Grand Prix GXP 5.3

[Ach]

Here's a little squib from C/D about the Super, it's very positive:

http://www.caranddriver.com/features...e_super_page_4

I hate to say it, but frankly I would take that Super over the new LaCrosse.

In my experience the GXP handles better and is more stable than the Impala at high speed (the GXP has Bilsteins and a firmer suspension tune, I believe). On the other hand, tire selection for the GXP is very limited and the 255's in the front will be a nightmare in snow, probably requiring a set of winter rims, which is one thing that has kept me away from the GXP (I almost leased one instead of my MKZ). But you are right, they are a tremendous bargain on the used car market.

[Neanderthal]

Originally Posted by Ach

Here's a little squib from C/D about the Super, it's very positive:

http://www.caranddriver.com/features...e_super_page_4

I hate to say it, but frankly I would take that Super over the new LaCrosse.

In my experience the GXP handles better and is more stable than the Impala at high speed (the GXP has Bilsteins and a firmer suspension tune, I believe). On the other hand, tire selection for the GXP is very limited and the 255's in the front will be a nightmare in snow, probably requiring a set of winter rims, which is one thing that has kept me away from the GXP (I almost leased one instead of my MKZ). But you are right, they are a tremendous bargain on the used car market.

Have you checked into lease takeovers?

http://www.leasetrader.com/2008_Pont...n_155831.xhtml

This car looks cherry, but there's no buyout price listed. Also it appears that, in general, users at this site are not universally pleased with their GMAC dealings.

These are now hard cars to find even for a test drive. I've driven the GP but not the Impala or Buick.

I drove a standard GP along with the SC and the V8 a couple of years ago, so those memories are somewhat fleeting, and definitely in need of the refresh button.
Also, looking at it used vs. new changes the equation considerably since ~15 grand neighborhood is far more attractive than 25 or 30 (especially considering the GM depreciation cliff-plunge).

It's odd and a bit unfortunate that the Buick was built just two years, but that is something GM has a long a proud history of doing.

From other sites such as Club GP I've seen comments that those stock tires aren't too bad in snow. Tire Rack has two or three snow tires listed. Also, numerous owners just go with one size, 225.50.18 IIRC, to solve the tire fitment problem.

Per C&D's report, the GXP is firmer and not prone to the wallows that they complain of in the Impala SS. Impala has more interior room than the B or P.
My inclination would be toward the Pontiac.

Finding any of these three cars within test drive distance is the current challenge.
I found five new GP GXPs in a nationwide search.
Surely there are a few more sitting around dealer lots?



And then there's ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2006-...item19b74bb80a

[OLDSCHOOLGMFAN]

Keep searching partner, these cars are worth it!

[Neanderthal]

Originally Posted by OLDSCHOOLGMFAN

Keep searching partner, these cars are worth it!

Wow, impressive stable of iron there, OLDSCHOOL.

5.3 + 5.3 + 4.6 = Kewlness.

[Neanderthal]

Originally Posted by Ach

Here's a little squib from C/D about the Super, it's very positive:

http://www.caranddriver.com/features...e_super_page_4

I hate to say it, but frankly I would take that Super over the new LaCrosse.

In my experience the GXP handles better and is more stable than the Impala at high speed (the GXP has Bilsteins and a firmer suspension tune, I believe). On the other hand, tire selection for the GXP is very limited and the 255's in the front will be a nightmare in snow, probably requiring a set of winter rims, which is one thing that has kept me away from the GXP (I almost leased one instead of my MKZ). But you are right, they are a tremendous bargain on the used car market.

The Super, produced 2008-2009 only, is pretty rare.

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...5&aff=national

I found a handfull natiowide under 20 grand. These will be collectors items one of these days.

Quite a few more GP GXP, which I think I'd prefer if driving rather than buying it to sit in a garage until it appreciates appreciably.

[Ach]

Originally Posted by Neanderthal

The Super, produced 2008-2009 only, is pretty rare.

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...5&aff=national

I found a handfull natiowide under 20 grand. These will be collectors items one of these days.

Quite a few more GP GXP, which I think I'd prefer if driving rather than buying it to sit in a garage until it appreciates appreciably.

The Supers around here are well over 20K.

Just offered 12K on this, dealer said he would get back to me...I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...5&aff=national

[Michael_S]

Good luck either way. Sounds like a fun car no matter what you pick. I'd love one.

[Neanderthal]

Originally Posted by Ach

The Supers around here are well over 20K.

Just offered 12K on this, dealer said he would get back to me...I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...5&aff=national

Wow, that's a good price on the front end, never mind your offer.

I presume you've driven the car.
That's a good price for a low miles car.
Let us know how this works out...

GOOD LUCK!



How the hell did I miss that one on my search?


Ach, ever heard of Bertera Motors up in MA?

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...5&aff=national

[Ach]

Originally Posted by Neanderthal

Wow, that's a good price on the front end, never mind your offer.

I presume you've driven the car.
That's a good price for a low miles car.
Let us know how this works out...

GOOD LUCK!



How the hell did I miss that one on my search?


Ach, ever heard of Bertera Motors up in MA?

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...5&aff=national

Well, they won't budge...the car is equipped just how I want it (black on black, every option except Nav including Monsoon, XM and side airbags) and drove beautifully so I may just give in. They claim to have a warranty through 2012 or 70K (not sure about the 2012, since the car was in service in 2005) so if that checks out I think I'm in.

Bertera has lots of nice used cars, but be aware of their pricing disclaimer: "Prices include all incentives and minimum trade allowances or coupon discounts." So confirm the price- it may actually be a few grand more than advertised. Had that happen to me on a 3 series that I checked out at their W. Springfield store.

[Neanderthal]

Even at 14 grand that looks like a sweet deal, Ach.

Hope you can close the door on it. Low miles, their ad mentions a $100 fee to make the warranty good through 2012.

Bertera phoned me, I spoke with Bob the internet guy. He said that car they advertised is four weeks out. I said no worries, I'm at least two weeks out. I'm not sure how easy it will be to get a temp tag to get out of MA legally. Bob told me one thing, when I was shopping there a few years back I actually phoned the registration place and they told me I need to buy a MA plate to drive it out of there. I definitely don't need a bunch of BS on top of a car deal.

Possibly if you walk into the dealership with a cashier's check for $13,000--or a check from the bank or CU--they might close the deal.
You can always write a check, amex, or credit card the other grand. I've bought a couple of cars on my amex card, nowadays they're not so thrilled about it because amex yanks up to 3% of the proceeds. "Free" points come from somewhere.
That's 300 bucks per 10 grand, not insignificant.

If 14 grand is their bottom line, well that's life and perhaps they won't show sufficient profit below that figure to make it worth their while.

Driveon!

[Ach]

Someone bought it this morning.

Dithering cost me, once again.

My MKZ lease is up in January, but I wanted to be rid of that car and set up with another before the bad weather set in. This sucks.

Probably will end up doing something boring now like leasing a Fusion. There just aren't that many used cars that are reasonably priced, are something I can count on as a daily driver and have decent performance. The GXP would have been perfect, but there just aren't that many of them around.

[OLDSCHOOLGMFAN]

Originally Posted by Neanderthal

Wow, impressive stable of iron there, OLDSCHOOL.

5.3 + 5.3 + 4.6 = Kewlness.

Gotcha partner, much obliged!

[Neanderthal]

Originally Posted by Ach

Someone bought it this morning.

Dithering cost me, once again.

My MKZ lease is up in January, but I wanted to be rid of that car and set up with another before the bad weather set in. This sucks.

Probably will end up doing something boring now like leasing a Fusion. There just aren't that many used cars that are reasonably priced, are something I can count on as a daily driver and have decent performance. The GXP would have been perfect, but there just aren't that many of them around.

POOP! Don't dispair. Lots more out there!

http://www.cars.com/for-sale/searchr...MENT&pgId=2102

My mother told me, a few times, that she regretted more the things she didn't get when she had the chance, than the things she did buy but at the time was hesitant to purchase.

Talk to Bob, he can git ya anything!






Thank you for your interest in the 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix and our dealership. This particular vehicle has not reached the dealership yet, however I can have it rushed here for you. We may also have a similar vehicle available here as I type to you now. We maintain a 400 vehicle inventory at this location, in addition to off premises storage lots and a pipeline of over 1000 vehicles destined to be shipped here.

All I need from you is your "wants and needs" in your next vehicle, and I will have that vehicle available before you arrive. If we don't have your dream vehicle in stock, we offer our customers a pre-owned vehicle locating service at no charge. Perhaps we can find you exactly what you are seeking. Please contact me by email or by phone at 888 - 224 - 4407 ext 205.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Bob Canning
Internet Sales Manager
Bertera Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick
1187 Thorndike Street
Palmer, MA 01069
888-224-4407 ext 205
bobc@berterachevy.com

www.berterachevy.com

Click Here for Easy Directions

Originally Posted by OLDSCHOOLGMFAN

Gotcha partner, much obliged!

Hooah! HP Garage!

[silvergoat2k6]

The GXP Grand Prix I test drove torque-steered like a mofo...never test drove the Impala SS.

However, once under way there was no lacking for passing power...cruising along at 70 I punched it and the car took off like a rocket.

Only the lack of backseat room kept me from buying one...I had a hell of a deal lined up too.

[F14CRAZY]

bah, if you complain about the torque steer, you're just not holding on hard enough