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[SpeedGrid]

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[Fivefingerdeathpunch]

The cost to run 91+ gas is maybe 2-3 bucks per tank, so really its a non-issue unless you cant afford to drive.

80,000 is pretty low for one of these cars nowadays, I would never hesitate to buy one at 100,000-110,000 miles even.

This is just from reading and listening to others, but the GTP's seem to get the exact same if not better MPG's freeway than the GT's. City driving can vary because of where you live and how you drive, but both can avg 20ish city with a mixed avg of mid to upper 20's. Reasons I say the mileage part is becuase of the different gearing, GT"s have 3.29's and GTP's 2.93 (gtp's will have lower rpms on freeway).

I'm sure you have done some research already on common problems and what to watch for when buying cars and such, but I'd figure I say a few just incase you havent heard of these ones yet.

Some common issues are having a Lower Intake Mainfold leak or leaky valve covers (recall was on vc's). Upper Intake Manifold for GT cars can crack and leak. Like any other car, wheel bearings and ti rods can become worn and loose. Most of these are fairly easy todo yourself if you are handy enough.


Some of the stuff may not have been what you wanted to hear seeing how I do own a 2000 GTP but really they are the same cars with just a few difference's. So its just food for thought.

[GrandprixGT01]

I just bought an 03 Grand Prix GT in early December and love it so far. It has 145 000km which I dont even think is as low as 80 000 miles and thats really low kms for a GP now a days so the lower the better. With your price range you shouldnt have an issue finding one with everything you want and low miles. One thing I will say is this: if you get a GT like myself you will be satisfied but will always see a gtp and think man I could of had that. Not that theres anything wrong with a nice GT but I always find myself thinking I should have maybe got a gtp because its the top of the line. Its a GTP you will take pride in saying what you drive when talking with others lol. As long as you do regular maintenance on it you wont have any problems from what I hear. However with getting a GT your getting a really nice reliable and pretty quick N/A car that will make a good daily driver. Just my opionion and my expercience in just buying a GP so think it over.

[dsmuts]

Don't let miles steer you away. Mine has 210k miles and is still running great. If you can keep your foot out of the gas a gtp is cheaper on gas

[GrandprixGT01]

Don't let miles steer you away. Mine has 210k miles and is still running great. If you can keep your foot out of the gas a gtp is cheaper on gas

Everyone says if you can keep your foot of the gas its cheaper. Problem is no one does that lol.

[jwjones]

I just made a trip from Texas to Oklahoma couple weeks ago and got 30mpg and never once used cruise control. In the city I average about 23mpg and I don't mind using 91+ Octane.

[bronzemist02]

I would go with a GTP. I loved my GT but would much rather a GTP.

[dsmuts]

Everyone says if you can keep your foot of the gas its cheaper. Problem is no one does that lol.

I can keep my foot out of it. I get 25 mpg with city driving and lots of drive thrus lol. When I take my son to his mom's every other weekend i get about 32mpg.

[txslow6]

I would look to see if the LIM gaskets have been changed as well as the recall done on the valve cover.

Other than that your normal stuff
Leaks
Tires
Alignment

These cars aren't new so I would also look at the suspension bushings.

Good luck. I have owned 3 of them and enjoyed each.

[87IROCZOWNER69]

GTP ftw. I love mine and it still runs above 17 mpg and that includes running it for ten plus minutes every morning and having a heavy foot (it also needs new plugs and hub). I prefer the coupe for its looks which is what I also just so happen to have and highway mpg is just above 30 mpg and with no cruise control. On the other end of the spectrum my friend owns a GT sedan. It's a pretty good car (his family bought it brand new and cared for it very well) and the 4 doors are very convienient. However even with fresh plugs, wires, and PCV valve it does not have very much pickup and go and it is kind of depressing. The GTP will shoot you where you need to go.

In the end you can't go wrong with either because these things last. Every car that is a 3800 at my yards has over 200,000 miles on them and half of those are wrecked along with a few low mileage ones that were totalled. Anyway I think you know what I am saying.

[coolone]

I would go for the GTP and forget the GT, the Tranny is hardier and the little extra power when you want it. With the GT, the only way for the extra power is upgrades. Just saying... I had my first GP and wanted the GTP when I got that one (I purchased a 2001 GP in 2003). I regretted not having the GTP until I just got a 2000 GTP a few months ago. All I keep thinking is all the fun I missed those years without it. I love the GP's they're a pretty good vehicle if you get a clean one and take good care of it. The fuel economy is not really relative, will be close GTP/GT unless you are 100% NYC driving, then I would say the GTP is a disadvantage, just my opinion.

Good luck in your search!

[Mater]

my 97 "GT" (has a L67 supercharged GTP engine) has 240k on it the engine has 155k and came out fo a car that did a barrle roll then when end over end 500 yards later the roof smacked into a tree. engine runs great lol the trans came out of a 2001 SE with 130k on it. 4th gear shaft splines are gone so no OD easy fix and pretty comon

my 99 GTP has 197k on it trans was rebuilt and has 40k on it engine was replaced in 07 with an unknown milaged L36 bottom end so proably close to the milage on the body of the car. still has the supercharged top end

i get 24mpg out of the 99 and i do not drive easy at all. the 97 gets 16mpg but it only has 3 gears and 3.29 gear ratio


biggest thing to look out for is rust. especialy under the rocker molding and the rear strut towers.


here is how good 240k can look if the car is actualy taken care of

[Below Average Joe]

If and when you obtain a GTP beware of the mod bug. There are lots of mods that can be done, but read up first. Good luck!

[Steel Armadillo]

Remember, no coupe in '03...

But get a nice GTP, you will be happeh.

[Mater]

ehh the diffrences between gt and gtp are minor

GT has better gearing but the GTP has 40 more HP that 40 hp can be easialy added onto a GT. if all you can get is a GT you are not losing out much just top swap it or add a turbo

[SilvaMan61]

cause top swapped GTs are known for being super reliable. youll probably have to wait a bit longer for the right GTP to come. they are a bit less common, but nothing crazy. just have patience and hold out for the one you really want

[addzradd]

One thing alot of people forgot to mention, is that no matter how much you like having a sunroof stay away, the sunroof drainage is most of the cause of rot on these cars as the lines run right into the rocker panels, the little holes in the rocker panels get clogged with dirt, water builds up and then they just rust from the inside out.

Also, be aware of the rear strut towers, peel back the carpet inside the trunk around them and look for rot there, they tend to like to go because GM did a horrible job sealing those from the factory.

If those are solid and it runs and drives fine I wouldn't be surprised to see over 300k with minimal maintenance other than a few wheel bearings, and usual tune up items.

[MyCar2000GT]

Expect to have to replace all of the power window motors and or regulators on this car. 3 so far have gone out on my car. Unless you are lucky enough to buy one where they have already been replaced. I have a 2000 GT Grand Prix and I used to love it. It just keeps falling apart. If you like to work on your own car, such as tune ups oil change whatever, get ready to be pissed off when you cannot get the freaking spark plugs out because of the freaking heat shields. It only has 70,000. Expect to have a water logged floorboard every time it rains on the passenger side front floorboard since GM did not adequately seal the area around the vents or blower motor. This car is rough riding. The dash is starting to warp, the inside accessory panels are coming apart, the cd player quit working a long time ago. At this point, I really wished I would have checked this model and year before i made the purchase. I would have done something else. I miss my 79 Trans Am.

[dsmuts]

Expect to have to replace all of the power window motors and or regulators on this car. 3 so far have gone out on my car. Unless you are lucky enough to buy one where they have already been replaced. I have a 2000 GT Grand Prix and I used to love it. It just keeps falling apart. If you like to work on your own car, such as tune ups oil change whatever, get ready to be pissed off when you cannot get the freaking spark plugs out because of the freaking heat shields. It only has 70,000. Expect to have a water logged floorboard every time it rains on the passenger side front floorboard since GM did not adequately seal the area around the vents or blower motor. This car is rough riding. The dash is starting to warp, the inside accessory panels are coming apart, the cd player quit working a long time ago. At this point, I really wished I would have checked this model and year before i made the purchase. I would have done something else. I miss my 79 Trans Am.

I've had none of these problems with my car with 211K miles on it.