Newbie and considering a Montana w/3400

[Craigmri]

Hey guys,

I found a 2003 Montana with 67,000 miles that is super clean and is a Florida car. I havent owned many GM cars and researching this van I am learning they have a tendency to have bad lower intake manifold gaskets.

The van is a decent price ($6000) but I will be relaying on this van for work and I'm becoming increasingly concerned if I should pass on this van due to the potential issue.

Question, what is a "typical" cost to replace the lower intake manifold gasket on a Montana Minivan at a reputable shop?

Am I being overly paranoid about this?

Craig

[pocket-rocket]

Welcome to the site, Craig

I'm not sure what the going price is for the LIM gasket job (I'm typically the one doing it for friends, and I don't charge them shop rate), but I can offer up some advice. Next time you are in front of the van, take the oil cap off and look for a "snot" like substance. If it's on the bottom of the cap, then the LIM floodgates have already let loose. I assume you've already asked the owner if the job has ever been done already.

I wouldn't say you are being overly paranoid about it. After all, this is a $6000 investment that you will be relying on to get you to and from work in. If caught early (or changed to the metal gaskets, as I've done as a precaution for one friend) you don't have a lot to worry about besides the bill. If caught too late it can cause some big problems.