Thread: New Member! Looking to get a GTP!

Hello everyone, my name is Scott and I'm a new member here in the Grand prix forums. I am a 20 year old student at UW-Whitewater who is majoring in business management and marketing. I'm also from Wisconsin.

I've always been a big fan of cars, and have had my fair share of different cars. In the past I've had a 1997 Cavalier Z24 2.4L, 1983 Firebird 2.8L V6, 1996 Camaro 3.8L V6, 1995 Camaro Z28 5.7L V8, and just recently sold my 1995 Eclipse GST 2.0L 6bolt turbo. Ive gone from sport compact, to muscle, to turbo, and now I'm looking to get into the Supercharged world.

I really enjoyed all of my cars, but I would have to say my 3.8L camaro was by far the most dependable and reliable while I had it. Therefore, I joined this forum to learn more about the 3.8L engine and am planning on buying a 98+ GT or GTP in the very near future (as soon as I find one I like).

With the dependability of a 3.8L V6 and the fun of Boost, I think the Grand Prix is the way to go. Only downfall is I'm going to miss stick shift...

Anyways - Hello everyone! I'm still looking for a car, so any input on what to look for on these cars would be really really helpful. Also - are there any known issues that are pretty consistent that I should look for? I'm a complete newb to these cars, so any input/advice would be great! Thanks!

welcome and theres not a whole lot you have to watch for but im sure some of the other guys will have better info.

Welcome.....its good to see other from the great state of Wisconsin!!!

Welcome to the community. Glad to have you here.

My very first car was a 1984 Firebird. I agree with you on the reliability of the 3800 platform. I have given serious consideration in the past to just buying a spare engine to keep around and toy with 'cause I have no plans of getting rid of the GTP at any time.

You have come to a great place to learn about the 3800 as well. Ask all the questions you want, we'll do all we can to help you out.

Thanks for the warm welcome so far! I guess I'll take advantage and ask some questions you guys might help me on.

Alright, so GT or GTP?
-maintenance differences
-reliability/repairs
-common problems/issues
-which years are better than others
-what to look for in the different models/years
-any other info you can think of

I definitley want a GT or GTP with the 3.8L V6, but I would like to know the differences and also what to look for when buying the car. Basically I'd like a heads up before I make the big decision of buying one. ANY advice would be MUCH appreciated!

Thanks again!

I bought my GTP almost 2 years ago and I cant complain. If you check my cardomain website you'll see my progression. I almost sold it for a WS6 recently, but I decided to keep it and get a 2nd car later. It has been very reliable and you cant beat the gas mileage for the performance you get. This is a great board and there are a lot of members with tons of knowledge.
WELCOME!

welcome aboard...

Originally Posted by GreenNirvana101

Thanks for the warm welcome so far! I guess I'll take advantage and ask some questions you guys might help me on.

Alright, so GT or GTP?
-maintenance differences
-reliability/repairs
-common problems/issues
-which years are better than others
-what to look for in the different models/years
-any other info you can think of

I definitley want a GT or GTP with the 3.8L V6, but I would like to know the differences and also what to look for when buying the car. Basically I'd like a heads up before I make the big decision of buying one. ANY advice would be MUCH appreciated!

Thanks again!

GTP will give you the supercharger and some nice options like the HUD. As said mine has been reliable, 110k and no major issues. I went with a 4 door because I have kids. I own a 99 so I am bias to a 99 LOL

Welcome to the forums!!! the 3.8L is thee best engine besides the LS based engines. dependability, and power output.

hopefully you get the car you want!!!

I'd go for a 99+ GTP.....less vacuum lines, 97/98 years are the odd balls. as far as matinence goes....there really isnt a difference between the GT or GTP. except for changing out the SC oil(stinky).

you can get a decent one with relatively low miles for 4-7K.

How do you guys feel about a 1999 GT black sedan, black leather, HUD, sunroof, new plugs/wires, new tires, new coolant system, new fuel filter and w/ 135000 miles? I found one very close to my residence, and the pics look like its in a great, clean condition. The asking price is $4100 OBO.

I intend to take a look at this in person sometime this week... any advice on what to look for. Is a car with 135k on it going to be prone to a lot of problems?

Thanks.

Welcome!!!

Welcome!

Originally Posted by GreenNirvana101

How do you guys feel about a 1999 GT black sedan, black leather, HUD, sunroof, new plugs/wires, new tires, new coolant system, new fuel filter and w/ 135000 miles? I found one very close to my residence, and the pics look like its in a great, clean condition. The asking price is $4100 OBO
Is a car with 135k on it going to be prone to a lot of problems?

Thanks.

Welcome!
Answering the bold...
if the previous owners took care of it, the answer is NO
The price looks good depending on appearance, my brother just bought a 2000 GT near perfect paint, garage kept all it's life, complete maintenance records for $4500 with 130K miles.

Originally Posted by Curtis

Welcome!
Answering the bold...
if the previous owners took care of it, the answer is NO
The price looks good depending on appearance, my brother just bought a 2000 GT near perfect paint, garage kept all it's life, complete maintenance records for $4500 with 130K miles.

i got my 00 gtp coupe with 94,000 for $4,500 a little over a year ago and have had no major issues. has all bells and whistles bose leather hud etc now 111,000

well unfortunatley that car already sold last night!

So I should probably look for a 99 GTP because it has less vaccum lines? I'm hoping some of you can give me the pros and cons of the different years! Maybe some things to look for before buying the car. Please help a newb out! haha.