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Comments
I think Edmunds is way off to price a used GTO for over $23k. Despite the almost giveaway price, 2080 GTOs remains unsold. Try to trade in your GTO. You are lucky if you get $14k or 15k, maybe less.
If GM builds 12,000 2005 GTOs, what I foresee, the 2005 GTO is an instant replay of the 2004 GTO, as far as sale of the car is concern. Why? The GTO fanatics had already bought the car. Nothing has changed, except for the hood, dual exhaust and increase of hp and torque. Why would the sale of the 2005 any different. Potential buyers are bargain hunters.
I read that Bob Lutz created the GTO as Pontiac Halo car. If most Pontiac vehicles follow the lead of the GTO, PONTIAC will be entombed next to OLDSMOBILE
I feel that some greedy dealers are mostly responsible for hurting this cars launch and many will be stuck with alot of 04's if they don't deal NOW!!
This is a high quality performance car that everyone who has actually purchased one, even at MSRP or 1/2 price, or driven one instantly gains respect for it. BUY one today while there's still great deals happening. You'll be pleasantly surprised!!
- Well no, the fact that it's the end of the model year and they want to clear inventory has done that.
"Try to trade in your GTO. You are lucky if you get $14k or 15k, maybe less."
- Unless you personally have tried to trade one in, the fact is you don't know what the actual trade-in value might be.
"The GTO fanatics had already bought the car."
- As a matter of fact many hard core fans have waited for the LS2 and hood scoops, leaving plenty of potential buyers.
"Why would the sale of the 2005 any different."
- The fact that the new GTO offers more power and features for basically the same price just might be a difference.
"Potential buyers are bargain hunters."
- I suppose if you ever buy that Vette you've been talking about that you will seek the worst deal you can so you can pay the the highest price.
"If most Pontiac vehicles follow the lead of the GTO, PONTIAC will be entombed next to OLDSMOBILE"
- The facts are that the GTO just had its best sales month and the Grand Prix and G6 are selling quite well thanks.
There's also a TSB on dimming the "MPH" light on the dash. Also check the aluminum-looking plastic spokes on your steering wheel - if any are "wrinkled", that's a TSB, too. There's also one for the door lock mechanisms getting stuck.
Be sure that your tire pressure is set properly (50-60 psi from the factory, should be 32-35 psi depending on passenger weight). The inverse situation is true of the spare (30-40 psi from the factory when it should be 50-60 psi).
There's a subwoofer amp behind the material on the driver's side of the trunk - if you reach your hand between the chassis and the amp, you'll feel a small wheel that you can turn to crank the amp up a little bit. That, plus turning off the equalizer and distortion limiter, provides better sound from the Blaupunkt.
Also, be aware that most drivers aren't happy with the low-beam cutoff (high-beams are awesome, best of any car I've ever driven). If you pop the hood, you'll see screw-head adjustment points - most folks feel that turning them up 2 1/2 rotations strikes a nice balance between being able to see better and being able to blind oncoming drivers :-)
Don't forget to read the owner's manual to go over the personalization options for the displays, lights, door locking, et. al.
Regarding the Sport Appearance Package, you're partially correct. GM is offering the '05 hood plus the autocross grilles and autocross spoiler to dealers for $1100 (but they can mark up the price). Anyone buying a new GTO from Jan 04-30 gets $700 off the price of buying this package. I believe it only comes in three colors (maybe black, red, and silver?), so if you have a different color you'll have to arrange to have it painted.
Hope this helps,
--Robert
I have not pushed it hard enough yet to hear the rear clunk. The mph is bright. The steering wheel looks ok for now. I have already taken care of the stereo issue except for the distortion limiter. Does the distortion limiter fix help a lot? I did have 45psi in the tires so I lowered it to 35. Helped a lot with road noise. I do want to improve the low beam lights so I will try your suggestion.
I do kind of have a shake at idle. Maybe just the torque of the engine.
After a few more miles I will take it by the dealer to check the tsbs.
As far as the appearance package, I think I will leave mine as is. I kind of like the subdued look.
If you can think of anything else, I would appreciate the info.
Thanks,
Larry
Also, look under the tire openings at the shocks/struts - if you see any red clips in there, those are the shipping protectors. Many, many dealers forget to remove these when doing the PDI. I suspect this is what caused some of my car's suspension issues (along with 60 psi tires, et. al.).
I would disable the distortion limiter on the stereo as well. Be aware that playing loud bass may cause the stereo to cut out - this is the way the system is designed and unfortunately there is no workaround yet (other than changing out the head unit).
Re: the door lock TSB. Try this with both the passenger and driver's side doors. With the door open, hit the lock fob. Your car may do the "rapid honk" alarm problem noise. Now try unlocking... is the button stuck? If so, you need the "door lock" TSB...
Hope this helps,
--Robert
Current incentives include $5000 dealer cash (which dealers can use to lower the price of the car, or keep as profit - they don't HAVE to give it to you), plus $1500 GM Owner loyalty. No low lease rates, no low finance rates, no value certificates.
Yes, you can most certainly get an '05 w/o hood scoops, but you may have to order one (or swap your hood with an '04 owner wishing to upgrade), since most dealers are not ordering the scoop delete option (i.e. virtually all of the '05s headed to dealers right now have scoops)...
--Robert
Also, if you just don't like the GTO, then a topic titled "Pontiac GTO" is probably the wrong place to hang out.
kirstie_h
Roving Host
Host, Smart Shopper & Future Vehicles discussions
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2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
I must have missed something.......
Re: convertible GTO, Holden did build a one-off convertibe Monaro, nicknamed "Marilyn" (get it, Marilyn Monaro? :-), but there won't be one on this platform. Maybe on Zeta, but that won't materialize until 2007 (not sure if model year or physical year). I know Buick's getting one from the same platform, so there's hope...
--Robert
I don't see why someone who is critical of the GTO should stifle themselves. Their opinions are as legitiment as the GTO fans. They should be able to state their opinions, too.
thank you
MrShiftright
Host
thank you
MrShiftright
I wish, I could answer the post 2123 by midwesttrader. But, if I will be gag or stifle, I would rather stay away. Good luck to all of you and your GTOs.
Is there any reason why the new 2005 Pontiac GTO hasn't been reviewed by Edmunds yet? I saw a new TV ad for it during the USC-Oklahoma game on Tuesday and it looked pretty potent. The ad showed the new hood ram-air intakes and split dual exhaust. It also said the new GTO now has a 6.0 liter engine making 400 HP and 400 ft-lbs of torque (same as the Corvette's LS2).
This is a second request. Please contact me by e-mail if you wish to retain your membership privileges. All users must have a valid e-mail address and we don't have one for you.
MrShiftright
Host
I'm not privy to editorial's upcoming articles, so I don't know what they are planning. Best thing to do would be to use the "help" button down at the bottom of this page and ask 'em if they are planning an '05 review. They will definitely get back to you.
shifty
took delivery of a '05 yellow jacket last night.
It goes with his wife's '04 yellow jacket.
He said he got 3K off MSRP with the GM loyalty bonus that is in effect.
Not too shabby.
but wait, isn't that a vette?
--Robert
With the Solstice and G6 convertibles coming, I doubt that Pontiac dealers would be able to manage 3 ragtops at the same time. Even Chrysler only sells 2 convertibles (PT Cruiser, Sebring) presently, with no plans for a 300C droptop.
However, I must admit, a GTO convertible on the 2007 Zeta platform would really be cool. If Pontiac offers it for under $40K with an LS2, potential Corvette buyers will have a great reason to think twice.
The 300 SRT8 looks sweet. Glad to see the return of the American Muscle cars.
see if this works...
http://www.automotivebuy.com/pontiac_gto.html
Hopefully the new version will be the better for having been built from the get-go w a convertible in mind.
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
Otherwise, what is recommended services for this car?
It is clear that the only extra money now available is $5000 (manufacturer to dealer) plus $1500 loyalty money if you currently own a GM vehicle. Subtracting $6500 from invoice will still keep you over $24,000.
Given that some bought in December and early January for less than $18,000 with GM card "money," I agree that it is very difficult to pay $6000 more now. Pontiac still has about 2000 units in inventory and will probably need to do something else to move them out.
I suppose they could give some away - say on the Oprah show . . .
Some folks may come in and get all hot and bothered about the '05 GTO, but can't afford it or can't swing the payments. At that point in time, the dealer can offer them the '04 for less. Some dealers may also make the 04's "demos" then take another $1k-$2k off the pricing. They will move - I think there's more than 2000 Pontiac dealers, so this is probably less than one per dealership. It wasn't uncommon to find 2002 Camaros and Firebirds still on the dealer lots in 2004...
- And that's why those two vehicles are no longer around. Let's hope GM history does not repeat itself!
On a brighter note; the '05s are available for sale on the west coast right now. Someone on another board claims to have purchased one for $500 over invoice in CA.
I think 500 miles was the figure in the manual for first oil change. I had already hit 900 the first weekend I owned it and ended up waiting till what the dealer/salesman had said 1500 miles. I wouldn't wait much beyond that. Once you get around 4000-6000 miles, you'll notice how much more powerful the engine is.
One other maintenance tip...check the rear side of the differential for fluid leaks on the bolts. The fluid is clear/slightly yellowish. If you have a leak, get to the dealership now!
The real issue is that I am not that happy with the brakes, very soft, spongy, etc etc. It seems they need to be bled. Wife's RendezVous CXL has better brakes!!! Am I alone with this perception about the brakes????
Other issue is the annoying electronics, twice I was stopped and showing 200 mph and moving showing 0 mph. Lately I am letting the engine doing the checking before I crank the starter. It works. Like I do on my dearest Aprilia CapoNord, aka red Cappy.
The trunk stinks!! I knew it but I love everything else in the car.
OIL CAN.
Re: the electronics, yes, wait for the system check to complete before putting into gear. Rumor has it there will be a fix (TSB) for this issue...
Re: your MPG question, is your car a stick or an auto? What octane/level of gas are you running?
--Robert
If you don't have a laptop to run HPTuners or EFILive, I might suggest you look at a Predator from http://www.diablosport.com - it's a combination programmer/tuner, code-reader and monitor. The stock Predator performance tune has some issues, but there are vendors that will "remotely tune" your vehicle/create custom tunes. I have one, played briefly with the stock tune (like maybe a day or so) and definitely got the 1-2 chirp, but my first GTO spent more time in the shop than in my possession, so I reloaded the factory tune/never had the custom tune done. I FINALLY got my replacement car Thursday:
http://www.hammen.net/newgto/
so, after I take it out of storage sometime in April, I'll put a K&N intake on it and then get it tuned.
Re: the brakes, I understand that C5 (Corvette) pads fit on the front; may be a bit of an upgrade. Other brake upgrades from PBR and Baer are > $1k; isn't your car a lease? Probably not worth it. I expereinced no issues with braking on my first car, but I understand if you use the brakes a lot (i.e. at the track), the fade becomes pretty bad. One of the things they fixed for '05...
Is your vibration/resonance just the cam lope, or something else? Suggest you maybe try another dealer - I'm assuming they need to use a Tech II to adjust the idle, unless, as you said, you do it yourself...
--Robert
Knocking Noise from Rear of Vehicle on Aggressive Launch or Acceleration (Install Rear Suspension Crossmember Front Mount Insulators)
2004 Pontiac GTO
Built Prior to VIN Breakpoint 4L246712
This bulletin is being revised to change a torque specification within the correction procedure. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 04-03-09-003 (Section 03 -- Suspension).
Condition
Some customers may comment on a knocking noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. This noise occurs during an aggressive launch or acceleration and will be more common on vehicles with a manual transmission.
Cause
The cause of this condition may be contact between the body and the rear suspension crossmember.
Correction
Install insulators, P/N 90447991, and new bolts, P/N 92038482, between the body and the rear suspension crossmember using the procedure listed below.
Important
Only remove the bolts from one side of the suspension crossmember at a time, and DO NOT loosen the opposite side, until the insulator is installed on the first side and all fasteners have been tightened to the specified torque setting.
Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in the General Information sub-section of the Service Manual. Position rear hoist.
Support the rear suspension crossmember just under the brace using an adjustable jack stand.
Remove the 3 brace to underbody bolts.
Remove the front mount bolt attaching the rear suspension crossmember to the underbody.
Lower the jack stand slightly to allow clearance between the crossmember and the underbody.
Important
When installing the insulator onto the crossmember front mount bushing, face the corrugated side upwards, so it bears against the underbody.
Install the insulator between the underbody and the upper part of the crossmember, ensuring to seat the insulator firmly onto the center of the crossmember front mount bushing.
Raise the crossmember using the jack stand until it is pressing firmly against the underbody.
With the jack stand still in position to support the crossmember, install the new front mount bolt and the 3 brace to underbody bolts. Tighten
Tighten the crossmember front mount bolt to 125N·m(92 lb ft). Use J 45059 Torque Angle Meter in order to tighten the bolt an additional 40 degrees.
Tighten
Tighten the brace bolts to 65N·m(48 lb ft).
Remove the jack stand.
Repeat steps 2 to 9 for the opposite side.
Parts Information
Part Number
Description
Qty
90447991
Insulator, Rear Suspension Crossmember Front Mount (2 Per Package)
1
92038482
Bolt, Rear Suspension Crossmember Front Mount
2
Parts are currently available from GMSPO.
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Operation
E9407*
Rear Suspension Crossmember Front Mount Insulators -- Install
0.5 hr
*This is a unique labor operation number for use only with this bulletin. This number will not be published in the Labor Time Guide.
I read about the vette pads; not really concerned with stopping power as much as brake "feel" or modulation. Lots of people (as well as the mags) have complained about "spongy" brakes; this is what I'm talking about. Mine isn't a lease, exactly, it's a "SmartBuy," so I will be giving it back in Sept. 2006. I'm hoping that the 2006 models (last of the Monaro-version) will add a few features missing from the 2004-05 models (HVAC controls from the Monaro, spoiler delete, etc.). If so, I may re-up with a 06 model. 07's should be just about out by Sept. 06 so maybe I can get a good deal on an 06. If not, I may try to negotiate a better buy-out price on mine. Residual (or balloon note in my case) will be about $21,000; no way this car will be worth anywhere near that in two years. I'm guessing wholesale value by then will be below $16,000.