2001 Pontiac Grand Prix How big of a problem could this be?

DEROCK411

MEMBER
2001 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX

2001 Pontiac Grand Prix 111000 miles

Hi, I went used car shopping today with my dad(it will be my first car). We came across a very good condition 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP. We test drove it, checked every detail, etc. The only problem that we stumbled across that kind of got us scratching our heads before diving into paying for this car was the fact that when we started it up with the hood popped, after about 35 seconds or so we started to notice a faint smoke coming from the header area(it looked as if someone had blown out a candle, just a faint amount of smoke). We think that it may be a small oil leak, but couldn't tell if it would be the actual head or just the gasket, and how large of a problem this could permit later on down the road. My question is: based on the information given, do you think that this is just a gasket, or quick fix, or is it something a little more serious(what is your take on what it COULD be?), And would either scenario be a large problem down the road?

Thanks,
Derock

1 Reply

OBXAUTOMEDIC

MECHANIC
3,711 POSTS

Hi Derock,

Do you have a mechanic that you trust? And is he with the area of the vehicle you are interested in? If so call him and ask if he would check out the problems you have noticed then go back and take it for another test drive and take it to him.

Depending on what he says, when you go back to the dealer ask them what kind of warrantee the vehicle has and what it covers. And then tell them about the problems you have noticed and ask if they will fix them prior to you purchasing the vehicle. If they say that they will, GET IT IN WRITING BEFORE SIGNING ANYTHING. Because if you don't they may not honor there verbal agreement.

Also if they do fix the car and you do purchase it make sure you get the warrantee and what is covered in Writing. That way if something does go wrong within the warrantee time and you call about it and they say it's not covered and your paper work says it is. They have to fix it.

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