08 or 09 G8 GT?

[uvaeeman]

Hello, fellow GMInsiders!

Well, it's getting close to time to replace my Bonneville. She's had a good run, but due to college/apartment living wasn't garaged most of her life and it's showing now... paint starting to peel off the top of the car. Little things here and there. I'm pretty heavily leaning toward a G8. If you want to read why, read on. If you want to get to the point, feel free to skip the next few paragraphs

=== BEGIN STORY ===
Last year, I drove a new Dodge Charger (SXT and R/T) & a new Impala (SS). I forget exactly when I was at Carmax last, but at that point I drove a G35 Sedan (previous gen), BMW 330 sedan, Mustang, & GTO.

When I drove the Charger, it was pretty nice - quick and all that. But I don't really like the way Dodge interiors look. All I remember is huge tan plastic. The seats were reasonably comfortable. Reliability is a little bit of a concern, but they have the warranty. But what really got me is that I was HAPPY to get back into the Bonneville. I think that's a bad sign...

The Impala drove good. Didn't seem as fast as the Charger. Back seat headroom is terrible for the size car (I'm 6'2"). AFM is nice. Upside of this car is the possibility of getting a deal on a slightly used one, but drives a little too much like my Bonneville, which is "old".

The Carmax trip was a little while ago, but I remember thinking that the most comfortable and fun car to drive, by far, was the GTO. But it's a coupe, ditto for GTO (really need a sedan). The BMW was actually very unimpressive (although it was a little older than the others). And apparently, Nissan/Infiniti seats aren't designed for my... frame. (Not that I have a huge arse, but the seats were just too huggy or something).
=== END STORY ===

The end result of the STORY was that I was basically left wanting a 4 door GTO. A fairly large, fun, V8 sedan. So, now that the G8 is finally here, that's definitely on my list. I drove one a few weeks ago (G8 GT, white hot) and enjoyed it. It didn't have any options, which is just fine. I wish I could rent one for a trip - I have back issues!

Anyway, I'd like to test drive a few different vehicles again before I decide for sure (suggestions welcome), but assuming I end up deciding on an a G8 I need to decide whether to try to find a 2008 in the color I like without options I don't want or just try to "order" a 2009. I'm not in a huge hurry, but I'm just curious what everyone's thoughts are about whether it's better to wait for the second model year for reliability, or what exact things I'll be getting that I wouldn't get in an '08 (bluetooth?)

Thx!

[likearock00]

You CAN rent one- I've seen one from a rental fleet. I would call around and see if any of the rental companies around you have one and take it for a few days.

As for the ole Bonne, I say as long as she drives ok keep it. I'm sure it's paid for and you could drive it for awhile longer and put your cash in the bank or an IRA.

Good luck and let us know what you decide!

[Cphelps]

As far as 2008 vs 2009, I guess it depends on if the options that are coming in 2009 are important to you. I think I've read on here that bluetooth and XM are available in 2009, there is the GXP model, but I guess the GT still doesn't get a manual option (I was hopeful). So I'd say if bluetooth, XM or the LS3 GXP model are important to you, then wait for 2009. If not, I think 2008 would serve you just as well. All the power train options are fairly well proven in other vehicles, so as far as "first year" issues, I don't think you have a lot to worry about, especially since the G8 is built on the aussie-proven chassis.

[leelander]

the other thing that you have to consider is the interset rate that you're going to be paying, the canadian rate for the '09 modle is 6.4%, and that'll screw your payment something fierce, unless you were going to wait a few months before you got the '09 to let the rates go down a bit.

[KillerMRK]

Considering the '09 will probably show up in a month or two, just wait.

[uvaeeman]

Thx for the thoughts everyone

http://blogs.highperformancepontiac....ors/index.html
I looked for and found the new-for-09 colors. Given that I like two of them (Stryker Blue and Maverick Silver) and everyone I know seems to be panicked about gas prices, I think I'm going to wait a little bit longer.

One thing is certain: almost every time I read something posted by a G8 owner, they are very happy with the car!

[ksr]

You can't miss with either.

I've seen a couple on dealers lots, but saw my first on the road yesterday. It was pulling out in front of me. Man, what a looker! The pictures do not do that car justice.

[uvaeeman]

Wow! After seeing this post just now I think it cements my desire to wait for an '09.
http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f...-manual-65814/
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/12/u...away-for-2009/
For '09, G8 is losing the goofy digital displays and a 6-speed manual is optional! I wonder how long til the manual hits the ground though........