...from "another GTO site" with forums, some folks have run their GTOs against Mustang GT's at the track. Despite what the magazines say about 0-60 times, the '04 GTO's have pretty much always outrun the '05 Mustang GT's. Just wait for the '05 GTO, with 50 more hp and, for those automatic buyers, a revised tranny which makes the auto a tick faster than the stick...
Still having a blast with my car! I really just love driving it.
My daughter closed the passenger door with her book bag half way out and it put a hole in the speaker cover on the door. Picked up the new piece ($42) but have not put it on yet. It looks like I have to take the whole door panel off to do this. Anyone know positively?
Was interested if anyone has gone the "cash" route with the GTO recently. I am well aware of and have been mostly hearing about the great leasing deals on the GTO, but haven't heard anything or anyone talk about great buying deals. I'm interested in comments from those that have either paid cash or financed the vehicle or know someone who has and what type of deal they got. For myself, I would be paying cash for the car (I haven't leased or financed any of my car purchases and don't plan on going that route).
I realize that on high-end models it sometimes makes sense to lease the vehicle then flip it or purchase it at the end of the lease or the leasing deals are sooo attractive the lease is a better deal ($$$ sometimes come out better that way than to finance it), but since the GTO is not a high-end vehicle, at least to me, and I would be paying cash, just was wondering if anyone else out there went the cash route.
Actually, paying cash for your car costs you more money. There's a $3500 GMAC financing rebate, which you don't get it you don't finance the vehicle.
GMAC has low (0.9/36, 1.9/48, 2.9/60) finance rates available to qualified lenders. Unless you're worried about the loan amoun/term impacting your credit, I'd finance the vehicle for 36 months and put the cash in just about anything (it's not hard to get better than 0.9% return). You can always pay the loan off within 6 months if you're nervous/uncomfortable...
I doubt you'll see a $30k Cobra in '06 - probably more like $35-$40k. I doubt the GTO, even the '05's, will stay at $33-$34k list for long - there will be incentives. And, if you compare the additional HP, far nicer/more usable interior (compare the back seats in the GTO and the new 'stang), and other things like an independent, versus solid rear end, the GTO will be in there. Not to mention the "everyone owns a Mustang" factor - I personally like having a vehicle different from most on the road.
No such thing as a $30K Cobra. Expect closer to $40K. And Ford dealers are, apparently, taking a page from the Pontiac "idiot" book and tacking on $2,000 to $4,000 "market adjustment" to the stickers of 05 GT's. Hopefully, by the time my "SmartBuy" expires in Sept. 06, the "shine" will be off the new Mustang and prices will fall in line cause I think they look dynamite and will be considering one (as well as 06 GTO) when I replace my current GTO.
The '05 Mustang I test drove the other day stickered out at just under $30k. It had the upgrade interior and sound system,security,and red leather. Tack on destination charges without any dealer "market adjustment" and you have a $30k car. When compared to the GTO pricing with current rebates the GTO is a great bargain. Saleen, Roush, and Cobras will easily go for over $35K and I agree with hammen2, that everyone has a Mustang. A GTO owner enjoys a little satisfaction knowing that their car isn't just one of tens of thousands.
I just hope GM doesn't cave in and change the styling of the GTO. The new Mustang is beautiful and reminds me of a Mach I I had when I was a kid, but since I'm in the 45 to 50 range now, I wouldn't feel comfortable driving it. The GTO has simple, clean, grown up styling that cars like the Firebird and Camaro lacked. The only change I'd make would be to get rid of the spoiler. Also, don't forget Roush/Saleen offer different packages at different prices for Mustangs. You don't have to buy the whole deal if you just want to upgrade the engine.
I sorta took the cash route. I took the minimum $5,000 GMAC loan in order to take advantage of the $3,500 rebate and paid the loan in full soon after the coupon book arrived in the mail(1 week after the 1st payment was due. GMAC then gave me two more weeks to make the payment). I also was able to take advantage of the GM supplier discount which brought the pre-tax price down to $27,770 for an Impulse Blue/Blue 6-speed.
As with you, I know all about the leasing and financing deals out there. That's the point I was trying to make with the original post. I will also use the supplier's discount as I work for a GM supplier. I was just wondering what people were paying for this vehicle, preferably in cash, not so much financing and definitely not leasing it.
To me, there isn't any car out there that's worth me financing. Having owned, driven, worked on and raced so many, cars aren't important enough to me to finance. A house yes; a car, no way. Leasing could, maybe, possibly be an option for a VERY high-end vehicle, by this vehicle isn't high-end. It's decent and finally priced where it should have been in the first place, but again, cash and carry for me.
Sorry, my mistake, I guess I didn't make myself clear.
1. I'm not looking to finance the car. 2. Know all about the financing rates. 3. Don't want to lease the car. 4. Not nervous, uncomfortable, I DON'T finance cars. 5. Did I mention, I pay cash for cars, don't go the finance/lease route? 6. Don't see the point of financing a vehicle and paying more for it overall (there is that interest your paying, why give money away?) when you have the cash to pay for it up front. 7. Got over an 800 credit rating, so I think I'd qualify ;}. 8. Have money growing in other things.
Again, I'm sorry if my original post sounded as if I was looking for leasing and financing information. I wasn't. I'll try to be clearer in future posts, if possible.
Guess I didn't make _myself_ clear. The fact is, you'll pay $3500 more for the car if you don't finance at least $5000 from GMAC for a few months. Dealers/manufacturers would prefer people do this, rather than pay cash - that has no meaning to them. There is no incentive for paying cash for the car up front. That's just the way it is. Not my rules, GM's and GMAC's, I don't work for them, don't shoot the messenger.
Personally, if I were in your situation, I would pay the 0.9% interest for 3-6 months (while the money sat in a bond, or the stock market, making more than 0.9%) and save the $3500. But, it's your money, and your call.
What modifications have members in this forum done to improve the GTO's LS1, an already strong performer? I'm wanting to go with an K&N cold air kit, modified MAF sensor and throttle body. Has anyone used the Diablo pcm programer? Any other ideas would be helpful. The FAST intake, LS6 heads, supercharger, and Cam swap won't happen until the factory warranty has expired. Thanks.
I was at EPCOT last week and experienced the GM " Test Track" ride. Your vehicle goes through a series of "tests" inside a building and then you end up outside on a banked oval track for a lap at over 60 mph. Rather cool!
In typical Disney fashion when the ride is over they dump you out into a gift shop. I asked a GM rep if they had any GTO merchandise and was greeted with a blank stare.
There was also a large display area of new cars. Lot's of Cadillacs and Chevys with one lone Grand Prix in the corner.
With the refreshed Bonneville, the GTO, and the G6 all recently released what gives?
Speaking of EPCOT, we were at MGM/Disney 2 weeks ago and took the "Backlot Tour". There were a half-dozen un-plated GTO's back there. Couldn't tell what was going on, though.
I have followed a number of GTO discussion boards, and, by far, the best "bang-for-the-buck" upgrade seems to be the intake. A couple of folks have dyno'd 19 rwhp improvements using the K&N Filtercharger.
The next biggest bang-for-the-buck is probably long-tube headers/exhaust. Follow that with heads/cam, and a supercharger (the Magnuson is impressive, but it apparently suffers quite a bit from heat soak; there are also Vortech and Whipple units).
What I have read hasn't said much about gains from different MAF/intake tube/wider throttle body. Those HP gains are pretty minimal.
As to the Predator, I know a fellow GTO owner with one of those. His car, like mine, is an A4 unit, and I drove it after he tuned the car. Made a huge difference (greatly reduces torque management, and takes away the little bit of the "auto sloth" feeling at low speeds. Shifts were noticeably harder (jolts the car), and I've heard some not-so-good things about knock retard during WOT with the stock Predator tune. I'm contemplating getting one in the spring, after I install the K&N, but I plan to buy from a vendor who will customize the tune for me for no additional charge.
I think the Predator is less useful if you have a stick vehicle. I also believe it to be less useful if you are going to do further upgrades to the vehicle - probably better off with a custom tune from someone using HPTuners or EFILive. The nice advantage of the Predator is that it makes it easy to return to the factory tune, should you need to take the car in, and that it also doubles as an ODB-II code reader. You can also resell it if you don't need it any further, unlike just paying for a custom tune.
Given the desperate search for HP among competitors, it seems unlikely that Chevrolet is leaving 30 flywheel horsepower on the table by not putting in a certaub kind of air filter. By extrapolation, taking out the stock air filter completely would give you even more HP. What's in there, a cinder block?
Granted the LS1 is a corporate engine. From what I have read at other sites the K&N is "noisier" than stock. This may be one reason that "Chevrolet" uses a quieter but more restrictive induction system.
i was just there last week myself (small world - no pun intended). the tour guide we had did mention them and simply said they were given to the studio for filming. No more specifics than that, though.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I just test drove a 6 speed 2004. I like the car. One BIG annoyance was no dead pedal off the clutch. The space between the clutch and the side wall is minimal. My foot kept getting stuck under the clutch when I was trying to move it to shift. I thought it was the carpet but nope - No Room. Anybody else experience the same?
If it cost more (no wait) if you loose more money by buying cash than a lease or smart buy why would you do it? I never leased or smart bought a car in my life until this one. It was a no brainer. Plus you can buy a lot lower than supplier discount. The reason smart buy is so low is the rebates are applicable to a lower total amount due to an inflated residual value or balloon payment. How does driving this car for 3yrs at a total cost less than $11,000 the car will depreciate more than that, Why buy it! Just trying to help.
I have about 48 Hours to decide on purchasing a Cosmos Purple, 04 GTO, 6spd, for about $28K out the door. That's with GMS, GMAC Bonus Rebate $3,500, Military Bonus Rebate $500K and 2.9% @ 60 months. I really like the color base on photos in this forum(I am stationed overseas). I will be home next month for the holidays and really wanted to make the purchase at that time, however, but this is the last Cosmos Purple in AZ and the only other color I like is the Barbarous Blue only because it will be discontinued. I think if I wait these colors will not be available next month. Now saying that I think I can be happy with the Midnight Blue. The question is do I gamble and hope that similar incentives will be available around this time next year? My gut feeling is GM will offer either a lower rebate or similar interest rates next year, but not both. I am guessing that I will end up paying an estimated $32K out-the-door for a 2005 GTO, which will make my monthly payments significantly higher. Thanks in advance for your great comments.
Yes indeed, induction noise is one of those compromises that engineers have to deal with to produce the most saleable product. Depends on how the air filter unit is designed whether the induction noise from a K&N would be obnoxious or not. If the GTO uses a very long filter, that requires caution, as the long K&Ns I've seen aren't re-inforced enough, so the filter can bend a bit causing an air leak---not good. This is why I don't use one in my car (not a Pontiac).
I haven't seen a press release yet but based on what I just read elsewhere there is now info on the GM media website saying the base msrp (2VX37) will be $33,940. If that info is correct it would be an increase of $2,145.
Go for it dude. Unless you really want the 400 hp, or the hood scoops, or the split exhaust in the rear. Then wait for the 2005. But you will pay more for it. And you won't get Cosmos Purple
I agree with the previous poster. If you want this car in this color, and can afford this deal, GO FOR IT! I have never talked with someone who test-drove the car who didn't love it.
I was in the same boat in late August - loved the Cosmos, didn't care for the hood scoops on the '05, didn't want/need the HP, can't afford that car at list. The GMS, $3500 and 2.9/60 is what sealed the deal for me - due to much higher interest rates, proved that it was actually more expensive to buy a used car (like I had been doing), than a new one with a full warranty.
Of course, my Cosmos turned out to be a problem child, but GM is now exchanging it for another, so I'm very happy...
Here's something you might want to try in the future. Don't tell them your GMS. Make a deal without. You can use GM earnings and bonus money that why. Even without these extras I think you can buy this car for less. My advice buy now why gamble, it's a good deal!
Correct; that's why I said base price in my post. Destination charge remains at $700. I'm sure options (like a 6 speed) and the gas guzzler tax on the auto will be additional as well. Frankly I'm a little surprised by the amount of the increase. It seems to me like they might be anticipating a rebate earlier in the model year and adjusting the base price accordingly.
corkfish - I think it will come with the scoops but you can get rid of them via a "delete" option.
GMS is about 5% under invoice price. Most dealers will do invoice on a GTO - they usually won't negotiate to under invoice. So... no reason not to let 'em know you're GMS-eligible, as long as you're not doing a trade (if you'd be doing a trade, I'd get the best trade price you can from them, then mention GMS, as sometimes dealers will try to add to the profit on a GMS deal by undercutting your trade-in value). Buying GMS outright removes any real negotiation from the process.
I negotiated a price of $25,339 (before tax) on my GTO. They were advertising $7,000 off MSRP in their ads (which dropped the price to $26,500 on an A4 car) and then I topped it off with $1,365 in GM Mastercard money. Then they added their BS charges (title fee, etc.) to bring the total sale price to $25,399. I would think that if my local dealer would sell these cars for $26,500 with no haggling, you should be able to get at least this good a deal, if not better. Heard lots of talk that the best deals are to be had after December 1, when the 05's are officially introduced and for sale. Probably worth waiting a couple of weeks to see.
Your probably right, but you don't know how low a dealer will go if you are satisfied with a price. Dealers like GMS because they get money back from GM. If a dealer needs to reach a certain price he can use $500.00 certificates and other means to reach it. You can always use GMS later. I think I might be confusing GMS with GM supplier which isn't as big of a discount. Still you never know the bottom line until you push the limit. I've been pleasantly surprised in the past. I purchased an automatic for $25,995.00 before taxes & tags. How does that compare to GMS? Thanks for the info. Also if you have a trade, shop trade in value then you'll see if there is any extra money to be had.
I have re-aligned my sights for the 2004 Pulse Red, 6 Spd, GTO. Currently there is 5 Dealers with the combo I want in AZ. Asking for quotes as before with GMS, GMAC & Military Rebate Bonus. I should have at least one out-the-door quote for less than $28K. Again, its pain doing these kind of deals from overseas, but I will hang in there!
Just test drove my first 04. It was a red 6 speed, and I could have bought it for just under $24K, which I thought was great. But...the 05's are coming....I just know I would hate to pass up the split exhaust and extra ponies. Granted, I can make it up with the savings, but....
Pontiac will cut GTO production by about 30 percent next year, from its 2004 target of 1,300 to 1,500 units a month to 1,000 a month in 2005.
Larry Pryg, marketing manager for Pontiac's premium mid-sized cars, admitted Pontiac did not conduct enough initial market research on the GTO, misallocated inventory and missed its initial estimate.
"We will adjust production levels, and 12,000 units a year seems right for this vehicle," Pryg said at a press event here.
The article also says some inventory allocation will be shifted from the North-Central region and sent to other areas such as the West Coast.
Maybe you should wait for the '05s, just got back from SF auto show tonite. I was really impressed with the new GTO, 400HP and 395 ft lbs torque from corvette engine. New split dual exhaust, optional 18" rims, cold air induction and front spoiler.
Recaro seats are very comfortable, just might trade in my 330i in January for a new ride.
I think the 18" wheel option has been dropped (though some 18" Pontiac wheels turned up on eBay, only to find out that they had been stolen from a prototype car :-). The seats aren't Recaro, but they are excellent (same as the '04). Also, the hood scoops just allow heat to escape - they don't provide cold air induction.
I personally couldn't afford the elevated pricing of the '05, but don't need the HP, don't care for the hood scoops, or the new rear end. I do like the separated dual exhaust (the '04 is dual, just both exit the left rear of the car), but it's not worth waiting for, in my situation. I still say you can buy, and hop up, an '04 for far less than a new '05, but it's your $$$ and your call.
White6, How did you confirm the dead pedal for 2005? Did they add any space between the side wall and the clutch? During my test drive my foot kept getting stuck under the clutch because there was not enough room to move it up to shift.
I have a 2000 Celica GTS 6 Speed which handles and brakes unbelievable but there is little torque until 6,000 RPMs but I love the car.
I am considering trading it in for a 2004 GTO 6 Speed but am worried about reliability, value, etc. My local dealer is hung with 12 cars mostly sticks so I am sure I can hook a good deal.
Just cant make up my mind..........wish I could keep the Toyota and get the GTO!
From what the guy explained to me at the show, the CAI that was on one of the '05s was a aftermarket accessory from GM. I'm not sure of the set up currently on the '04s.
Usually aftermarket CAI systems mean larger air mass meter and larger throttle body for increased air flow. Thus allowing the engine to be less restricted than stock set up. Which means more HP.
They had 2 '05 GTO's at the sf auto show, one stock and the other tricked out with the GM aftermarket goodies( 18" wheels, special front spoiler, CAI, and some other stuff that I forgot.)
I should know more in early January, their sending me a pre-launch info kit before the new model comes out.
The '04 has a standard GM airbox/MAF/intake tube. Many folks have replaced the airbox/filter with a cone-type filter, as long as it has something to surround it to ensure that it's not sucking in warm engine bay air. The winner seems to be the K&N, which has pretty consistently added around 19 rwhp on a dyno.
I believe the '05 has a similar, if not exactly the same, setup. The hood scoops just allow cold air to enter the engine compartment - they are NOT routed to the airbox, so it is NOT RAM Air. There is no real performance enhancement, except maybe heat extraction/ventilation by the air coming into the engine compartment.
however the 300C has been on the radar. Now even the Mustang GT has worked its way into equation. I have not seen a Mustang GT in person (station overseas), but the pricing and photos has made it appealing. The 04' GTO was definitely fun to drive, but the 300C has similar performance, more room and nice amenities. The 05' GTO might be the best overall value based on performance, limited production and pricing (with incentives). My goal was to purchase (not lease) a vehicle for less than 30K out the door. If honor by the dealer, I actually qualify for all the Manufactures Employee/Family & Friends Discounts (its nice to be from the Motor City).
Here is what I have found for 2005 MSRP Base Pricing for each model:
2005 Chrysler 300-Series 4dr Sdn 300C MSRP Base $32,870.00
I recommend you Google search for the video from a UK TV show called Top Gear (their web site is at http://www.topgear.com but doesn't have the streaming video from that show).
They compared the Vauxhall Monaro (basically the GTO), the Chrysler 300, and the Jag S-Type. They REALLY did not like the driving dynamics of the 300 (brakes, ride, handling, inability to turn off the traction control). I'll leave it as a surprise to which vehicle "won" the comparo (it's quite hilarious, actually).
How many people will be in the car with you on a regular basis? If it's just 1 or 2 most of the time, I'd say stick with the Mustang and the GTO. If more than 2 occasionally, drop the Mustang (back seat is useless, unlike the GTO). If 3 or 4 most of the time. I think you'd have to rule out both the Mustang AND the GTO.
I don't know street pricing of Mustangs or 300's, but I've heard lots of stories of $2k-$4k Additional Dealer Markup on the 'stangs, and even a few on the 300's. The GTO has the opposite problem, unfortunately.
Most dealers will sell the car for invoice ($31.2k for M6, $31.7k for A4) or less (some who have had the cars on the lots for awhile are even giving up some or all of their 3% holdback). You have the military discount, and then each GM dealer gets 24 "coupons" of $500 ea. to close a deal (and can use up to 3 coupons for each deal).
Factor in the $3500 GMAC finance rebate and the 0.9/36, 1.9/48 and 2.9/60 financing, and, depending upon the tax and license fees where you will be registering the car, you should be around $27-$27.5k out-the-door for a 2004 GTO. This is considerably less than the '05 GTO and you can easily improve the appearance and performance of the '04 to surpass the '05 for less than the price difference.
BTW, pricing on the 2005 is not officially released until Wednesday the 1st. The number you have seems low (perhaps before destination and gas-guzzler - I've heard $34k+ for the 2005). There's no incentives on the '05 yet, either.
BTW, where overseas are you stationed? I am on another GTO discussion board, and there's a couple of servicemen stationed in Germany who have GTO's, and have tons of fun hitting the 162 mph speed limiter on the Autobahn...
Comments
--Robert
My daughter closed the passenger door with her book bag half way out and it put a hole in the speaker cover on the door. Picked up the new piece ($42) but have not put it on yet. It looks like I have to take the whole door panel off to do this. Anyone know positively?
I realize that on high-end models it sometimes makes sense to lease the vehicle then flip it or purchase it at the end of the lease or the leasing deals are sooo attractive the lease is a better deal ($$$ sometimes come out better that way than to finance it), but since the GTO is not a high-end vehicle, at least to me, and I would be paying cash, just was wondering if anyone else out there went the cash route.
GMAC has low (0.9/36, 1.9/48, 2.9/60) finance rates available to qualified lenders. Unless you're worried about the loan amoun/term impacting your credit, I'd finance the vehicle for 36 months and put the cash in just about anything (it's not hard to get better than 0.9% return). You can always pay the loan off within 6 months if you're nervous/uncomfortable...
--Robert
--Robert
As with you, I know all about the leasing and financing deals out there. That's the point I was trying to make with the original post. I will also use the supplier's discount as I work for a GM supplier. I was just wondering what people were paying for this vehicle, preferably in cash, not so much financing and definitely not leasing it.
To me, there isn't any car out there that's worth me financing. Having owned, driven, worked on and raced so many, cars aren't important enough to me to finance. A house yes; a car, no way. Leasing could, maybe, possibly be an option for a VERY high-end vehicle, by this vehicle isn't high-end. It's decent and finally priced where it should have been in the first place, but again, cash and carry for me.
1. I'm not looking to finance the car.
2. Know all about the financing rates.
3. Don't want to lease the car.
4. Not nervous, uncomfortable, I DON'T finance cars.
5. Did I mention, I pay cash for cars, don't go the finance/lease route?
6. Don't see the point of financing a vehicle and paying more for it overall (there is that interest your paying, why give money away?) when you have the cash to pay for it up front.
7. Got over an 800 credit rating, so I think I'd qualify ;}.
8. Have money growing in other things.
Again, I'm sorry if my original post sounded as if I was looking for leasing and financing information. I wasn't. I'll try to be clearer in future posts, if possible.
Personally, if I were in your situation, I would pay the 0.9% interest for 3-6 months (while the money sat in a bond, or the stock market, making more than 0.9%) and save the $3500. But, it's your money, and your call.
--Robert
In typical Disney fashion when the ride is over they dump you out into a gift shop. I asked a GM rep if they had any GTO merchandise and was greeted with a blank stare.
There was also a large display area of new cars. Lot's of Cadillacs and Chevys with one lone Grand Prix in the corner.
With the refreshed Bonneville, the GTO, and the G6 all recently released what gives?
The next biggest bang-for-the-buck is probably long-tube headers/exhaust. Follow that with heads/cam, and a supercharger (the Magnuson is impressive, but it apparently suffers quite a bit from heat soak; there are also Vortech and Whipple units).
What I have read hasn't said much about gains from different MAF/intake tube/wider throttle body. Those HP gains are pretty minimal.
As to the Predator, I know a fellow GTO owner with one of those. His car, like mine, is an A4 unit, and I drove it after he tuned the car. Made a huge difference (greatly reduces torque management, and takes away the little bit of the "auto sloth" feeling at low speeds. Shifts were noticeably harder (jolts the car), and I've heard some not-so-good things about knock retard during WOT with the stock Predator tune. I'm contemplating getting one in the spring, after I install the K&N, but I plan to buy from a vendor who will customize the tune for me for no additional charge.
I think the Predator is less useful if you have a stick vehicle. I also believe it to be less useful if you are going to do further upgrades to the vehicle - probably better off with a custom tune from someone using HPTuners or EFILive. The nice advantage of the Predator is that it makes it easy to return to the factory tune, should you need to take the car in, and that it also doubles as an ODB-II code reader. You can also resell it if you don't need it any further, unlike just paying for a custom tune.
--Robert
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
$500K?! What are you doing looking at a GTO??
http://media.gm.com/news/incentives/2005pricing.html
I was in the same boat in late August - loved the Cosmos, didn't care for the hood scoops on the '05, didn't want/need the HP, can't afford that car at list. The GMS, $3500 and 2.9/60 is what sealed the deal for me - due to much higher interest rates, proved that it was actually more expensive to buy a used car (like I had been doing), than a new one with a full warranty.
Of course, my Cosmos turned out to be a problem child, but GM is now exchanging it for another, so I'm very happy...
--Robert
corkfish - I think it will come with the scoops but you can get rid of them via a "delete" option.
--Robert
Pontiac will cut GTO production by about 30 percent next year, from its 2004 target of 1,300 to 1,500 units a month to 1,000 a month in 2005.
Larry Pryg, marketing manager for Pontiac's premium mid-sized cars, admitted Pontiac did not conduct enough initial market research on the GTO, misallocated inventory and missed its initial estimate.
"We will adjust production levels, and 12,000 units a year seems right for this vehicle," Pryg said at a press event here.
The article also says some inventory allocation will be shifted from the North-Central region and sent to other areas such as the West Coast.
I was really impressed with the new GTO, 400HP and 395 ft lbs torque from corvette engine.
New split dual exhaust, optional 18" rims,
cold air induction and front spoiler.
Recaro seats are very comfortable, just might trade in my 330i in January for a new ride.
I personally couldn't afford the elevated pricing of the '05, but don't need the HP, don't care for the hood scoops, or the new rear end. I do like the separated dual exhaust (the '04 is dual, just both exit the left rear of the car), but it's not worth waiting for, in my situation. I still say you can buy, and hop up, an '04 for far less than a new '05, but it's your $$$ and your call.
--Robert
from near or underneath the wheel well.
(like the '05 GTO at the auto show).
Ram air is taken from the hood scoop.
Ron
How did you confirm the dead pedal for 2005? Did they add any space between the side wall and the clutch? During my test drive my foot kept getting stuck under the clutch because there was not enough room to move it up to shift.
Thanks
I am considering trading it in for a 2004 GTO 6 Speed but am worried about reliability, value, etc.
My local dealer is hung with 12 cars mostly sticks so I am sure I can hook a good deal.
Just cant make up my mind..........wish I could keep the Toyota and get the GTO!
was a aftermarket accessory from GM.
I'm not sure of the set up currently on the '04s.
Usually aftermarket CAI systems mean larger
air mass meter and larger throttle body for increased air flow. Thus allowing the engine to be less restricted than stock set up. Which means more HP.
They had 2 '05 GTO's at the sf auto show, one stock and the other tricked out with the GM aftermarket goodies( 18" wheels, special front spoiler, CAI, and some other stuff that I forgot.)
I should know more in early January, their sending me a pre-launch info kit before the new model comes out.
I believe the '05 has a similar, if not exactly the same, setup. The hood scoops just allow cold air to enter the engine compartment - they are NOT routed to the airbox, so it is NOT RAM Air. There is no real performance enhancement, except maybe heat extraction/ventilation by the air coming into the engine compartment.
Hope this clarifies things,
--Robert
Here is what I have found for 2005 MSRP Base Pricing for each model:
2005 Chrysler 300-Series 4dr Sdn 300C
MSRP
Base $32,870.00
2005 Ford Mustang 2dr Cpe GT Premium
MSRP
Base $25,705.00
2005 Pontiac GTO 2dr Cpe
MSRP
Base $32,295.00
They compared the Vauxhall Monaro (basically the GTO), the Chrysler 300, and the Jag S-Type. They REALLY did not like the driving dynamics of the 300 (brakes, ride, handling, inability to turn off the traction control). I'll leave it as a surprise to which vehicle "won" the comparo (it's quite hilarious, actually).
How many people will be in the car with you on a regular basis? If it's just 1 or 2 most of the time, I'd say stick with the Mustang and the GTO. If more than 2 occasionally, drop the Mustang (back seat is useless, unlike the GTO). If 3 or 4 most of the time. I think you'd have to rule out both the Mustang AND the GTO.
I don't know street pricing of Mustangs or 300's, but I've heard lots of stories of $2k-$4k Additional Dealer Markup on the 'stangs, and even a few on the 300's. The GTO has the opposite problem, unfortunately.
Most dealers will sell the car for invoice ($31.2k for M6, $31.7k for A4) or less (some who have had the cars on the lots for awhile are even giving up some or all of their 3% holdback). You have the military discount, and then each GM dealer gets 24 "coupons" of $500 ea. to close a deal (and can use up to 3 coupons for each deal).
Factor in the $3500 GMAC finance rebate and the 0.9/36, 1.9/48 and 2.9/60 financing, and, depending upon the tax and license fees where you will be registering the car, you should be around $27-$27.5k out-the-door for a 2004 GTO. This is considerably less than the '05 GTO and you can easily improve the appearance and performance of the '04 to surpass the '05 for less than the price difference.
BTW, pricing on the 2005 is not officially released until Wednesday the 1st. The number you have seems low (perhaps before destination and gas-guzzler - I've heard $34k+ for the 2005). There's no incentives on the '05 yet, either.
Hope this helps,
--Robert