New to GTO

Aramz06 · 03-02-2008, 03:42 AM

Hello, Thanks for the welcome! So... im basically in the market for a c5 Corvette, but since I could'nt find one for over a month, it hit me.... GTO!!
So I searched them up for a few days, and within the next few days im heading to a dealer to check out 2 used 04 gto's. If anyone has comments on my decision, Please let me know (such as common problems with the car, speed, handling, prices ect...), I'll be taking everyones opinion into consideration. Thanks again !!!

Laluna350z · 03-02-2008, 04:16 AM

I say you get one.

raspantienator · 03-02-2008, 06:23 AM

Put in "common GTO problems" under the search drop down menu from the bar above and you'll get a sense of the issues.

Most on this forum would not trade their GTO for anything. There are a couple here that don't own GTO's anymore but wish they still did.

With all the new muscle coming out, the GTO is unique in that it's not going retro. ie Mustang, Camaro and Challenger. Oh, I did forget the Charger but for some reason, they just don't do it for me.

I've owned mine since October 07 and have had minor problems that were fixed under warranty so I'm looking forward to putting on some fun miles very shortly.
Enjoy and welcome to the forum.

Aramz06 · 03-02-2008, 07:02 AM

Awesome, thanks for the comments

Old Indian · 03-02-2008, 07:11 AM

The newer GTOs got a lot of bad press when Pontiac chose not to follow the Mustang into retro styling. Instead, it followed the DeLorean model that worked so well in the past. They took a mid-sized, rear wheel drive car that was already in production, added a potent engine, wide rubber, upgraded the interior and made a car that was fun to drive. I bought my 2004 as the model shifted over to 2005 and have about 55K miles on it. The only major upgrade was to put a 2005 hood on it because a GTO needs hood scoops. I've had two problems since owning it. The front tires only lasted 18K miles due to a camber problem compounded by the local Pontiac dealer's inexperience with the new line. There's plenty on the Forum about this problem. The other was the passenger side door lock and actuator which was repaired under warranty. Neither problem has diminished my love for the car and the way it drives. It has the most comfortable seats I've ever been pushed back into... and it can push you back into them at any speed. Despite all of the power, it consitently gets 21+ MPG. To me, that's a great combination. A Vette is a nice car but at 6' 6", it doesn't fit me nearly as well as the GTO. My 69 is for nice weather, the 2004 is my daily driver. I'd buy another one, but I'm out of garage space.

GOATTEE · 03-02-2008, 07:59 AM

Welcome future Goat Herder. The picture above is funny since I sold my Red 350Z touring to get my 2006 GTO. I really like the car. I see you are a fellow L.A. driver. I got the six speed and I am really glad I did. I have not really had any problems with mine except LEAD FOOT ittis but I am still working on that. To me it is a 4 seat Corvette and that is one of the big selling points for me. The whole family can enjoy the car cruising the PCH. Enjoy!!!

PEARL JAM · 03-02-2008, 08:12 AM

Having worked on both, I can tell you the GTO is waaaaaaaaaaaay sturdier and more dependable than a C5 or even a C6. If you get one, invest about $200. into an aftermarket short throw shifter. This was the single best mod I ever did to mine.