If it is indeed an '06 (congrats, BTW), shouldn't it be $500 (rebate) below invoice, especially in the SE where sales are slow? That's what comes up on carsdirect.com in my area and they pocket ~$300 referral fee directly from the dealer on top of it.
As a long-time Pontiac muscle car enthusiast I've had my eye on the new GTO for a while, however the high price tag has kept me off the lot. But a recent job promotion just put another $1000 in my pocket each month! So I took a test drive last week and only days later the announcement was made that the car is a gonner.
I wonder if the cancellation will drive prices up or whether there will be a fire sale with incentives to sell them out during the coming months?
Yes, It is an 06'. After rebate, plus a 250.00 coupon, I ended up 150.00 under invoice. Then comes the taxes.... OUCH. Anyhow, picked the car up today, and drove it to work. Was following a loaded dump truck up the on ramp, and as soon as I had a chance, I nailed it in 3rd gear. Good thing I had her pointed in the right direction BEFORE I nailed it.... Damn car took off, and blasted by the truck, and two cars ahead of the truck before I got her whoa'ed, and back to the speed limit. It's been a LONG time since I have had that much getup and go........
Actually, it's been known since the late 2003 that the Australian-sourced GTO in the current form would only be sold here for three model years. What we were not sure about is whether there would be an all new domestically-built 2007.
I truly believe that 2006s (especially 2006) will hold their value really well unlike most other "domestic" brands. Keep it in a good shape and you'll have a keeper that will pay for itself years down the road. Cross your fingers that you won't need any parts in the meantime ;-)
If for the rest of 2006 its perceived as holding its value then its likely there will be fewer deals on new ones as buyers will be willing to pay more. If the bottom is falling out in the used market buyers are less likely to pay as much for a new one and GM and dealers will adjust the pricing according.
Of course the GTO volume is so low the normal rules may not apply.
He announced yesterday that there would be a new GTO.
There have been several articles in the last week about HOlden.
The first article states that the new VE Commodore will weigh close to 4000lbs!
And that many Holdens may be built in Korea. Not sure if that includes the VE but because of the strong Australian dollar it may no longer make sense to build cars there.
Don't know how this will impact the 2009 GTO but it whatever it does to the GTO it will probably do to the Camaro. also
thank you very much for replying. i carefully went through the 2004 silver covered brochure and could not find the reference to dual stage air bags. it is not in the 2006 brochure and not on the pontiac.com web site. you may have a different brochure. if so, please carefully check as it is all standing between me and an 06 gto.. thanks rr70
Criticism of my goats (either '04 or '05) are like criticism of my clothes, haircut, taste in food, etc., etc.: it matters not.
Any opinions regarding SLP's Bobcat performance package? I'm 99% sure I'm going to buy it this spring. My one concern is: Just how loud are those loud mouth mufflers?
Finally, I wonder how long Edmunds will continue this forum.
midwestrader, thanks for the follow-up, i finally sent an e mail to pontiac and confirmed the dual stage air bag. what is amazing is that there is not one mention of this in the brochures or on the web site. the fact that it is even mentioned in your 2004 brochure but not the other 2004 brochure just explains why gm has problems. anyway, i will probably start to get serious about shopping for one now. thanks again. i look forward to being on this board with my new gto soon (a few months) rr70
Ditto on that. The gto is the first v8-style car I've found in the slightly over 30 range with this kind of performance. I would have liked to look at the Charger SRT/8, but that's $38k. In any case, the gto is rated slightly faster.
My oil change indicator came on for the first time at 11,485 miles. Although I change my oil every 5,000 miles with Mobil One, I doubt that the oil change indicator switch has ever been reset. I use an independent mechanic to change the oil, and in any case the last oil change was only 1,400 miles ago. Apparently the oil change indicator is not based strictly upon the odometer ie. every three thousand miles after a reset. I wonder does anybody know how the oil change computer program knows when it is time to change the oil.
GM TO BUILD NEW GTO AND CAMARO..............NO WAY GM is lucky to stay in business in 3 years. AND build 2, 2, MUSCLE CARS..................SORRY THE 1960S AND EARLY 70S ARE OVER.I luv my 2006, but no that is it. I will try the new Dodge Challenger Hemi or the new Camaro.... But the GTO is gone . Lets face facts. The world has changed I expect to see a Hot Rod Toyota V8 soon. That is the way of the "new world". :sick:
There are actually strong rumors that Toyota is bringing back the Supra with two engine options, a 5 liter 450 bhp V-8 or a 3.5 liter 350 bhp V-6. That would be one fine ride. We'll see.
If only one other V8 RWD (besides the 'vette), I'm thinkin' it would be the GTO, and not the Camaro... what RWD platform would the Camaro be based on (and share)? The new Monaro platform is well-suited for a new GTO, but would be a bit large for a Camaro. Plus, I think it would be too expensive to build the Camaro (in the volumes needed) overseas and ship 'em here. No, if there will be a new Camaro, it would have to be built in North America. And we've heard the RWD platform it would have been built on has been axed. But the GTO could still be built in Australia.
will share primary chassis; different sheet metal and interior. Both will be built on a new, flexible rear-drive chassis with independent rear suspension and strut front suspension. GTO will be a bit larger, with higher standard equipment levels and higher quality interior. Camaro interior materials and standard equipment will allow it to compete, price-wise, with Mustang. There is an enormous market (and getting bigger) for fun, expressive, less-functional cars for aging baby boomers that are rid of the children and want to have some fun. Gas mileage is not a major concern if you only drive 5,000 miles a year. Besides, a 350+ hp Camaro, with six speeds (manual or auto) and cylinder deactivation, should easily pull down high 20s on the freeway. And even a 6-cylinder 2009 Camaro will sport 240+ horsepower. Don't kid yourself; the General isn't going out of business. And it looks like they may have figured out (with a little help from Bob Lutz) that people want more than Camrycord appliances. The sales success of the new Mustang has had a major impact on the US car industry. It's not all about trucks anymore!
I am still around, just super-busy at work. I get to check Edmunds maybe once or twice a week, rather than daily. No, I don't work for GM.
Yes, there will be a new Camaro. It will be on a cheaper version of the Zeta chassis developed in Australia and underpinning the forthcoming Holden Commodore. RWD Impala, Buick sedan, and yes, GTO, are coming, following the Camaro (which should be available early in 2008 as a 2009 model).
The next-gen GTO is expected to be a late 2008 year car (2009 model year), built on a longer version of the Camaro's Zeta chassis. The real question is whether the next-gen GTO will get a Pontiac sedan sibling, or whether the GTO will be forced to perform double-duty as a quad-coupe (with styling reminiscent of the Mercedes CLS)...
It's pretty likely that GM will consolidate, rather than close, the Oshawa #1 and Oshawa #2 assembly plants in Ontario, Canada, and install a new flex manufacturing line capable of building these new RWD vehicles. I have also heard that there is a "dark horse" plan, in case this falls through (Wilmington, DE?). The Oshawa car plants (there is also a #3 truck plant making full-size pickups) have been known as GMNA's best quality plants (along with the Lansing Grand River CTS/STS/SRX plant) for years. My '96 Lumina, built at Oshawa, was pretty well screwed together for a mid-90's GM car (and very reliable... my wife's aunt is still driving it at 140+k with no major mechanical issues).
Those who think GM will be out of business in a couple of years have been listening too much to the media's "out of business" cries, and not looking at the financial facts. I work with Apple (the computer/iPod company) quite extensively, and I can't count the number of times they have been reported as going out of business in the last 10-15 years...
Sure, GM has problems, but they're not going to just disappear (and they are actively working to solve their problems - Ford, on the other hand, seems to keep shooting itself in the foot, but that's the topic for another forum).
It's important to note that the next GTO will NOT be just a clone of the Camaro (with a new nose and tails). Take a look at how the Chevy HHR runs on the same chassis as the Cobalt - does it look like one? Does the G6 look like the Malibu or like the Saab 9-5?
Don't expect to see the LS2 engine in future vehicles... it's dead by 2008, replaced with the 425+hp LS3 on the high-end, and an upgraded LS4 (303 hp V8) on the low-end. Start saving your pennies, because it's undecided if the next-gen GTO will get an LS7 option... HSV in Australia, will.
Oh, BTW, it looks like the next-generation Monaro will be built along-side the new Camaro/GTO/Impala, and exported to Oz. Australia may build their next-gen Holden Statesman large car for Buick, so at least the boats would be full going both ways...
Hi all ... I'm enjoying my 05 and it's my daily driver. One problem -- the drivers seat moves back and forth just a tiny bit and makes an audible "click" under acceleration and braking
I've researched this problem. It seems there is some info about this very problem - apparently common in Monaros ...
here's a quote about the problem from an Aussie auto mag : "As mentioned in Drive, the seats conform well to ones bum and lower back, and the electrically adjustable pews are quite intuitive in operation - just be aware of the slight fore/aft rock that some Monaros are beset with. The steering wheel has a nice tactile quality [finished in leather] and the driving position was better than the norm too."
I've spoken with the dealer and asked them what they might do to correct it ... I'm a bit reticent to let the dealer tackle the problem. They don't have a plan and they haven't worked on seats like this before ... My local dealer might well make it worse.
glad to see you back. always learned valuable information. hard to Believe GM WILL PUT OUT 2 muscle cars-----GTO/CAMARO. What I read here in NY, is the GTO is gone and perhaps GM will produce a new Camaro. Who knows <GM has fiancial problems. Yes , I heard about the LS7 corvette engine. What about us LS2 guys? Just 2 GTO years, 2005,2006. Who is going to work on them, Corvette guys? Ford killed their SVT PROGRAM. Cannot SEE GM PUTTING OUT 2 NEW MODELS....in these turbulent times. Glad to see Robert Again......
Just for info, what kind of hot idle speed are folks getting with the manual tranny? My goat idles at 750 on the tach, and I think that is just a tad high. My dealer tells me that it is normal, and that they can't adjust the idle because of the computer. I am used to stick shift V8's idling between 500 and 600 RPM. Any comments?
Higher interior quality? That would be hard to accomplish except for the HVAC controls, the stereo, and the seat motor, especially if it is built in America.
That's good news Robert. I've all but given up upgrading to an '06. The added cost just doesn't seem worth it at this point. I've been checking out the new Challenger and it looks promising. 425hp for $35K and no waiting for an upgrade to get a cigarette lighter and a better stereo. And it would come out about when my lease it up. If a new GTO could match that I would be very interested. And if the LS7 were an option I would do almost anything for one of those.
Don't give up yet. See if you can still get an '05 for $27K-$28K. I here STS is promising a turbo for the LS2 soon. For an additional $5K or so, you could have 500+ HP (ought to put you in the mid 11's 1/4 mile at least) and be butt-spanking ready for any Hemi or Shelby out there. Who knows, with a little tweakin' on the boost, we might even have something for the LS7 vettes.
Short story: A few months ago I got clearance from the wife to go trade in my '03 Mazda 6 for a new sport/muscle car. Up until two weeks ago I had test driven a 350Z, G35, and Mustang GT. I had read a few reviews and road tests about the GTO from the auto media, and based on those decided not to waste my time looking at the car. Then I stumbled on this forum, and read multiple rants from Robert and team saying "if people would just drive the car..." So, I figured what the heck, and went to the dealer for a test drive. Result: my jaw literally dropped when I fed that car some throttle, and I still can't believe the build quality of it. That car absolutely annihilates the other ones I drove, and now my search is over...I'm buying a 6spd '06 GTO. I'm going to wait until August so I can try and max out the Earnings on the GM Card I opened that same day, and I'm also thinking there will be better rebates by then. But, in a few months, I'll be the proud owner of a new Goat, either black w/red or blue w/blue, can't decide. Bottom line: Robert and crew, you converted one!
I'll have my SLP Bobcat perf mod put in within a couple weeks. Don't know how I'll deal with 455hp [the tech rep who will do the job says he thinks it'll dyno out to be closer to 465hp] in my '05 goat, but I'll give it my best. Nearly 5 large is probably too much to pay for this, but then, being an old guy, what else is there to spend it on, other than cruises with my dear wife? My major concern with this mod is how loud it will be vis a vis the law. I'll let you know. I've got a feeling it's going to be awesome -- actually, it's more than a feeling . I know it will blow me away. I'll miss this talking bunch of refined chaps here [especially Robert] on this site, who have shared our "thing" regarding the "failed" GTO. I'll never regard it as a failure, and I plan to prove it on the road -- to Mustang, M3's, etc..
I had my heart set on a '06 with it's rumoured faster seat motor which didn't materialize. I do like the new taillamp cover though. And the door lock button is nice. I would have to see what kind of deal they are offering.
I can supercharge my '04 right now but I hate to get started on aftermarket stuff. There is no end to the $s you can invest.
Well, I don't have previous year models to compare it to, but I did make it a point to check out the seat motors after having read this forum. It didn't seem slow at all, at least no slower than my Mazda/wife's 4Runner. As far as what deals are being offered, I was quoted at $29.9K for the black 6spd with 18" aluminums, which includes a $500 rebate, an additional $500 active duty military rebate, and $1K in "conquest money" if you currently own a non-GM car. A good deal, especially in the central CA area, but I personally am waiting to pull the trigger because I'm thinking the rebates will get better in early fall.
on my 2005 6-spd with 17s i just noticed way uneven tire wear on the fronts. inner edges are worn way more than outer, and cupped some too. i suppose an alignment/rotation is overdue. from the wear it almost looks like there was negative camber dialed in from the factory. couldn't be? car has 15k miles, 10 months old. maybe i can get a free alignment under warranty. if not, apparently i'll be paying for one. i wish i had noticed this earlier - it's only apparent when it's parked with the steering maxxed. i suppose this all explains why the outer edges of the front tires still look new. oops.
This is, unfortunately, a very common occurance. Traditionally, they will only perform alignment under warranty for first 12 months or 12,000 miles. Even though I only have 7,000 miles on my 04, I paid an independent to align mine. This particular person has done an excellent job for me in the past, is very competent and cares about what he does. It was worth the $55 out of my pocket to have it done right. I also installed aftermarket front strut rod bushings, as mine were blown. It would be fruitless to have alignment performed with bad bushings, as the front wheels would be flopping around as a result of the blown front bushings. I am very happy now with how the car drives and know that the front tires will not be ground into pulp in 10,000 miles. When I swapped out the wheels (OEM BMW Style 119 17 x 8) I also purchased a set of Avon M550 tires in 235-45-17 size (one size down from 245 that Pontiac puts on the car). Holden specs 235 size tires on the Monaro, but I guess Pontiac was scared people would think the GTO was not manly enough with "only" a 235 tire. As a result, the front tires have virtually no clearance on the inside and rub on the front strut (this problem has been verified numerous times, although Pontiac still will not recognize a "problem"). Best way to fix is to replace the crappy factory fluid-filled and extremely fragile front strut rod bushings with solid units, reduce front tire width to 235-section tire, and get an alignment done by someone who is knowledgable and cares that a proper job is done.
well that pretty much answers my question about How wide you can go...? I wanted to go 265 in the back cos with the taller 18s I put on my 04, the rear looks too narrow. I want to avoid going to 2 different sizes cos of the constant cost due to lack of rotation, but I wonder if any upgrades can allow for larger tires all round?? The other thing is .. Has anyone had problems with there K&N intake kit?? My engine light came on and the dealership had to charge me $95 to clean and reset the MAF sensor due to oil leaking from the Air filter!!! Im thinking of the SLP performance Bobcat thing for my 04... any feedback on that kit would be great Thanks guys and of course the all knowledgable Robert
There are several discussions concerning this issue on gtoforum.com. Apparently, the front-end clearance was not designed for 245's on the front. Pontiac (GM) has not acknowledged yet that there is an issue here, but I have heard of several people with cords showing when they noticed (probably not far from blowing out). Hopefully, GM will recognize this before someone ends up seriously hurt from a front blow-out. One costly option is to replace the OEM wheels with one with a different offset. I currently have only 3300 miles and haven't noticed any unusual tire wear issues yet, but I am definitely keeping a close eye on it. I would just as soon see GM spend the money to correct this as opposed to me as I was not considering replacing the OEM wheels anytime soon. I have reported the issue to the NTSA and would encourage fellow GTO owners to do the same.
PLEASE ALERT ANY GTO OWNERS THAT YOU MAY KNOW ABOUT THIS ISSUE. It does appear to be very serious.
I had a similar issue with a K&N on my previous F-150. I had to have the entire intake cleaned from oil coming from the filter. I also had a friend who had the same issue. It was not due to too much oil in either case. We both followed the manufacturer's instructions and ended up with the exact same result. I have heard good things about the SLP Bobcat, although there are a lot of people who swear by the K&N's.
thanks for all the info on this, folks. this is the first thing to tick me off about the GTO. i have not read that other forum yet but i am gathering that if i got the 18s, this problem might not have occurred, because the 18s are 235s ? whatever, i'll have to give the dealer a chance to address this, and if they can't, i will consider swapping to different wheels and non-dealer alignment shop if possible. also i will consider swapping the entire car if i conclude that a design problem is at fault. with my armada of Z28s, i never had any problem with tire wear - the fronts always wore super-evenly, even with the 245/50-16 size shoehorned onto the 3rd-gen Z28.
Not much difference between the '05 and '06 - at least, compared to the differences between the '04 and '05's. New tails, a power door lock button, two power outlets, illuminated steering wheel radio controls, and the Brazen Orange and Spice Red colors, and that's pretty much it externally. Oh, '06's get a newly-designed power steering pump which is quieter and purportedly more efficient. Haven't driven an '06 (or an '05 for that matter), so I can't say.
Right now there are less than 900 '05's left on lots. You should be able to start negotiating at or around invoice price. Factor in the $2500 rebate and the $500 March madness promotion. Then, if you have GM card dollars, $1000 is the max redemption. If you have a non-GM car titled in your name, there's another $1000 conquest cash. Finally, Pontiac dealers MAY have some more "certificates" for which, up to $1000 can be used on an '05 GTO (assuming the dealer has any left). If you add it all together, some folks are getting '05's for $24-$25k + TTL.
Of course, if you try to trade in an '04, most dealers will lowball you. Best off to sell it yourself, or take it to a place like CarMax where they will buy it outright from you (but, then again, depending on your state's tax policies, you may lose any trade-in benefit in sales tax calculation).
Deals on '06's aren't quite as good right now (I think just the $500 March Madness deal). The cutoff date for ordering an '06 was last Friday, but, if you went into a dealer and placed an order this week, and identified it as "Sold", GM would probably still accept it (sold orders take precendence over dealer-requested unsold stock). The '06's will be built out until sometime in June, and will be arriving at dealers until sometime in early September. About 13,000 will be made, so Pontiac dealers should have a few GTO's through the end of the year or so (in time for the '09/'10 car to be shown late this year/early next year?)
First off, where are you located? Someone here may have/know of a good service department.
Secondly, there is a known issue on '04's and many '05's of the seat movement not being smooth - feels like gravel in the track. There is a TSB and a fix, though I haven't had this done yet because a) parts are backordered, and b) my car doesn't seem as bad as others that I've seen.
Rocking back and forth would indicate a problem. If I were in your shoes I would not let the dealer just work on it willy-nilly, but maybe ask to take a service advisor, or the service manager, out on a ride to demonstrate the problem, then take a new '05 or '06 out and demonstrate that it doesn't do it. It would be difficult for them to deny that this is a problem (common GM dealership service tactic) when you can demonstrate that they don't all do that...
All three GTO owners I know who had the LoudMouth, replaced it (I know two of 'em bought the full Stainless Works system - of course, both of 'em already had SW headers), because it was simply too loud/vibrated the headliner. This would give me pause...
Also, if you've had this problem (please document with photos and repair receipts), suggest you file a complaint at http://www.nhtsa.gov - maybe this will push GM to do something about this issue.
Comments
Contrary to any "sales" talk you heard there are plenty of these cars around, especially if you are willing to go get one outside of your own area.
I wonder if the cancellation will drive prices up or whether there will be a fire sale with incentives to sell them out during the coming months?
Anyhow, picked the car up today, and drove it to work. Was following a loaded dump truck up the on ramp, and as soon as I had a chance, I nailed it in 3rd gear. Good thing I had her pointed in the right direction BEFORE I nailed it.... Damn car took off, and blasted by the truck, and two cars ahead of the truck before I got her whoa'ed, and back to the speed limit. It's been a LONG time since I have had that much getup and go........
I truly believe that 2006s (especially 2006) will hold their value really well unlike most other "domestic" brands. Keep it in a good shape and you'll have a keeper that will pay for itself years down the road. Cross your fingers that you won't need any parts in the meantime ;-)
Of course the GTO volume is so low the normal rules may not apply.
According to Mr. Lutz the GTO reappears in the Fall of 2008 as a 2009.
YAY for us.!
"Air bags, frontal, dual-stage driver and right front passenger"
Lutz and Waggoner say something different about the future of RWD cars every few weeks, it's almost impossible to separate fact from fiction.
There have been several articles in the last week about HOlden.
The first article states that the new VE Commodore will weigh close to 4000lbs!
And that many Holdens may be built in Korea. Not sure if that includes the VE but because of the strong Australian dollar it may no longer make sense to build cars there.
Don't know how this will impact the 2009 GTO but it whatever it does to the GTO it will probably do to the Camaro. also
thank you very much for replying. i carefully went through the 2004 silver covered brochure and could not find the reference to dual stage air bags. it is not in the 2006 brochure and not on the pontiac.com web site.
you may have a different brochure. if so, please carefully check as it is all standing between me and an 06 gto.. thanks rr70
Any opinions regarding SLP's Bobcat performance package? I'm 99% sure I'm going to buy it this spring. My one concern is: Just how loud are those loud mouth mufflers?
Finally, I wonder how long Edmunds will continue this forum.
The air bag info is on the last page (the inside of the back cover).
Have you tried calling Pontiac customer service? I'm sure the dealers are clueless.
Really nice car.
GM is lucky to stay in business in 3 years. AND build 2, 2, MUSCLE CARS..................SORRY THE 1960S AND EARLY 70S ARE OVER.I luv my 2006, but no that is it. I will try the new Dodge Challenger Hemi or the new Camaro.... But the GTO is gone . Lets face facts. The world has changed I expect to see a Hot Rod Toyota V8 soon. That is the way of the "new world". :sick:
Could it be he was reprimanded at work (GM) for giving out too much "unannounced" information? Could it be he was one of those GM laid off?
I miss his tips and insight....
Yes, there will be a new Camaro. It will be on a cheaper version of the Zeta chassis developed in Australia and underpinning the forthcoming Holden Commodore. RWD Impala, Buick sedan, and yes, GTO, are coming, following the Camaro (which should be available early in 2008 as a 2009 model).
The next-gen GTO is expected to be a late 2008 year car (2009 model year), built on a longer version of the Camaro's Zeta chassis. The real question is whether the next-gen GTO will get a Pontiac sedan sibling, or whether the GTO will be forced to perform double-duty as a quad-coupe (with styling reminiscent of the Mercedes CLS)...
It's pretty likely that GM will consolidate, rather than close, the Oshawa #1 and Oshawa #2 assembly plants in Ontario, Canada, and install a new flex manufacturing line capable of building these new RWD vehicles. I have also heard that there is a "dark horse" plan, in case this falls through (Wilmington, DE?). The Oshawa car plants (there is also a #3 truck plant making full-size pickups) have been known as GMNA's best quality plants (along with the Lansing Grand River CTS/STS/SRX plant) for years. My '96 Lumina, built at Oshawa, was pretty well screwed together for a mid-90's GM car (and very reliable... my wife's aunt is still driving it at 140+k with no major mechanical issues).
Those who think GM will be out of business in a couple of years have been listening too much to the media's "out of business" cries, and not looking at the financial facts. I work with Apple (the computer/iPod company) quite extensively, and I can't count the number of times they have been reported as going out of business in the last 10-15 years...
Sure, GM has problems, but they're not going to just disappear (and they are actively working to solve their problems - Ford, on the other hand, seems to keep shooting itself in the foot, but that's the topic for another forum).
--Robert
Don't expect to see the LS2 engine in future vehicles... it's dead by 2008, replaced with the 425+hp LS3 on the high-end, and an upgraded LS4 (303 hp V8) on the low-end. Start saving your pennies, because it's undecided if the next-gen GTO will get an LS7 option... HSV in Australia, will.
Oh, BTW, it looks like the next-generation Monaro will be built along-side the new Camaro/GTO/Impala, and exported to Oz. Australia may build their next-gen Holden Statesman large car for Buick, so at least the boats would be full going both ways...
I've researched this problem. It seems there is some info about this very problem - apparently common in Monaros ...
here's a quote about the problem from an Aussie auto mag :
"As mentioned in Drive, the seats conform well to ones bum and lower back, and the electrically adjustable pews are quite intuitive in operation - just be aware of the slight fore/aft rock that some Monaros are beset with. The steering wheel has a nice tactile quality [finished in leather] and the driving position was better than the norm too."
I've spoken with the dealer and asked them what they might do to correct it ... I'm a bit reticent to let the dealer tackle the problem. They don't have a plan and they haven't worked on seats like this before ... My local dealer might well make it worse.
Any ideas?
Nearly 5 large is probably too much to pay for this, but then, being an old guy, what else is there to spend it on, other than cruises with my dear wife?
My major concern with this mod is how loud it will be vis a vis the law. I'll let you know. I've got a feeling it's going to be awesome -- actually, it's more than a feeling . I know it will blow me away.
I'll miss this talking bunch of refined chaps here [especially Robert] on this site, who have shared our "thing" regarding the "failed" GTO.
I'll never regard it as a failure, and I plan to prove it on the road -- to Mustang, M3's, etc..
I can supercharge my '04 right now but I hate to get started on aftermarket stuff. There is no end to the $s you can invest.
As far as what deals are being offered, I was quoted at $29.9K for the black 6spd with 18" aluminums, which includes a $500 rebate, an additional $500 active duty military rebate, and $1K in "conquest money" if you currently own a non-GM car. A good deal, especially in the central CA area, but I personally am waiting to pull the trigger because I'm thinking the rebates will get better in early fall.
The other thing is .. Has anyone had problems with there K&N intake kit?? My engine light came on and the dealership had to charge me $95 to clean and reset the MAF sensor due to oil leaking from the Air filter!!!
Im thinking of the SLP performance Bobcat thing for my 04... any feedback on that kit would be great
Thanks guys and of course the all knowledgable Robert
PLEASE ALERT ANY GTO OWNERS THAT YOU MAY KNOW ABOUT THIS ISSUE. It does appear to be very serious.
this is the first thing to tick me off about the GTO.
i have not read that other forum yet but i am gathering that if i got the 18s, this problem might not have occurred, because the 18s are 235s ? whatever, i'll have to give the dealer a chance to address this, and if they can't, i will consider swapping to different wheels and non-dealer alignment shop if possible. also i will consider swapping the entire car if i conclude that a design problem is at fault.
Right now there are less than 900 '05's left on lots. You should be able to start negotiating at or around invoice price. Factor in the $2500 rebate and the $500 March madness promotion. Then, if you have GM card dollars, $1000 is the max redemption. If you have a non-GM car titled in your name, there's another $1000 conquest cash. Finally, Pontiac dealers MAY have some more "certificates" for which, up to $1000 can be used on an '05 GTO (assuming the dealer has any left). If you add it all together, some folks are getting '05's for $24-$25k + TTL.
Of course, if you try to trade in an '04, most dealers will lowball you. Best off to sell it yourself, or take it to a place like CarMax where they will buy it outright from you (but, then again, depending on your state's tax policies, you may lose any trade-in benefit in sales tax calculation).
Deals on '06's aren't quite as good right now (I think just the $500 March Madness deal). The cutoff date for ordering an '06 was last Friday, but, if you went into a dealer and placed an order this week, and identified it as "Sold", GM would probably still accept it (sold orders take precendence over dealer-requested unsold stock). The '06's will be built out until sometime in June, and will be arriving at dealers until sometime in early September. About 13,000 will be made, so Pontiac dealers should have a few GTO's through the end of the year or so (in time for the '09/'10 car to be shown late this year/early next year?)
--Robert
Secondly, there is a known issue on '04's and many '05's of the seat movement not being smooth - feels like gravel in the track. There is a TSB and a fix, though I haven't had this done yet because a) parts are backordered, and b) my car doesn't seem as bad as others that I've seen.
Rocking back and forth would indicate a problem. If I were in your shoes I would not let the dealer just work on it willy-nilly, but maybe ask to take a service advisor, or the service manager, out on a ride to demonstrate the problem, then take a new '05 or '06 out and demonstrate that it doesn't do it. It would be difficult for them to deny that this is a problem (common GM dealership service tactic) when you can demonstrate that they don't all do that...
Hope this helps,
--Robert
All three GTO owners I know who had the LoudMouth, replaced it (I know two of 'em bought the full Stainless Works system - of course, both of 'em already had SW headers), because it was simply too loud/vibrated the headliner. This would give me pause...
--Robert
Also, if you've had this problem (please document with photos and repair receipts), suggest you file a complaint at http://www.nhtsa.gov - maybe this will push GM to do something about this issue.
--Robert
Randy