I am a dentist. Purchased this car about a month ago. Happenned to drive by the car dealer strip and kind of slowed down, just out curiosity, on an early Sunday morning back from Toys R'US and saw this I never seen one before, lonely black car kind of looking like a sports car and kind of not. Stopped and got off my car and I bent down to look at this side emblem that says GTO/5.7 litre and scratched my head and said to myself: "This is no ordinary car here." Opened the hood and , yes, there was a 5.7 litre engine inside. Humm ... going to look inside " and you all have had the same impression I had. Sat on that drivers seat and fearfully looked at the stick shift and "bravo" it was automatic (I only drive automatic). Scratched my head and remembered about three years ago I did the same at the Ford dealer. On that ocassion I sat in this nice looking machine that said "Saleen". I was so excited with it I said to the car salesman: " I want this car. Send it to my office with an autoimatic transmission option. That day the car salesman had a big laugh and said to me: "Doc, this is a racing car. It only comes manual." "That so!" I said and drove back home in my Lincoln. Get the drift now? I went for a test drive and you know what I mean. Took it home like ye'all did.
I will probably keep it as it is (Maybe a KN filter or aircharger.) 'cause it is the 04'. One day the 04' model will have a place of its own. There's only 18,000 and, as the remainder is sold around at lower prices, the chances are that with the years few will survive in mint condition. I don't think it needs a different exhaust system and I certainly don't need a supercharger. I think the grill does not need replacement unless one can put a 05' hood on it and safeguards the 04' hood for the future. If I put an aircharger I kind of think I should also look at side vents, but, sidevents will ruin the original body. I like the set of wheels too. I don't think it needs much more and if I did I would get an 05'.
The 05' feels like a tiny splinter stuck in a finger (We all wish one too.). We will soon find out how much will it cost and still how well it will do in the market. If it is a hit the GTO name will be worth more in the future and if does not the o4' and the 05' will be rarities. I personally think the 05' will be a hit. We all know that, so far, our 04's are well built. We can safely rely on the veteran Monaro for that. Most of us probably got a good price and relaxed financing from GM. It sure feels good on the highway (Don't forget your Passports 8005). Today it is the only GTO on the road. Let's go hunting you guys for all the Crossfires, Q 35's and Mustangs. It's hunting season out there. It is a good and exciting car. I like my 04'. I hope you all enjoy yours too.