So, yet another complete noobie. I spent some time reading through the forums, feel free to point me to the “newbie corner” if you have one…
Basically I’m looking for something a bit quicker than my Dodge Neon. Notice that I didn’t say faster. I’m not interested in going fast. I just LOVE being pinned to the back of my seat on 0-60 runs… I started looking at “pocket rockets” but nothing really feels right. Those cars are fast, but turbo lag takes away that awesome feeling at low speeds.
Most of those cars are too flashy for me anyhow, with their big wings and body kits.
Yeah, someone can find exceptions to each of my complaints, but then I started looking outside my price range. Enter GTO.
I have some assumptions that I would like either confirm or dismissed.
1.) A 6.0 Liter engine putting out 400hp will not be as stressed over its lifetime as a 2.4 liter putting out 260hp.
2.) This car basically has a detuned corvette engine and drive-train.
3.) This car can get 27-28mpg if not romped on.
4.) This car really doesn’t look fast. (sorry, being subjective)
5.) The engine …may… be able to run regular.
On the other hand, what do you think, after owning one for 1-2 years? Are you giving up a lease? Do you have plans on selling it in 4-5 years? IF so, what are you getting? And why?
What issues make this car difficult to live with?
Just as some background, I’m 23. Have an engineering job with no kids / wife. Expenditures = ~0. But being an engineer makes me too piratical to be fun. I’m a car guy, I love driving. But I’m not a hot-head. No, I don’t need all the power this car has, but if I could describe every dream I have ever had in one word it would be…. Overkill.
Peace.
Edit, Oh yeah, i drive stick (PERIOD)
Last edited by Lapres_3 : 03-02-2007 at 07:28 PM.
Reason: ...
1.) A 6.0 Liter engine putting out 400hp will not be as stressed over its lifetime as a 2.4 liter putting out 260hp.
Probably. At highway speeds the tach is at about 1800 rpm not 2500+, but I think its how you drive it.
2.) This car basically has a detuned corvette engine and drive-train.
Nothing detuned about it.
3.) This car can get 27-28mpg if not romped on.
For some, but it has to be pretty flat ground. I've seen 25 over a 100 mile loop.
4.) This car really doesn’t look fast. (sorry, being subjective)
I think it looks pretty fast, without the spoiler.
5.) The engine …may… be able to run regular.
Runs fine on 89 juice. Run it all winter as no sense in buying the good stuff when I can't really use it.
I'll be keeping it for awhile as I really like the car so far. (Had it about 2.5 years.) I've only had trouble with the stick rattling-2 replaced so far. This one is holding up well so far. Assuming that Pontiac continues to import Holdens, I might replace it with another one in a few years, otherwise I'll probably buy German next time.
Hope this helps. No reason to talk yourself out of this car its very good. You'll never regret it.
So, yet another complete noobie. I spent some time reading through the forums, feel free to point me to the “newbie corner” if you have one…
Basically I’m looking for something a bit quicker than my Dodge Neon. Notice that I didn’t say faster. I’m not interested in going fast. I just LOVE being pinned to the back of my seat on 0-60 runs… I started looking at “pocket rockets” but nothing really feels right. Those cars are fast, but turbo lag takes away that awesome feeling at low speeds.
Most of those cars are too flashy for me anyhow, with their big wings and body kits.
Yeah, someone can find exceptions to each of my complaints, but then I started looking outside my price range. Enter GTO.
I have some assumptions that I would like either confirm or dismissed.
1.) A 6.0 Liter engine putting out 400hp will not be as stressed over its lifetime as a 2.4 liter putting out 260hp.
2.) This car basically has a detuned corvette engine and drive-train.
3.) This car can get 27-28mpg if not romped on.
4.) This car really doesn’t look fast. (sorry, being subjective)
5.) The engine …may… be able to run regular.
On the other hand, what do you think, after owning one for 1-2 years? Are you giving up a lease? Do you have plans on selling it in 4-5 years? IF so, what are you getting? And why?
What issues make this car difficult to live with?
Just as some background, I’m 23. Have an engineering job with no kids / wife. Expenditures = ~0. But being an engineer makes me too piratical to be fun. I’m a car guy, I love driving. But I’m not a hot-head. No, I don’t need all the power this car has, but if I could describe every dream I have ever had in one word it would be…. Overkill.
1. Makes power at a low rpm, less stress. You don't have to scream the engine.
2. Same as Corvette.
3. A lot of crazy claims, M6 should get 25+
4. Sleeper Grand Prix look, doesn't stick out like a sore thumb, and it's not a belly button.
5. I can run on junk food, but no advantage there.
My widow will sell the car and all the rest of my crap.
Test drive one, then post the pics of your new GTO
Just thought I'd throw my 2 cents partially based on my first month owning one (and I love it more everyday).
1.) A 6.0 Liter engine putting out 400hp will not be as stressed over its lifetime as a 2.4 liter putting out 260hp.
Probably but I doubt there will be a significant difference in the expected life span of the engines.
2.) This car basically has a detuned corvette engine and drive-train.
It is not detuned but you might have it confused with the 7.0, 505 hp optional Corvette engine.
3.) This car can get 27-28mpg if not romped on.
NO CHANCE. I just took my first road trip, 300 miles each way,all highway. I never even hit 19 mpg.
4.) This car really doesn’t look fast. (sorry, being subjective)
I personally think it looks pretty fast, definitely sounds fast.
5.) The engine …may… be able to run regular.
Maybe but lets think about this a minute. Lets say you burn 50 gallons per month. (For example: 50 gallons x 18 mpg = 900 miles.) The premium fuel is 20 cents per gallon higher on average, 10 cents for you midgraders.
50 gallons x .20 = $10.00. Gimme a break, why use the crap gas to save a lousy 10 bucks a month? If $10.00 a month is an issue then you probably want a want a car in the $129.00 a month range. (I'm not ragging on anyone here, just putting it in perspective. OK below I am going to rag on someone.)
This is reminds me of a co-worker. When gas prices started going real high, he decided to by a motorcycle to save on gas. He paid $ 3000.00 for a motorcycle to save $30 or $40 a month on gas. He'll be breaking even in about 9 years lol.
If you decide to go for it I guarantee you will absolutely love this car!
i've had mine about 6 months and 11k miles. the best average gas mileage i have seen has been 20.1 mpg. really it depends on how you drive. my normal is about 18.2 mpg. what's 2 mpg? mine is manual and i live on the coast where the ground is flat but not midwest flat.
400 horses sounds like a lot but only 312 of mine made it to the ground as far as the mustang dyno was saying. i thought the car was powerful the first 1000 miles, after that it felt like driving a krautwagon.
my biggest complaint outside of trunk space is the placement of cupholders which i can show you 50 more cars that place the stupid cupholders in the same place which affects shifting with a "large" soft drink. my other complaint would be i don't get enough seat time in it. but at 2000 miles a month basically what more can i say? it'll grow on you like a glove. so stop reading, go to the dealership, make the purchase because you only live once and then devise some ASTM tests for it while enjoying it.
__________________
06 impulse blue/black/ m12 1 of 252
spoilerless with dba 4000 fronts. gone
78 chevy nova 2dr sbc 400/th350/8.5 (4 jackstand mod)
92 ford rustang lx notchback 5.0/t-5/8.8 LS still stock
FMS shorties, bbk x ,fms catback, air pump overrode.
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I have had mine a year and not a regret yet.
. If you think thats quick then you will be very pleased with the GTO.
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