Any thoughts on '04 GTO

[VTXrider]

Just totaled the CTS, I do not want to lose to much on a car that I am buying only until the Camaro comes out. Although I may now wait for the Big Dog to come out. Was considering an '04 GTO any thoughts who has one?

I may actually wait now for the price to come down a little.

[Shadowsong]

If you are getting a GTO, I'd go with an 05-06, they have the LS2 rather than the LS1... nothing wrong with the 1, but the 2 has more power

[boxmonkeyracing]

Originally Posted by VTXrider

Just totaled the CTS, I do not want to lose to much on a car that I am buying only until the Camaro comes out. Although I may now wait for the Big Dog to come out. Was considering an '04 GTO any thoughts who has one?

I may actually wait now for the price to come down a little.

just get you an older 98-02 camaro. anywhere from 9-15k for a decent one. jmo

[fuffl]

I've got an '04. I've very happy with the car, especially the interior. As far as the '05-06, it really depends on what you want to do with the car. If you are going to stay stock, this is the way to go. They have more power and better brakes. If you're going to modify, stay with the LS1. The aftermarket is amazing. With just slight tuning I've got a 6-speed 04 running 13.2, which will stay with most '05s.

Either way, make sure you check all four tires for irregular wear. Note the inside of the tires. There is a problem on the front called strut rub, where the tires will get peeled open like a can and it is expensive to fix. You'll need to look all the way on the inside of the tire. As for the backs, if they are worn you'll just need drag springs and shocks which are a good idea anyway.

[Shadowsong]

Originally Posted by boxmonkeyracing

just get you an older 98-02 camaro. anywhere from 9-15k for a decent one. jmo

Or this. This is good too.

[AFSNightrod]

I agree with the posts above. Go either '05-'06 or check out a LS1 F-Body. I just can't get over the whole V8 musclecar/single exhaust thing.

[Jiu Jitsu Jon]

Since it's short term I would consider just leasing a car. It should save you some money and when the lease is over, turn the car in.

But I have an '05 GTO and it is a FUN car as long as getting great gas mileage isn't an issue for you. My mom was amazed at how nice the interior was...my dad said it was a "doctor's car"...The only other thing would be that RWD absolutely SUCKS on snow/ice but I see you live in Miami so I doubt that will be an issue.

[Chevyrocker]

Buy a vette. used 05 mannual coupe...probably like $26,000

[VTXrider]

I get the coments on a 98-02 camaro but what I have found so far in a nice car is the '04 GTO. I have seen the '05-06 GTO but they are substantially more and get worse fuel economy, not that fuel economy is much of a deciding factor but it counts. As for leaseing a car, I was thinking about this but it would lose alot of money versus buying. Also the debt was hurting my credit score and since I am buying a house soon I would like to buy without a loan, the other reason I can't really swing a 05-06.

I am however considering leaseing so that is not out. Went for a quick test drive of the G8. Wow I miss the power I was missing with the CTS which was not slouch but was nice to have the 8 under me again.

[VTXrider]

Originally Posted by fuffl

Either way, make sure you check all four tires for irregular wear. Note the inside of the tires. There is a problem on the front called strut rub, where the tires will get peeled open like a can and it is expensive to fix. You'll need to look all the way on the inside of the tire. As for the backs, if they are worn you'll just need drag springs and shocks which are a good idea anyway.

Thanks for the tip on the tires, what does this look like, and can you tell if the tires are kind of new? Would this have been something that the original owner fixed under warranty?

Is there anything esle to look out for?

[VTXrider]

Originally Posted by jsenn

Buy a vette. used 05 mannual coupe...probably like $26,000

I would consider that but vettes I am finding in that year range are more like low to mid 30s

[IROCZJEFF]

I had a 2004 GTO with a 6-speed. The car was a great car with the exception of the paint comming off the door handles, rear brakes locking up, speaker grill paint comming off, radio stop working when hot, all rotors needed to be replaced due to warping, tire recall etc... I bought the car for $23,500 with 4,000 miles on it drove it for two years and sold it with 17,000 miles for $21,000. I had my fun with it. Look for a CTS-V instead of a GTO! Jeff

[VTXrider]

Originally Posted by IROCZJEFF

I had a 2004 GTO with a 6-speed. The car was a great car with the exception of the paint comming off the door handles, rear brakes locking up, speaker grill paint comming off, radio stop working when hot, all rotors needed to be replaced due to warping, tire recall etc... I bought the car for $23,500 with 4,000 miles on it drove it for two years and sold it with 17,000 miles for $21,000. I had my fun with it. Look for a CTS-V instead of a GTO! Jeff

Sounds like you had some problems with the car, esspecially the brakes. Do you think this was because of how you may have used the car, if you were competing with it for example, or was this in normal use?

Also on the CTS-V see the part about not wanting see the part about not wanting a loan. It I get any financing I'll get something new on a lease like the G8

[boxmonkeyracing]

Originally Posted by VTXrider

Sounds like you had some problems with the car, esspecially the brakes. Do you think this was because of how you may have used the car, if you were competing with it for example, or was this in normal use?

Also on the CTS-V see the part about not wanting see the part about not wanting a loan. It I get any financing I'll get something new on a lease like the G8

I only suggested the f-bodies because you didn't want a loan, it gives you power, and well you're on a camaro website. lol.

another good one would be a fiero. . .and drop an ls1 or other v-8 in it. . .still be cheaper then an 04 gto