Why did you sell or keep your GXP?

[Ghosthawk]

With my looking at purchasing one of these cars, I'd like to know why former owners parted with their GXP. As has been mentioned in so many other threads, upkeep on these cars seems to be a premium thing. So, was your car too much of a problem child to handle? Did the head gasket issue break your back with the last straw? Were there too many little things constantly going wrong to enjoy the car? How many have had one that was mostly trouble-free outside of usual maintenance?

I have always loved these cars and I am still compelled to own one, but the bigger question is am I really ready for what I'm thinking?

Thanks guys!

[Ghosthawk]

This thread is a similar topic, so if you posted here already, thanks. I was hoping for additional feedback...especially regarding the engine ills.

http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... 50963.html

[CMNTMXR57]

Mine was getting to be a PITA. But I really got rid of it more so because I had always wanted a V-series Cadillac. I REALLY wanted a CTS-V, but I needed the rear seat space for my two critters and the CTS was a little too cramped. So I started looking at STS-V's and found one.

I also had G8 GXP's on the list, but then, much as the same today, you can't buy a low mileage used example on the cheap unless it has a chit ton of mileage on it. They are just holding their value too darn well.

[ddalder]

Still have mine and I love it. To date, the only real "engine" problem I've had (other than the usual leaks) was bad coolant crossover gaskets. This was a fairly common problem and not all that bad to rectify. I had a transmission problem when the car was still fairly new. It was repaired under warranty and they never did really clarify what the issue was. I know it got some new parts though.

I've had many other "smaller" problems (relatively speaking), but I'm also incredibly, super ultra picky. Anything that even hints it may be a problem gets replaced or repaired. These items are typically common to every Bonneville trim level and have nothing to do with it being a GXP.

[Ghosthawk]

I admit now that the deal is done and I purchased the 2002 Grand Prix, there is still a tinge of remorse for not getting the GXP. In the end, I was just too scared of having to deal with the expense of the head gasket/bolt failure. If I could've done the repair myself I probably would've jumped on it but such is life.

[Ghosthawk]

Will this guy never stop crying? LOL
I honestly wish the GXP down in Va Beach would just sell already because it haunts me.

I've caught myself doing price comparisons of all the things I'll want to do to the GP that the GXP already has. Granted offsetting a $5-6k engine swap is a big thing, but it still bothers me I didn't go down and look at that car before I jumped on the GP. While I know the car I bought is a great find and buy, its more of an emotional thing.

Probably the most petty sounding thing of all is how much time I've spent listening to YouTube clips on 3800 exhaust when I know the GXP will sound fantastic with pretty much any muffler set-up. MPG really isn't so much a factor since the car will get limited miles anyway.

I feel like a kid pouting after Christmas for not getting the expensive toy his parents decided was a bad idea.

[redfury]

I hear you. I stayed away from even considering GXP's because my Astro had a V8 and the mileage was atrocious, so getting a V8 car to replace it seemed counter-intuitive. I wanted the mpg's without sacrificing having a full sized luxury car, always wanted a Bonneville, so it was an easy decision to start looking. However, even after all the research on this site that I did prior to buying my current car...I find myself longing for the GXP's rumble and power. My Mom had an STS and it was wonderful ( but ended up with a new crate motor for way more money than I could think of sinking into a car- due to the heads ). I like the simplicity of the N/A 3800. The power is good, the noise ( stock ) is okay, and the mileage is good enough that I don't worry about how much fuel I am using to go anywhere, where I used to plan my trips around how much money I was going to end up spending on fuel.

My regret is only that I wish I had found an SSEi. The HUD, the memory seats, the heated seats, things like that would have made my current experience perhaps just a little bit better.

[DRWBRTq19]

You had an Astro (van I'm assuming) with a V8?

Drew