Why would a pontiac grand am bog down and shake when being taken out of park and...

[Chuck C]

...into reverse or drive? Im trying to purchase a 2000 grand am from a private seller and when i test drove it, everytime i took it out of park it seemed to lose alot of power to a poin that it would bog down and shake. I have very little mechanical skills so im stumped and dont want to buy a LEMON

 

[aerofisher]

The Problem that is occurring is most likely electrical which can be a hassle to fix.
I had the same problem with my ford contour

 

[kritik]

It could also be a broken transmission mount therefore when you shift it jumps.