Grand Prix for first car - What should I look for?

[VortecFan]

Hey guys, newb here. Im looking for my first car and after trying out my cousins 2001 GTP, I want a grand prix. Im looking at 2005 and newer. My question is, should I go supercharged or not? I think a S/C will probably raise insurance but I dont know. Also, how are Grand Prix's in the snow? I live in Iowa and the roads are usually good but not always. Thanks!! Also, is the Grand Prix a good first car overall?

[dmahlikGT]

Hey welcome. Well whats the mileage of the GTP? typical things you would watch out for with our cars is leaky coolant elbows, wheel bearings, and checking your oil to see if you have coolant in it and if you do then your lower intake gasket is goin bad. Theres other minor things too like the occasional vacuum leak, leaks on passenger side floor and i think for supercharged cars the couplers wear out too. Everything else is maintainence like changin both supercharge oil and regular oil, etc.Me i would aim for an 04 on up grand prix but you may get a better deal with your cousins grand prix since its older and he's fam.hope this helps.Oh and in snow you will prob get/have underbody rust and your car will get dirty more often.

[Lenny]

might as well get a gtp, not sure what your insurance is like, but ive never heard of a company raising the cost because of a s/c or t/c. i think mine goes by age, and if its a coupe or a sedan. grand prixs are great in the snow, i used to live in minnesota and spend half my time in iowa, never had a problem. now i dont know you, how old you are or what your driving expirence is, but for new drivers getting a first car, i always recommend something with a manual gearbox. its the best way to learn.