Thinking of getting/wanting to get a GXP....

[00Beast]

i want a GXP. Is there a better year to get? What should i look out for, as in issues, i know about the steering shaft and 00+ stuff, but is there anything special to take into consideration when looking at a GXP?

[RJGill84]

GXPs were only made in 04-05. I would imagine that most of the 00+ Bonneville's issues were corrected that far in the production run, and haven't really heard of any issues outside of the ones posted around the forum (steering shaft, etc) The Northstar 4.6 engine and 4t80e trans are swapped directly from the Cadillac Seville so they're also proven pieces of equipment with most of the issues worked out.

The only difference between the 04 and 05 Bonneville GXP is that the 05 has the newer version of OnStar with a different antenna.

[GXP Venom]

At 36k miles I have had 0 issues with the engine and nitrous a bit. The trunks like to leak. Pull the back seat and check for corrosion around the ground to the body. There have been a few bottom oil leak incidents (oil coolant lines), and a few rear exhaust loose complaints. Also check to see if the moonroof wind deflector is intact and working. Some lower body panels werent attached properly. The back seat trunk acsess door isnt the best, make sure it's intact . If you find one exceding 75k miles or so, having the dealer replace the spark plugs would be a big plus. All in all, After some fitment issues and minor annoyances were fixed, I am very happy with the way my GXP is holding up.

[00Beast]

Thanks guys, if i did get one, it would be private party, dealers want too much, i can get a nice PP one for 8k less than a dealer, but even then it may be out of my current budget, especially depending on how much i get for my Tahoe.

[bonnevillain]

is it for looks? 04-05 SLE would get you the exact same body, with much better gas mileage. if it's performance you want, the SSEi would be better (and still better mileage)

[RJGill84]

is it for looks? 04-05 SLE would get you the exact same body, with much better gas mileage. if it's performance you want, the SSEi would be better (and still better mileage)

The 2004 SLE looks the same as previous 00+ SLEs. The SLE got the GXP look in 2005 only. It's ALMOST the exact same body. It doesn't have the 18" GXP rims, GXP 3-piece spoiler or painted calipers. It also does not have the white GXP interior gauges, carbon fiber trim/chrome door handles, or two-tone leather/suede seats. Not a TON of a difference...but still, a lot to consider in the "looks" area. Not to mention the lack of the V8, different suspension, strut tower brace, Magnesteer, and on and on...

[GXP_vince]

My GXP was always in the shop. Foglights are an issue on GXP's my strut mount broke. Had to replace strut. Air pump didnt want to work correctly, didnt have the ISS problem but brakes sucked balls and throw up way to much dust. Motor mount replaced umm cant remember anything else but it was always in the shop.

[00Beast]

Idk, i just love the whole combination, it is sweet all together. I love V8's and they look awesome, and perform well.

[00Beast]

is it for looks? 04-05 SLE would get you the exact same body, with much better gas mileage. if it's performance you want, the SSEi would be better (and still better mileage)

The 05 SLE costs as much as a comparable GXP, so it is a wash as far as price.

[GXP Venom]

is it for looks? 04-05 SLE would get you the exact same body, with much better gas mileage. if it's performance you want, the SSEi would be better (and still better mileage)

Plus they didn't make an SSEi after 03. Performance has many sides to it. Most people dont spend the majority of driving time waiting for the green to light on a tree. Put the 2 trim levels against each other at 10-20 MPH and there is no comparison. Kicking the GXP into 2nd gear WOT @ 50-60 MPH delivers an unbelievable ride. And it stays on a nice torque curve to over 140MPH.

[05gxp]

brakes sucked balls and throw up way to much dust.

I agree that the brakes suck. Not on performance but on longevity and the excessive amount of dust.

I just replaced the fronts @ 27K with Akebono pads and they are great! No fade, and virtually no dust!

[93 SSE 4 ME]

Not a GXP, but the brake pads on my '05 SLE were terrible regarding dust as well. I replaced them with the Autozone Gold pads when I put the Chrome 20 spokes on, and the brake dust is no longer an issue. My SLE gets an overall average of 28 MPG driving over the Appalachians every day. It was considerably less than a GXP with comparable miles on it as well. But it doesn't have the juice the Northstar does either...

Mark

[00Beast]

Thanks for the replies guys, i have no idea where the car hunt is going to take me, i have to sell my stupid tahoe first, and then the hunt will begin!

[2.3 turbocoupe]

I love my GXP. IMO it is one of the best-looking sedans on the road. You should be able to get a nice one for about 13k. The smooth V8 rumble makes it a pleasure to drive. Also, they are rare, so you won't see yourself coming and going. I looked at Charger R/Ts and 300s. I wanted the Hemi and RWD, but when I took a hard look at both of those vehicles, blech, they are just plain ugly to me. I've gotten several compliments from non-car people.

I just took mine on a road trip from Dallas to Buena Vista CO, and this thing is really great on the highway. Nice ride, very solid and secure at 80+. I was able to get 24mpg when running 75 - 80. On on stretch I was running between 75 and 90, and got 22mpg. At slower speeds in the mountains with minimal A/C use I was getting 26 - 27mpg (which was a pleasant surprise).

The only major shortcoming is that the acceleration is not earthshattering, and there are no aftermarket parts specifically for this car. NOS is pretty much the only practical solution to get any big power gains (and I am about ready to persue that). I think that a rear-mount turbo could be made to work using a MAF translator and a supplemental fuel system (possibly Methanol injection), but I'm not up to all that custom work and meatball tuning.

[00Beast]

Yeah, like i said, 13k is out of my budget, i've found a few for 10.5k, but that is still more than i have to spend. I'm not saying they're not worth it, but i don't have the cash, as well as the fact i have to sell my Tahoe first. I'm probably going to find a nice SSEi

[two bonnies]

I love everything about mine. I fixed the foglight problem by grounding it to the frame, the steering shaft fix has held since 26,000 or so (now has 38,000). As fewer and fewer Bonnies are on the road, I get even more compliments.

[CincyGXP]

I haven't had my GXP that long, but the only downside so far is the brake dust. I have never seen a car put out brake dust like this thing. Not sure what kind of pads are on there, but they're getting replaced soon. Other than that, I love the car. i get more compliments on this thing. Maybe it's the color (black).

[harrydunn]

I love my GXP. IMO it is one of the best-looking sedans on the road.

Agreed. I love the look of them from every angle. Our Chevy dealer gets one in every few months and I'm alway tempted to trade up. He's got two Grand Prix GXP's right now, but they just don't look as good in my opinion.

[00Beast]

I want one so bad, and don't say to get an 05 SLE instead anymore. Local dealer (S&S motors) has 2 GXP's, a gray (same as on top of page) and a silver one, and they are about 15k each, and they have an 05 SLE w/ cloth for 14,500!! IDK about the miles on any of them, but geez!! The better mileage must play a big part in the pricing.

[woody_02silverse]

At 36k miles I have had 0 issues with the engine and nitrous a bit. The trunks like to leak. Pull the back seat and check for corrosion around the ground to the body. There have been a few bottom oil leak incidents (oil coolant lines), and a few rear exhaust loose complaints. Also check to see if the moonroof wind deflector is intact and working. Some lower body panels werent attached properly. The back seat trunk acsess door isnt the best, make sure it's intact . If you find one exceding 75k miles or so, having the dealer replace the spark plugs would be a big plus. All in all, After some fitment issues and minor annoyances were fixed, I am very happy with the way my GXP is holding up.

Just curious, how's the insurance cost on GXP's (is it in the sportscar category?) I've been considering one since they wouldn't have the intake problems that the V6's have. We have an '01 SE now which I'd like to update.