From a Vette to a Monte
#1
12-26-2014, 10:34 AM
From a Vette to a Monte
So instead of a simple HELLO, I'll tell you a story of pain, tears, and regret. I'll keep it brief.
This story starts off with me, 17, back in high school a few years ago. I was looking for a first car and I wanted, no, NEEDED something fun and thrilling. I had saved $3800 to this point and spent months searching for something. First, I looked at mustangs. Too boring for me! Then 3000GT's. Too unreliable! Then one day, a relative got an email from a long time friend saying that his wife was selling her 1992 automatic corvette for $3500.
I laughed at that thinking it was going to be bad. So after a 2 hour drive to see it I fell in love with it. The paint was pristine, the engine roared. They had a 5 inch thick folder of all maintenance done dating to 1992. I bought it the next week. This was a huge mistake. The day I parked it in the drive-way the transmission cable fried. It was stuck in park on the drive-way! After that, every month, without fail, something broke. Sensors, u-joints, half-shafts, shocks. You name it and it broke! One day while driving home the ICM just MELTED while I was in the middle lane on the freeway during rush hour. The car shut off and I did not have my cell phone on me. Boy that was fun. Then the electronics started screwing up and I said to hell with it, new car time.
So I sold it for $5000 (lost $2000 after all repairs) and used that as a down payment last June for a 2007 Monte Carlo SS, with a 2 year powertrain warranty. I have got to say, while the ride is not as fun, it's still damn good and the interior is FAR more comfortable. The vette was like a pretty bumpercar, I mean, you could feel every bump and it hurt.
So far I've only had to have the thermostat replaced and ECU reprogrammed (under warranty) and the aftermarket sound system it came with given a new fuse box. I took it to an audio shop to get new front speakers in and they said "We're not going to take your old ones out man, they're worth about $600 for the pair." I didn't even know until they told me.
But yeah, good car, hopefully it stays in good condition. The TPMS service thing has been coming on for one wheel and I need to grease the half-shaft, but other than that I should be good. Cheap parts except for the engine and tranny, which are both covered under warranty.
Here's my Monty and the corvette it replaced.
This story starts off with me, 17, back in high school a few years ago. I was looking for a first car and I wanted, no, NEEDED something fun and thrilling. I had saved $3800 to this point and spent months searching for something. First, I looked at mustangs. Too boring for me! Then 3000GT's. Too unreliable! Then one day, a relative got an email from a long time friend saying that his wife was selling her 1992 automatic corvette for $3500.
I laughed at that thinking it was going to be bad. So after a 2 hour drive to see it I fell in love with it. The paint was pristine, the engine roared. They had a 5 inch thick folder of all maintenance done dating to 1992. I bought it the next week. This was a huge mistake. The day I parked it in the drive-way the transmission cable fried. It was stuck in park on the drive-way! After that, every month, without fail, something broke. Sensors, u-joints, half-shafts, shocks. You name it and it broke! One day while driving home the ICM just MELTED while I was in the middle lane on the freeway during rush hour. The car shut off and I did not have my cell phone on me. Boy that was fun. Then the electronics started screwing up and I said to hell with it, new car time.
So I sold it for $5000 (lost $2000 after all repairs) and used that as a down payment last June for a 2007 Monte Carlo SS, with a 2 year powertrain warranty. I have got to say, while the ride is not as fun, it's still damn good and the interior is FAR more comfortable. The vette was like a pretty bumpercar, I mean, you could feel every bump and it hurt.
So far I've only had to have the thermostat replaced and ECU reprogrammed (under warranty) and the aftermarket sound system it came with given a new fuse box. I took it to an audio shop to get new front speakers in and they said "We're not going to take your old ones out man, they're worth about $600 for the pair." I didn't even know until they told me.
But yeah, good car, hopefully it stays in good condition. The TPMS service thing has been coming on for one wheel and I need to grease the half-shaft, but other than that I should be good. Cheap parts except for the engine and tranny, which are both covered under warranty.
Here's my Monty and the corvette it replaced.
#2
12-26-2014, 10:48 AM
Hi Beater `Monte & Welcome to the Monte Carlo Family.
(your Monte S.S. sure doesn't look like Beater Monte) LOL
Thanks for your great introduction post + pictures.
Wish you good luck with your Great Looking S.S.
How many miles ? What options ?
Explore the MCF & EnJoy...
Wish you a Super Holidays & a great New Year >EnJoy<
(your Monte S.S. sure doesn't look like Beater Monte) LOL
Thanks for your great introduction post + pictures.
Wish you good luck with your Great Looking S.S.
How many miles ? What options ?
Explore the MCF & EnJoy...
Wish you a Super Holidays & a great New Year >EnJoy<
#3
12-26-2014, 10:48 AM
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Mentor, Ohio
Posts: 12,156
Sorry to hear about the pains with your Corvette. I hope your Monte proves to be better then the Vette in reliability.
#4
12-26-2014, 10:50 AM
Wow, sorry about all the trouble with your Corvette but you sure have a sweet Monte. Can't wait to see more pics.
Welcome to the forum!!!
Welcome to the forum!!!
#7
12-26-2014, 11:23 AM
Monte Of The Month -- November 2012
Monte Of The Month -- June 2014
Monte Of The Month -- July 2016
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