monte, people with 6th gens between 110K-150K were asking a MINT for them!
Do the carfax, look the car over (top and bottom, inside and out). See how it was maintained, maybe even have a scan tool hooked up to it to check for any code issues. If it checks out, it's a solid buy. You may need to get lower intake gaskets done on it, but those are not a big deal.
#15
08-16-2011, 07:54 AM
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Southeast PA
Posts: 25,136
If you can do the work yourself it will take an afternoon and about $150-$200 in gaskets and fluid.
If you are paying a shop, it could be like $800-$1200
If you are paying a shop, it could be like $800-$1200
#16
08-16-2011, 08:17 AM
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Mentor, Ohio
Posts: 12,217
The LIM gaskets are common to go bad on the 3100/3400/3800 drive trains (roughly around 80K-120K). Many believe Dex Cool is to blame, but I can tell you from experience with 3100's, it's ANY anti-freeze. It's the fact the LIM gaskets on those engines are nylon and the nylon breaks down from the hot coolant working on it.
As for cost, it varies. I HAVE no idea what a shop would charger. I've done the stuff myself. I'm not a mechanic (just a guy that does his own wrench work). I would first spend the extra money and get Fel-Pro's aluminum LIM gaskets (never worry about this issue again).
You will need the LIM and UIM gaskets, plus coolant, oil and filter (must do an oil change after doing the LIM gaskets, remove coolant that got into the engine). You can order the gaskets through RockAuto.com and I believe all materials to do the job fall around $100-$150 in parts.
As for cost, it varies. I HAVE no idea what a shop would charger. I've done the stuff myself. I'm not a mechanic (just a guy that does his own wrench work). I would first spend the extra money and get Fel-Pro's aluminum LIM gaskets (never worry about this issue again).
You will need the LIM and UIM gaskets, plus coolant, oil and filter (must do an oil change after doing the LIM gaskets, remove coolant that got into the engine). You can order the gaskets through RockAuto.com and I believe all materials to do the job fall around $100-$150 in parts.
#17
08-16-2011, 08:41 AM
Here's a Link 2004 CHEVY MONTE CARLO SS-- ULTRA NICE CAR!!!
Hi Jerry, Great find & a SuperSuper Beautiful Monte Carlo 4-Sure....(They are out there if you search : )
Below from Kelly Blue Book
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Pictures, Pricing, Specs, Compare
$7,750 - $9,6509.0User Reviews
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==========================================
For other years, check below
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#20
08-17-2011, 05:12 PM
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Albertville MN
Posts: 4,389
Ok. In my opinion !! most people when saying that's a lot of miles. Don't know that the Motors built now days are completely different then back in the 70's. The motors G.M. builds now are like the BLUEPRINTED ENGINES of the past. Where we used to measure with a yardstick 
.. Now they have to have computers that take the measurements for them. The tolerances are so close they are in microns! So if the oil has been changed often & the coolant also. The motor part should be good to over 200,000 miles. Now as far as the other stuff. alt ,battery, wires plugs brakes that just everyday wear & tear..If it runs good nor knocks or rough running I'd go for it. Check under the car for rust in the trunk under the mat. Under the doors. Then you should fine.
.. Now they have to have computers that take the measurements for them. The tolerances are so close they are in microns! So if the oil has been changed often & the coolant also. The motor part should be good to over 200,000 miles. Now as far as the other stuff. alt ,battery, wires plugs brakes that just everyday wear & tear..If it runs good nor knocks or rough running I'd go for it. Check under the car for rust in the trunk under the mat. Under the doors. Then you should fine.