Pontiac Repair: coolant issue - GM 3.4 L engine, buick rendezvous, differential fluid

Question
I noted from your bio yiou now work at Buick dealership so I thought I would ask you my question.

I am considering buying a 2003 Buick Rendezvous with a 3.4 liter engine.  The vehicle has 27,000 miles, with probably 2,000 miles put on it in the last 3-4 years.  The coolant has never been changed.  I know this engine will likely have the intake manifold leak (I used to own a Malibu)that plagues GM engines from this era.  Is the fact the coolant has never been changed coupled with the age of the gasket increase the chance I will have this problem sooner rather than later?   Also, if you would care to comment, are there other potential problems due to the low mileage and lack of use of the vehicle over the past 3-4 years?  Thanks.

Answer
Hi Tom:

With that little milage it "should" be a good SUV. I would change the coolant just due to the age of the car. It's not going to really hely the inatke manifoled gasket issue that is an issue due to heat cycles more so then the coolant it's self. if this is a AWD your looking at you may want to consider changing the rear differential fluid as well. It's called versa track fluid and it is expensive!!! it's something like $32.00 per Pint. the brakes on these cars are a bit of an issue too the rotors tend to rot out due to the enviroment (dampness) other then that with low miles on it you sohldn't have too many issue with it. Once they get a lot of miules on them they have all kinds of issues from front to rear :( !   Good luck :)