Hi guys,

I'm looking for a reliable car for the winter cause I can't afford my GTA right now. I was looking at g-body's and talked to a guy that owns an 81 Malibu. It has a 229 V6 and a 3speed manual transmission. Problem is it has 330,000kms on it, about 205,000 miles. He's owned the car for 12 years and has been driving to the airport (highway driving) to work for the last 10 years he says. He's asking $1200 CAN for it (about $900 US). He's done recent work on the car. And says it runs great, but needs some body work.

Anyways, I'm just wondering what you guys knew about this motor because I know nothing about it. Thanks.

-Dave

 

I know these new 3.8l engines are quite reliable. As you see, they have been around along time. 205k miles seems like alot, but for a 1981 ride, that is very low. I say if its not puffing smoke, and you trust/belive that he took good care of the engine, I wouldnt worry.

 

On my 1997 camaro with the 3.8 (231ci) I got 238,000 miles on it.
The camshaft is worn, has chunks out of it. It made the lifters get chunks out of them, So I replaced the lifters and it was fine for about 4 weeks, then it just started ticking again (because the cam).
yeah they are reliable though.

 

378,000 km on my ride.