Are Pontiacs Expensive to Maintain?

Pontiacs, on average, cost $460 a year to maintain. Learn more about Pontiac maintenance costs (and model-specific costs) here.
Written by Bonnie Stinson
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
background
General Motors manufactured sedans and muscle cars under the Pontiac name until 2010 when the brand was discontinued. The average annual repair cost for a Pontiac is $460, lower than the national average across all brands.
After the initial price tag, you still need to put some money into your Pontiac maintenance every month to keep it running smoothly. Some makes and models will cost more than others to maintain. Take note, Pontiacs are not expected to appreciate in value and exterior replacement parts may be hard to find.
How much does a Pontiac cost to maintain? To help you understand what to expect, the
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How much maintenance does my Pontiac require?

Pontiac was one of General Motors’ luxury brands and their vehicles are known for about average reliability. GM’s engines and transmission are very high quality. These are slightly outdated vehicles, but in general, you can expect your Pontiac to require slightly less maintenance than other cars. 
While a car’s brand is correlated to how frequently it needs repairs, what’s more important is to maintain your vehicle regularly. For instance, well-maintained older Pontiacs can easily reach 300,000 miles with minimal trouble.

How much does maintenance for a Pontiac cost?

On average, a Pontiac costs about $460 per year for standard maintenance.
However, your own Pontiac maintenance cost will depend on the specific model you own. For instance, a G8 sedan and a GTO sports car will have very different maintenance costs. 
Let’s look at the average annual maintenance costs for several popular Pontiac models.

Budget: G5 

  • Reliability: 2.5/5 (average)
  • Annual maintenance cost: $428 (average)
  • Repair frequency: No data available (too outdated)

Mid-range: G3

  • Reliability: 3/5 (average)
  • Annual Maintenance cost: $518 (average)
  • Repair Frequency:  No data available (too outdated) 

Splurge: G8

  • Reliability: 4.7/5 (average)
  • Annual maintenance cost: $630 (average)
  • Repair frequency:  No data available (too outdated)

Why you should maintain your Pontiac

Do you want to save money and drive safely? Then you need to perform regular maintenance on your Pontiac. It’s easier than you think! Just set a reminder in your calendar and make an appointment with an auto shop.
A well-maintained vehicle:
  • Increases your safety while driving
  • Saves you money by preventing expensive problems
  • Keeps your car performing at its best
  • Keeps the value of your car high
It’s tempting to delay regular service appointments. But just remember, a poorly maintained Pontiac puts you at risk of driving an unsafe vehicle and suffering an expensive breakdown.
Key Takeaway: In general, Pontiacs are about as reliable as the average vehicle. However, some models are more reliable—and affordable—than others. 

How often does a Pontiac require maintenance?

Mileage
Service
Average cost
Every 7,500 miles
Oil change, tire rotation
$75 to $90
Every 22,500 miles
Change in-cabin air filter, brake pad replacement
$205 to $311
Every 40,000 miles
Drive belt replacement, timing belt replacement
$650 to $750
Every 90,000 miles
Replace spark plugs
$125 to $165

Oil changes

  • When: Usually required every 7,500 miles
  • Cost: $35 to $50
  • Why: Removes excess dirt that can build up in your engine from daily use
  • DIY?: Maybe—if you have the right tools

Tire replacement

  • When: NHTSA recommends that tires be replaced every six years, regardless of the number of miles driven
  • Cost: $400 to $750 for four tires 
  • Why: Worn-out tires are unsafe and can lead to hydroplaning in wet weather
  • DIY?: No—allow a professional to ensure a balanced installation for even wear and a smooth ride

Engine replacement

  • When: If the engine block is cracked, damaged in a collision, or simply worn out due to high-mileage
  • Cost: $2,500 to $4,000
  • Why: Your engine is the key to prolonging the life of your vehicle
  • DIY?: No—take your Pontiac to a reputable mechanic for an engine replacement

Windshield replacement

  • When: If the crack is longer than your hand, extends to the outer edge of the windshield, or deep enough that it goes halfway into the windshield
  • Cost: $100 to $400
  • Why: If you can’t see clearly, it’s dangerous to drive 
  • DIY?: No—avoid attempting to install a new windshield yourself

Paint

  • When: Visible discoloration or paint peeling
  • Cost: $4,500 to $11,000
  • Why: Prevent corrosion and improve resale value with a good paint job
  • DIY?: Possible—only attempt this if you have a safe place to apply paint and professional-grade tools 

Passlock Sensor

  • When: If your engine won’t start and the security light is flashing
  • Cost: $400 to $700
  • Why: You won’t be able to drive if this part malfunctions
  • DIY?: No—take your vehicle to a dealer to get this issue resolved

Transmission

  • When: If you’re struggling to shift smoothly or there’s a burning smell
  • Cost: $300 to $1,500
  • Why: It’s dangerous, not to mention ineffective, to drive with a faulty transmission
  • DIY?: No—this is a complex repair that’s best suited for a professional

Finding cheap car insurance

Regular maintenance appointments are good, but if you really want to protect yourself and your Pontiac from unpredictable situations you need great car insurance.
Jerry
is the fastest way to shop around and compare rates. Even if you’ve had the same policy for years, Jerry can probably find you one that’s cheaper—without sacrificing any coverage. The entire process takes 60 seconds and Jerry takes care of all the paperwork.
Here’s the best part: The average user finds nearly $900 in annual savings! 
“After I bought my new car, the insurance companies tried charging me $315/month.
Jerry
, on the other hand, found me full coverage for only $220/month. Thank you!” ––Mari E.
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