Buy a low mileage 04, or a higher mileage 05-06
05-01-2009, 08:44 AM
#1
Buy a low mileage 04, or a higher mileage 05-06 Hey guys,
A few weeks back i decided to put my current daily driver up for sale (98 Trans Am), and purchase something "newer, nicer, more comfy".
At first i was looking at SUV's, then decided a nice car would suit me better 95% of the time.
Once i had in mind to get a car, i started looking at grand prix's, etc. The GXP's seemed really appealing because of the power, and could be had for 10-12 depending on the the mileage.
Last night a friend suggested "why not just get a GTO". I started looking at prices and didn't realize how cheap they were. I think at this point its a front runner for what im going to purchase.
I would like to stay in the 10-12 range, but would go a bit higher if a good enough deal came along. It seems like for my money, i can either get a 40-50k mile 2004, or a 80k+ mile 05 (the 05 i found was 13,900).
Im trying to decide if its worth getting a 6.0 over a 5.7. The cars main function is to just be a nice, fun, comfy daily driver that packs a little punch. Like everything though, the more power the better.
Im just wanting some input on this one. Do you guys with the 04's wish you had an 05+? If i can get an 04 with dang near half the miles for the same price as an 05, which would you choose? Are there any other considerations in going with an 05 over an 04 other than the LS2 vs LS1?
This wont be my "toy" car, so im not looking to blow everyone else off the road with it. Mod wise all i can see it getting is a nice sounding exhaust and some other simple bolt ons. I just want a nice stock reliable car.
A few weeks back i decided to put my current daily driver up for sale (98 Trans Am), and purchase something "newer, nicer, more comfy".
At first i was looking at SUV's, then decided a nice car would suit me better 95% of the time.
Once i had in mind to get a car, i started looking at grand prix's, etc. The GXP's seemed really appealing because of the power, and could be had for 10-12 depending on the the mileage.
Last night a friend suggested "why not just get a GTO". I started looking at prices and didn't realize how cheap they were. I think at this point its a front runner for what im going to purchase.
I would like to stay in the 10-12 range, but would go a bit higher if a good enough deal came along. It seems like for my money, i can either get a 40-50k mile 2004, or a 80k+ mile 05 (the 05 i found was 13,900).
Im trying to decide if its worth getting a 6.0 over a 5.7. The cars main function is to just be a nice, fun, comfy daily driver that packs a little punch. Like everything though, the more power the better.
Im just wanting some input on this one. Do you guys with the 04's wish you had an 05+? If i can get an 04 with dang near half the miles for the same price as an 05, which would you choose? Are there any other considerations in going with an 05 over an 04 other than the LS2 vs LS1?
This wont be my "toy" car, so im not looking to blow everyone else off the road with it. Mod wise all i can see it getting is a nice sounding exhaust and some other simple bolt ons. I just want a nice stock reliable car.
05-01-2009, 02:20 PM
#4
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we have an 04/a4 with 10338 miles on it for a weekend driver and we're happy with it, it has pull and pep when needed and is a very comfortable ride. i say get the 04 with low miles but find out some history on the car, just because it has low miles don't mean it hasn't been ridin hard!
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05-02-2009, 11:41 AM
#9
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How about $16,990 for a 25K mile 04?
100% in every way. Only mods are what you see, new wheels, new front brakes and rotors and brand new tires, small JHP wing (OEM wing included) and the Kirscher front lip, with new Pedders stock height rear springs, Pedders differential bushing and new Pedders radius rod bushings.
Car runs 110% with not a single chip or ding.
100% in every way. Only mods are what you see, new wheels, new front brakes and rotors and brand new tires, small JHP wing (OEM wing included) and the Kirscher front lip, with new Pedders stock height rear springs, Pedders differential bushing and new Pedders radius rod bushings.
Car runs 110% with not a single chip or ding.
Last edited by JRL1194; 05-02-2009 at 11:48 AM.
05-02-2009, 03:23 PM
#10
How about $16,990 for a 25K mile 04?
100% in every way. Only mods are what you see, new wheels, new front brakes and rotors and brand new tires, small JHP wing (OEM wing included) and the Kirscher front lip, with new Pedders stock height rear springs, Pedders differential bushing and new Pedders radius rod bushings.
Car runs 110% with not a single chip or ding.
100% in every way. Only mods are what you see, new wheels, new front brakes and rotors and brand new tires, small JHP wing (OEM wing included) and the Kirscher front lip, with new Pedders stock height rear springs, Pedders differential bushing and new Pedders radius rod bushings.
Car runs 110% with not a single chip or ding.
05-03-2009, 07:33 AM
#12
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That's WAY under market for the mileage.
05-03-2009, 02:03 PM
#13
test drive the car and pay close attention to the tranny. whether it is auto or manual. any noise from the diff, just do not buy it now and wish you would have had it checked out later. so be careful in your purchase. ande take it to a certified mechanic that you no is accountable for what he say's. my car has been *** raped since i bought it new with 3 miles on it off the floor. and to this day you cannot tell it if you drive it. because i up keep it vey well. and some people do not and let you take car of there problems... good luck on your purchase. and as far as price goes, test drive all 3 yrs and then make your decision. there is not alot of different things between the yrs, mostly cosmetic, bigger brakes and 50 more hp do make a bigger difference to some people...
05-03-2009, 08:19 PM
#14
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But please, kindly disclose the seller info and details of the car's history.
05-03-2009, 09:11 PM
#15
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Make sure you drive it cold and what not. If the cars already warmed up when you get there than that may be a bad sign. Also if you're going to a dealership they like to put 87 in the tank. That's how my 05 came and it ran like **** until I got that junk out. Good luck!! I too went from an 02 T/A to a GTO. Worlds better than my old fbody.
05-07-2009, 05:13 PM
#18
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An 04 with half the miles?? its a no brainer, go with the 04. Yes the 05s look better and have better brakes but thats about it, the performance gap is easily closed and since you said you dont want to make a nutmobile out of it you'll be fine with the ls1.
As for the guy that says he wont sell his 04 for less than 18K well maybe because its got low miles, but ive been looking too and the prices have come down significantly. I remember a year ago the 04s were just breaking 20k and I couldn't get near one, now there's many under 16k. kbb books at 15,900, they're always high and nada books at 14,600. 11800 does seem a bit low but not as insanely low as you all think. Ive also asked questions about values over on the gto board and they said 14k was more than reasonable for a 04 now. I'm just saying yours may be worth 18k because of the mileage, but on average 18k is very high for an 04 right now.
As for the guy that says he wont sell his 04 for less than 18K well maybe because its got low miles, but ive been looking too and the prices have come down significantly. I remember a year ago the 04s were just breaking 20k and I couldn't get near one, now there's many under 16k. kbb books at 15,900, they're always high and nada books at 14,600. 11800 does seem a bit low but not as insanely low as you all think. Ive also asked questions about values over on the gto board and they said 14k was more than reasonable for a 04 now. I'm just saying yours may be worth 18k because of the mileage, but on average 18k is very high for an 04 right now.
05-07-2009, 05:29 PM
#19
Can I have this seller's phone number? Unless this car has a salvage title, I'll write him a check right now for that amount. And I already own an '04 and '06. If you can buy that car for under 12k, why the hell are you asking about an '05? That's a freaking steal! And they ALL have leather. I'm calling serious BS on that price. My '04 has just over 17k miles and it would require at least 18k for me to even think about selling it, and even then I probably wouldn't sell it. And with the current state of the trucking industry, I could really use 18k.
But please, kindly disclose the seller info and details of the car's history.
But please, kindly disclose the seller info and details of the car's history.
I put a deposit down on it to hold it for me untill i can make it to go look at it (its 400 miles from where i live).
As soon as i get it back home, i will take some photos and post them up, along with a photo of the bill of sale to prove that i really got it for that price. Price ended up being $11,899
I can safely say that you could list your car for 18k, and never ever have a single worry that your baby would sell
You would own it forever 