Well, the sage of the Monte Carlo continues. I took the car out to the garage my brother works at and he pressure tested the cooling system. On the rear end, passenger side corner, the head gasket is gone, allowing coolant to escape the engine. It's what I was afraid of because doing a head gasket on a 60-degree V is such a pain in the ass.
I ordered the kit today with the new head bolts (3100 V6's use stretch bolts to attach head to block and they must be replaced when doing a head gasket) which cost about $260 at my cost.

I have an opportunity to trade my 99 Monte Carlo LS for a 96 Chevrolet Beretta with a 3100 V6/3speed auto... the body and interior of the Beretta are in better shape than my Monte, but the engine needs a head gasket, same as my Monte.
Decisions decisions... Opinions on 'what I should do?'

Gotta say Sam I have always been a Beretta fan. Like the old GTZ ones. So here's a vote for it. Lighter, sportier (my opinion) and same drive train (except trans) I would go for it. We aint talkin resale are we? And like you said, its in better shape....

Sam already knows my opinion.

I've had a crush on the Beretta since I was in college. My best friend had a brand new 1992 base model in white and I loved that car.

I'm all for it...if he wants it.

Shael

Dude, seriously? Why are you going to pain yourself with 80's/90's GM junk? What is your goal here? Are you looking for a point A to point B car, or something to drive around and have fun in? Either way, i feel that you keep shooting yourself in the foot over and over and over by replacing a GM with a GM.

Posted by big dave Dude, seriously? Why are you going to pain yourself with 80's/90's GM junk? What is your goal here? Are you looking for a point A to point B car, or something to drive around and have fun in? Either way, i feel that you keep shooting yourself in the foot over and over and over by replacing a GM with a GM.

i'm not buying an import.
I like GM's. I will continue to drive GM's. Unfortunately, yes, the 3100 has issue with head and intake gaskets. Whoopty fucking doo. I knew that when i got in the game. Personally, I would prefer a Cavalier, but unfortunately, they are rotted to fuck or beat to shit here in my corner of the world.

So, can that noise...

Posted by Samurai i'm not buying an import. I like GM's. I will continue to drive GM's. Unfortunately, yes, the 3100 has issue with head and intake gaskets. Whoopty fucking doo. I knew that when i got in the game. Personally, I would prefer a Cavalier, but unfortunately, they are rotted to fuck or beat to shit here in my corner of the world. So, can that noise...

Come to Oregon for a rot free Cavalier.

Samurai
how about a General Motors Matrix?

Posted by oddspot Samurai how about a General Motors Matrix?

two too many doors and it's a yota underneath

Posted by Samurai two too many doors and it's a yota underneath

Who gives a crap? Its made on this planet, and you would be buying used and not supporting someone elses economy by buying new. God, so many rural folk have yet to break out of their shell and enjoy something that WORKS WELL regardless of where its made.

Posted by big dave Who gives a crap? Its made on this planet, and you would be buying used and not supporting someone elses economy by buying new. God, so many rural folk have yet to break out of their shell and enjoy something that WORKS WELL regardless of where its made.

where have you been for the past couple of years. If I am buying a car, I am buying what I want, not what you want or what Nismo wants or what Bandi wants. Unfortunately not everything works out, so yay, I bitch about it on here. No one cares. I am not going to buy something that doesn't appeal to me. I love the Monte Carlo and the way it drives, the comfy ride, the comfy seats, how easy it is to live with. I am only considering the Beretta because it's just as good in the snow as the Monte Carlo, has the same powerplant which is a bit gutsier in a lighter car and I want a smaller two door.
What does Honda, Nissan or Toyota make that I might like or would be left up here? Not much.
If I could find one without issues, I'd buy a Saab 900 Turbo, but their transmissions suck. If I could find a Cavalier here for a decent price that wasn't beat the fuck, I'd probably buy that. Why do i constantly feel that I have to defend myself to you guys? I mean that good naturedly, but sometimes...
http://en.wikipedi.../Chevrolet_Beretta

Personally, I just like to read your creative ramblings. I say get what ya' like.

Posted by Samurai I am only considering the Beretta because it's just as good in the snow as the Monte Carlo, has the same powerplant

I dont understand your reasoning, when you are having problems with one powerplant and consider replacing it with a car with the same powerplant with the same fatal flaws. I enjoy your rants, but you keep shooting yourself in the foot. Its like breaking up with a fat chick with an attitude problem, only to go out with her after she graduates from Jenny Craig. Same bitch, different body.

Why man, why?

Posted by big dave I dont understand your reasoning, when you are having problems with one powerplant and consider replacing it with a car with the same powerplant with the same fatal flaws. I enjoy your rants, but you keep shooting yourself in the foot. Its like breaking up with a fat chick with an attitude problem, only to go out with her after she graduates from Jenny Craig. Same bitch, different body. Why man, why?

because even with the same problems, the cars are fun to drive, look great and cheap to repair.

Posted by Samurai because even with the same problems, the cars are fun to drive, look great and cheap to repair.

Since we are on the subject of Berettas...A Beretta was going to be my first car. My dad and I drove to a dealer in LA and drove one, but the steering wheel only turned once to the right, and 3 times to the left. This was before i knew much about cars, so i was upset that my dad wouldnt let me get it. The 1990 Hyundai Sonata V6 i ended up getting was a much better car than the Beretta, LOL.

OMG THAT CAR HAD A MITSUBISHI V6 GO CALL SKELLY


purple beretta is the ultimate sex offender car in my opinion

Posted by Nismo OMG THAT CAR HAD A MITSUBISHI V6 GO CALL SKELLY

Yeah and it was for sure a lot faster than a Beretta. I shouldnt have had that car for a first car. There was a tuner shop called Atomic Motorsports across the street from the Chevy dealer i worked at that i used to go hang out at after work every other day. The dudes kept bugging me about swapping a 3000gt/Diamante engine into it and setting it up for turbo. I didnt have the money, but that would have been a nice sleeper. The guy who owned the shop now works at Skunk2.

http://en.wikipedi...Dr._Charles_Madrid

in this case i would go for the less car same engine option

Reasoning should not be in car choices. Think about it. If we all wanted a practical vehicle we would be driving mini vans. Hell I'm a jeep guy and will admit its not a great everyday vehicle (wrangler atleast). I I drove it everyday. Why? I love the way I feel driving it. I love the capability if I need it. And I have never felt the need to justify it to anyone. And neither should anyone else.

Posted by Nismo OMG THAT CAR HAD A MITSUBISHI V6 GO CALL SKELLY purple beretta is the ultimate sex offender car in my opinion

Thats an MMC 3.0 V6 made at Diamond Star Motors you sturdel-lover!

And Samarui, here's something of interest in Portland:

http://portland.cr...td/1445915468.html