What Would You Replace You Grand Prix With?
- Thread starter njgp
- Start date
I totaled my 08 GP two weeks ago, that was heartbreaking...there goes all my hard work and parts under warranty still. Worst part was i just changed the oil in it about 250 miles prior.
Anyway, I found a 2010 Honda Accord EXL. heated leather seats, moonroof, heated mirrors, dual climate, BT phone, aux, 6-CD, curtain air bags. Ok ok, it's 2.4L four banger, but there's so much room in the engine bay. It's like a vacation from doing stuff on the 3800. I did the spark plugs in 15 mins, rather than an hour. My point is, if you can maintain a Grand Prix, a honda is a walk in the park. And it actually accelerates quickly and will serve me quite well as a normal everyday car.
Anyway, I found a 2010 Honda Accord EXL. heated leather seats, moonroof, heated mirrors, dual climate, BT phone, aux, 6-CD, curtain air bags. Ok ok, it's 2.4L four banger, but there's so much room in the engine bay. It's like a vacation from doing stuff on the 3800. I did the spark plugs in 15 mins, rather than an hour. My point is, if you can maintain a Grand Prix, a honda is a walk in the park. And it actually accelerates quickly and will serve me quite well as a normal everyday car.
Not sure what you're definition of "beat up" is, but there are plenty of these in the JY's that you could probably replace any body panel short of the quarters for less than a car payment, and maybe even find the same color.
As far as longevity, I've got 395K on my 00 GT body, and ~350K on the replacement 3800 in it. There is a bit of rust starting on it I need to attend to but other than that it's been solid. I drive this car at least 100 miles a day 5 days a week. The only thing outside of reg. maint. I've done to it is replace both rear brake lines, 2 new radiators, and dropped in a used trans somewhere around the 160K range to get my OD back.
Honestly if I were to replace it I'd likely get anything that would be fun to me to drive, has a good aftermarket and doesn't cost and arm and a leg to modify because apparently I can't leave any of my cars stock. I'd rather have that over some econobox soccer mom millennial suv rolling entertainment center.
As far as longevity, I've got 395K on my 00 GT body, and ~350K on the replacement 3800 in it. There is a bit of rust starting on it I need to attend to but other than that it's been solid. I drive this car at least 100 miles a day 5 days a week. The only thing outside of reg. maint. I've done to it is replace both rear brake lines, 2 new radiators, and dropped in a used trans somewhere around the 160K range to get my OD back.
Honestly if I were to replace it I'd likely get anything that would be fun to me to drive, has a good aftermarket and doesn't cost and arm and a leg to modify because apparently I can't leave any of my cars stock. I'd rather have that over some econobox soccer mom millennial suv rolling entertainment center.
It's not a pile. It does have some dings and dents in the front driver side panel and driver side door. Long story short, wife was driving my car. I had put parking brake on. She said she couldn't get it off. She was out of car. I leaned into car, popped it off with my car but she had left it in reverse. My driveway is on a slight hill. So my car starts going backwards down the driveway, almost knocks me over. I managed to jump in and stop it before it went into across street into neighbors drive way can cars but NOT before the driver door hit wall and bent all way back. Luckily body shop was able to fix door but those two areas are a little banged up. Also have some general dents, dings and scraps one would expect in a 13 year old daily driver car.
There a a very nice 2008 GXP for sale at a dealer ship near me with only 68k on it. But will all I've read about the GXPs blowing through transmissions and only being able to use premium gas in them the less I think I want one. It is also way overpriced at almost $11k. I think I need to look for a later model (07-08) non-super charged GP with leather interior and perhaps a sunroof with low miles (75kish). THAT sounds like it would be a very nice, very reliable daily driver.
There a a very nice 2008 GXP for sale at a dealer ship near me with only 68k on it. But will all I've read about the GXPs blowing through transmissions and only being able to use premium gas in them the less I think I want one. It is also way overpriced at almost $11k. I think I need to look for a later model (07-08) non-super charged GP with leather interior and perhaps a sunroof with low miles (75kish). THAT sounds like it would be a very nice, very reliable daily driver.
SgtMarshal
Active member
keep in mind if you get a 2008 Grand Prix base model, there are no tuning options at all, like HP Tuners does not support that year for that car. 11k is a lot for that car even though it only has 75k miles. I paid 9k for mine and it has 88k miles, then I bought the extended warranty for another 3k, which has almost paid for itself, and probably will when I take in for another service.
and in 2008 there was only the GXP and the base model Grand Prix.
and in 2008 there was only the GXP and the base model Grand Prix.
Not really interested in tuning it. I'm not much of a gear head and won't ever be racing the car. I'm simply impressed with the reliability of the 3800 series engine. I'm on my second Grand Prix now (2004 base model) It's needed no major repairs outside regular maintenance (tires, brakes, replace brake lines due to North East winter salt corrosion, replace battery).
Only reason I'm really looking is I would like leather heated seats, maybe a moon roof and a nicer paint job. If I can can find an 07 or 08 with lowish milage (75kish), those options and a color I like for the right price ($6kish) I would probably bite.
I was supposed to take a 2 hour drive this morning to PA to look at an 07 with 85k but it sold before I could get there. It had 85k, leather, was white but no moon roof. One owner. From pics looked very clean. Allegedly was owned by prior dealership's parts manager daughter.
Oh well, will keep looking.
SgtMarshal
Active member
come over to LS4 Nation on Facebook, I see people selling their Impala/Monte Carlo SS and Grand Prix GXP's frequently.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/317276888428101/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/317276888428101/
Check out a 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix GT. It's down in Atlantic Highlands. 68K miles? $5,995 on CarGurus at https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/share/153509099
Near Bridgeater area off of Route 22.
And now you're in Wyoming. Jelous. I enjoy nature , hunting and open highways. You must have some very nice rides in your GP out there!
SgtMarshal
Active member
And there isn't any nature or decent hunting in cheyenne. Jk, I've never been to Cheyenne.
More I think about it and research it, the more I'm leaning towards keeping my 2004 GP. It's been paid in full for years now. Why add a payment or spend money I don't need to.
I need to do some maintenance on the car and have it checked out by a mechanic to see what, if any, major fixes, needs to be done. I can do basic maintenance but not things like replacing struts, etc are beyond my skills, tools and time sets.
I'll keep my eyes out for a nice stock 3800 with low mileage, leather interior and moon roof. Just won't be in a rush to replace.
I need to do some maintenance on the car and have it checked out by a mechanic to see what, if any, major fixes, needs to be done. I can do basic maintenance but not things like replacing struts, etc are beyond my skills, tools and time sets.
I'll keep my eyes out for a nice stock 3800 with low mileage, leather interior and moon roof. Just won't be in a rush to replace.