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Chris Tonn on August 11, 2015
For the last few months, the esteemed commenters of TTAC have welcomed me onto their screens. I’m here to tell you that I’ve been using you. I’m using the B&B as a sounding board to help me decide on my next car, and to help generate enough factual ammunition to sell it to domestic management.
So, let’s play the game again, shall we? This week, like last, Chris decides he wants a GM muscle car. Can’t buy new since the SS might as well be vaporware. Mark argues that the new Sierra with the 6.2 is a new hotrod, and he may have a point – but I’m just not a truck guy. I need four real seats, too.
The Pontiac G8 might be the answer. Our hornblower-in-chief Bark M. occasionally misses his G8, even though he’s wandered toward the Blue Oval since. The G8 GT may not have the extra power of the hard-to-find and still-pricey GXP, but 361 horses is plenty for a daddymobile. This one has turned nearly 93,000 on the odometer, so some maintenance may be due soon, but $18,000 looks rather enticing. What else can I buy for that kind of money?
Yes, someone will certainly point me toward a Charger. For some reason, the older ones don’t really appeal to me. Sorry.
I’ve never been a big fan of white cars, but this looks impressive. I’m ashamed to say I never knew the car had a Saab-like, console-mounted ignition switch. I wonder if this Aussie import avoided the GM ignition switch debacle?
Bark thinks the GT won’t be collectible. I’m not so sure. HiPo GMs always have a following. Sure, the GXP is still fetching close to MSRP six years later, but I think this car will have a future beyond the used car lots.
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I am also considering the G8 GT as my next car and think that they are a great deal for the money. I have seen a few around me in the $15-16k range that are pretty decent. I am not so sure that the GT will be collectible but I believe the GXP may retain its value
The death of the collectible car will occur in lockstep with the death of the boomer generation.
we might have to see. perhaps it will be a different kind of collectible
Disagree. I think there will be a huge fall in value of muscle cars, but there are other cars that will hold people’s interest. We’re already seeing a younger crowd start to bid up the best ’80s and ’90s Japanese iron.
As long as 70s land yachts and old square pickups/off-roaders stay cheap and in good supply, I’ll be happy.
I agree with this, but not all muscle cars will suffer. For instance I see the Pontiac GTO and Camaro still being desirable but perhaps something like the 442 will decline.
good…good
I want a 442 way more than a GTO
I’d even rock a G-Body 442
Me too but we’re not normal.
G-body Cutlass is a fine way to roll, my friend.
Though I wish they were longer and had a less formal roofline.
I would get all kinds of street cred around here rollin in a G-body. I’d have to make sure to keep my mind on my money and my money on my mind.
A G-body Cutlass is something that crosses all racial lines in Metro Detroit.
For mine I’d like T tops, no vinyl top, no whitewalls, Super Stock wheels, and a V8.
“I would get all kinds of street cred around here rollin in a G-bod”
Wouldn’t you also get carjacked in certain parts of the D?
It would be gone so fast that it isn’t even worth buying.
I expect Chinese and Indian collectors will replace boomers and keep prices climbing
Hell no
Various post boomer cars are in value appreciation mode. Everything from Integra Type Rs to certain water cooled Porsches. Just off the top of my head:
– DA6 GSR
– ITR
– NSX
– stickshift M3s (pre E90)
– EM1
– FD RX7
– S2000
– MKIV Supra Turbo
– Z32TT
– Aero face fox bodys
– 996+ GT3
– stickshift Ferraris
– CLEAN pre-2000 Civics/Integras, AWD DSMs
Etc. There is definitely a new wave of collector cars boomers wouldn’t touch with a 10 foot walking cane.
You could probably get a later E60 550i for the same money. I’m sure it wouldn’t be the most trouble-free experience, but you’d have the N/A 4.8-liter V8 instead of the more-problematic 4.4-liter twin-turbo used in the newer V8 Bimmers. It would probably actually be easier to find parts for than would the G8 GT.
Cant find the post but the 535i is the pick of the E60 range. ~100lbs more than a same year 335i but much roomier and nicer.
I found a Caprice PPV for $17.9 with 27k. You into that at all?
The 1G version of the CTS-v is in your price range too, but that might be a bit more hardcore than you want.
Caprice is the way to go. Same drivetrain, the bigger back seat a car that large should have, and if you stick a few extra antennas on it you can part traffic like the Red Sea.
I regret not getting one when they were shutting down Pontiac. They were giving them away at the time. Only new car that I know of that you could have bought new, and resold in a year for a profit.
I just sold my 37k mile, six-year-old GXP for 67% of the price I paid new. That’s unreal, especially for a brand that disappeared.
Just sold a stick GXP with 37k. They are holding down their value insanely — I turned around and bought an immaculate Lexus LS460 of about the same vintage and mileage with about the same money. The GTs are not quite as rich but are still very high for mass-market sedans.
If you’re really interested, here are the pros and cons.
Pros:
– Truly excellent steering, some of the best of any car I’ve ever driven
– Small-block thrust
– Common, easy-to-service powertrains
– Very roomy interior with comfortable seats and a good driving position
– Serious road presence, more in person than in pictures
– Generally durable, with proper maintenance
Cons:
– Truly poor material and assembly quality in the interior; rattles
– Some delicate suspension bits (strut mounts and LCAs in particular)
– Very hard to get non-powertrain parts
– Occasional electrical issues
– Weird ergonomic quirks from on-the-cheap adaptation from RHD
I owned a 2009 Pontiac G8 V6 in Stryker Blue from new for about 6 years. I really liked the car in many ways but dumped it as I was getting to the end of my extended warranty due to a number of quality concerns. Here is my tale of woe in case you are curious:
– 3 sets of front control arms,
– 2 complete sets of door locks. (Twice I walked out and for some reason tried to open the door with the key rather than the keyfob button only to have everything just spin around loosely).
– Some problem that involved taking apart the engine that I can’t for the life of me recall
– A problem with a persistent shimmy that required multiple balancings to get rid of
– A new AC compressor
– Flaking interior paint and really weird wear on the steering wheel.
– Thin paint that chipped if you looked at it hard
All of this in less than 60K miles. Now that said I still liked the car quite a bit. It drove very nicely and handled well for its size. It had a ton of interior room, great seats and a huge trunk. I also happen to think they are still one of the best looking cars on the road.
Anyway best of luck and if you plan on driving it in the snow at all get some good snow tires. Trust me on that.
How does the Volvo S80 fare in comparison?
So far I love the S80. Had for just over a year and about 13,000 miles and not a single problem (knock on wood). The ride is smoother, the interior is much nicer and much more quite. The power feels very comparable to the G8 while getting FAR better gas mileage. Plus the wife isn’t afraid to drive it in the winter.
I maintain my position that a CPO S80 is one of the best values on the used market. There is nothing better in the mid to high $20,000 price range if you are looking for a nice midsized sedan with a great warranty.
Doesn’t handle nearly as sharp as the G8 though….
I actually wrote a review that compared the two cars a while back for the S80 forum I read. Maybe I should try and submit it here?
Yes, you should submit it. Email Mark he is great about getting the Ur Turn stuff done.
I agree on the MY7-MY14 S80. MY15 only offers the 3.2 I6 in AWD which is identical to previous years, however the FWD uses the new I4 which I would avoid in my used buying.
THE RESALE VALUE IS TOO DAMN HIGH!!!
You could also consider the Lincoln LS: it’s a little older, but also less tacky and somewhat better-supported. It’s a great drive, too—very much like an E39 530i
And a hell of a lot cheaper.
IIRC Lincoln LS has more than its share of problems. Might as well look for an S-type its not as if those command high valuations.
S-Type > LS
Better engine and the reliability is not much different at this point.
For a reason. The time to buy one of those was a decade ago before they fell to pieces.
The Jalops agree:
http://jalopnik.com/was-the-lincoln-ls-actually-any-good-1722795202
–
The LS will bring you pain. I am a Lincoln fan, and even I wouldn’t touch one. The newest is 10 years old and is powered by a Jaguar designed engine, but made in Ohio. Basically, this is a Olds-Caddy situation. PAG made it so the LS would share things with the S-Type, but could never be as good. Instead, the LS should have been designed to take the mod motor. Then I wouldn’t have to be so angry about Jacques Nasser.
MKS Ecoboost > LS
MKSs are crazy cheap on the used market. If the wife hadn’t refused to have an “old man car” as our only vehicle I might have ended up with one of them instead of the S80. Not quite as nice but bigger and much more power.
Ah, I didn’t realize the LS had a Jag motor. My bad!
Not only a Jag motor, but one that was worse on purpose. It also has a bunch of unique engine parts that may be hard to find. NAASSSSSEEEERRRRRR!!!!
Why hasn’t someone developed a swap of some kind?
Because, as CJ has said on occasion, the Mod Motor is the size of a WWII Merlin engine. It doesn’t fit in the LS. Although, people seem to get the DOHC 4.6L into the first gen Focus. Maybe no one really cares…
The Mustang uses a pretty sweet V6 now, why is a Lincoln LS Cyclone V6 not a thing?
Because MKZ I guess. You have a better chance of seeing a Mark X and RWD Conti than a Mustang sized Lincoln sedan.
I’m still referring to swaps, say a MY04 Lincoln LS sporting a Cyclone V6.
So apparently it’s doable, but it’s a tight fit and may not be worth it.
http://www.drivingenthusiast.net/sec-blog/?p=10971
If it can be done, its always worth doing. I liked the custom dash too.
hmmm what About a coyote 5.0L swaped LS.
The car was built for a 3.9 V8 and a 3.0 V6, if the 4.6 mod motor won’t fit I doubt a Coyote 5.0 would.
No go on the Coyote.
If we are going that old there is no logical reason not to get an E39 M5. Especially now that they are beginning to appreciate in value.
Cadillac CTS-V is the only GM built V8 sports car THAT THEY ACTUALLY ADVERTISED.
The average person didn’t know this car existed.
The average person has no idea that the Chevy SS exists.
Fortunately – Chrysler isn’t dumb and actually advertises the S.R.T products by placing them in Those STUPID fast & Furious movies for kids with ADHD and crappy video games like Forza (Need for Speed FTW).
S.R.T will end up being the big name simply because they actually advertise.
the words: “dodge Charger” “hemi charger” actually mean something even to the average female.
That’s pretty impressive.
“the words: “dodge Charger” “hemi charger” actually mean something even to the average female.”
“Poor FICO score” and “Run!”?
I couldn’t resist.
My wife saw a Charger R/T while we were driving last weekend. She looked at it and said “Looks redneck.”
“My wife saw a Charger R/T while we were driving last weekend. She looked at it and said ‘Looks redneck.’ ”
” ‘Poor FICO score’ and ‘Run’ ”
:’ (
You guys cut deep.
I doubt there would have been the same result for a car without the big black stripes this Charger had.
Hey, I like Chargers. I’m just not deluded enough to think girls like them. It’s probably the dudeliest car on the road.
Women don’t really care that much about cars. I have met a subset who are into trucks, but not because they are into the trucks themselves, more the image.
Probably gravitating towards where the guys are…
Guys aren’t in cars?
Increasingly, no. I’m beginning to get the sense that outside of major cities it is no longer in the mainstream for a man to drive anything but a truck.
Dude, quit writing about Chargers unless you are going to buy one.
A 300 is kinda like a Charger… only cooler and more mature.
And overpriced, compared to the Charger. I think it’s better looking though.
The G8 in white is classy.
If you’re looking to buy used here are some landmines to be aware of.
There were a significant number of BMW E39 engineers that work on the Zeta platform. Now some of the B&B will declare this blasphemy and impossible, but Maximum Bob was able to poach away some Bavarians to go to Australia.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/car-comparison-tests/features/a25248/the-comparison-2003-bmw-m5-versus-2015-chevrolet-ss/
Why should you care?
The suspension of the GM Zeta is an awful lot like the setup on the BMW 5-series. How much so? It even has the same weaknesses. Front LCAs and ball joints get eaten alive, especially if driven hard.
Another thing to look for is collapsed AFM lifters. There was a bad patch of Eaton lifters that got into late production 2008 and early production 9L1 cars in 2009. The 9L2 and 9L3 don’t have these issues. The sound of lifter tick is distinct, and don’t mistaken it for the fuel injectors, which are noisy in the LS engines. If the prior owner dogged it out, the differential is shared with the Cadillac CTS-V and C6 Corvette – enough said.
Some might be stunned to read that a 7 model year old Pontiac with almost 100K miles on the odometer has retained more than 58% of its sticker value. The $18K is a fair price. As you noted, the GXPs are holding about 90% of value unless they are high mile and/or salvage title. A good clean low miles GT can command close to mid-20s if it is a 2009 right now.
Here is the AMA that was done on my G8 – oh it is also white, and the G8 goes from looking a bit over wrought and boy racer in almost any other color, to classy in white. I didn’t want a white one either, but have no regrets now.
https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2014/10/ttac-ama-pontiac-g8-holden-commodore-conversion/
The GXPs are doing very well, but not 90% of value. That would be $38,000ish.
I know of GXPs that have sold for $36K to $38K recently.
High mileage and somewhat unloved ones still get $27K to $30K.
I will solve this conundrum for the two of you.
MY08 Pontiac G8 GT V8
08/04/15 PENSCOLA Lease $13,400 87,306 Avg WHITE 8G P Yes
08/06/15 TX HOBBY Lease $12,800 92,374 Avg RED 8G A Yes
07/23/15 FRDKBURG Regular $11,500 97,917 Avg GRAY 8G Yes
08/04/15 NC Regular $13,900 98,220 Avg Gray 8G A Yes
07/29/15 NASHVILL Regular $13,250 98,625 Avg ORANGE 8G A Yes
07/14/15 KC Regular $12,000 106,018 Avg RED 8G A Yes
07/14/15 NEWENGLD Regular $7,500 149,698 Below RED 8G A Yes
MY09 Pontiac G8 GXP V8
07/15/15 SEATTLE Regular $29,500 36,807 Avg SILVER – 6 Yes
08/07/15 PA Regular $29,900 38,021 Avg BLACK 8G P Yes
06/19/15 PA Regular $30,000 40,546 Avg RED 8G P Yes
06/10/15 DALLAS Regular $28,700 59,199 Avg BLACK 8G S Yes
06/18/15 TX HOBBY Regular $25,800 74,703 Avg RED 8G A Yes
08/05/15 CALIFORN Regular $18,000 119,972 Below RED 8G 6 Yes
That first GXP is my car. The selling dealer *advertised* it at $38k but that was a laugh. Very interesting to know the ultimate selling price –it was not much over what they gave me, but they sold it near-instantly and I doubt they did any work on the car. A nice profit for a few hours of work.
The dealer would have also had to pay a selling fee, as of 2010 any car under 20K was $250, over 20K it would have been more but I don’t know what the figure was (in 2006 it was $400).
Whats nice about the GXP is it will sell quick on the block if you can’t retail it. Granted other stuff sells too, but not always quickly or for good money.
I keep seeing these reports… where are you pulling them from?
He has special access to something!
$18K for a Commodore with 160Km on the clock?? That’s insane.
In saying that, what did GM do with the engineers that set up the suspension on Holden’s big cars? Credit where it’s due, they had a knack of creating large vehicles that could steer quite well without the jarring ride of a BMW for example. Please tell me that talent was not pensioned off?
They were BMW engineers – no idea where they went from Zeta.
A former coworker of mine had one of these. At 20k miles he was on his third tranny. When that failed in a few thousand miles, he sued GM under the lemon laws of NJ. After mediation, GM bought the car back from him.
He replaced it with a 6 cyl Honda Accord.
This is probably an outlier, but scary enough since Pontiac did hot spend the time to determine the root cause of the transmission failures.
2015 ess ess driver here
I had a Stingray driver drive up next to me yesterday and tell me as a matter of factly that he didnt know Chevy made an SS version of the Impala.
Chevy markets this like Dodge markets its Avenger.
The reason GM doesn’t market the SS is probably because it’s borderline unprofitable. In fact, they probably *lose* money for every SS that hits the lot. Most likely, the only reason the SS even exists is because of some agreement that GM has with its Australian subsidiary and/or the Australian government to keep the Commodore factory at a certain level of capacity until it is eventually shut down.
For the same $46K or so, GM would much rather sell you a loaded Silverado or Sierra.
I doubt they are unprofitable, especially given the recent fall in the Australian dollar, at the current prices. In 2009, the lower G8 trims were unprofitable, but the GXP (priced similarly to the SS after inflation) wasn’t.
But your point stands: a Silverado or North American-built Impala is far *more* profitable.
Kyree,
The AUD is now at a good level so we are more or less level pegging with the USD in terms of our purchasing power to our incomes.
When the AUD was on par to the USD the costs of goods didn’t decline as much as the AUD increased. The opposite occurs when it falls.
The only difference is the Aussie government has greatly reduced handouts to the manufacturers.
When the handouts stop all will be better.
I would have even taken a G8 with V6 power. I’m sorry I didn’t.
I have owned this car since new, purchased in late 2008 as a 2009 black GT. It currently has 88k miles. I worked most of my career at the Big 3 so have owned/company leased my share of vehicles, including MB when they ‘merged’ with Chrysler.
I can honestly say this has been my favorite car, for so many reasons. It still gets mad respect from people who know what it is. It has never let me down and all I’ve done so far is oil changes and the occasional break flush. Higher priced maintenance items are right around the corner, however. And agree with another post in that non-powertrain items are difficult to find. (I ran over a brick and crushed one of the wheels and replacement isn’t cheap)
Sure, it could have a nicer material interior. That was the price of admission and perhaps a reason for the screaming deal when purchased. I love the car and plan on keeping it as a daily driver for a few more years.
Rob,
Try some Aussie sites. I don’t know if a site called Gumtree can help.
If you’re looking in the high teens, it might be worth checking out the 2009-2012 Hyundai Genesis 4.6 V8 sedans. I picked up a pristine 2009 4.6 with 56k miles on it for 17k a few months ago, and its been a great daddy mobile. It isn’t going to have the torque of the 6.2, but it has some nice high end pull.
Also, reliability is pretty good apart from the infotainment system which is known to be buggy in the older years. The Tau V8 and ZF transmission are fairly bulletproof.
I’m not sure I’m sold on gen1 Genesis interior quality. Is it up to Lexus standards?
It’s not. At all. It is better than the G8 though.
This highlights my problem with used Korean cars (especially the Genesis/Azera/Amanti types). Yeah you can buy a used one for a pretty decent value (especially considering the engine options there), but the new version of whatever model it is will likely blow the pants off the old one.
And as a luxury proposition, this does not work. They need to be at an acceptable par with other luxury options before I consider them. The leaps and bounds are very quick advancement, but I’m not buying into your development project. Let me know when it’s finished.
A person that parks in my work parking lot has a 2002ish Hyundai XG350L. Maybe that will pique your interest.
I’ve never seen one of those which was not parked over a puddle of oil. And they just simply fall apart!
I was in lots of those in Korea (as the Grandeur). I believe the XG350 was a trim spec of the Grandeur model there for a time. An incredibly popular model, you can’t go four minutes without seeing one.
They will keep running, but everything on them disintegrates. And the ride is awful, similar to an 04 Taurus.
It is a truly awful looking car. This one in particular looks like it has two wheels in the junkyard.
And the Azera was still the Grandeur, by the way. Also crazy popular.
http://www.caradvice.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/2011-hyundai-grandeur-3.jpg
I preferred the executive’s car of choice, the huge Equus we didn’t get here. Seen in photo in more rare cream color. Standard colors are black, or silver.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/69/HyundaiEquus5.jpghttps://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/69/HyundaiEquus5.jpg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/89/20100801_hyundai_equus_02.jpg
As the Grandeur/Azera has gotten nicer, it’s sales have fallen in the US. It’s not the value it once was and the Genesis probably steals sales.
Let me show you how they “updated” the original one by making it a bit worse looking.
http://smartauto.kr/auto/OEM%20parts/door%20handle/grandeur_xg/outside/door_handle_grandeur_xg_LH2.jpg
They saw an M35 online and said, yes we can do that too.
Edit: The Azera just can’t keep up being that expensive AND FWD as well. Mushy-FWD desiring people go buy Avalons, and the RWD ones get the Genesis.
I’ve seen the LWB Equus in the Detroit area. It is huge.
The US-available Equus is even bigger than the KDM one we didn’t get. The styling on the current one is a bit fussy for me. That last one was around for many years, and had a Japanese formal Crown Comfort type appearance.
This was always a fun Daewoo to see in SK, by the way. I was like HOW DARE YOU put that badge on there.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Legend#/media/File:20100812_daewoo_arcadia_01.jpg
Does this Daewoo Imperial look like anything you’ve seen? (These are rare.)
http://i.wheelsage.org/pictures/daewoo/imperial/autowp.ru_daewoo_imperial_3.jpg
I liked the SUPER SALON as well, it had a nice 929 meets Buick appeal.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GB01Vvn6bOQ/UXlw-oU9xrI/AAAAAAAAUqo/7eUlxuV51NE/s1600/IMG02223-20130327-0741_.jpg
I’m talking about the current Equus LWB limo thing that we don’t get in the US. Some Hyundai baller had to be in town.
Ohh, this!
http://preview.netcarshow.com/Hyundai-Equus_Limousine-2010-800-04.jpg
I Wonder if you could import one of those given it’s substantially similar to a car we do have here, just longer.
Yes, that. It had manufacturer plates on it, so they can drive around pretty much whatever they feel like. I had a neighbor with an MkII Focus RS that was some crazy orange color. The M plates also make the police not pull you over.
I would like to obtain some M plates. And then get a C6.
I would get something to troll enthusiasts.
Focus or Fusion wagon
Cruze wagon
Ford Territory/Ranger
Chevy Trailblazer
We kinda had the Trailblazer here for a while ;). But what am I saying, I’d get a LHD Toyota Century!
The Territory looks a bit derpy and like a cross between an Explorer and a CRV. I remember seeing them on Amazing Race when they were in Africa.
A Holden Buick Park Avenue works too.
We don’t have the current one.
I’ve been in a Fusion wagon, and enthusiasts here cream their pants for nothing. The Edge is better. Plus, the Edge comes with V6 power, not some clattery diesel. By the time it does 0-60, the new model will be out.
There are some parts that look cheap on the gen1 Genesis compared to a Lexus, like the buttons on the center stack for example. Other than that, the higher end trims in particular have soft Lexus-like leather and a leather trimmed dash that help somewhat. If you are going to compare it to a Lexus LS though, it won’t look so great by comparison.
The Taurus SHO is a much better car inside. The drivetrain may not be as fun as the G8, but it’s just as powerful and the interior a hell of a lot better. The G8’s interior is a terrible place to spend time on a long commute. The seats aren’t any good either.
I have to disagree here. I like the interior of the G8 and find its seats to be fantastic. Much better than the seats in the Taurus. Also I can actually see out of the G8.
Just forget the American part! I shall have to recommend something else of a bit larger size, but much better made inside and out, and which has more taste, power, reliability, space, and luxury.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lexus-LS-LS460-/121710893179?forcerrptr=true&hash=item1c5688d87b&item=121710893179
07 LS460, navy, 128K mi, one owner, Lux Pkg, 380HP.
I was very close to picking a G8 GT over the Charger R/T I did buy, but the local dealers just wouldn’t deal at all on it as it was a new model. They wanted sticker minus whatever rebates were on it at the time. I didn’t have the time, and since I was in a rehab place (Knee surgery), I couldn’t go there and pester them into dealing, I needed a car the day I got out. My Charger was ok, zero issues in the 3 years I had it, but I didn’t like the looks of it at all, and the model car looking “chrome clad” wheels on it bothered me more than they should have..