05GTO

I'll admit it: I like the 2004-06 Pontiac GTO. I'm in the minority here, as the reborn version of America's original mid-sized 60s musclecar was something less than a sales smash. Many don't like the look (although I do, with no disclaimer or excuses). Others griped about the price (I wonder why, because for the latter two of its three years on the market, it carried the same 6.0-liter, 400-horse V-8 as the C6 Corvette, at thirty percent off).


For whatever reason, musclecar enthusiasts didn't embrace the nouveaux GTO, and GM let it go the way of the Bonneville, Le Mans, Tempest, Catalina, Fiero, and others. Fortunately, this experience didn?t sour GM on the notion of bringing an Australian-bred Holden here as a Pontiac: the G8 arrives this fall, and I believe everyone will like that one a bunch.

But guess what? For those of you who may have figured out what a good performance deal the GTO is, it's not too late. Although Pontiac has stopped marketing and supporting the car, there are about 500 brand new 2006s left in dealer inventory. The '06 is the one to have: it got all the updates that the '05 did (including the above noted 6.0-liter motor, hood scoops, big dual exhausts) as well as 18-inch wheels. Although they stickered at around $35,000, you won't have to pay more than $30,000 for one now. We checked with several dealers in the SoCal and Detroit markets, and found asking prices in the $28-29,000 range. My personal pick? A black six-speeder, of which there were only seven new examples left in the system, as of a couple weeks ago.


When inventories were overflowing with Goats, total discounts of $8-10,000 were possible. Them days are gone. GM has reduced its customer cash rebate from $3000 to $2000, further indicating that the supply is drying up just about the time demand may be heating up to get the last of them. I recently drove one, and was again reminded of what a nice performer it is: sharp steering, decent ride, confident cornering, and musclecar noises. An American grand tourer, really; what a nice piece for a cross-country trip (although, yes, the trunk is smallish). A lot of folks point to the Mustang as the better deal. While I?m also a huge fan of Ford?s modern day pony, the Poncho gives you an independent suspension, a 6-speed gearbox, and a hundred horsepower more for what is now the same money. Something to think about.
I believe that when the last new GTOs are gone, values will stabilize, demand will increase, and there will be folks around saying "Hmmm -- shoulda bought me one-a-them." Expect to see them up on the stage at Barrett-Jackson in 25 years time, bringing big bucks. Shop now, save, and prepare to burn rubber.

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Randy