Pontiac Montana- should I buy it or not?

  • Thread starter Thread starter mandy007
  • Start date Start date
M

mandy007

Guest
Hi. I looked at a Pontiac Montana today and it was overall in great shape. The engine has about 80k miles on it, but the rest has about 160k. I am concerned about the transmission life, etc. I am mainly looking for a van to last at least 2 years. Any opinions from someone who has a little knowledge on the subject? Thank you.
I forgot to mention, it's a 2000.
 
The 2000 Pontiac Montana (regular) has Consumer Reports' Much Worse Than Average reliability ratings in the Engine Major, Engine Cooling, Transmission Major, Transmission Minor, Brakes, Squeaks & Rattles, and Power Equipment categories and has CR's Worse Than Average reliability ratings in the Engine Minor, Drive System, Fuel System, Climate System, Paint/Trim, and Body Hardware categories. However, its Electrical System and Suspension are average and its Exhaust system is above average.

If you plan to own it for only 2 years and plan to use it locally (not take any longer trips in it) and if your budget is very tight, it may be worth the risk.
 
Speaking strictly from personal experience, I'd recommend you stay away from GM minivans in general. My parents leased two different vans, one of them a 2000 Montana, and we had constant problems with them. The Montana's engine seized, and after enough trips to the dealership, was bought back under lemon law. We leased another and had endless electrical, transmission, and paint issues, but Pontiac refused to comply with lemon law a second time.

Keep in mind that these vans never accumulated over 36,000 miles over the course of a 3 year lease...and the van you're considering has about 5 times the mileage.

With that said, if you still are considering it, have it THOROUGHLY inspected by an experienced mechanic before your purchase. Good luck.
 
Back
Top