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Talk me out of it (or into it?)

A

andrewbr

New member
Hi all,

I'm new to the forum, considering purchasing a Grand Prix that is local to me.

A little back-story about me, I'm looking for a fairly inexpensive performance sedan and stumbled upon the Grand Prix yesterday. I've always owned american cars and really think this could be a unique ride for me. I'm concerned however that they might be just a little TOO unique from a parts availability standpoint.

Basically what I am looking at:

2004 Grand Prix GTP compG
112,000 miles
Good condition
Dark grey (charcoal?)
$5300

http://images.craigslist.org/00808_98rOncfgX7a_600x450.jpg
http://images.craigslist.org/00404_agG3IxY1ipb_600x450.jpg

What works in my favor is that it has been on Craigslist for almost a month. Apparently the guy had to move out of state and couldn't take it, but is making a trip back up here in about a week to try and sell it. Given that they are rare and most people don't know what they are, the fact that it's been on the market for a while, and he needs it gone yesterday, I feel I could probably get an even better deal on it. My concern is that I'm going to end up knee deep in repairs on a car like this.

I've read through a lot of the buyer's guide thread and the maintenance before modding thread and it all seems quite doable as I've gained some proficiency fixing up a Ford pickup all these years. However the buyer's guide is only for up to 03. Any particulars I should watch out for on an 04+ or perhaps a link to a thread with more info?

Basically, anyone inclined to talk me into it or talk me out of it? Because I'm leaning toward it and it would take a bit of clever cash acquisition to do it now. I don't want to wait for another one to come up as it could be some time.

**UPDATE** It appears it is a Canadian car, based on the Carfax and how high the speedometer goes :P But if I recall, you can switch between units with the on-board computer.
 
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I can't speak to the availability of parts but I would second the rust inspection. I have an 08 that is showing some unexpected surface rust (paint bubbling and rust beneath) in the pinch/spot welds of the body above the rear tires, at the bottom seam of the rear doors where the drain holes are, and some showing up in the cavity between the front door and the front wheel well where all sorts of crap settles. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed in the rust proofing as I have been good about keeping the car clean.

Since your car has been in Canada, and is 4 years older than mine, I would guess it could be suffering a similar fate.

The only 04+ specific item I can think of would be determining if it has metal or plastic Lower Intake Manifold gaskets. All the other things I would check are applicable to all used car inspections.
 
Take it for a drive long enough to get the trans hot and see how well it shifts. The trans on the newer ones is better, but not by much. And the tap shift is specific to that trans, so if it needs a rebuild you can't easily swap it out for another that didn't have tapshift.
 
Any thoughts on the price?

Like I said he's asking $5300. Edmunds says its worth $3450 (seems too low to me) and KBB says $4750-$5200 (good and very good condition, respectively). Obviously the price will depend on the condition, but if it appears mechanically sound it's in good-very good condition. However, given that it's a Canadian car and that he needs to sell ASAP, I figure I can offer a bit lower. I just don't want to lowball the guy too hard but I have to keep in mind there is 9.5% sales tax and like $350 in licensing fees.

What would you offer as a starting point for negotiations?
 
Well also concider its a compg. Ide say i would pay 4500 if its clean of rust mostly. The o4 cars rust at the radiator support. They are good reliable cars but do have there issues that need to be taken care of but as far as performance, gas mileage,reliability and being good in snow they are amazing. Transmissions suck if you plan on extensively modding. But the motors is ide say in the top 10 best motors ever built.
 


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