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Buyers remorse?


KnightOwl
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I know in my gut I got great deal on a super nice car with my 2002 GP, but lately I cant seem to shake the doubt over if I should've bought the other car I was looking at...which was a 2004 Bonneville GXP.

 

I love the style, interior, and exterior color of the Bonnie, and the nasty snarl of the 4.6 Northstar is an intoxicating sound, but the worry over waiting for that engine to self-destruct was just too expensive to ignore.

 

Granted, a studded block and mains transform that engine into a rock-reliable powerplant, but by the time I paid a shop to do that I'd be looking at $4-6K, and that is pretty steep.

 

Its sad to say I settled for the GP but in a way I did, but then again for the cost of the Northstar engine repairs, I can mod my brains out with this car and still have a more reliable machine.

 

Even if I wanted to equal the performance, 275hp isn't at all out of reach with the 3800, and to be honest, it could be less and probably never bother over the difference. The only thing you cant duplicate is the V8 roar.

 

The deal is done now...just need to get over it and move on. I guess we've all had a similar experience.

 

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275 at the crank is nothing to get out of a 3800. Top swap, front powerlog and downpipe, 1.9 rockers for extra KR elimination and better top end, 3.5" pulley, and a tune and I guarantee you'd be there, probably more. Does it sound as good? Hell no. Does it have far more torque and much better reliability? Yes, undeniably. 

 

I still don't know where you live, but the late G-bodies rot out like nothing else. They're almost all extinct here from iron oxide cancer. The W-cars aren't the best in the world, but they certainly fair better. 

 

The only car I've ever had buyer's remorse on was my Thunderbird SC because I only found out after buying it that every Thunderbird SC is a piece of shit.

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I've been there, done that.

 

When i bought the Cutlass Supreme, I kept thinking about this 1976 Chevy Nova I had gone to look at but passed up because the trunk was rotten. It being unibody and all scared me. I didn't know how much support the 4th gen Novas had anyways. Most people like the 3rd gens. 1970 Novas go for 10,000 yet 1975 Novas go for half that. They are picking up some steam now but the last Novas aren't well regarded. I didn't regret buying the Cutlass but I did want the Nova more.

 

I actually regretted buying the 89 Regal. Even though I got it dirt cheap, I didn't realize the change of trim throughout the years made the car look vastly different throughout the years. The one Imp558 looks better than the one I had IMO. Interesting enough, I miss that car now.

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In the end the GP is going to be more fun to mod and more cost effective to mod. We may buy a 2001-2004 SSEi in the spring because my gf likes them but I'm going to try to get her into a GTP if I can because I maintain the vehicles and I think it would be a lot more fun to have around.

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I've had this kind of thing happen in the past but I never paid it much attention since I always felt like I could get one later. But when you get along in years and limited income starts staring you in the face, combined with the fact you cant get out in the driveway and do the tings you used to, your perspective gets tainted.

 

 

My wife makes good points...I cant keep spending on cars the rest of my life. Unlike Jay Leno, I lack those resources, but in the end there will always be more cars we want than we will be able to own (even Jay has that problem) and I agree, I think as time goes forward and I start adding mods/personal touches to the car, I'll grow more attached to it in the end.

 

 

One funny thing I've already noticed, the GP is getting better mpg than my 2013 2.0 EcoBoost Escape! LOL

 

 

One other things is definitely true, the GP will be far easier to work on and maintain than the GXP Bonnie...talk about an engine shoehorned under a hood! The 4.6 is vacuum packed!

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digitaloutsider,

 

 

I'd just like to say I've been to your posted location of Pittsburgh several times for Pens games and concerts. Despite the crazy number of bridges, Pitt is a very cool place. We really enjoyed the zoo, historic districts, Aviary, and just cruising the neighborhoods.

 

 

I'm not a big fan of tough winters, and you undoubtedly have those, but overall I have enjoyed the visits a great deal. One of the best sports towns I've ever been to.

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Cutlass Granny's

 

Ready to cruise...

 

A lot of times, it's time that tells the tale.  When I first bought my '95 LQ1 Cutlass convertible, I lost the timing belt within the first few months.  I seriously regretted having bought the car right then.

 

After I got it back together, and began fixing all the other little things it needed, I found myself enjoying it more and more, and kept it for 7 years.  I sold it to another list member after I bought my '88 IROC-Z...and I still miss it.

Edited by Galaxie500XL
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digitaloutsider,

 

 

I'd just like to say I've been to your posted location of Pittsburgh several times for Pens games and concerts. Despite the crazy number of bridges, Pitt is a very cool place. We really enjoyed the zoo, historic districts, Aviary, and just cruising the neighborhoods.

 

 

I'm not a big fan of tough winters, and you undoubtedly have those, but overall I have enjoyed the visits a great deal. One of the best sports towns I've ever been to.

Take a ride through Homewood, with a police escort of course.

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digitaloutsider,

 

 

I'd just like to say I've been to your posted location of Pittsburgh several times for Pens games and concerts. Despite the crazy number of bridges, Pitt is a very cool place. We really enjoyed the zoo, historic districts, Aviary, and just cruising the neighborhoods.

 

 

I'm not a big fan of tough winters, and you undoubtedly have those, but overall I have enjoyed the visits a great deal. One of the best sports towns I've ever been to.

 

It's probably best city in the North, easily. And by far the best bigger city in Pennsylvania. 

 

 

Take a ride through Homewood, with a police escort of course.

 

I grew up in parts of Atlanta that are name dropped in rap songs. There isn't a goddamn thing I'm scared of in Homewood.  

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Well, a sure-fire way to get over the hump is to get started making it your own. I pulled the trigger tonight on a white gauge face, a set of white letters for the rear valance and a decklid spoiler. Might not have been the smartest move financially since I still haven't sold the Taurus but I'll get it done.

 

 

 

BTW Galaxie500XL, I always thought the Cutlass vert was one of the coolest cars of its day...and still is actually. I definitely understand how you feel.

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At the time, I regretted purchasing mine when the transmission blew 100 miles after I blew $1500 rebuilding the engine... but after I got everything working, I couldn't be happier! I guess you learn to love whatever you drive really!

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Any possible mods for more power available for a 1996 3.1? Or, is it better to just leave that be? Would a 1998 3.8 out of a 1998 Intrigue fit into the 1996 Cutlass Supreme engine bay without major mods? Or is this too a ridiculous idea for only 35 more horses?

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Any possible mods for more power available for a 1996 3.1? Or, is it better to just leave that be? Would a 1998 3.8 out of a 1998 Intrigue fit into the 1996 Cutlass Supreme engine bay without major mods? Or is this too a ridiculous idea for only 35 more horses?

You can also check out 60degreev6.com

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You can also check out 60degreev6.com

I was surprised that they are up...I went there a while ago, and the site had gone dark.  There's some good information there.

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Back on point, I decided the best medicine was simply drive the GP some more. Yes, there are a few more things I'll want to do to it, and the 3800 will never sound like the Northstar, but with the right exhaust system it can sound pretty angry. (And that will still sound better than the rice rockets)

 

 

I know the GP will be more reliable in the long run, and while that may not mean so much to a part-time play-toy, it does mean more time driving when you want and less time having it being needy. As we all know, needing mods is entirely different than needing repair.

 

 

I'd like to thank everyone here for their input and advice. It always good to know there is "tech support" out there when you need it...even if it is my mental issues! LOL

 

 

I still have to get my 2013 Taurus sold before I can dive in on the GP, so mods will probably be slow coming, but there is definitely a list growing!

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275 at the crank is nothing to get out of a 3800. Top swap, front powerlog and downpipe, 1.9 rockers for extra KR elimination and better top end, 3.5" pulley, and a tune and I guarantee you'd be there, probably more. Does it sound as good? Hell no. Does it have far more torque and much better reliability? Yes, undeniably. 

 

I still don't know where you live, but the late G-bodies rot out like nothing else. They're almost all extinct here from iron oxide cancer. The W-cars aren't the best in the world, but they certainly fair better. 

 

The only car I've ever had buyer's remorse on was my Thunderbird SC because I only found out after buying it that every Thunderbird SC is a piece of shit.

 

I'll agree with this. I had an STS with the 300hp N*. The car was a slouch out of the hole but it pulled good up top and it sounded absolutely great. 

 

But my GP has basically the same mods Digital listed. Plog, 3" dp, 1.9 rockers, mail order tune. Only exception is I have smaller 3.4" pulley since it's a factory blower car and has lower comp, and I'm certain the GP would outrun the STS. 

 

IMO the ONLY plus of a N* powered car is you get a 4T80 instead of a 4T65 with a 3800. However, I don't think the benefit of an 80 outweighs having the downfall of a N*. 

 

The only way I think a N* car would be worth the while is if the body is in good shape and it's already got blown headgaskets so you can get it for cheap and stud it. Other than that I don't think I'll ever screw with one again. 

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Start modding your GP -- it'll put a smile on your face.

This is exactly what is bugging me. I had this weird dream the other night where I got ticked and sold off everything. I have to admit my Escape was a simple task...just wheels, exhaust and a spoiler and I was pretty much done. When I originally set out to get another 2nd car, I was thinking one of the top-line sport models (GXP, SS) but instead I wound up with a nice, low miles, GP. Yes, its a very nice car, but the mod list is getting insane and that means lots of $$$. I would still love to have a car with that V8 rumble and only one of the alternate cars can do that. I dont want to sink a ton of cash and still wind up feeling like I fell short some way. All things I will have to sort out, but first I still have to sell my Taurus. Maybe then I can decide on a course of action. I could easily sell the GP as is, for the same reasons I bought it. Then I could look for a nice GXP or SS Monte. I'll probably rule out the Bonneville for the N* issues. Time will tell.

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Sell the Taurus first and go from there. Regardless you're sinking a lot of money into a platform that wasn't meant for performance. You're still ahead of the curve despite the lack of 2 cylinders.

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If you are looking to mod a car, stick with a 3.8L variant, rather than the V8 FWD, as there just isn't as much for them. If you plan to leave them stock and be happy with a V8 noises, then just sell both and get what you want. 

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I think that is kind of where I am. The LS4 cars are 303hp stock as a rock and thats plenty fun. I'm sure I'd still throw on some wheels and mufflers for kicks, but for the most part just maintain and drive. I'm not headed for the track or strip, and the GXP or SS have the benefit of being one of the top tier models. I know that doesnt really mean much on an older car but it usually means it gets all the goodies. The amount of time I've spent looking at exhaust and engine mods for the 3800, just because you know it has the potential and the parts are out there, is kinda crazy and pricey. I look at my black 01 GT and have to admit to myself the whole time I was trying to create a roomy, comfortable, and more practical Trans Am, which was fine then since it was my daily driver. I still want roomy and comfortable, and I cant afford a classic Trans Am, so one of the LS4 cars is kind of the best option. I never have been a big Chevy guy, but the Monte SS is a clean, slick design, and the GP GXP is the Mac Daddy GP out of the box to me. I'll winter-over on all this and make a move in the spring one way or the other.

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Get something RWD.

 

Don't even waste time with LS4, anything.

 

I'm in this camp. You can try to soup up a FWD whatever but it's still FWD. RWD stock as a rock will always beat FWD in the fun department no matter what.

 

I hate to say this, but you may be better served by a 5.7 Charger than a GXP.

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