Chevy Lumina, Oldie but Goodie?

I bought my Lumina October 2005. I must admit I was dreading it. A lumina isn't the coolest car to be seen in, but it was cheap, reliable transportation.

My 96 Lumina was the base model, but it had some nice features. Power windows, power locks, A/C, all the basics you need in a car. Upon purchase my car had a few minor problems. The car was burning some oil, the gas gauge gave random readings and the paint was coming off in sheets off the back doors, quarter panels and trunk, and the ABS isn't working. Ive seen this on several other Luminas, so look for any flaking or bubbling of the paint. Another thing to watch for is if the coolant is low. If it burns coolant it is a sign that the head gasket may be blown. The gauge malfunction was solved with a new sensor and cost about 200 dollars with labor to drop the whole gas tank. The paint was solved with a trip to my dads body shop. I haven't fixed the brakes, but Ive read it needs a new sensor as well.

Overall the cloth interior is nice. It leaves much to be desired as far as aesthetics, but is roomy with space for up to 7. The front seats are adjustable, but very painful on any kind of long drive. The carpet is pretty worn, and the seats have mild stains, but clean up well!

As far as performance the Lumina is no sports car. My 3.4 liter sprints to 60 at a sloth's pace 10 seconds. Low end torque is great, with enough twist to spin both wheels on take off. Over 2000 RPM it has nothing. Passing needs almost psychic prediction to hit the accelerator early enough. The ride is excellent, but cornering once again is lacking. Typical understeer is prevalent, but extremely excessive. Definitely not a sports car. If you want the sporty model go for the 3.8 liter LTZ.

So far this cars been getting me to work and back successfully, and several long distance trips. Great ride, nice features, but a soul less drive. You may not enjoy it if your an enthusiast, but it'll get you there.