heyo, let's get the weird stuff to talk about over real quick. I'm Katie, 19 Y/O, from the coastal jungles of Oregon. Oh, and I weirdly like cars, and want to learn more.
kay, now that that's over. (why does that scare me so much? idk, lets move on)

I've been eyeing the 2004-2006 Monte Carlos for quite some time. I had the privilege of borrowing a 2004 SS (non-supercharged) and since then I've been hooked, I can't stop wanting to get one for myself. Currently there's a good deal on a 2005 LS here in town, based on my own research has the 3400 engine, ya? how much will that affect the feel of the car and overall moddability vs the 3800?

So I guess in the end, I'm a wannabe monte owner.

Thanks in advance!

 

There both reliable engines. The 3800 has many more available parts aftermarket for modifying. But if you're looking for more power I would suggest getting one with a supercharger and spend more at the pump using high octane fuel (93 octane) or splurge and get a 06-07 with a V8 engine.

 

If you find one get one with as low of miles as possible. If it has an aftermarket radio in it walk away. All the programing goes thru the Radio in these rides. The Forum is full of war stories about this mod that caused a bunch of headaches.

 

Would it be too difficult to put a factory radio back in it? or would that require some reprogramming? Sorry for a bunch of questions >.<

 

A lot goes through the radio in the 00-05 (not sure about 06-07):
- Door chime
- Reset the tire pressure and oil life systems
- programming key fobs.

But you can still have an aftermarket radio. There are door chime modules to handle that and in the rare case you need a fob programmed, I believe you *might* need someone with a Tech II (dealer usually) to handle that.... And there are alternate ways to reset tire and oil life systems.

If you want to put a factory radio in, that is easy to do, but will require a Tech II to program the radio (and take it out of theftlock). There are ways to get the radio out of Theftlock without a Tech II, but you are going to butcher the radio and it has side effects (as a result, I do not advise it).

 

Alright, thanks for all the help, the person who lent me the 2004 SS just offered to sell it for 4000$ (71000miles), so I think that might be better than buying into one someone else screwed up ya?

 

Even though those are low miles, I don't know about paying that much for a non supercharged Monte.

 

As much as I hate to say it, I with Nitehawk, that sounds a bit high (it's a 15 year old car). For that price, the car best be mint and not a spot of rust. Before deciding if we are right or wrong, do some research. Look at comparable Montes in your local classified ads, craigslist, autotrader and other resources for people selling cars. That might uncover a lot of helpful information to make an informed decision.