I have a 3800 II engine in my 97 Pontiac Bonneville with 158K+ miles on it. The tranny gave out before the engine. After the tranny was rebuilt it still runs like a tank. Between city and highway driving I can still average 25-28 mpg. If the engine was evenly moderately taken care of it will last.
I think there was a video of a guy try to destroy a V6 from a Firebird and couldn't. He ran no oil and it still was running.
__________________ 2001 Black Z28, A4
1996 Black Impala SS
The 3.8 is an awesome daily driver. I have a 2000 auto w/ almost 60k (I've owned since 45kish) and the only problem I've had is a serpentine (spelling?) belt and it needs an alignment.
yep got a 1990 olds with series 1 3.8 and I can tell you this. I stunned 2 mid 90's v6 stangs and a more powerful 4.0 220 hp new v6 stang. And its gone very quick no engine probs just new alternator and 1 hose. I hit 100,000 miles actually last week in it. About to hit that also in my 99 z28. But id get a v8 f-body I mean come on 3.8 is for 4 doors not 2! Id rather have a gtp or sse over a damn rs! But thats me laters!
current car
99 M5 V6 Camaro
160K+ miles regularly get 360-400 (high of 420) miles to the tank (alot of highway miles)
replaced - alternator, starter, 2 power window motors
still on the original clutch and i've beat the f*ck outa it taking it to the track alot in its youth, barely have a second gear from all the power shifting but still have the miracle clutch and can still chirp second when i ram it into gear.
a/c compressor needs to be replaced, maf sensor seems to have died but not really affecting much driving but has erratic idle when first started.
all in all great car and looks good still.
HOLY CRAP!!! What's up Eric!!!!! I don't know if you remember still but I'm 2kbluefbody over at the other site... a.k.a bene. I did'nt think you'd still have your V6.
I have a 94 v6 camaro, when I got it last year in Feb it had 141,000 miles, now it has almost 164,000. Its making a tapping noise like its got a bad lifter, with an oil change the noise goes away for while. I have no money to get it fixed, so I gotta drive it anyways. I only had 2 things to fix, the cat converter was replaced and starter motor too, thats it!
I know both those cars on a quasi-personal level, and let me tell ya..they are NOT good examples of any V6 F-body. Both are problematic as hell...the red one spends alot of time out of comission, and the blue one has yet to reach it's full potential.
__________________ 1999 Pontiac Formula | 2000 Honda CBR 600 F4
Im thinking about geting this nice 02 V6 Firebird w/50K miles as an everyday car. How well do these motors last? Are they bad for everyday driving? The other option i am looking at is geting a prelude or eclipse, but i think the firebird looks nicer. V6 drivers post your comments. Also does the rwd suck in the snow even with good tires? Sometimes in the winter there is light snow/slush here.
Dont know if its been said, but heres an idea...
Get a 98 LS1 instead of a 02 v6. they will likely come up about the same price as long as you get a z28 or a regular trans am. SS or WS6 will not be as cheap. You will have the motor you really want and be able to go fast too. Unless you have a big problem with a slightly higher insurance rate, this would be the better way to go.
Heres my story: i bought a 1997 firebird v6 for 1500 bucks it had 249 thousand miles on it and i drove the hell out of it, i couldnt kill it, did doghnuts and was always on the rev limiter, if you blow a 3.8 up its because of lack of maintence or your just plain fucking stupid...
