[sharkbite1979]

Well, I traded in my Lightning about 6 months ago for a Mustang GT and I can't stand the power deficit. I'm shopping for a GTO, but I figured I'd ask for some advice from the owners...

Any specific year model I should avoid?
Any warranty issues/problems?
What's the performance difference between the '04s and the '05/'06 years?

Thanks dudes & dudettes!

 

[EEZ GOAT]

Well, I traded in my Lightning about 6 months ago for a Mustang GT and I can't stand the power deficit. I'm shopping for a GTO, but I figured I'd ask for some advice from the owners...

Any specific year model I should avoid?
Any warranty issues/problems?
What's the performance difference between the '04s and the '05/'06 years?

Thanks dudes & dudettes!

get an 05 for less than an 06. the only difference there is door lock swich, darker tail lights, extra power outlet, light up steering wheel.

the 04 is 350hp the 05/06 is 400/400 tq. we have a problem with the rear end whine. the pedal sensor will more than likely go out. but it is all under warranty so there is no problem with that. i have 15200+ miles on mine and only had the pedal sensor problem.
and yes the strut rub problem that i have not had

 

[EEZ GOAT]

welcome and i hope yuo get a goat. a lot better the the mustang. less power, no room in the back for adults and from what i see in the tv ad, bad bad wheel hop :lol:. but all cars have there problems

 

[sharkbite1979]

Thanks. I've been researching goats for a while now and my wife had finally heard enough of me bitching about the stang and pouting when a gto drove by. I think I'll go with an '05, but I've gotta find someone that wants the stang first.

 

[NT91]

Marshall, TX?

 

[kerno]

Sharkbite 1979 should find some irony in this:
So, when I decided I wanted a new GTO, I knew something had to leave the garage to make room for it. I had a 2003 Lightning with the usual mods and 4500 miles. Nice truck, surprisingly fast and more fun than a truck should be. With the ported blower and open intake, it would scare kids and dogs off the sidewalk. To be sure, the Lightning is a truck, not like an El Camino (of which I own 2). I drove the new GTO and that was it. The Lightning had to go to make room for it. But I found a better solution. I bought a parking lift so I can stack 'em two high in the garage.

The GTO is an M6 which was stock until the moment I got it home. Let the mods begin! The skip shift eliminator was first, followed by a GMM Rip shift and Royal Purple in the tranny. Now all it needs is a blower. The good news is that they are readily available and even come with emission approval. How good is that? Do you remember how many people had no idea what a Lightning was? Or what it could do to their day? Wait until you get into a new GTO. Nobody has any idea what they are...........

I think I need to go to car rehab......................

 

[jacobyb]

Be patient. There are plenty of good deals out there if you look for them. Don't let your itch scratch you. You scratch the itch. Dealers will deal with the GTO.

 

[Clueless]

I'll just add a blurb that I often throw out, due to my own recentish buying experience.

If you are looking to buy used, that is no problem. If you are looking to buy new, and want an 05 M6, your choices might be pretty slim. If you want an 05 and either want an A4 or have no preference, it shouldn't be so hard.

When I was searching for my GTO back in March, I tried looking for 05s. But when I would look at the cars available using gmbuypower, checking dealers from several cities in the eastern half of TX, I think I found a single 05 M6 still on the lots--and it was black, a color I just didn't want (previous car was black and it never looked clean). On top of that, it didn't seem anyone was willing to come down on the 05 prices :confused So I bought an 06.

 

[KWB]

Yep, have to agree. Trying to find a new '05 M6 is going to be pretty slim (especially in the Western Region). The best deals to be had were during March Madness Sale. Some (including me), obtained a new '05 for under $25K (combining rebates/incentives, GM Card, Dealer IVC's, etc.). If you want a good price on an '05, you are going to have to be willing to travel (I bought mine in another state). Good luck and good hunting.

 

[Blueguy]

What would you say is the best way to track down one you want? I live in Minneapolis and have been looking around this week, but can't really find many. Tried Car Soup, Autotrader, and some GM site.

 

[KWB]

What would you say is the best way to track down one you want? I live in Minneapolis and have been looking around this week, but can't really find many. Tried Car Soup, Autotrader, and some GM site.

Looks like there is plenty to choose from....
For a 2005: '05 GTO List
For a 2006: '06 GTO List

 

[Blueguy]

I should have clarified. Looking for a used one, not new. 30k+ is out of my reach, but about 25k I can manage.

 

[KWB]

I should have clarified. Looking for a used one, not new. 30k+ is out of my reach, but about 25k I can manage.

Cars.com, CarMax.com as well as GM Certified Used cars at Pontiac.com.

 

[Blueguy]

I'm probably a good 6 months off from getting ready to buy one, but I checked out the links above anyway. Why would the 2005s be about $1000 more then the 2006?
Maybe I can swing a 2005 if I can talk them down to like 28k or so.

 

[noz34me]

I should have clarified. Looking for a used one, not new. 30k+ is out of my reach, but about 25k I can manage.

My guess is you can get an '05 for about $26K, maybe less.