The story of how I accidentally bought a totaled supercharged Pontiac Grand Prix

"dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford" (dtg11) 05/04/2020 at 17:00 • Filed to: None

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My fiancée recently got a job, but doesn’t have a car. She’s been having her friends and me drive her. Not a big deal for us, but it would be good for her to be have her own car. Despite a very limited budget, I started looking around at used cars. Obviously I started with the cheap car mecca, Facebook Marketplace. There was a couple good options, but they sold before we could look at them. Then I started thinking more unconventionally. What about a salvage auction? I had a great car totaled by hail damage and I know that a little damage is enough to total a good car. To Copart I went! I started putting in low bids on a slew of cars. I didn’t expect many people to be buying salvage cars during this situation, but I was very wrong. I expected to have a good chance of winning a 1994 Geo Metro with light front end damage, but somehow it got bid up to $950 before fees. I then realized that the salvage auctions weren’t missing a beat and that they’re still as popular as ever. After that auction ended, I placed a bid on a boring silver Pontiac sedan with hail damage. I knew it was being sold by an insurance company (always preferred) and that the back window had a few holes from the hail. Beyond that, I didn’t look too closely. It was a low bid, $525, on a 2007 with 167k miles. The auction was the next day, so I expected to get outbid once the live auction started.

Except I didn’t.

I took lunch break at my job and checked my phone. I saw a notification from Copart. I immediately knew what happened: I’d won the auction. With a winning bid of $525, Shelter Insurance wanted to sell me their salvage Pontiac. After fees, the total came out $920 for a car that Copart said runs, drives, and has keys. Aside from a few pictures and the VIN, that’s almost all I knew about this car. After personally saying I would never buy a car without test driving it, here I was buying a salvage car sight unseen. After ordering my break food, I sat down to look at what I’d just gotten myself into. Obviously it had hail damage, but what something else wrong with it? When Copart says it runs and drives, all they do is start the engine and see if the car goes forwards and backwards. No drive around the lot or anything, just to see if the engine and transmission work just enough to move a few feet forward and back. This means the engine could be knocking like a Jehovah’s Witness or the transmission won’t shift out of 1st or a whole slew of issues. Full of worry of the unknown about the car I’d accidentally bought, I called my fiancée to let her know that she has a new car. She was excited, but just like me, she had no idea what we’d gotten into. I paid for the car through the Copart app, and got back to work. Once I was off for good, I looked through the pictures again and I noticed something. I knew the Grand Prix had the 3800, but as I looked closer, I realized something didn’t look right. Then, on the small low quality picture of the dusty dirty engine bay, I saw a word written in small script to left of the intake: Supercharged.

Not only had I accidentally bought a 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix, I only found out after I’d paid for it that I’d got the GT model, equipped with the legendary supercharged 3800.

After a long night of restless sleep, my fiancée and I prepared to drive over 2 hours to Kansas City and drive this car that we’d never seen before all the way back. We made it there with no issues and went into the Copart offices. It was a super simple and easy process and they told me the forklift would bring the car out shortly. I was like a kid waiting to get up on Christmas morning: the minutes of waiting passed like hours. Would it be a good car? Would it be a dud? Would it break down somewhere in the middle of nowhere on the way back?

Finally, the loader arrived and set down our new purchase. A quick walk-around revealed a few things I already knew and expected: the back window was busted, but thankfully had plastic wrap over it to keep out most of the weather. Additionally, the front windshield was shattered, but nothing dangerous. There were some good size hail dents, but fewer than I expected. Opening up the car, the interior was dirty but very solid, with no rips or tears in the leather and no cracks in the dashboard. The first good sign was that the interior lights came on. I popped the hood and checked the fluids and everything looked really good. I gave my fiancée the go ahead to start it. It cranked over a few times and then started right up. I fully expected to have to jump it, as most cars from Copart are dead when you get them. I then checked for warning lights and there was nothing, not even a low tire pressure light. I’d say we’re off to a good start. I put it in gear to make sure the transmission was good and handed the keys over to let my fiancée drive it around the parking lot. It ran, drove, and stopped just fine! So far so good. We switched cars and headed to the gas station and it did just fine.

The damage:

It doesn’t make for a good story, but the rest of the trip back home had no issues, other than wind noise and bits of glass falling over bumps. It pulls hard, shifts smooth, and rides comfortably. Overall, no complaints at all and I’m sure it’ll be a good car for us for a long time.

For those who asked, I will have a post about the Copart buying experience and what it’s like coming soon.

TL;DR I accidentally bought a 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix sight unseen from a salvage auction and found out that it was supercharged after I paid for it and it made it 150 miles home without any issues.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/04/2020 at 08:06

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Wow, your plan all along was to try to drive it home? You seem to have gotten really lucky with accidentally picking up a supercharged v6 one. That family of engines was pretty solid if I recall and the supercharged ones were surprisingly fast. Good job!

shop-teacher > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/04/2020 at 08:06

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I'm glad it worked out!

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/04/2020 at 08:11

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I once got one of these a rental car back in the day . It cruised fine on that 700 mile drive. 21 year old me enjoyed the supercharger, too.

dumpsterfire! > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/04/2020 at 08:13

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well that seemed to work out better than expected!

pip bip - choose Corrour > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/04/2020 at 08:14

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you struck gold by the sounds of it.

fix it and flip it for a few dollars

:D

ranwhenparked > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/04/2020 at 08:22

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Well, if you’re going to buy a salvage car sight unseen and drive it home, a Buick 3800 would be about the safest bet.

CalzoneGolem > pip bip - choose Corrour 05/04/2020 at 08:34

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Sounds like fiancée or OP is going to DD it eventually  

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/04/2020 at 08:35

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Thats damn amazing!

Cold air intake and let it scream!!

Under_Score > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/04/2020 at 08:35

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When I see other users my age making purchases like this, I realize the power that I have to make decisions like this . And it’s scary.

Why buy a brand new car for $30K after taxes and trade-in when I can buy five (with $500/month  insurance included). Seeing colorful cheap cars on Buy Here Pay Here lots is not good for me.

Nom De Plume > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/04/2020 at 08:42

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That was certainly a feelgood story to start the day off with.  Hope you kids enjoy it.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/04/2020 at 09:07

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Damn, that’s hilarious and awesome! Are you planning on keeping it, or going to sell it and flip it and buy something else?

I assume you’ll be getting the rear window replaced? Plus, with those dents from hail...golf balls have those to make them work better, so it’s just got to improve things, right? :P

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/04/2020 at 09:25

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If this is your first supercharged 3800, then my friend you can get yourself lost down a rabbit hole of cheap upgrades. Just don’t, for the love of all that is holy, slap a cone air filter on the supercharger inlet and call it a day. The patented “GTP bro hot-air-intake” is a false prophet that will lead you astray from the promised Land of free torque and honey.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/04/2020 at 09:33

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Congrats on the amazing score! I had a previous generation GT (in the prior gen the supercharged cars were GTPs, the GTs were just the plain 3800). Those engines are really stout and have few issues - early ones suffered from some intake manifold gasket issues but mine never had it and by that generation I’m pretty sure they’d solved it. Aside from that, mine never had any issues other than one random, dumb thing - the serpentine belt tensioner pulley seized, caused belt to snap, and broken belt whipped into power steering pump reservoir and broke it. That car should also have the 4T65-EHD transmission which is pretty stout.

I’m interested in hearing about your Copart experience. After I get some stuff sorted on my 240 project I’m thinking of doing a motor swap and I think the easiest & cheapest way might be to buy a whole donor car from Copart and pull the engine, wiring, everything. It would be good to know what I should expect if I do this. .

Discerning > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/04/2020 at 09:54

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Seems like you got a good deal! Shouldn’t be hard to get a new hood and glass. How does the roof look? Even a new roof skin wouldn’t be too bad.

Time for s ome ZZP parts!

smobgirl > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/04/2020 at 10:11

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Oh that’s awesome, I’ve been wondering how it went! I did some work not long ago for another Copart property and it was neat to talk to them a bit about how the business came to be.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Under_Score 05/04/2020 at 10:48

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I am always a proponent for used cars. Sure it’s not under warranty, but there are plenty of good reliable cars you can get for far less, like my TSX or G37. Both have had a ton of miles put on them with no real issues. Just set aside some money for maintenance and repairs and you also won’t have to deal with depreciation 

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > ranwhenparked 05/04/2020 at 10:48

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That was my thought as well!

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > pip bip - choose Corrour 05/04/2020 at 10:49

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Thought has crossed my mind, or make my DD to keep the miles off my G37, but my fiancée needs it more than anything 

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 05/04/2020 at 10:50

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Yep! I’ve got a couple acquaintances  with trailers, but I wanted to get it home myself if I could. The 3800 is super reliable and the SC3800 is fast reliable 

XJDano > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/04/2020 at 10:53

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Hell yeah! This is a good story. 

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/04/2020 at 10:54

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I applaud your bravery there and good sense.

I have a friend with a supercharged v6 Park Avenue. Isn’t that the same family of engines?

vondon302 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/04/2020 at 11:56

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Thats how copart goes sometimes. The stuff no one wants is always the best deal.

Seems like a steal, good luck!

Under_Score > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/04/2020 at 12:54

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My RAV4 would be good for someone, but that mediocre $5,500 trade in isn’t!

I’ve been thinking about getting something new. It’s still for sale. Remember, I get quoted $400-$500 per MONTH per car for insurance.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 05/04/2020 at 13:33

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It is, that’s a Series 2 versus Series 3. No major differences, they’re all good engines with a healthy amount of power

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 05/04/2020 at 13:34

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For now, it’ll remain all stock as it’s my fiancee’s and not mine to play with, it’s stuck with reliable DD for now.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Snuze: Needs another Swede 05/04/2020 at 13:37

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Thank you! I’d done prior research and known a few people with the Grand Prix’s, they’re cheaply built but fairly reliable. The intake issues had been fixed (but also aren’t an issue with the SC). I was a little wary of the transmission as GM is very hit or miss, but it doesn’t seem like there’s too many issues with it which is comforting.

Like I said, my thoughts on the  Copart experience are coming soon, hopefully end of this week

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars 05/04/2020 at 13:39

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Plan is to keep it, it’d sell for around $2500-$2700 fixed up but it’s about as good as you’d get for the money, plus we both enjoy it so far. Both the front and rear window will be replaced (about $600) and then it should be able to pass safety inspection just fine!

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Discerning 05/04/2020 at 13:41

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The roof is far better than the hood, but neither of us really care about the dents. If I find a cheap junkyard hood in the same color, I might snag it, otherwise I won’t bother.

No mods for now, just because it’s not mine to play with, plus I’ve got parts to install on my car first

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Nom De Plume 05/04/2020 at 13:41

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Thank you!

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability 05/04/2020 at 13:41

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Don’t tempt me with a good time haha

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > dumpsterfire! 05/04/2020 at 13:42

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oh absolutely!

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > XJDano 05/04/2020 at 13:42

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Thank you!

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > shop-teacher 05/04/2020 at 13:49

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Thanks! We are too haha. I meant to ask you the other day, but we’ve got some Micromachines I’m looking to hand off. Would you and your girls be interested? I don’t have pictures, but it’s a small military set and then a big playset, probably around $30-$40 in shipping. The big one is super stunt city or super van city

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/04/2020 at 13:51

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Nice, will the replacement rear window have the defrost element back in it? (Stupid question, but I’ve never had to get a rear windshield replaced...I would think having the element would be really expensive!)

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars 05/04/2020 at 13:56

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Yep! Plus the sensor wires for the remote start. For both windows, it’ll be around $600 after tax

Snuze: Needs another Swede > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/04/2020 at 14:09

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I thought the Grand Prix was a rather nice car for its price/market point. It’s no luxury car, but it was certainly a lot nicer than GMs shit compact cars. Then again my GP was my first car so I may be a bit biased.

GM generally knows how to build a great transmission, though they occasionally make mistakes in putting too much engine in front of them. That was the problem with the early GPs, both the base and Supercharged cars got the same 4T60 , and the supercharged cars ate them up. Over time GM learned and made improvements, going from the 4T60-E to the 4T60-E Heavy Duty , and then on to the 4T65-E and it’s Heavy Duty variant . The 60-EHDs were great behind stock or mild supercharged engines but would get fragged by high horsepower cars. The next gen cars, like yours, got the 65's which can take a lot more abuse (they were made to live with the 5.3L LS4 FWD V8).

Glad you got this car and I hope your fiance is happy with it and that it’s good to both of you. Can’t wait to hear about your experiences with Copart. 

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/04/2020 at 14:12

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Awesome! Keep us updated on things as you clean it up and start using it for regular duty.

Also, dare I say - that’s a pretty damn good looking car, especially compared to today’s overstyled garbage. 

fintail > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/04/2020 at 14:15

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Cars I disliked back in the day that I don’t hate now.   Many people have a monthly car payment of what you paid for this.   Score.

Leave the hood as-is, might be some kind of golf ball aerodynamic effect.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/04/2020 at 14:19

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Proof of concept

Discerning > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/04/2020 at 15:11

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You might as well do an intake to listen to the supercharger whine. A lot of 3800 owners have found really cheap ways to extract a little more power. Wouldn't be surprised if there's a nearly free intake solution that could be fun.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability 05/04/2020 at 17:14

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Oh I’ve already looked at the kits. I might do that later on, but I’m more likely to put that money towards parts on my car 

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > fintail 05/04/2020 at 17:16

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That’s my thoughts as well. No reason to spend much on cosmetics, it’s still a 13 year old GM with a bad title

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 05/04/2020 at 17:17

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Will do! I won’t be doing anything crazy, just get it legal, reliable, and clean it up and perhaps a few artistic touches here and there 

ranwhenparked > fintail 05/04/2020 at 17:28

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I could never completely dislike any car with a 3800, even back in the day. The worse position I could have was neutral. 

Nygrule56 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/04/2020 at 17:47

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I think your car has a swapped engine with a GTP. Yours is clearly a GT looking at the wheels, no paddle shifters and no HUD. The engine would have come from a ‘97-’03 GTP (240hp) and in ‘04 it switched to series 3 (260hp).

interstate366, now In The Industry > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/04/2020 at 17:48

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Hey, if it ever has a non-engine-related terminal failure or she just decides to get rid of it, at least you know someone who’s looking for a 3800SC. Although I don’t think the L32 plays as easily with the Fiero as the L67.

avalonian > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/04/2020 at 17:50

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Sweet score! A proper detail and new headlights for visibility reasons, and you will be rocking and rolling!

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > fintail 05/04/2020 at 18:14

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I hear the dimples deflect police radar .

* This information is highly suspect.

fintail > ranwhenparked 05/04/2020 at 19:52

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My objections are more aesthetic than mechanical.  The C-pillar/beltline always kind of put me off.

My uncle had a LeSabre with the 3800, he drove it for years. Other than the Achilles heel manifold issue, no problems, approaching 200K on it when he sold the car, I think.

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/04/2020 at 19:52

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Wow, was it a clean title? My Copart doesn’t let buyers drive stuff off, they’ll only load cars onto trailers.

Enjoy!

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > interstate366, now In The Industry 05/04/2020 at 20:00

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I had that thought cross my mind. Have you checked Copart yourself? Could probably scoop one up cheaply 

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker 05/04/2020 at 20:00

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Salvage, they just don’t care

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > avalonian 05/04/2020 at 20:01

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That’s the plan!

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Nygrule56 05/04/2020 at 20:02

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In 2007, the GT had the SC 3800. I promise, it’s the factory engine 

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/04/2020 at 20:10

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Wow. Very lax in the deep Midwest.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker 05/04/2020 at 20:11

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Not surprised at all. And not single cop cared that I didn’t have plates then entire way back

interstate366, now In The Industry > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/04/2020 at 20:19

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Not recently. I’ve had other priorities, like getting the Aristo running again. It briefly ran the other day, but now it won’t turn over.

Jdeponty > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/04/2020 at 20:24

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I’ve owned quite a few 3800 motor cars. Even a supercharged Park Ave ultra that I just loved. I would say you scored with that car.

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/04/2020 at 20:44

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I’ve driven with no plates way more than I should ever have. I’m confident at this point that it’s one of those “don’t break two laws at once” things.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > interstate366, now In The Industry 05/04/2020 at 21:40

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Any codes or anything?

My first thought is starter, although I also had similar  issues with the camshaft position sensor 

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker 05/04/2020 at 21:41

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Which is exactly why I always used signals and went the speed limit etc

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Jdeponty 05/04/2020 at 21:43

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Thank you! I feel the same way 

avalonian > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/04/2020 at 22:02

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Check out certifit, in Georgia. They ship nationwide and their prices were reasonable, got 2 brand new honda headlights for 100 bucks with bulbs!

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > avalonian 05/04/2020 at 22:10

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Just did, $90 shipped! Once we’re ready for them, that’s probably what I’ll go for!

interstate366, now In The Industry > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/04/2020 at 22:32

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Well, I hooked the battery up backwards last week, so, uh, I have a lot going on. Starter might be an issue though.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > interstate366, now In The Industry 05/05/2020 at 09:16

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Oof, that would do it

Starz73 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/05/2020 at 09:56

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I have a 2005 Gran dprix GXP 5.3 V8. Paddle shift and I love my car. Great car. I keep up with the maintenance on it and it runs excellent with a little additional things I added to it  but its an awesome  car. Over all they are great cars 

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/05/2020 at 10:35

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and perhaps a few artistic touches here and there

...so, “period-correct” spinners?

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 05/05/2020 at 17:57

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absolutely

Lexi > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/06/2020 at 08:05

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I’ve had the 2006 model of the same car for almost 10 years now. I’ve put almost 100k miles on it since then , and despite a few wear and tear issues over the last couple years, it’s been a great car for me. Very reliable, and as long as you take care of the basic maintenance, it should easily hit 200k or more miles. And even though he supercharger is completely unnecessary for the 3800 engine, it really is a nice touch.