Considering a GXP

[G8tor]

Hi all. Been actively researching the GXP as I've been in the market for a new car. I originally wanted the Lacrosse Super but they are Super rare in my part of the country. The GXPs are more common and show up from time to time in the local car ads.

But like all things GM, I do like to exercise caution before laying down the coin. I was literally one stroke away from buying a G8 V6 till I went home and Googled 'Lower Control Arms'. Not impressed and walked away from that. Lease returns are filling up the GM lots too, I noticed (in my area). No GTs though, heh.

Anyway, I've been trying to find as much info. as I can on GXP issues and the most notable one is the Transmission. Did they really use the same one as on the older blown V6s? Was there a cooler added? Any additional reinforced areas? I believe it's the Converter Relief Valve that causes the most problems.

Right now I drive a 98 Lincoln Continental so V8 + FWD is something I'm familiar with. I'm just over 102k miles and still on the original transmission. Very surprised considering it's the same one they used on the less powered Taurus.

On the other hand, I don't drive as much as most people do. To put it in perspective, I bought my car 8 1/2 years ago and only put on 51,000 miles on it. So maybe it won't hit me as hard and fast as with other owners? Gah.

Any guidance will be heavenly. Thanks.

FYI, the other car I was considering was a Hyundai Azera Limited.

[matt5112]

Sorry, didn't see you were referring to the G8 LCA's.

Our LCA's aren't bulletproof either.

[boostedcompg]

is more or less the same trans yes. and its not glass or anything, just not able to handle a ton of modding or a ton of teenage driving

[matt5112]

I'm going to go out of a limb and say the aluminum block draws more heat from the combustion chamber and transfers this to the transmission.

Thus it runs at a higher temp and wears quicker.

[Kejross]

DOD lifters are notorious for failing... Mine is getting a random multiple misfire code. So I put my scanner on it that counts misfires per cylinder and it was showing misfires on every one of the cylinders that DOD activates. Looked into it and they have a TSB on it so it's gotta be common. Mine has 46k on it BTW


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[G8tor]

):

Well, I'm not surprised GM would once again rush a product to the dealerships without good testing or in-jun-earring behind it. One could assume they were trying to go after the 300c / Magnum that came out around that time.

Uggh, going to have to think about this one long and hard. There really aren't that many vehicles I would choose to replace my Continental. Whatever I previously chose ended up being a let down. After the GXP and Azera, I'm not sure what else there is for me. I do not want Euro and the only Japanese manufacturer I'd consider is Infiniti but I know nothing about their products. I just heard their cars are fun to drive.

Edit: I can only assume the Lacrosse Super uses the same transmission? I know the performance numbers were trimmed so they didn't have to use the Potenzas up front. Could that help the transmission's life even a little bit? Sorry for the ton of questions.

[BlackGT97]

im gonna go ahead and say, with the driving you do ( unless them 51k miles in 8 years was very punishing), you should not have to worry about reliablity. Eventually yes, things to wear down. but were talking 100k miles or better. Im assuming you dont drive like a maniac, so the trans and motor you should not worry about at all.

[boostedcompg]

Checked out the bonne gxp?

tapatalking

[cliffdawg]

lca are easy to replace just sayin

[G8tor]

im gonna go ahead and say, with the driving you do ( unless them 51k miles in 8 years was very punishing), you should not have to worry about reliablity. Eventually yes, things to wear down. but were talking 100k miles or better. Im assuming you dont drive like a maniac, so the trans and motor you should not worry about at all.

That's what I was thinking as well. I don't drive hard unless someone annoys me or I feel like opening up the pipes. My Continental has had its share of problems as well. I'd rather dump cash into one major thing like a transmission that add up costs fix niddly piddly things here and there that compromise the system and lead to larger repairs.

Checked out the bonne gxp?

Not many around here. However one did show up on ad the other day. Transmission already replaced at < 75,000 miles, lol. Looks like a nice car but I've heard those Northstars are pretty thirsty for oil.

RE: The Azera

Came across this thread and thought maybe the Azera is actually a worse choice than the GXP. Damn my obsession with weird vehicles, lol.

[Lenny]

this link has some good info on the LS4, it lists the changes made to the transmission, and it has a bit on DOD...

Information on the LS4, DOD, and the 4T65E-HD - LS1TECH

dont let the fact that the trans is a bit of a weak point on these cars scare you away. However even if you plan on staying stock, i would recomend slapping a transmission cooler on. the trans does tend to get a bit hot, and most people have had good results with just the cooler.

[G8tor]

this link has some good info on the LS4, it lists the changes made to the transmission, and it has a bit on DOD...

Information on the LS4, DOD, and the 4T65E-HD - LS1TECH

dont let the fact that the trans is a bit of a weak point on these cars scare you away. However even if you plan on staying stock, i would recomend slapping a transmission cooler on. the trans does tend to get a bit hot, and most people have had good results with just the cooler.

Thanks for the link. Definitely considered a tranny cooler. Just wasn't sure if it was a factory install or you had to get one yourself.

Found a 2008 GXP for sale that I plan to test drive on Friday. Wish me luck!

[whitehead]

Is this G8 GXP or Grand Prix GXP??? Sorry for the confusion here lol.

[Kejross]

I would really consider the G8, loads more potential in them things.


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[joshuaandrew92]

Infiniti's are great cars. and that 3.5 v6 dohc they put in the g35 is a great motor + rwd drivetrain! the g35 is like a built in japan american version of the nissan skyline or 350z

[G8tor]

I meant Grand Prix GXP hence why I posted in this section There are no G8 GTs available in my area let alone GXPs. I don't want a G8 anyway. I just kept this username because I'm on too many forums and use the same user name for some.

Anyway, got a reply from the dealer where the GP is at. He said the car originates from the US (We are in Canada) but the guages are in KM. I dunno.

Found the ad for it. Yes, cars in BC are pricier.

Pacific Auto Source located in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada

It'll be my mule when I test drive it so I'll be able to decide if I truly want one or not.

Infiniti's are great cars. and that 3.5 v6 dohc they put in the g35 is a great motor + rwd drivetrain! the g35 is like a built in japan american version of the nissan skyline or 350z

I've heard good things about that the motor as well. Just wasn't sure if I'd go G or M. I'm sure the G is a better package due to weight and size, though.

[Lenny]

with just a few pushes of a button on the DIC you can switch between MPH and KPH

[G8tor]

with just a few pushes of a button on the DIC you can switch between MPH and KPH

The Speedo too? I'm so behind the times.

Also this car has Silver Calipers, not the red ones. Was that factory?

[Lenny]

yeah it changes the calibration of the speedo.... however i looked at the pictures of the one you are looking at, and that speedo looks like it was made for KPH, hence why it goes up to 220, where as mine goes up to 160.

somebody painted the calipers, they are stock.

[G8tor]

yeah it changes the calibration of the speedo.... however i looked at the pictures of the one you are looking at, and that speedo looks like it was made for KPH, hence why it goes up to 220, where as mine goes up to 160.

somebody painted the calipers, they are stock.

Ok, thanks. Should be an interesting story behind this vehicle. Oh well, one way or another I'll find out if a GXP is for me.