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Pontiac Grand Prix Prices Paid and Buying Experience

32 messages,  Last post on Aug 15, 2007 at 7:23 AM

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What is this discussion about? Pontiac Grand Prix, Car Leasing, Car Buying, Sedan


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#15 of 32
Re: Update report 1 year + 15,000 miles [rmozol] by rayainsw
Jun 05, 2006 (11:36 am)
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Replying to: rmozol (Jun 05, 2006 10:53 am)

I am truly sorry to hear of the bad experience you had with the previous gen. M45.
 
I certainly do not mean to suggest that the GXP is “better” than the M45.
I was referring here specifically to the fact that the new gen. M45 has been consistently tested and published by the print media as a fairly quick ( 4000#+ ) Sedan – Generally in the high 13s to very low 14s – at close to or over 100 MPH. It is the only one in the class (as I define it) that is quicker than the GXP.
 
Quarter mile & 0 – 60 times clearly do not completely describe the driving experience of any car. But the acceleration feel I have with this GXP is something I do not want to give up next time around. I drove 3 new M45 Sports last year, and I believe the published acceleration numbers. The only two 2003 M45 tests I could find show ( MT ) 14.4 96.3 and ( R&T ) 14.6 97. MT’s test of the new M45 = 14.1 98.8, and R&T = 13.8 104. Point being, the new one is substantially quicker.
 
One goal for my next automotive purchase is to (at least) match the acceleration of my GXP, and add an additional level of refinement & amenities. Without spending (quite all of) my daughter’s inheritance. The M45 has at least equal acceleration (partly a function of aggressive gearing) to the GXP, and availability of some additional items I’d find interesting & useful.
 
I also found the new M45 Sport to be a fun car to drive. IMHO.
 
Cheers,
- Ray
Addicted to Fun!
#16 of 32
Re: Update report 1 year + 15,000 miles [rayainsw] by chats1
Jun 05, 2006 (11:58 am)
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Replying to: rayainsw (Jun 05, 2006 9:42 am)

I am truly impressed. You really know a lot about cars. I have to have front wheel drive because of the snow and prefer a coupe over a sedan. This is my first sedan. What do you think of the Solara Convertible, honestly? Or, the Audi. I have heard the Audi's criticized. I wish that the Infiniti G35 Coupe would come in either front wheel drive or all-wheel drive. I don't like the sedan. I remember years ago Audi's had a lot of problems. Would winter tires help the G35 Coupe being its rear-wheel drive in the snow? I remember my brother had the original GTO (1965) and drove it in the snow with the stock tires and had no problems at all. I'm really impressed by your expertise!! Thanks.
#17 of 32
snow tires Solara G35 etc [chats1] by rayainsw
Jun 06, 2006 (5:20 am)
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Replying to: chats1 (Jun 05, 2006 11:58 am)

So many questions – most having little to do with the GXP . .
 
First – if you are almost 2 years from trading \ buying, almost everything I could write here will definitely change in that time – by a little or by a lot.
 
Generally, AWD is good when accelerating in nasty weather. Better in snow, sleet, even heavy rain than RWD. With appropriate tires. ( In real nasty, cold weather, UHP Summer tires will not work well with any number or position of the driving wheels . . )
 
AWD does not help in stopping and any improvement in steady state cornering is typically marginal under any conditions. And AWD is not necessarily even better than an otherwise equivalent RWD, given that most AWD systems based on RWD (all the ones I am aware of) add weight, and typically add most or all of that weight to the front end of the vehicle. And this further adds to the typical front weight bias. AWD can aid in (um) enthusiastic corner exit acceleration.
 
AWD would specifically be a help for the GXP in WOT launch conditions - even on dry pavement. Better allocation of traction and less Torque Steer would likely result.
 
There have been AWD versions of the GP – but only prototypes, AFAIK. The difference in weight between the A4 FWD and AWD is over 150 pounds. Others (G35 Sedan, for example) add over 250 pounds with AWD. Not to mention the added complexity & mechanical drag. And an additional initial cost typically in the $2K range.
 
The G35 Coupe may not be available with AWD for 2007. I have seen no indication that it will. But Infiniti has only released official information on the somewhat restyled G35 Sedan, thus far.
 
As I mentioned earlier, the BMW 3 series coupe will have AWD, but on their 328 – not the 335 – at least initially. An AWD 335 coupe may come later. Perhaps as early as next Spring.
 
I am not aware of a current Audi coupe available in the US, except the TT. Data I have seen suggest that generally Audi and most other German Sedans seem to have less than stellar reliability, compared to Japanese sedans. But that statement often seems to inflame many. Your experience may vary. And overall automotive reliability has improved significantly over the past several years.
 
One fairly current comparison of AWD cars w/discussion of RWD and snow tires:
 
http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=3&article_id=3280&page_number- - =10
 
Another is in the April 2004 issue of Automobile – starting on page 78. RWD and FWD based AWD systems tested. I don’t see it on line, but the local Library may have a copy.
 
In my opinion, snow tires (4) are really the only safe way to deal with what I’d call “significant snow”. And I spent a long time living in New Hampshire. Relatively narrow all-seasons and FWD or AWD will likely deal reasonable well with most typical conditions south of Vermont, NH, Maine and upstate NY (on the eastern seaboard). When I thought I would likely have to move back to New Hampshire (family concerns) I did buy a 2002 Passat W8 AWD Sedan. With reasonable tires, I think it would have been a fine compromise for those conditions.
 
The Solara is not on my radar. My feeling on such coupes is that: If I have a back seat and expect any adult to ever ride there, I want a door for them as well. Just one of my quirks. ( There are sooooo many. ) And: The last Quarter Mile time I recall for the Solara V6 was around 15 flat. Not slow, of course, but not quick enough to interest me at this point.
 
Good luck finding a FWD (or AWD) coupe as quick as the GXP! In 2 years, they may be everywhere! Rumors abound . .
 
- Ray
Happy with the GXP’s coupe-ish profile & 4 doors . .
#18 of 32
Re: snow tires Solara G35 etc [rayainsw] by chats1
Jun 06, 2006 (7:22 am)
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Replying to: rayainsw (Jun 06, 2006 5:20 am)

You're great. Thanks very much for the info.
#19 of 32
Is it a deal? by hduck1
Jul 27, 2006 (4:29 pm)
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Been looking at an 06 GXP with a sticker of 32,5k. Has all the options including the DVD navigation system. Lowest price I can get out of the dealer is 30k drive out. I tried to use the depreciation game with him saying that soon the next year will be out and my car would be a year old. He said the incentives that GM had are gone but would still honot the 30k price. You would think that GM would be pricing to move with the new ones on the way. Maybe I SHOULD WAIT. When are the next ones supposed to come out?
#20 of 32
Re: Is it a deal? [hduck1] by bubbaman999
Jul 28, 2006 (12:37 pm)
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Replying to: hduck1 (Jul 27, 2006 4:29 pm)

Hmmh, I bought mine in March and had the $2K rebate topoff from GM card, plus $500 auto show discount. The sticker was $31 and I offered invoice plus $200 then rebates, so adding tint I got it for $26,600. The GXPs were/are not selling the DFW area, got a good dealer to deal (Sewell). We just spent time dickering about my trade. Also got 2.9%/36 month interest. Shop around you should get better than $30K. Mine was loaded minus the DVD/Nav.
 
Good luck,
Love the car
Gary
#21 of 32
Re: Is it a deal? [bubbaman999] by hduck1
Jul 28, 2006 (1:28 pm)
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Replying to: bubbaman999 (Jul 28, 2006 12:37 pm)

Thanks Gary. I'm down here in the Houston area. I forgot how much fun car buying can be! I've ordered consumer reports pricing to have something in hand to dicker on the real price. I figured it might be $15 well spent. Might be better to wait for the 07 model. Still can't understand how GM would take away the incentives at the end of the model year (I had this verified by a friend at another dealership as being genuine). Strangely enough GM has one incentive for owners of non-GM cars. So much for the loyal customers. By the way, the 30k was a driveout cost.
#22 of 32
Re: Is it a deal? [hduck1] by bubbaman999
Jul 28, 2006 (2:19 pm)
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Replying to: hduck1 (Jul 28, 2006 1:28 pm)

Here is the email of the salesman aburchSEWELL.com he was great. We figured the deal over the phone, I lived about 45 miles from the dealer. Here is there web site.
 
Give him an email. Current offers according to pontiac for the south central is $1500 rebate or 0% financing. Did the dealer mention the $1500 rebate, or just applying it to the $32K sticker?
 
Good luck, love the car, it is comfortable, nice gadgets, great fun accel and handling, plus not bad mpg for a hwy drive.
 
Cheers,
Gary
 
AKA Edmunds numbers were right on. Also there are some no fee buying services as well.
#23 of 32
Re: Is it a deal? [hduck1] by bubbaman999
Jul 28, 2006 (2:20 pm)
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Replying to: hduck1 (Jul 28, 2006 1:28 pm)

Sorry forgot the web site http://www.sewellpontiac.com/index.cfm?action=home
 
Cheers,
Gary
#24 of 32
Re: Is it a deal? [bubbaman999] by hduck1
Jul 28, 2006 (2:52 pm)
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Replying to: bubbaman999 (Jul 28, 2006 2:20 pm)

thanks again Gary. The $1500 is coming off the sticker. I think it would be easier to buy a house! I'm going to wait for the report from consumers to come in (since I have already ordered it) and then I'm going to drop your friend a line

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