GTO Impressions?

[BigBadBuford]

After having some problems with my 350Z I have been thinking about trading it in and getting something new. I am not too big on the idea of getting another first year car after the problems I've had with mine, but I thought that since the GTO isn't really a new platform most of the issues would have been ironed out long ago. Have there been any common issues with the new GTOs and for those of you who own them, what is your impression of them in a daily driver role? I am looking for something more refined than the Z, quiet when you are just driving to work but something that also has a nice sound and good power at WOT. The Z is also pretty bouncy, does the GTO have a good ride and it is pretty confidence inspiring in the turns? I just called around and I found a GTO at a local dealership that I will most likely go look at tonight, but I am not sure if they would allow me to test drive it since I am not looking to buy until I get my tax return in the next month.
Any comments/impressions are appreciated (aside from the "it looks like a Grand Prix or Cavalier comments")!

[renips]

I saw one at the Dealer. I do not like the look of it. The interior is nice. It does have a great engine. Spark plug changes look like they would be a lot easier. The next generation(American) GTO will look the part. This one just does not do it.

[BlueGoatDvr]

I love mine. Its a great daily driver with an awsome interior. It s more 3 class than F body in manners. I really can't say a bad thing about it. I do wish I had gotten an M6 instead of an A4. The 245 tires are also over tasked during launches IMHO though.

[derf]

No "common" troubles. I've heard of isolated issues but nothing widespread.

The refinement is there in spades. Very comfortable and upscale. It sounds exactly like you want. Reasonable at idle and moderate acceleration. But when you get on it, you get the satisfying V8 growl.

This car has just the right mix of progressive rate in the springs. It's comfortable over rough pavement but it'll take a corner like you wouldn't believe.

Styling is 100% subjective and entirely opinion so I can't say whether you'll like it or not. But, with just a very few exceptions, everyone I talk to loves the new style. Even the skeptics say it looks a lot better in person.

Oh, and I know from first hand experience that it's faster than a 350Z. Not by a wide margin but enough to pull a few car lengths on the highway.

[Big Als Z28]

I personaly like the looks of the GTO, but have yet to test one out. If the power, sound and handling is anything like the owners say it is, this car sounds like a killer car for the money.

[BigBadBuford]

Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately I won't be able to make it down to the dealer tonight to check it out, I am hoping it will still be there tomorrow when I get a chance to run down. From all the reviews that I have read of the car it sounds like exactly what I want and I am very glad to hear there are no common problems. It doesn't surprise me that it is quicker than the 350Z, the Z is quick for an NA V6 but after riding in an LS1 powered car it doesn't feel very quick anymore.

[94BAMF]

I would like to test drive one.(GTO)
I think its a pretty good looking car. Only thing is I would have a hard time buying the current model, knowing they might put the LS2 in it next year. 390-400hp would probably make them just as quick as the 98-02 F-body. Plus I think GM might get more aggressive with the styling too.

:D

[renips]

Some dealers are trying to get $10,000 over sticker on these cars.
It would not be wise to spend that over sticker because as soon as you drive off the lot your depreciation is going to be pretty heavy

[Big Als Z28]

Originally posted by 94BAMF
I would like to test drive one.(GTO)
I think its a pretty good looking car. Only thing is I would have a hard time buying the current model, knowing they might put the LS2 in it next year. 390-400hp would probably make them just as quick as the 98-02 F-body. Plus I think GM might get more aggressive with the styling too.

:D

they are already "as quick" as the fbodies. An LS2 would deffinatly get more fbody buyers to pick one up. Its clear that most fbody and mustang people dont care about quality, only HP. If a GTO packed 400hp, this would turn more heads.