RoarOfDisplacement

I've been looking to upgrade from my first car, to something a little newer and faster.
A dealer near me has two GTO's for sale and I dig the goats so This piqued my interest.
They have an 04(asking $12500) with 56k miles on it and an 05(asking $14500)with 81k
I've been researching both models and it's pretty obvious that the ls2 is the way to go
But for an extra $2000 and 25k more miles than the 04, is the 05 really that much better?

Any advice is appreciated

Dyno Junkie

Yes

Get the LS2

Felix C

Which ever one is in better condition would be the metric at this point so many years later.

JSRacing

The 05 also has better brakes. Other than that see if either has maintenance records. If not you'll spend a fee hundred on very basic maintenance items.

Of you look for some local private sales you might be able to get a better deal if you can pay cash.

redtan

iTrader: (5)

If you're keeping it stock or relatively close to stock, get the LS2.

But if you plan on modding it heavily, then the difference between the two isn't that great and it will get smaller and smaller. Like if you're going to replace the cam, heads, brakes etc. then might as well save the money and get the shittier ones if you're just going to dump them anyway during the mod process.

dreadpirateroberts

iTrader: (1)

this.

h/c/i you're looking at a difference of maybe 20-30 hp, max.

boosted, well, there are guys with LS1's running 700whp with boost, so... yeah.

also, with an 04, you can get the 05/06 brakes and other goodies.

really, it doesn't matter much. i own both, and daily driving the 04 is fairly satisfying.

MuhThugga

This.

Clean versions of these cars are harder and harder to come by. I wouldn't turn down an 04 just because it has the LS1. They are still good motors. And you may be replacing worn rubber and suspension bits if they haven't already been replaced.

ULTIMATEORANGESS

iTrader: (4)

i prefer the looks of an 05-06 but these cars are nice in any year.


mine wouldve been a good car for you.

99wssixm6

iTrader: (3)

Im happy I got a 05 ls2 car. Lets be honest....04 or 05/06 all the same stuff wears out and and needs replaced. Plus 04 had some voodoo electrical issues going on

ULTIMATEORANGESS

iTrader: (4)

my 05 had some weird PITA electrical crap too sometimes.

Felix C

I heard about that but never experienced it. I wonder if you folks are referring to the exposed BCM wires scraping metal underneath/beneath the glove box. Would cause crazy gauge syndrome and other stuff.

Then there was an issue with fuel line rub behind the driver's side valve cover. Fire hazard.

Ah, it is like owning a British car with all of the eccentricities.

ULTIMATEORANGESS

iTrader: (4)

it happened a couple times where my car wouldnt unlock so i had to use my key. also if i didnt push lock twice my rear tail light would come on and drain my battery lol.

i never had strut rub that i read so much about.

i still miss my gto.

MuhThugga

I've test driven other new cars, but nothing has made me want to jump back into a car payment.

NW-FBody

the ls2 is worth it IMO. it makes good power and the fact that it has a 4.00" bore is nice too. That allows you to use LS3 or L92 rectangle port heads for decent power w/ a good cam and longtubes. nice affordable OEM upgrade a bit cheaper than A/M heads.

I would just get the cleaner, better maintained example, both are fun.

alchargo

Yes, I discovered the hard way that the rotors are different between 04 and 05-06 models

EmersonHart13

iTrader: (3)

I love the 04 because it is more Holden to me than the 05-06.. That being said I wouldn't kick an 05/06 outta bed though. Buy the better car/better deal

MonmouthCtyLS7

iTrader: (6)

I would definitely go w/ the 6.0.

ULTIMATEORANGESS

iTrader: (4)

out of your bed or garage.

EmersonHart13

iTrader: (3)

LOL, I'm not picky... so either

ULTIMATEORANGESS

iTrader: (4)

must be a big *** bed.