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Post by RCSRGREAT on Dec 5, 2009 16:39:09 GMT -6
Both cars impress me a lot. Ive test drove both of them and I finally have the white Aurora paid off. I want to give the Tuarus I have to my 15 year old sister so I can open up some room for a new car. Ive got it down to these two cars since I cant afford a G8 or GTO...
Looking for your opinions...
5.3L V8 Prix or Northstar 4.6L V8 Bonneville??
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Post by latenight72 on Dec 5, 2009 16:41:32 GMT -6
5.3L has endless performance options... BUT the 4T65E is a POS. The 4.6L is what it is..
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Post by oldsmobile99 on Dec 5, 2009 16:45:58 GMT -6
on the 5.3 you have to drop the cradle to change a belt tensioner thats what i heard on the grand prix forums. but the 5.3 is bulit proof and will last forever. personally i would take the Bonneville.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 5, 2009 16:46:39 GMT -6
gosh you sound like me! I've driven both and the GXP GP is fantastic and drives better IMO than the bonnie. But the 4T65E is a POS if the owner has ran it to hell.
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Post by RCSRGREAT on Dec 5, 2009 16:50:41 GMT -6
yea.... ive heard the trannys can be a problem... but the GP engines are amazing, supposedly.. i like the looks of the GP more too.. im not a big fan of the bonnie rear panel (yea, yea, laugh - the auroras is weird looking to, I know).... just my opinion..
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Post by 95mushroom on Dec 5, 2009 19:30:19 GMT -6
Not to seem motivated by personal reasons, but there's a reason, I think we're up to 5 members now?, that when we moved on from the Aurora, we moved onto a Seville. With a budget that could get a 2008 GP GXP, you should be able to find an awesome <75k mi 2003 Seville STS, with the best of everything, factory HID's, navigation, Magnaride suspension, etc...
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Post by Marc on Dec 5, 2009 20:00:19 GMT -6
Go with the Bonneville GXP
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Post by RCSRGREAT on Dec 5, 2009 20:52:51 GMT -6
Not to seem motivated by personal reasons, but there's a reason, I think we're up to 5 members now?, that when we moved on from the Aurora, we moved onto a Seville. With a budget that could get a 2008 GP GXP, you should be able to find an awesome <75k mi 2003 Seville STS, with the best of everything, factory HID's, navigation, Magnaride suspension, etc... yea, there is a 2002 with 64K in Ottawa, where i work for $6500. I like the looks of the STS (outside) but the interior is not my favorite or taste (the dash mostly is why)... Im not going to be moving on from the aurora - just adding another car to the fleet lol The GP GXP has a interior I like.. The Bonnie also I like but is aged compared to the GP..
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scottydl
Super Moderator
There's nothin' like an American V-8...
Posts: 7,373
Staff Member
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Post by scottydl on Dec 5, 2009 22:24:05 GMT -6
Here's the same advice I give in every one of these threads... you're a young guy, and unless you have access to a large amount of cash (to buy the car outright), seriously consider whether or not going into debt to buy another car is really a good idea. You will be slave to some bank for 3-5 years, for an item that will continually lose value - potentially faster than you are paying it off. I love cars and everything, but they should NOT be considered investments of any kind and it doesn't make sense to be making payments on more of them than you can physically drive. A guaranteed way to lose money. That said, if it were me I'd be looking at the Bonnie or an STS as shroom mentioned. Big luxury and performance all in one. GP's are everywhere, not very unique at all - and the crappy fuel mileage of that big V8 would get old too I'd imagine... unless the GP's version offers the Displacement on Demand (DOD) option? It shuts down half the engine when cruising to run on 4 cylinders unless all 8 are needed for accelerating. Cool feature.
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Post by Aurora40 on Dec 6, 2009 8:00:20 GMT -6
I'd have to agree with Scotty, your sig indicates you have two Auroras. And it sounds you had to take a loan to get there. What is the point of going into debt to buy another car that is exactly the same as the Aurora in terms of performance, size, economy, etc?
Also, I don't know what GP GXP's go for by you, but one with reasonably low miles around here is 2004 GTO territory. And Scotty, they do have DoD.
Personally if I had to get another sedan type car, like if your Aurora was high miles and throwing in the towel, I'd look at the '04-05 GTP GP. Around here they are significantly cheaper than the GXP's, and I like the SC motor.
FYI on the trans, I think how the car is driven makes a huge difference. Our 4T65-E HD went 170,000 miles before giving up. But the car wasn't driven hard, never launched hard from a start with wheels spinning, etc. It was only given the beans once rolling.
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Post by RCSRGREAT on Dec 6, 2009 8:39:25 GMT -6
Here's the same advice I give in every one of these threads... you're a young guy, and unless you have access to a large amount of cash (to buy the car outright), seriously consider whether or not going into debt to buy another car is really a good idea. You will be slave to some bank for 3-5 years, for an item that will continually lose value - potentially faster than you are paying it off. I love cars and everything, but they should NOT be considered investments of any kind and it doesn't make sense to be making payments on more of them than you can physically drive. A guaranteed way to lose money. That said, if it were me I'd be looking at the Bonnie or an STS as shroom mentioned. Big luxury and performance all in one. GP's are everywhere, not very unique at all - and the crappy fuel mileage of that big V8 would get old too I'd imagine... unless the GP's version offers the Displacement on Demand (DOD) option? It shuts down half the engine when cruising to run on 4 cylinders unless all 8 are needed for accelerating. Cool feature. Yes i totally understand getting under on a car... i dont want to do that at all but i have enough money saved up to pay almost half of one of these cars off right away... The GXP GP with the 5.3L does have the DOD. Love that feature, another reason why I was liking the GP a bit more too...
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Post by RCSRGREAT on Dec 6, 2009 8:53:25 GMT -6
I'd have to agree with Scotty, your sig indicates you have two Auroras. And it sounds you had to take a loan to get there. What is the point of going into debt to buy another car that is exactly the same as the Aurora in terms of performance, size, economy, etc? Also, I don't know what GP GXP's go for by you, but one with reasonably low miles around here is 2004 GTO territory. And Scotty, they do have DoD. Personally if I had to get another sedan type car, like if your Aurora was high miles and throwing in the towel, I'd look at the '04-05 GTP GP. Around here they are significantly cheaper than the GXP's, and I like the SC motor. FYI on the trans, I think how the car is driven makes a huge difference. Our 4T65-E HD went 170,000 miles before giving up. But the car wasn't driven hard, never launched hard from a start with wheels spinning, etc. It was only given the beans once rolling. Yes, I do have 2 auroras, my white one was my everyday driver until i was given the Taurus as a beater, which Ill be giving to my 15 year old sister next year. My Black aurora is at my parents house in Ohio, it needs work, its not yet drivable.. The only car I have purchased was the white aurora, Paid $6000 for it when it had less then 80,000K on it. I could have paid it off soon but i wanted to build some sort of credit off of it, because then (being 20) I didnt have credit cards or anything to build credit. GP GXP's around here with 35K miles or so are in the $15-$17K area. Bonnies GXP are less then $15K.. The only GTO ive come across around here is a 2004 with less then 5K miles and they want $20+K for it..... Ive checked out some of the GTPs and the SC V6 in them do nothing compared to the V8s it seems like- V8s have the more power??
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Post by Marc on Dec 6, 2009 9:43:00 GMT -6
BTW, I've often wondered how many Bonneville GXPs were built. Would you believe I've never seen one in the southeast NY State area. And if I had been in the market for a new car after the Aurora went out of production, I would have bought one.
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scottydl
Super Moderator
There's nothin' like an American V-8...
Posts: 7,373
Staff Member
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Post by scottydl on Dec 6, 2009 17:08:45 GMT -6
Yes i totally understand getting under on a car... i dont want to do that at all but i have enough money saved up to pay almost half of one of these cars off right away... Then buy something that costs half as much, and you'll have it paid off immediately. Or keep the money for buying something more useful like a HOUSE. Marc, I agree those GXP's had to be pretty rare. Production numbers are probably online somewhere... I haven't checked Wiki or anywhere else. The last year or two of Bonneville production, the body moulding on the SLE's matched the GXP but it was the exception when I'd see the actual "GXP" badge and the unmistakable N* rumble.
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Post by toro68 on Dec 6, 2009 18:52:33 GMT -6
The Bonne would be my choice.
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Post by Marc on Dec 6, 2009 19:04:04 GMT -6
Scottydl......Wikipedia says that appx. 12,000 2005 Bonnevilles were built (no exact figure) & I couldn't find production figures for 2004. On www.autotrader.com right now, there are 13 Bonnevilles from the 2004 & 05 model years for sale within 100 miles of my area (Westchester Co., in southeast NY). Of those 13, 4 are GXPs. That's appx. 1/3 of 13. So can we assume that maybe 1/3 of 2004 & 2005 Bonneville production were GXPs?
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Post by 95mushroom on Dec 6, 2009 19:21:32 GMT -6
GP GXP's around here with 35K miles or so are in the $15-$17K area. Bonnies GXP are less then $15K.. The only GTO ive come across around here is a 2004 with less then 5K miles and they want $20+K for it..... Ive checked out some of the GTPs and the SC V6 in them do nothing compared to the V8s it seems like- V8s have the more power?? If that's the case, and your budget is really in the $14k-$17k range, jeez us. Go buy the car you really want on Ebay, then fly to it an drive the car home. I'm really sure why everyone has such hesitation. Just because the guy isn't local you can't get the BS story about the car? Buy the car from a repuatable dealer on ebay that has plenty of auto sales, and spend the $1,500 on an aftermarket warranty. You chances of getting a good car on ebay (if you shop smartly) are literally as good as buying local. Ebay prices just reflect a more national average, and that's why some cars are cheaper. Personally, I just wouldn't be able to live with myself, knowing I spend $17k on a GP, when that kinda of money could get a beautiful 2005/6 GTO. Marc, I agree those GXP's had to be pretty rare. Production numbers are probably online somewhere... I haven't checked Wiki or anywhere else. The last year or two of Bonneville production, the body moulding on the SLE's matched the GXP but it was the exception when I'd see the actual "GXP" badge and the unmistakable N* rumble. I can't find a better link at the moment, but I've said this number before, www.auto123.com/en/news/car-news/2006-pontiac-grand-prix-gxp-preview?artid=31674GXP's accounted for 30% of final Bonneville sales. Not exactly shabby...
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Post by intheb0x on Dec 6, 2009 21:38:44 GMT -6
Ok, i looked at both cars up close, never driven them. but had my eyes on the bonnes for a long time. i never really cares for the bonnes interior, but it has grown on me. im 24 if that makes any difference. the GPs are everywhere, a DIME a dozen. the 5.3 is a GREAT motor. but the tranny is a POS. thats all i hear about when people bring up the GP gxps, that should make your mind up right away. on top of that GXP bonnes are RARE, theres one at a local dealer, its really nice. they always catch my eye, its the stance or something with the dual pipes on each side, it really stands out. in the pearl white, its stunning. the 4.6 north is reliable and there are plenty of them around. i found 7 of them in a 100 mile radius. check it out www.autotrader.com/fyc/searchresults.jsp?lastStartYear=1981&num_records=100&search_lang=en&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&search_type=both&distance=100&address=53051&marketZipError=false&style_flag=1&make=PONT&model=BON&make2=&start_year=1981&end_year=2010&min_price=&max_price=&seller_type=b&transmission=&engine=8+Cylinder&drive=&doors=&fuel=&max_mileage=&color=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&keywords_display=&sort_type=priceDESC&body_code=0&certified=&advanced=y&highlightFirstMakeModel=&showZipError=y&default_sort=priceDESC&awsp=false&systime=&rdm=1260157072923the one with 30k miles... EDIT. wow i never realized how the seats are the same ones as the 2nd gen auroras... im sure they bolt right up. the one with 112k miles for 8k is a good deal, it looks clean.. talk em down to 6 k and you got a decent deal in my book if it was well maintained.
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Post by RCSRGREAT on Dec 6, 2009 21:45:29 GMT -6
Im 23 so we probably can say we share some of the same tastes, sporty designs and interests. that cranberry red isnt to far from me actually... i like that color alot.. i wasnt to big on the interior at first either, like i said - it looks aged. even for a 2005.. the rear light panel is a lil strange too... but i like them..the dual exhaust is a MUST lol.
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Post by intheb0x on Dec 6, 2009 23:25:22 GMT -6
i thought the same thing about the interior.. The color is also nice, really stands out.. tells you the car is special.
the interior does have that older look, but its all in what you like i guess. sure it would be great to have the newest and best thing, but the grandprixs are everywhere and that tranny issue reminds me about the 3.5 2nd gen auroras. thats all i hear about in the repair forum about them, the 3.5 tranny is junk, or it has problems.
just doesnt seem worth it in my eyes.
another idea, would be a 2006 and up impala SS. they can be had for as low as 10k now. they have nice interiors, nice leather and all the newest gadgets and technology.
Also has active fuel management and is fwd for that snow you get in IL...
maybe a good thought..
i like the imp ss's alot.
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Post by intheb0x on Dec 6, 2009 23:30:57 GMT -6
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Post by Aurora40 on Dec 7, 2009 8:05:38 GMT -6
GP GXP's around here with 35K miles or so are in the $15-$17K area. Bonnies GXP are less then $15K.. The only GTO ive come across around here is a 2004 with less then 5K miles and they want $20+K for it..... Ive checked out some of the GTPs and the SC V6 in them do nothing compared to the V8s it seems like- V8s have the more power?? Yup, the GTP does have less power. 260hp vs 303hp. But they cost half as much. You could get a nice '04-05 Comp-G or GTP for about $8,000, maybe less. They have the same interior, same gadgets like HUD and tap-shift, just a little less power. The engine is quite easy to mod though, so for another grand you could probably be making V8 power, and have saved about $6-8,000... Out of curiosity, what do you see this car doing for you that the Aurora can't? $17,000 is a lot of money for a car that won't do anything more practical than the Aurora, and sports-wise is not in any way a sports car. If you want a fun car, you could buy a 300-350hp V8 Corvette for under ten grand all day long. You could almost buy a Z06 for $17k (though I haven't seen them quite that cheap yet).
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Post by KliffsAurora on Dec 7, 2009 9:22:20 GMT -6
GP is my choice but not the V8 model. GTP is where it's at. The Bonni is nice but IMO lacks real performance like a GP can produce.
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Post by CaseAce on Dec 7, 2009 19:15:27 GMT -6
My buddy has an '05 Bonne GXP, black...beautiful car, The Grand Prix is nice, but I think I would choose the Bonneville.
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Post by intheb0x on Dec 7, 2009 19:19:48 GMT -6
any thought on the impala RCS??
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Post by RCSRGREAT on Dec 7, 2009 19:32:26 GMT -6
inthebox- yea, i sorta like them... i looked at a red one here actually.. im not to excited about the body styling... its got the GXP GP 5.3 V8 in it though, which is nice...
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Post by intheb0x on Dec 7, 2009 19:36:22 GMT -6
i do not know if they share that same crappy tranny. but all i know is that the motor has 303hp, but i heard its under rated.
also the active fuel management is nice also.
i mean if you can get that motor in a newer car with all the newest do-dads and options along with a remaining warranty, i think its a good deal.
esp since you can find one under what your looking to spend.
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Post by RCSRGREAT on Dec 7, 2009 19:43:34 GMT -6
yea.... it was on my list of cars to look at...
i was looking at: G8 (to expensive) GTO (couldnt find any in my range) GXP GP (liked the looks and engine) GXP Bonnie (like the looks, but the inside and of course the N*) Impala SS (not into the body styling much, but like the power) GTP GP (IMO, weak for a SCed V6, like the sound though lol) Monte Carlo SS (all the ones i looked at looked beat up)
If i get another car, i need it to be a V8 or a HIGH V6 with V8 power...
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Post by latenight72 on Dec 7, 2009 22:58:39 GMT -6
GTO (couldnt find any in my range) You serious? I just did a cars.com search for GTO's within 250 miles of Yorkville, IL. Price Limit of $18,000. I got 59 Hits. The most affordable ones on there are $11,900. Within 75 miles, there are 30 @ <$18K, 11 @ <$15K Within 50 miles, there are 26 @ <$18K, 10 @ <$15K Search Results: tinyurl.com/y8m4v3t
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Post by unirok on Dec 8, 2009 14:03:40 GMT -6
I owned a 2005 Bonneville GXP and though it was a nice car quality was poor and it was in for service every month almost. Nothing major but small crap just kept on breaking and I treat my cars very good. The GP looks and feels cheap to me and yeah 303 hp is nice but not on a front wheel drive car. Spinning your front wheels is so 1990s.....
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