I am looking to get an 05 GXP and aocal dealer has one! My question is what specific areas should I be paying close attention to when I got look at it? Also what should I be listening for on the test drive? I also hear that the low coolant light coming on is sometimes an issue. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks!

What's the mileage?

These motors are a gasket nightmare, and it doesn't help that they are crammed into such a small space.

I'll let one of the Northstar Buffs chime in with a more detailed answer.

_________________
-Car Guy Carl
"Penelope" - 2003 SLE - 247k Miles
"Sydney" - 2000 Honda S2000 - 98k miles

Search.

- Cam cover gaskets and the fact the bolts like to loosen from heat cycling, causing leaks
- Cooling system leaks
- Standard GM oil cooler line leaks
- Occasional head warpage and head gasket failures requiring head work and restudding
- 4T80E Pressure Control Solenoid sticks occasionally on higher mileage cars causing maximum line pressure, hard shifting
- Infamously retarded fog light setup gaurantees that they go out frequently
- Lots of electronic brain farts

Also, GM by 2005 had moved on to CAN. This being a 2005 it is most likely a CAN Hig speed LAN network for it's OBD system. 2004 is a regular OBDII setup.

Then add in the normal Bonneville maladies. The issue with this car is that it is a size 10 engine in a size 5 dress. So unless you're doing the work yourself, which adds time, then the person you pay is gonna charge you that time. There is a whole GXP section to paruse.

_________________


Retired Bonneville Owner and former GM Tech:
2004 Pontiac Bonneville GXP: Black/Ebony *SOLD*

Summer Toys: Combined 827 RWHP / 877lb/ft RWTQ
2004 Pontiac GTO: Impulse Blue Metallic/Black/M6: lots 'o mods, 415 RWHP / 405lb/ft RWTQ!
2006 Cadillac STS-V: Light Platinum Metallic/Light Gray/A6 - Spectre CAI, Magnaflow exhaust, Speed Inc. tune, 412 RWHP / 472lb/ft RWTQ

Daily Drivers:
2019 Chrysler Pacifica Limited: Mommy's new RGC
2015 Chrysler Town & Country Limited Platinum: Kids new RGC
2007 Chrysler Town & Country Limited: Sold to neighbor
2009 Pontiac G8 GT: L76, Sport Red Metallic
2003 Chevrolet Suburban 2500: Doeskin Tan - 8.1L Big Block... new plow truck
1999 Chevrolet Suburban: Sunset Gold Metallic - Daddy's winter beater and plow truck

check the coolant for contamination and check the oil for coolant contamination. make sure you don't smell a coolant odor under the hood, there are several places that coolant leaks develop. Make sure all the gauges work properly, look under the common problems in the 00-05 Bonneville section for the rest of the common issues like sunroof leaks, intermediate steering shaft clunks, leaks in the trunk (check the spare tire well), front wheel vibration at highway speeds, etc. Look under the engine for oil leaks, they are not uncommon, valve cover gaskets, oil pan, rear main seal

_________________
bobgto65

2004 Bonneville GXP 62,000 miles purchased 04/13
2009 G8 GXP PBM, M6 9580 miles, no mods, sold 08/15
2009 G8 GT SBM 36,000 miles, modded 430 whp
2002 Bonneville SSEi 203,200 miles (sold 3/2014)

The mileage is a tick under 60,000 Idk if these cars are reliable though they seem to not.be by these posts!!

Figure this. With 60k on it, you have about 40k of happy, uneventful driving. When they (N*'s), hit 100k, they start being "needy". That doesn't mean that they're unreliable or that you're going to be left to walk home, just saying that it may start nickel and diming you, and being a size 10 engine in a size 5 dress, those nickels and dimes become $50 and $100 bills instead.

Of course you will get the obligatory "I've got 626k on my N* without ANY issues..."

That's awesome! However stats are stats and it seems consistent that at about 100k they just become "needy".

_________________


Retired Bonneville Owner and former GM Tech:
2004 Pontiac Bonneville GXP: Black/Ebony *SOLD*

Summer Toys: Combined 827 RWHP / 877lb/ft RWTQ
2004 Pontiac GTO: Impulse Blue Metallic/Black/M6: lots 'o mods, 415 RWHP / 405lb/ft RWTQ!
2006 Cadillac STS-V: Light Platinum Metallic/Light Gray/A6 - Spectre CAI, Magnaflow exhaust, Speed Inc. tune, 412 RWHP / 472lb/ft RWTQ

Daily Drivers:
2019 Chrysler Pacifica Limited: Mommy's new RGC
2015 Chrysler Town & Country Limited Platinum: Kids new RGC
2007 Chrysler Town & Country Limited: Sold to neighbor
2009 Pontiac G8 GT: L76, Sport Red Metallic
2003 Chevrolet Suburban 2500: Doeskin Tan - 8.1L Big Block... new plow truck
1999 Chevrolet Suburban: Sunset Gold Metallic - Daddy's winter beater and plow truck

So, did you buy it? I see in your avatar that you have a 2005 GXP listed as your car. Any pictures?
Tell us what your thoughts are, if you can.

Leon

_________________

2006 GTO
2005 GXP Bonneville (his) (SOLD)
2004 SLE Bonneville (hers)
2004 SLE Bonneville (sons)
2006 GXP Grand Prix (sons)
1998 SLE GMC Sierra
1991 Yamaha FJ1200
1983 Trans Am (SOLD)
1979 Trans Am