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GXP ~ In over my head?

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Old 01-13-2012, 07:45 PM
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Default GXP ~ In over my head?

Thanks, guys. Got my answer.

Last edited by GXPeon; 01-17-2012 at 07:38 PM.
Old 01-13-2012, 08:17 PM
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If you like it I would go for it just have a third party check iy out for you before you buy. If it helps I went from a 04' GTP to my 06' GXP trans had to be replaced a week after I bought it bur it had 78,000 miles . I would do it again hands down but I would check it or have it checked out before I buy one again
Old 01-14-2012, 12:36 AM
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for just short around the town trips, the gxp gas mileage is horrible. and the transmission is hit or miss, some people drive normal and never floor it and itll go out before the guy doing burnouts and going to the track regularly. make sure next time u look at the car that when u start it, its the first time its been started that day and listen for any noises
Old 01-14-2012, 01:06 AM
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If you're worried about reliability, this may not be the car for you. As mentioned above, the transmissions are the weak spot and driving habits have little to do with whether they have problems or not. If you check out the trans problem thread stickied at the top of this forum, you'll see nearly 200 different people who have either had problems or had the trans rebuilt or replaced.

The LS4 cars can have other problems, too, but they're minor annoyances compared to the cost and hassle of replacing the transmission.

That all said, they're fun cars to drive and have a lot of style. It just comes at a cost!
Old 01-14-2012, 07:55 AM
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Buy and extended warranty with it and you will feel a lot better they really do pay off in the long run. The car looks really good
Old 01-14-2012, 05:17 PM
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Go for it. Just get a warranty and don't pay more then 15,000
Old 01-14-2012, 06:24 PM
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I personally don't see what the big fuss is about the reliability of these cars. I bought mine with 49k miles on it in September of 2009, the car now has 84k miles, shifts great, drives great, and has given me zero issues thus far. I've taken it on numerous 1000+ mile trips and it's been an awesome car. Maybe I just got lucky...
Old 01-14-2012, 08:06 PM
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You did. The tran reliability is all over the place but the majority end in failure.
Old 01-14-2012, 08:11 PM
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Thanks guys. Got my answer.

Last edited by GXPeon; 01-17-2012 at 07:38 PM.
Old 01-14-2012, 08:34 PM
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Originally Posted by BlauGXP
I personally don't see what the big fuss is about the reliability of these cars. I bought mine with 49k miles on it in September of 2009, the car now has 84k miles, shifts great, drives great, and has given me zero issues thus far. I've taken it on numerous 1000+ mile trips and it's been an awesome car. Maybe I just got lucky...
I guess it's only "just" a fuss if other people are having the problem.

I'm happy that you've been fortunate enough to not have a problem, but there are nearly 200 different people on the trans problem thread to whom this has been much more than just a fuss. It's a very real and costly problem.

Originally Posted by EmersonHart13
You did. The tran reliability is all over the place but the majority end in failure.
Bingo!
Old 01-14-2012, 09:36 PM
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Thanks, guys. Got my answer.

Last edited by GXPeon; 01-17-2012 at 07:38 PM.
Old 01-14-2012, 11:12 PM
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Originally Posted by GXPeon
So does the TEP upgrade solve the issue? By basically ditching the OEM crap for something that can actually handle the LS4?

----

Also looked at a Pontiac G8. Was a V6, though.
Basically, yes. GM never made any upgrades to this transmission to address the issues that are common. What that means is, even if you get a remanufactured GM "SERTA" transmission, it's quite likely you'll have the same problem again.

The only way you can really be assured your trans is done right is to go with a rebuild from someone who actually understands why they have the problems that we're experiencing. TEP is the builder that a lot of us have gone to, and we're all happy with the results. There are other builders out there who know, but you'll basically need to interview the trans shop to see if they know anything about this trans and how to make them last. Because the LS4 is relatively rare, many shops don't about our specific problems, and they assume our trans is the same as the one in the 3800SC cars, which is not the case. Since TEP is well-known to be the foremost LS4 trans builder, we go to him because it takes the guesswork out of choosing the right guy. We know we're getting quality. The only downside is, it takes some time to get a trans from him because he's so busy.

Sorry to ramble, but I want to make sure you have all of the facts.
Old 01-15-2012, 07:09 AM
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If you go TEP be prepared to not have your car back together very quick.
Old 01-15-2012, 08:32 AM
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I really like ours but we've only had it about 6 weeks now. We went from an '04 GP GT that easily hit 200,000 miles before we sold it without even having the spark plugs changed! 1 water pump and stabilizer links and that was it!

Something tells me this is going to be a totally different scenario. Best not to try to compare the two models. Already shopping for mufflers.
Old 01-15-2012, 12:16 PM
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I wouldn't by my car new again.. I paid way too much. Used low mileage gxp's, can be a real bargain bought for less then blue book.
Great handling, 0-60 in under 6 seconds and great brakes that are easy on the wallet to replace. I also believe that the gxp has a very nice interior and offers great comfort. The heated seats are a plus!
The ls4 is very easy to work on. I should know since I've pulled the heads 3 times. The transmission is a little scary.. When it works, it shifts great and the loose converter is fun.
The loose converter is why a trans cooler is suggested.
I love my car and I have done it wrong more then it has done me wrong.
Keep in mind that cartuning was the first to put down 500 whp with a ls4 and 4t65e. Kevin added different valve springs and left the rest of the motor stock. The trans was upgraded later in life.
Old 01-15-2012, 12:26 PM
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Originally Posted by 94ss06gxp
If you go TEP be prepared to not have your car back together very quick.
Very true!!
Old 01-15-2012, 08:31 PM
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Thanks guys. Got my answer.

Last edited by GXPeon; 01-17-2012 at 07:39 PM.
Old 01-16-2012, 02:43 AM
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**** ill sell you mine for 10.5 with a new trans and all the upgrades and dyno tuned
Old 01-16-2012, 06:38 AM
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Originally Posted by GXPeon
Thanks again for the detailed info.

Well I have a lot to consider. Part of me worries about 'playing with glass'. The other side of me says "F*** it, you only live once".

Luckily, it'll be snowing all week which further suspends any form of deal I originally planned.
LOL these honestly are not cars I would say " F it you only live once." I would say that maybe to a 05-06 GTO, CTS-v, 5th Gen etc. . .

I have a question for you, Do you have kids?
Old 01-16-2012, 01:06 PM
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Originally Posted by GXPeon
Hi, I'm new here. Originally from a GP forum but forwarded over to this place. I like it so far!

Anyway, I was seriously considering the purchase of a Pontiac GXP. However, the more research I do, the more I get that lump in my stomach that makes it harder to sign the document.

http://www.surreytruckcentre.ca/used...ccf0ad777fcf65

This is the one I was looking at

VIN: 2G2WC55C681113263

According to Carproof, it was originally a US Fleet Vehicle which was shipped up to Canada and went through 2 owners before ending up at the dealership. As you can see, the calipers were painted grey for some reason. Other than that, everything else looks good on it. Car went through inspection and it passed. Rear rotors and pads were replaced as well. Tranny shifted fine when I drove it. May need wheel bearings, though.

I do enjoy the car a lot but as said earlier, not sure about the long term reliability of it. But to put it in perspective, I don't drive a great deal on a yearly basis. My current car is a 1998 Lincoln Continental (4.6 V8 FWD) which I've owned for the past 8 years. In that time, I've only accumulated 51,000 miles on it. I don't work far and all my errands are done locally. My car has had issues of its own (some leaks and steering issues) but the tranny has been fine and it's currently at 102k miles.

I do not intend to mod the car other than a tranny cooler, lighting and intake + exhaust.

I guess my question is, if I drive the GXP the same way I drive my Conti, can the tranny still last? Seems like such a tossup with these mismatched engine / tranny vehicles. My Continental is mated to a Taurus 4spd. It too is like glass but mine has been smooth so far. Throw of the dice eh?

So yeah, I feel like I'm in over my head and possibly over analyzing the situation but any help you experienced guys can give, I'd really appreciate it! Thanks.
Car looks good, but I would bust there ***** on that price..I bought mine with less then 20k miles and paid about that for it..



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