'04-'06 GTO, a few questions

[JT87]

Hey everyone,

I've been looking at a few GTO's in the area these past few days, and had a few questions about the car.

-What notable differences are there between the three model years? (other than the engine, hood, exhaust, taillights and wheels)

-How are they to drive in the snow? (say, versus an LS1 F body, or an '04Grand Prix)

-Are the '05 and 06 models worth the 4-5k premium? How so?

-How costly and heavy is the maintenance on the car?

Thats it for now, I think.

Thanks!

[eurohazard]

Originally Posted by JT87

Hey everyone,

I've been looking at a few GTO's in the area these past few days, and had a few questions about the car.

-What notable differences are there between the three model years? (other than the engine, hood, exhaust, taillights and wheels)

-How are they to drive in the snow? (say, versus an LS1 F body, or an '04Grand Prix)

-Are the '05 and 06 models worth the 4-5k premium? How so?

-How costly and heavy is the maintenance on the car?

Thats it for now, I think.

Thanks!

The biggest difference is the change in 05 to the LS2 6.0 400 hp....2004 had a 350 hp 5.7. That is the biggest reason for the extra price commanded for the newer ones IMHO. I'd like to have an extra 50 hp, but if it meant $5k to get it, I might think otherwise.

[Pickles]

You've gotta have the LS2-better torque down low-just a really great engine & suits the GTO.
Cheers, Pickles.

[JT87]

Originally Posted by eurohazard

The biggest difference is the change in 05 to the LS2 6.0 400 hp....2004 had a 350 hp 5.7. That is the biggest reason for the extra price commanded for the newer ones IMHO. I'd like to have an extra 50 hp, but if it meant $5k to get it, I might think otherwise.

Yeah, 3 of the main hardware differences I found were the engine (obviously), the dual exit exhaust, and the brakes (bigger pads, better calipers on 05/06).

Looking around the forums and just about everywhere, the LS1 cars seem to fetch about $4k less for a comparable model, which is a good chunk of change. (plus, you can do more then a few good modifications for 3-4k, which would make the difference mute). I've yet to find an LS2 car to test drive, but the LS1 cars pull VERY nicely.

I'm mainly 'worried' about driving the car in the snow, maintenance through the winter, and overall maintenance with the car. Basically, I'm deciding on whether to keep the ol' Grand Am for the winter (an iron block v6 powered compact with a ton of weight in front of the front axle and a reliable auto and knobby snow tires is undoubtedly better in the snow than a 400 hp, 6 speed beast on all seasons!)

[JerryL]

For winter.....2 sandbags in the trunk/hatch over the rear wheels for all the Camaros I had when I lived in Denver.

[BRMike]

Obviously the biggest difference between 2004 and 2005 model GTO's is the powerplant (LS1 vs. LS2). The 2005 GTO also has a couple hood scoops for added flare (not functional), although a "flat" hood could be ordered. The number of 2005 GTO's with the flat hood (2004 hood) is very small. 2005 also bought about larger brake rotors and calipers. The calipers are red as well. Lastly, the 2005 model has a split exitting exhaust. 2004 GTO's have true dual exhaust, but both outets were on the driver's side. This was due to the Monaro's fuel cell location, which was moved for the GTO due to government safety regulations. Two new colors were offered in 2005 - Midnight Blue Metallic and Cycone Gray Metallic - as Barbados Blue Metallic, Cosmos Purple Metallic and Pulse Red were discontinued. For 2005 18" wheels were also optional, which proved to be very popular.

For 2006, the changes were minimal. The audio controls on the steering wheel got lights for night time, a power door lock button was added onto the center console and the seat motors were improved. The only distinction on the exterior was the tail lamp assemblies, which were now "blacked" out. Once again two new colors were added - Brazen Orange Metallic and Spice Red Metallic. Yellowjacket and Midnight Blue Metallic were discontinued.

As the owner of a 2004 GTO, I would suggest spending the extra money and buying a 2005 or 2006 model. I really enjoy my car and with the modifications I've made can easily outrun a stock LS powered GTO. However, modding this car has not been cheap.

[code blue]

I purchased my 05 IBM GTO new in 12/05, and have driven it every day since then - including a cross country move from KY to CA. As a year-round daily driver, my GTO has an odometer that reads 53xxx miles, so I believe I can speak with some authority on the matter.

After 53000 miles of service, I can say, without hesitation, that fuel is by far the largest expense with this vehicle. I average about 19 MPG with mostly 80 MPH highway driving. My cost per mile stands at $1/mile. That includes the cost of the car, fuel, insurance and maintenance.

I am obligated to add that any modification will cost you plenty. This car had a mere 45,000 run, which means that the US aftermarket is slim pickings. If you want something genuine, you'll need to ship from Australia, and shipping from down under is a b!tch. I speak from experience.

The car has some heft...it is by no means light in its feet. You feel every bit of its 3700 pounds, particularly in snow. I lived for about a year with my GTO in Chicago. , it saw quite a bit of snow, and it didn't like it one bit. One day it snowed about 10 inches while I was at work and I had to be pulled out of my parking space. Prior to the GTO, I owned a 01 Grand Prix GTX. The GTX trumped the GTO in snow maneuverability. Of course, that’s an unfair FWD vs. RWD comparison.

It appears as though earlier posts have already documented the changes between the 04 and 05/06. I won't discuss them any further. However, I will reiterate that your best interest lies with purchasing a later model. 2005 was the peak year.

[BRMike]

Engine upgrades are not much of an issue for the GTO, being that both the LS1 and LS2 have plenty of aftermarket support. However, GTO specific modifications will cost you. I learned this when I purchased my long tube headers.

For what it's worth, when my GTO was stock I actually got close to 30 mpg on the highway and I averaged roughly 20 mpg in what I'll call suburban driving (highway/city mix). With the modifications I've done (large cam, headers, custom tune, etc.) that number has dropped. On a recent trip I actually achieved 25 mpg on the interstate. As with any vehicle, driving style has a lot to do with fuel mileage. My GTO is not my daily driver so it's not too bad.

Living in southern Louisiana I've seen snow maybe three times in the 31 years I've been here. I have no idea how these cars are in the snow.

[JT87]

^^ Thanks for the tips!

Looks like I should be keeping ol' trusty rusty for a couple more years. Even with shoddy all season tires it did quite well in what was one of the area's biggest snow seasons (part of that is the car, and part of that is the ice/snow racer in me, so I'm told :p). However, my city fuel economy with the Grand Am when it's warm out isn't anything to be proud of either (batch fire 3300 and a poorly geared 3 speed auto isn't a recipe for great mileage), so I'm hoping I wont take too much of a hit going to a much larger car, and highway should be better. Likewise, I figured that a 400hp tuned LS1 would not get as good fuel economy as a stock LS2, thanks for the confirmation!

I really don't have a preference with colour at all, and the 18 inch wheels would be nice, but I won't have the opportunity to go to the track enough for there to be a true advantage (much rather get good quality all seasons). Next time I meet up with my dealer back home, I'll have to tell them to limit their search to '05 and '06 then.

Thanks again!

[demonspeed]

I've only had my '05 since December, but I did drive it in the snow and ice. We don't get much accumulation of snow here in the DC area, but the GTO did just fine with balding stock BFG KDWS tires. I replaced them with their new(er) Super Sport A/S's.

I get around 19 mixed city/hwy.

You can get a LS2 car for under $20k right now. Prices are dropping (unfortunately) monthly.

I was going to get a LS1 car simply because of the price difference. I then realized I could spend just a little more and get all the great things the 05/06 have over the 04.

For maintenance, I haven't done anything other than oil change and tire rotation. Known problems are suspension (weak springs, shocks and mounts), lock cylinder sticking and going well over posted speed limits