Pontiac maintenance: cost, plans and service schedule

Are Pontiacs expensive to maintain?

Pontiacs aren’t expensive to maintain in general. However, you may experience above-average costs associated with aging and high-mileage vehicles, given that all Pontiacs on the road have been in commission for over a decade.

“Pontiacs aren't terribly unreliable,” Sean Kim, an experienced mechanic in the Atlanta area, told ConsumerAffairs. “They still share essentially most of their parts with common GMs of their era. Maintenance and repair costs on Pontiacs minus certain cars like the Solstice should be fairly manageable,” he said. We’ll talk about the caveats with the Solstice in a bit.

“Generally, Pontiacs should be on par with older GM vehicles. Average maintenance costs should be roughly $500 to $1,000 per year,” Kim said.

Maintaining a vehicle involves keeping up with routine maintenance items that have nothing to do with an accident or a breakdown. These are things that all vehicles need on a regular basis — things like new brakes, new tires, tire rotations, alignments, oil changes (on non-EVs) and more.

Now, the good news about owning a 2000 to 2010 Pontiac is that Pontiac is (or rather, was) a subsidiary of General Motors. That means three things:

1. Repair parts should be relatively easy to find: Since Pontiacs share most components with GM vehicles, it shouldn’t be hard to find salvage or replacement parts if you need a major repair. We found a front outer wheel bearing for a 2006 Pontiac G6 in just a few clicks, and it was discounted from $310 to $121. There are some discontinued parts, of course, but there are plenty of Pontiac parts you can still buy in factory-new condition at a low price.
2. Maintenance should also be relatively straightforward: As with repair parts, it shouldn’t be hard to find maintenance parts (e.g., brake rotors, oil filters) for Pontiac cars since they share so many components from mass-produced GM vehicles of that era. A local AutoZone had plenty of extended life oil filters for a G6 from 20 years ago.
3. Most mechanics should still be able to work on them: Pontiacs aren’t like classic Ferraris. Unless you’re replacing the top on a Solstice or rebuilding the V-8 engine in the G8 GXP, you shouldn’t need specialty labor to keep your Pontiac on the road.

How Pontiac compares with other automakers

Backing up Kim’s claim that Pontiacs are relatively reliable, RepairPal data shows that on average, the cost to repair and maintain the average Pontiac is just $460 per year (not adjusted for inflation).

As expected, that’s not quite as cheap as a used Honda or Toyota, but it’s far cheaper than a pre-owned Ford. Notably, the data suggests that the cost of owning a Pontiac is less than half the cost of owning a pre-owned BMW.

Granted, these are just ballpark figures for each brand, and the numbers may vary by model. So let’s look at some specific Pontiac vehicles to see which ones might cost more than others to own.

Pontiac maintenance and repair costs by model

If we take data from RepairPal, we’ll find that there aren’t too many surprises when it comes to the cost of owning a specific Pontiac.

The midrange G6 sedan is about average for the entire brand, the high-performance G8 costs roughly 20% more (likely due to the larger engine and the cost of performance parts) and the two-seater Solstice convertible falls somewhere in the middle.

If you’re shopping for a Solstice, you should know that your annual costs may skyrocket if you have to replace the top.

“The Solstices tend to exhibit roof problems as time passes,” said Kim, “and if yours has issues, you’re looking at an extremely costly repair in the range of $2,000 to $8,000.”

That might be one reason to consider a pre-owned Mazda MX-5 Miata to get your two-seater fix instead of a Pontiac Solstice. Both vehicles have a manually operated top, but the Miata’s top can be replaced for as little as $1,000 by a professional or $200 if you do it yourself.

If you have your heart set on a Solstice, just be sure to thoroughly test the top before you buy it. Send it up and down a few times, check for leaks, and inspect the hinges for rust and damage.

And regardless of which Pontiac you buy, be sure to schedule a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) so you can get a professional’s opinion before buying it.

Pontiac maintenance schedule and cost

One major reason to schedule a pre-purchase inspection for a Pontiac is to ensure that the previous owner kept up with routine maintenance. As long as they changed the oil, brakes, tires and other essential wear-and-tear items on a routine schedule, you shouldn't have trouble getting through the next 50,000 miles — as long as you keep up with scheduled maintenance yourself.

Since most used Pontiacs now have over 100,000 miles, following high-mileage maintenance intervals becomes critical. Proper maintenance can extend your Pontiac's life significantly, while neglect accelerates wear on already-aging components.

All maintenance and repair costs below are based on averaged RepairPal data for various Pontiac models. Costs will vary based on your car’s model and year, your location and other factors.

Oil changes and fluid maintenance

For high-mileage Pontiacs, more frequent oil changes protect your engine and prevent costly repairs down the road.

Recommended oil change intervals include:

• High-mileage recommendation: Every 3,000 to 4,000 miles with high-mileage synthetic oil ($114 to $167)
• Severe conditions: Every 3,000 miles (frequent short trips, extreme temperatures, towing)

High-mileage synthetic oil contains additives that condition aging seals, reduce oil consumption and provide better protection for engines with over 75,000 miles. The extra cost pays off in extended engine life.

Other critical fluids to check include:

• Transmission fluid: Check level and condition every oil change; flush and replace every 30,000 to 50,000 miles ($158 to $330)
• Coolant: Flush and replace every 30,000 miles or two or three years ($288 to $568)
• Brake fluid: Replace every two or three years to prevent moisture contamination
• Power steering fluid: Check monthly; top off or flush if dirty

Regular fluid maintenance prevents the most common Pontiac problems, including transmission failures, coolant leaks and power steering issues.

Essential maintenance for high-mileage Pontiacs

Most Pontiacs on the road today have 100,000 miles or more, which means they need consistent maintenance to prevent costly breakdowns. Here's what you should prioritize.

Immediate priorities

If the previous owner can't provide maintenance records showing these items were recently completed, address them immediately:

• Timing belt replacement (if equipped): Critical on interference engines; failure causes catastrophic engine damage. Replace every 90,000 to 100,000 miles ($681 to $969)
• Water pump replacement: Usually replaced with timing belt to save labor costs
• Spark plugs: Should be replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles depending on type ($188 to $239)
• All drive belts: Check for cracks and replace if worn ($205 to $253 for tensioner replacement; $218 to $472 for idler pulley replacement)

Ongoing maintenance intervals

Once you've addressed deferred maintenance, follow these intervals going forward:

• Tire rotation: Every 5,000 to 7,000 miles ($49 to $72)
• Air filters: Replace engine and cabin air filters every 15,000 to 20,000 miles ($55 to $82)
• Brake inspection: Every oil change; replace pads as needed ($219 to $372 per axle)

Age-related issues to monitor

High-mileage Pontiacs are also aging vehicles (15-plus years old), which means age causes problems independent of mileage:

• Rubber components: Hoses, belts and gaskets deteriorate over time regardless of miles
• Suspension bushings: Dry out and crack, causing clunking noises
• Sensors: Oxygen sensors, MAF sensors and other electronics fail with age
• Battery and alternator: Typically need replacement every five to seven years
• Exhaust system: Rust and corrosion lead to leaks and failed emissions tests

When to expect major repairs

Beyond routine maintenance, budget for these common high-mileage repairs:

• 150,000 miles: Second timing belt replacement, transmission service, suspension component replacement
• 175,000 miles: Catalytic converter, fuel pump, alternator or starter replacement
• 200,000 miles: Engine or transmission rebuild may be necessary depending on maintenance history

Since Pontiac is discontinued, be sure to find a mechanic familiar with your specific model. Many independent shops and former GM dealerships still service Pontiacs and can access OEM parts through GM's parts network.

Pontiac repair costs

While Pontiacs may be relatively cheap to maintain despite their age, they can be expensive to repair thanks to some lingering factory issues.

According to CarComplaints.com, the most problematic late-year Pontiacs (2000–2010) are the G6, Grand Am and Grand Prix. The G6 tends to experience power steering issues, the Grand Am has coolant leaks and the Grand Prix can experience total transmission failure. While the former two issues are about a $1,000 fix, a new Grand Prix transmission can cost an arm and a leg.

For comparison, the G3, G5, Aztek and Solstice received very few complaints overall. Provided the previous owner took care of the vehicle and your PPI mechanic signs off on it, you can expect to get a few more years out of a well-maintained Pontiac, with typical repair costs of $500 to $1,000 per year.

Even still, peace of mind is often worth its weight in gold, so you may want to consider your options for an extended warranty as insurance against pricey repairs (e.g., power steering failure, roof issues).

Pontiac recalls

Pontiac vehicles have been subject to a lot of safety recalls over the years, many involving critical systems that affect the vehicle’s safety. Even though Pontiac discontinued production in 2010, you can still get free repairs on recalled parts.

The most significant Pontiac recalls include:

• Ignition switch defects: Affected millions of GM vehicles including 1999–2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004–2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. The ignition switch could move out of the run position due to key ring weight or jarring events, shutting off the engine and disabling airbags during a crash.
• Takata airbag inflators: Multiple Pontiac models, including various years of the Pontiac Vibe, were included in the massive Takata recall. Defective airbag inflators could explode and send metal fragments into the cabin.
• Pontiac Solstice ignition issues: 2006–2010 models were recalled because ignition switches could shut off suddenly during operation, causing loss of power steering, power brakes and airbag functionality.
• Power steering concerns: Various Pontiac models experienced power steering system failures that could result in loss of steering assist or complete steering loss.

To determine if your Pontiac has open recalls:

1. Visit the NHTSA recall lookup tool at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
2. Enter your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
3. Review any open recalls and safety campaigns.
4. Contact GM customer service at 800-762-2737 for assistance.

Important recall information

• All recall repairs are completed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
• Recalls remain valid even after your vehicle warranty expires.
• If you already paid for a repair later covered by a recall, you may be eligible for reimbursement from GM.
• Some older Pontiac recalls may be more difficult to service due to parts availability.

Even though Pontiac is no longer in production, GM continues to honor recall obligations for all Pontiacs. Check your VIN regularly, as new recalls can be issued even years after a vehicle's manufacture.

» LEARN: What is a manufacturer’s warranty?

How can an extended warranty help?

As hinted above, extended auto warranties may cost a monthly fee or a lump sum upfront, but they can be worth it if:

• The price is right
• The coverage is good
• You value peace of mind

And believe it or not, you can still purchase an extended warranty for a Pontiac. Endurance provides warranty coverage on high-mileage vehicles, so we were able to get a quote on a 24-month warranty for $172.04 per month.

The plan covers the engine, transmission, electrical system and a few hundred other parts, but it doesn’t seem to cover the Solstice’s top or top mechanism. That’s all the more reason to inspect both carefully before buying.

All things considered, owning a Pontiac with 100,000-plus miles may not be quite as expensive as one might think. Sure, they haven’t been made since 2010, but they’re simple, reliable machines with parts and labor that are relatively easy to find.

» MORE: Car warranty vs. car insurance