I have been semi-looking for a used GTO for around a year and it seems the 2004 (LS1) models have taken a recent value hit (compared to the LS2 models) which is good for me as the buyer. I can get a very clean A4 with 40K miles for under $14,000 ($12,000 a 90K one). Aside from the suspension and bushing issues is there any other obvious problem areas to look for?
Thinking about a 2004 GTO
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Check with your insurance folks, as insurance might be high. The body parts need to come from Australia since it's a rebadged Holden Monaro, so I've heard the insurance companies total the cars very easily. Replacement parts for non-engine stuff might be a pretty penny too since that car is unique in the States, and not that many of them made it here.
i think they are a cool car. i would probably spend the extra $ for an ls2 car. i was always fond of the eggplant/purple colored GTO's for some reason.
Originally Posted By: donnyj08
i think they are a cool car. i would probably spend the extra $ for an ls2 car. i was always fond of the eggplant/purple colored GTO's for some reason.
The problem with that is the LS2 cars are going for $8,000+ more minimum.(At least within 100 miles of me via Cars.com) I would have to have a payment for 2-3 years if I get an LS2. The LS1 cars are all in the $12K to $14K range and I have seen several LS2 cars for $22K up to $26K.
i think they are a cool car. i would probably spend the extra $ for an ls2 car. i was always fond of the eggplant/purple colored GTO's for some reason.
The problem with that is the LS2 cars are going for $8,000+ more minimum.(At least within 100 miles of me via Cars.com) I would have to have a payment for 2-3 years if I get an LS2. The LS1 cars are all in the $12K to $14K range and I have seen several LS2 cars for $22K up to $26K.
They need some things... like an upgraded suspension. Get an '05 or '06, much nicer looking.
I really like my '06 GTO. All adult driven & NOT beat on. All oils changed frequently!
Lots of mods by PO:
Maggie Supercharger
Headers
Borla/Corsa Exhaust
Tuned
Nice Shifter
In-dash Oil & Voltage Gauges
FULL Pedders Suspension
I'll sell you mine for $23k, 43k miles & you'll probably not find one better taken care of. ALL Receipts & Log Book!
NEVER seen rain, let alone snow!
I really like my '06 GTO. All adult driven & NOT beat on. All oils changed frequently!
Lots of mods by PO:
Maggie Supercharger
Headers
Borla/Corsa Exhaust
Tuned
Nice Shifter
In-dash Oil & Voltage Gauges
FULL Pedders Suspension
I'll sell you mine for $23k, 43k miles & you'll probably not find one better taken care of. ALL Receipts & Log Book!
NEVER seen rain, let alone snow!
Nice cars but they just look like a Grand Am.
I love mine! It's an 06 but much is the same.
Problem areas are what you note, also they have terrible paint jobs. Diffs can be problematic, mine was loud with everything but Torco RGO 85w140 with Torco Type F friction modifier.
Mine has been trouble free except for the motor dying in the passenger seat and the chrome flaking on the steering wheel, both fixed under warranty.
Problem areas are what you note, also they have terrible paint jobs. Diffs can be problematic, mine was loud with everything but Torco RGO 85w140 with Torco Type F friction modifier.
Mine has been trouble free except for the motor dying in the passenger seat and the chrome flaking on the steering wheel, both fixed under warranty.
Originally Posted By: tpitcher
Originally Posted By: FXjohn
Nice cars but they just look like a Grand Am.
Like a Cruze looks like BMW?
My GTO will clean a grand am's clock.
they just look like very other bland Pontiac from the last 15 years. But there's nothing wrong with being stealth either. Isn't the GXP G8 actually a little bit better car?
Originally Posted By: FXjohn
Nice cars but they just look like a Grand Am.
Like a Cruze looks like BMW?
My GTO will clean a grand am's clock.
they just look like very other bland Pontiac from the last 15 years. But there's nothing wrong with being stealth either. Isn't the GXP G8 actually a little bit better car?
Originally Posted By: tpitcher
Originally Posted By: FXjohn
Nice cars but they just look like a Grand Am.
Like a Cruze looks like BMW?
My GTO will clean a grand am's clock.
I've had mine mistaken for a 3-series from the side view on several occasions.
GTO is kind of sleeper. I do like it.
Originally Posted By: FXjohn
Nice cars but they just look like a Grand Am.
Like a Cruze looks like BMW?
My GTO will clean a grand am's clock.
I've had mine mistaken for a 3-series from the side view on several occasions.
GTO is kind of sleeper. I do like it.
ls1mike
$50 Site Donor 2025
LS1s are fine in those cars. Makes for a nice 13 second 1/4 mile daily driver, they have nice brakes, and if they have the T56 are pretty fun to drive. The LSx and T56 get pretty good MPG for what it is and is very reliable.
I've got a buddy into GTO's..has 3 of them and loves them. The one thing that stood out to me was the quality of the car. The interior is nice as well. Holden simply did things better than GM in the states. Granted, there are some issues with parts and other oddities and some consider it not a real GTO...but I think they are a future collectible.
GTO is a terrific bang for the buck. A little short on brakes/tires due to wheel sizing, but that's only a problem at the track.
Otherwise a terrific street car with mega potential.
I certainly wouldn't mind that LS1 model, as a few bolt ons will easily make it run with an LS2. The difference is small really.
Otherwise a terrific street car with mega potential.
I certainly wouldn't mind that LS1 model, as a few bolt ons will easily make it run with an LS2. The difference is small really.
Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
GTO is a terrific bang for the buck. A little short on brakes/tires due to wheel sizing, but that's only a problem at the track.
Otherwise a terrific street car with mega potential.
I certainly wouldn't mind that LS1 model, as a few bolt ons will easily make it run with an LS2. The difference is small really.
Yes, that (the wheel/tire/brake width/size limitations without MAJOR body/wheel well work) is about the ONLY thing (besides slightly more weight than my car) I don't like about the Ozzie GM coupes.
I actually really like the way they look, despite everyone else thinking that they look "bland" (what do these same people think about most of the Nippon styling out there, if that is the case, or do THEY get an exemption because they are percieved as "perfect"?
).
What the **** does everyone think they should have looked like, what Vinnie D. drove at the end of "XXX"?!?!?
GTO is a terrific bang for the buck. A little short on brakes/tires due to wheel sizing, but that's only a problem at the track.
Otherwise a terrific street car with mega potential.
I certainly wouldn't mind that LS1 model, as a few bolt ons will easily make it run with an LS2. The difference is small really.
Yes, that (the wheel/tire/brake width/size limitations without MAJOR body/wheel well work) is about the ONLY thing (besides slightly more weight than my car) I don't like about the Ozzie GM coupes.
I actually really like the way they look, despite everyone else thinking that they look "bland" (what do these same people think about most of the Nippon styling out there, if that is the case, or do THEY get an exemption because they are percieved as "perfect"?
What the **** does everyone think they should have looked like, what Vinnie D. drove at the end of "XXX"?!?!?
Get a Mustang,
Originally Posted By: hardcore302
Get a Mustang,
everywhere - way too common. - doesn't mean it's a bad car, BUT:
Someone who looks for a GTO is probably looking for a bit of exclusivity, and owning a not too common of a car. (I think)
Get a Mustang,
everywhere - way too common. - doesn't mean it's a bad car, BUT:
Someone who looks for a GTO is probably looking for a bit of exclusivity, and owning a not too common of a car. (I think)
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