What Would You Replace You Grand Prix With?

**njgp** · 04-09-2017

More I think about it and research it, the more I'm leaning towards keeping my 2004 GP. It's been paid in full for years now. Why add a payment or spend money I don't need to.

I need to do some maintenance on the car and have it checked out by a mechanic to see what, if any, major fixes, needs to be done. I can do basic maintenance but not things like replacing struts, etc are beyond my skills, tools and time sets.

I'll keep my eyes out for a nice stock 3800 with low mileage, leather interior and moon roof. Just won't be in a rush to replace.

**LEVELX** · 04-09-2017

Maintaining your ride is always cheaper monthly payments.
Even if you have to put $2000 into it to keep it safe.

**stealthee** · 04-09-2017

Originally Posted by njgp

More I think about it and research it, the more I'm leaning towards keeping my 2004 GP. It's been paid in full for years now. Why add a payment or spend money I don't need to.

I need to do some maintenance on the car and have it checked out by a mechanic to see what, if any, major fixes, needs to be done. I can do basic maintenance but not things like replacing struts, etc are beyond my skills, tools and time sets.

I'll keep my eyes out for a nice stock 3800 with low mileage, leather interior and moon roof. Just won't be in a rush to replace.

Replacing struts are easy, especially if you go with quick struts. A basic tool kit will do it.

I had the same mentality for awhile about my 07 GP. Initially I wanted to replace it as soon as I paid it off, but I thought better of it because I figured I could save some money and put more toward my project car. As the mileage started increasing more I made the decision I wanted to replace it this spring before something went wrong. I didn't make it to spring. In December the forward apply band broke randomly, like they like to do, and left me looking for another car.

The trans crapped on a Friday and on Saturday I bought my 11 Lancer GTS. The Lancer wasn't necessarily what I was looking for, but with needing a replacement fast I didn't want to spend an entire Saturday looking and maybe end up with nothing and no ride for work on Monday.

I could have fixed the car myself, but there was no way I was going to find a replacement trans on Saturday and be able get it swapped. I could have went ahead and found a trans and put it in to make it a little easier to sell, but I won't be ahead any by the time I buy the trans and do the swap I 'll end up netting the same amount of money in a sale in the end.

Basically my rambling is meant to say, sometimes it is better to listen to your gut and replace it while you are still ahead.

**njgp** · 04-09-2017

Levelx, you watch Longmire on Netflix? It's set in Wyoming. Mostly filmed in NM though. Good show.

**LEVELX** · 04-09-2017

Originally Posted by njgp

Levelx, you watch Longmire on Netflix? It's set in Wyoming. Mostly filmed in NM though. Good show.

Never saw the show.
I only watch a hockey game or the news.

**JohnRider** · 04-10-2017

If you want heated seats, just install them yourself. I did this on my base 08 GP w/ cloth seats. I bought the heated seat kit (pads w/ hi/low switches) on eBay, they shipped from china...total cost $40. Used a Single Pole double throw relay and powered them through the heated seat fuse. Mounted the switches just to the right of the gear selector.

If you want a moon roof, go find custom body shop and get one installed. I doubt it would be more expensive than a few months car payments. People do this all the time, they love their car, but they want a certain feature in it.

**brettstoner** · 04-10-2017

Originally Posted by JohnRider

If you want heated seats, just install them yourself. I did this on my base 08 GP w/ cloth seats. I bought the heated seat kit (pads w/ hi/low switches) on eBay, they shipped from china...total cost $40. Used a Single Pole double throw relay and powered them through the heated seat fuse. Mounted the switches just to the right of the gear selector.

If you want a moon roof, go find custom body shop and get one installed. I doubt it would be more expensive than a few months car payments. People do this all the time, they love their car, but they want a certain feature in it.

X2. I installed a heated seat kit in my front seats as well. Actually the past three cars I have had I have installed heated seat kits in. I drilled holes and mounted the switches where the stock ones would be.

**njgp** · 04-11-2017

Interesting. Never occurred to me I could add heating pads to existing cloth seats. You have a link to the heating pads? Have they worked well? I'll search Youtube to see if any videos showing how to do install and run electrical.

Also thanks for suggestion of having sunroof instslled. I'll inquire to see how much that costs.

**njgp** · 04-11-2017

So I found another forum where person installed some Dorman heating pads into a GP.

No pics just a description. Said took about 5 hours. Also looks like there are some how to videos out there already.

Will definitely be looking more into this.

**JohnRider** · 04-11-2017

There's a lot of different options out there, this is just one example:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/4x-12V-Car-C...9YIvxk&vxp=mtr

They worked great for me, no issues. The install takes time. I took my seats out so it'd be easier, but that's just 4 bolts - nbd.

**Tomtopdog12** · 04-11-2017

a 09 G8 GXP, aside from the trans issues. That car is so sick.

**njgp** · 04-13-2017

Originally Posted by Tomtopdog12

a 09 G8 GXP, aside from the trans issues. That car is so sick.

Looked up a few of these. Low milage 09s going for $30k! I realize it has a high performance engine but $30k for an almost 9 year old car!

They as reliable as the GPs? Don't know much about the G8s. If I were to look at them it would be the V6 model.

**nox** · 04-13-2017

Originally Posted by njgp

Looked up a few of these. Low milage 09s going for $30k! I realize it has a high performance engine but $30k for an almost 9 year old car!

They as reliable as the GPs? Don't know much about the G8s. If I were to look at them it would be the V6 model.

Less than 2000 total 09 GXPs were sold in NA IIRC. It is an 09 only Trim Level as well. Low Miles, 10 years old, and rare. 30k is expected.

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**njgp** · 04-18-2017

Been watching a few videos on modded Regals and a few GPs. One was called "Sleepers". Incredible what these cars are capable of with what seems to be not a ton of money.

**Fivefingerdeathpunch** · 04-18-2017

6L80e transmission "issues" are easy to fix, just get a tune done. That takes care if just about everything and a stock good unit will hold 600hp in a car no problem. The 6 speed manual is basically bullet proof too.

**l67ss** · 04-19-2017

I have no plans to ever replace my 97 Monte as a dd. Cheap and easy to work on, cheap to mod, dead reliable, easy to drive etc etc. If I were to ever have to replace it(like if I wad it up or something) id get another 96-99 monte

**tom2000** · 04-30-2017

After slightly over 200K, I replaced my 2000 GTP with a Cadillac ATS.

**njgp** · 04-30-2017

Saw a newer Chevy Impala in a parking lot today. Sporty looking sedan.

I've decided to keep my 04 and see how long she lasts. Bought a good reusable air filter and fuel filter. Will be putting those in next weekend.

Also bought some detailing products and will be giving her a nice thorough cleaning (inside and out). Have some nasty scratches from scraping off ice. Purchased some ultra fine grit sandpaper and will be doing some wet sanding to repair.

Looking forward to hearing what others would consider replacing their GP with to get ideas. She can't last forever.......or can she? 😃

**njgp** · 05-29-2017

Can,t believe it's been a month!? So I've never wet sanded before. Decided to start on the trunk and spoiler. They had some nasty scratches.

Used 2500 grit, then compound/cutter, and then waxed. HOLY SMOKES! IT LOOKS AWESOME!!!

I looked at it stunned at least three times. It almost looks like it was repainted. I'll def be removing the remaining scratches on the hood and roof in next week or two. May even invest in a Harbour Freight polisher. It took about w hours just to do the trunk and spoiler. Polisher would most definitely speed up the job.

**njgp** · 08-04-2017

AC died. Bought can of freon and charged it. 15 minute job after watching a how to video. Have air again. Not ice cold but it's not blowing like a hair dryer any more.

So if I had to replace the GP I would look at the Chevy SS. V8 into an Impala. This is last year they are / were being produced. I think the last one rolled off production line already. Almost all the reviews I read are very positive. May hold it's value well similiar to G8 GXP. Limited quantity made and not many are aware of what a good value they seem to be.