Pontiac GTO 2004-2006 - Need advice about buying a 2004 GTO

Hey everyone. I'll skip the intro speech and get down to it. I'm looking at a 2004 GTO that's selling for $8,500. It's the best price to miles to condition ratio GTO I have found, which I have searched all over the country for!

Second owner
Clean title
Impulse blue, automatic trans
110,000 miles
New struts
New brake rotors
New spark plugs and spark plug wires
New oil and oil filter
New air filter
Had an alignment done
No other modifications

For the bad, there's a nick (not dent) on the hood, scratch on the front bumper, and the leather steering wheel is in bad condition (but he has a wrap on it.)

This will be a summer car and will be stored for winters. My only concerns are the mileage and price. He has explained over and over that he priced it below value to sell it quickly and because of the damage noted above. The cosmetic stuff doesn't matter to me. I only care if it's going to stop working, explode, etc., because then I'm out a lot of money. (It's a 4.5 hour drive for the car, so that's why I'm asking before I go see it.)

Thoughts? Opinions? Advice?
Thanks!

Wait for a deal on a 05/06. You will regret getting a 04 car. I have 3 friends that have gtos. 2 04s and one 05. The one 04 is stock and runs just a hair better than my 14.1 ecoboost f150, the other 04 has ported heads, cam, full exhaust and a tune and it runs 13.2 @ 112/113 at best. The 05 has full exhaust and a cai......it runs 12.70s @ 112. Granted the driver makes or breaks a stick car, but all these guys can drive pretty good.

Wait for a deal on a 05/06. You will regret getting a 04 car. I have 3 friends that have gtos. 2 04s and one 05. The one 04 is stock and runs just a hair better than my 14.1 ecoboost f150, the other 04 has ported heads, cam, full exhaust and a tune and it runs 13.2 @ 112/113 at best. The 05 has full exhaust and a cai......it runs 12.70s @ 112. Granted the driver makes or breaks a stick car, but all these guys can drive pretty good.

Ehhhh, I don't really care about the better performance. I like the 05/06 for the exterior styling, but again, I can live without it. I won't be racing or going to the track or anything like that. I actually PREFER that this one is stock :)
(Yes, I'm not like most car people haha)

You will regret getting a 04 car.

You say this why?

have 3 friends that have gtos.

Ohhh...so you don't have one, but you're an expert. Got it.

other 04 has ported heads, cam, full exhaust and a tune and it runs 13.2 @ 112/113 at best.

Hmm...H/C, tuned Ls1 GTO only going 13.2 in the 1/4??? Which heads? Which cam? Who did the install? And who tuned it?

all these guys can drive pretty good.

Based on the ^above...can't say that I really believe that.
__________________________________________________ _______________
Take this from an actual owner of an '04. You won't be "disappointed". Mine is untuned andonly has full bolt-ons(in the process of H/C/I), but will run in the low 13's.
A local buddy of mine also has an '04. He's got Ls6 243 heads that are ported with chamber work and a fairly small TSP 228R cam, and his is putting out 460-ish HP and 490-ish TQ...to the wheels! This car should run very low 12's. That's one example. I can think of plenty more.
But this doesn't really matter to you as you aren't worried about modding which is more reason for you to save a few bucks and get the '04.
$8.5k for that car ain't bad. I say go for it. Impulse Blue is beautiful.
And for what it's worth, I beat that price. I paid $9.2k for mine with 61,xxx miles, full bolt-ons and exhaust, and SAP pieces just last year.

Cliffs: ^Dude is full of shit. Get the car and don't look bad. You'll love it.

Take this from an actual owner of an '04. You won't be "disappointed". Mine is untuned andonly has full bolt-ons(in the process of H/C/I), but will run in the low 13's.
A local buddy of mine also has an '04. He's got Ls6 243 heads that are ported with chamber work and a fairly small TSP 228R cam, and his is putting out 460-ish HP and 490-ish TQ...to the wheels! This car should run very low 12's. That's one example. I can think of plenty more.
But this doesn't really matter to you as you aren't worried about modding which is more reason for you to save a few bucks and get the '04.
$8.5k for that car ain't bad. I say go for it. Impulse Blue is beautiful.
And for what it's worth, I beat that price. I paid $9.2k for mine with 61,xxx miles, full bolt-ons and exhaust, and SAP pieces just last year.

Cliffs: ^Dude is full of shit. Get the car and don't look bad. You'll love it.

Really?! That's one hell of a deal. Now I'm jealous. I can't find ANY GTO for that price with those miles....

I never said I was an expert, Im just stating what I have seen as opposed to saying the 05/06!is better because of 50 more horsepower.

There are deals to be had on 05/06 cars around me. But if the guy dosnt care about performance then go for the 5.7 car.

The h/c car put down 420/390 and nicd tuned it I believe. Ported 243s with some high torque cam and 3.73s. It runs ok, but gconnoyer on here traps 118ish with a low 230s duration cam and a fast 102 with stock heads...his is a 05/06 car.

Not trying to start anything but stock for stock and mod for mod the 05/06 cars are just a higher performing car.

And a cammed 5.7 making 490 tq to the wheels. You must be pretty stupid to truly believe that number.

You have lost all credibility.....

How's the interior?

If you really want it and it drives nice then I'd go for it, but if it has issue's i'd hold out for something else. Way too many other deals out there.

And an LS1 GTO is not as big of a turd as most make it out to be. An LS2 GTO will walk away from an LS1 car in stock and bolt on form, but once you get into H/C/I they run door to door with each other. The LS2 cars eat oil like clockwork, and had a few other oiling issues as well.

Relax friendo's.

The miles are really not that bad, I'd go for it..

13.1 at 112MPH of course means no traction. That MPH is good for mid to low 12s.

I love my 04 GTO. Every 05/06 I looked at was totally thrashed or people thought they had supercar on their hands. I enjoy the 04 a lot. Id say go for it!

If youre not worried about te looks or performance benefits of the ls2 cars, then get it. Thats a deal for what the car is.

Hazzz whos 04 made that power?!

As long as the previous owners took care of the car, 110,000 miles is nothing to worry about. My GTO has that many miles and it runs great.

Nothing wrong with an 04 if the price is right. A well used muscle car is always a gamble IMO, they attract a certain demographic that either beats the holy hell out of them or garages them like a newborn.

I have a 04 and I love it. Its more of a sleeper because of the single sided pipes (Its real dual though just comming out one side lol) and no hood scoops.

Overall it will cost money to make it as fast and brake as well as a 05-06. It is cheaper in the long run to pay more for a 05 then upgrade a 04 to get there. When I bought mine I didnt really care about 350 or 400hp stock. I was just happy to find it. Now that I am moding, it does take more money and time to make up for that 50hp.

Overall I wouldn't trade my 04 for a 05,06 because I have my 04 how I want it and and have done a lot of work to it. Plus it's the rarest color ;)

The 04 will get 2 more mpg then the 05-06. I get anywhere from 17 to 20 mpg city depending on if I am grandma'ing it or putting my foot in it. I got 27.5 mpg highway when made it a point never to take the rpms over 2k, neutraling down hills etc... 04's have a cable driven throttle, some people don't like the electronic type on the 05-06. Also the 04 is a tad lighter. I personally like the sound of the 5.7 better then the 6.0.

Price and what you want is the main concern. What year comes second.

I traded mine off, I always wanted one, now that ive had one id rather not get another. they look awesome an i like seeing them around but for myself i think i overratted it before i got it. I sold mine for $3000 an a 99 trans that i traded off for a truck im having trouble selling for $3500

Greg.....no 5.7 car ever made that power with a small cam and ported heads, I find it funny the guy was being an ass to me and says he know a guy that made 490 wtq......really??? I doubt he posts back.

^^^ Dude you went full retard in your first post. Lolz

Yeah.... I did. Open bar at a wedding last night.... I honey badgered the shit out of that post.....sorry akkmed

Haha, you guys are funny. As long as buying a car with 110k miles isn't stupid, I want to get it. Now it comes down to money...

Two remaining questions:
I drove a G8 GT a few weeks ago. It was the most powerful car I've driven (I'm young, don't hate) and the only "car" with a V8 (a van doesn't count.) The G8 has 355 HP and the 2004 GTO has 350. I'm sure they're nearly the same power (driving wise, but not time wise.)
Will the GTO give me the same smirk across my face that the G8 did?

This question is regarding the far, far future, but I'll ask it anyway. What are the cheapest add-ons to achieve more HP? Superchargers and turbos seem to run $6000+, at lease from what I have read on here. I'm guessing there are cheaper alternatives to give a little less power? I'm learning as I go, so please dumb it down for now. I still need to Google what a "cam" is :D

There are plenty of option. The G8 is even heavier than the GTO, both auto/manual? I really like the looks of a G8, very nice cars. Keep in mind, these are discontinued cars, and something as simple as a window switch has the possiblity that you wont even be able to get one in 5 years or 10 etc. From GM a headlight for a GTO is $700 each. Just to put parts in perspective for you.... The nice thing about the LS1 gto is that it shares alot of same engine companants as F-bodys. So parts are plentifulp :)

Haha, you guys are funny. As long as buying a car with 110k miles isn't stupid, I want to get it. Now it comes down to money...

Two remaining questions:
I drove a G8 GT a few weeks ago. It was the most powerful car I've driven (I'm young, don't hate) and the only "car" with a V8 (a van doesn't count.) The G8 has 355 HP and the 2004 GTO has 350. I'm sure they're nearly the same power (driving wise, but not time wise.)
Will the GTO give me the same smirk across my face that the G8 did?

This question is regarding the far, far future, but I'll ask it anyway. What are the cheapest add-ons to achieve more HP? Superchargers and turbos seem to run $6000+, at lease from what I have read on here. I'm guessing there are cheaper alternatives to give a little less power? I'm learning as I go, so please dumb it down for now. I still need to Google what a "cam" is :D
I have never driven a G8 so I am not sure if the GTO will bring the same smirk on your face but I think it will. It has plenty of power.
One way to get more power is Longtube headers. This will give your car about 25more hp and give it better (most people's opinion) sound. There are some other bolt on mods that will help like CAI. Most people like the SVDE or Varoom, better flowing heads, under drive pulleys, intake manifold and of course a tune.

The nice thing about the LS1 gto is that it shares alot of same engine companants as F-bodys. So parts are plentifulp :)

....The LS2 doesnt share all of the exact same parts? (or atleast most of them)

As far as making power is considered 490 cam only I also call bullshit.
My car made 450 n/a with heads cam long tubes fast 90/90 setup. 5.7's respond well to little things

Good luck with your new car and keep this in mind,
There are always a few guys on here that will come to the rescue when you questions

Thanks everyone!!! I like this board already. Some other GTO forums don't seem as helpful.

The owner said the tires are "soft" and they cause a bumpy/loud ride for the first mile or two. (The tires were on the car when he bought it from the original owner.) Since I've never heard of tires being "soft," should I care? He said they have plenty of tread left and the ride gets better after those first few miles.
(This seems moot, considering this is a tire issue and not a car issue. When the tires need replacing, I'd obviously get better tires if I don't like these ones..) Hope this makes sense lol


And regarding parts: I have seen lots of parts for sale locally on CL and even more on eBay and here. So I don't think I'll have an issue finding a replacement part, unless of course it's something expensive thing like an engine (only because it'll be expensive, not because it's hard to find.)

He said h/c made 490 not just cam. Jesus people. And that seems like a good deal on the ops car. I love my 04. They have their flaws no doubt but what car doesn't? I also get enjoyment out of the ls2 nut swingers.

....here we go with all of the "ls1's are just as good as ls2's"....they're not.

But like he said, hes not worried about the performance or looks difference between the ls1 and 2.....so no biggie.

Im interested in this "soft tire" bump issue. I've had Et streets (radial and bias ply), NT05R's, et drags, and never had an issue where they make a noise because theyre soft but it goes away....

And now to get back on topic with the ls1 vs ls2 argument....
460/490 from a h/c ls1 is ridiculous....and if it did happen, Id love to see the dyno sheet and specs for the mods.
Donkey dick cam, crazy milled and ported heads, revs to 9k....

I always love the LS1 nutswingers that think the LS1 in a GTO will run as good as an LS2 GTO.

You can't make up 18 cubic inches.

And now to get back on topic with the ls1 vs ls2 argument....
460/490 from a h/c ls1 is ridiculous....and if it did happen, Id love to see the dyno sheet and specs for the mods.
Donkey dick cam, crazy milled and ported heads, revs to 9k....

That's actually OFF topic ;)

He said h/c made 490 not just cam. Jesus people. And that seems like a good deal on the ops car. I love my 04. They have their flaws no doubt but what car doesn't? I also get enjoyment out of the ls2 nut swingers.

sorry I didnt go back and quote it.
still no freaking way it made that N/A

Not saying it did. I'm just more of an 04 gto person. IMO the hood looks terrible on 05s. Yes they have more power congrats. But once you start building it all pretty much goes out the window. Not saying I wouldn't take one but I just got a good deal on mine. Who cares ls1 vs ls2 we are all brothers!

I like how one members picks apart someone elses comment and pretty much says the same thing lol, i think its a pretty solid deal

IM not argung thwe ls1 is as good as the ls2. The torque curve of an ls2 is very nice :)

Once you start building? The LS2 always comes out 20-30hp more than the LS1 due to the cubes. And let's not forget the power potential under the curve.

Fact is, unless you add cubes to an LS1, it falls short of an LS2 mod for mod.

once you start building? The ls2 always comes out 20-30hp more than the ls1 due to the cubes. And let's not forget the power potential under the curve.

Fact is, unless you add cubes to an ls1, it falls short of an ls2 mod for mod.


fact ^^^

You're right ls2= god!!!!

You're right ls2= god!!!!

^^^not fact lol

More cubes
more compression
ability to use the square port heads (stupid fad)
higher redline
LS1 valley has knock sensors and ineffecient oil drainback
LS2 block has better oil passages and drainback

.....ls1 = god?

I'm not saying the ls1 is a bad motor, because all of the LS motors are ridiculously impressive...but the ls2 was made for a reason. Improvements. Its ok to accept them.

I'm not arguing but you ls2 guys are dicks. I mean for real. No need to be such butt heads. :( lol.

This has been beaten to death on several different forums including this one.

Enough, back on topic.

Ya, dont you LS2 guys have some oil to consume or something? Lol JP!

And a cammed 5.7 making 490 tq to the wheels. You must be pretty stupid to truly believe that number.

You have lost all credibility.....
Greg.....no 5.7 car ever made that power with a small cam and ported heads, I find it funny the guy was being an ass to me and says he know a guy that made 490 wtq......really??? I doubt he posts back.

Here I am...posting back. ;)I get on here every few days. My apologies for having other things to do.
I was somewhat premature with my claims as it has not been dynod in this setup. That was an estimate made by the 2 people that built the car based on previous cars they've built with similar setups. Hence, the "-ish" added to each claim. They wen't for broke with these heads. There is absolutely no flow left to be gotten. And if I failed to mention before, he had his intake ported, as well. However, I don't know what size TB he's running and I might be a little off on the cam. I know he started out with the TSP Torquer V3 and had PTV issues so he looked into the V2 and 228R. I believe he ended up with the 228R, but could be wrong. Either way, numbers wouldn't change much.
The car should be going back to the dyno this week or next. If I can get him to email me a copy or even remember to ask, I'll upload it here. If I'm wrong I'm man enough to admit to it. After all, I'm only relaying what I've been told...

Hazzz whos 04 made that power?!And now to get back on topic with the ls1 vs ls2 argument....
460/490 from a h/c ls1 is ridiculous....and if it did happen, Id love to see the dyno sheet and specs for the mods.
Donkey dick cam, crazy milled and ported heads, revs to 9k....

It's Bobby's car. The '04 PBM that was on the cruise 2 weeks ago with the semi-gloss SAP grills and JHP lip spoiler.
A local buddy of his (Cody H-somethin') that had a lot to do with the starting of the high performance at Ranken built it. He did all of the install and porting. Stegmeier did some further work on the heads and they're now at 12:1 compression. Shane R(slammin86) finally got the tune down.
What you weren't able to see at the cruise is that THAT. CAR. RUNS! Turns out he had a couple clogged injectors. He's got that fixed now, and is working on lowering his radiator a bit to feed his SVEDE better. Then it will be going on Stegmeier's dyno. He wants to add the Fast 92/92 combo in the future.

Really?! That's one hell of a deal. Now I'm jealous. I can't find ANY GTO for that price with those miles....

Yes, really. I looked...for a LONG time. Saw it listed for $12k 2 months before I actually bought it. I figured I could still find a better deal (and wasn't sold on the yellow color. Really wanted the Impulse) so I continued to look. 2 months later I saw the price was dropped to $10k. The owner just had their 2nd child and had no "family" car. So, this had to be sold...quickly. I contacted them and negotiated a lower price due to a WalMart dent ($250 fix) and a CEL being on (no cats and the rear o2 sensor was loose-$0). I drove 5 hours (1 way) to pick it up and the rest is history.
Here she is (photo by ^gconnoyer):
http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/536510_1855498429708_904704547_n.jpg