mvvette97

My 14 year old nephew is looking at one for his first car. It has the 3.4 with the automatic. Are there any problems they have with the engines on these cars? I'm going to look at it for him. The guy said he has to add coolant every week, he said he can smell it. Do these have the intake problem like the newer 3.1 and 3.4?

SupplySgt.

the newer 3.1 and 3.4 (like what's on the newer luminas (before they discontinued them) and the FWD pontiacs) are different engines so I don't think the problems are gonna be the same. My first car was a 95 Camaro with a 3.4 in it and it was a good first car even though I couldn't outrun much. Watch out for the EGR valve (very expensive on the 3.4) and when you get close to 130k miles it's time to check the motor mounts. Mine also drank oil pretty bad. Those were the main problems I had with mine till I finally got rid of it. I'm sure there's other problems associated with them but those are the ones I know of

avie928

i have a 1994 3.4L and so far i just had a problem with the head gasket but i found out that i bought it like that and the previous owner never told me he had a blown head gasket so i fixed it and it runs great now. the good news is that it isnt that expensive to fix if there is any problems. i even run synthetic oil in my car and no leaks anywhere im happy with it. i just wish it was a z28 lol

Capsule-ER

I just went looking for my wife as she loved my Camaro but does not want the Gas hog that my LT4 is.

We looked at the 3400's but the 3800 seems to be a much better motor. I recommend to you that you advise him to find a 3800.

I got my wife her 96 Manual 3800 w/ 120k for 1800 cash. There are 3 or 4 more around here that are auto 3800's for the same price.

This car was very clean but he had broken the front fender which I happened to have an extra of so it worked for me.

I would look around more, I know a manual is fun I will only buy Manuals my wife loves them ever since she met me. However I would say Auto's are easier for a first time driver.... and easier to get into lazy habits while driving.

Anyway both trannys seem fine. I wish you both luck but I say the 3800 is worth the little extra... esp considering the higher TQ/HP Rating.