Thread: Newbie looking for GXP or GTP

Hi everyone. My name is Jeff and I'm looking at picking up either a GTP or GXP.

I currently own a 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4. It's a pretty fast and fun car, but it's a piece of ****. 48,000 miles and have had a lot of issues. So I'm looking to sell it, pay off the rest of the loan which will leave me $10k to work with. The other vehicle in the garage is a 2011 Tahoe that my wife drives which is what we usually take for long trips. I'm pretty much only driving between home and the GM Tech Center where I work, which is only 5 miles away.

Years ago I worked as a mechanic (still have those ASE Certs as a back up plan) so I am relatively familiar with the issues that have seemed to plague the 3.8L V6. Not as familiar with the GXP however.

I have found a few '04 and '05 GTPs with the Comp G package. They are going for around $8500 with around 80,000 miles. The other choices are quite a few '05 to '07 GXPs. Prices range from $10k to $12k. Mileage ranges from 50,000 miles to 80,000 miles. Financially, I would prefer to go with the cheaper options and stay out of financing, but I would finance a few grand to have a newer and lower mileage vehicle if need be. I'm also keeping either a '04-'06 CTS or STS in mind as well. I would prefer RWD, but can't find any in the color and options I want. Still, a FWD GXP or GTP would be a little bit better in the Winter.

I plan on checking some of them out this upcoming week if possible. I'd like to know which one you guys would prefer in this situation, what are some known issues, and what should I pay specific attention to when I take a look at these cars?

Thanks in advance!

Not looking to do any aftermarket modifications. Just mainly looking for a nice, semi-fun comfortable work commuter with a few trips in the non-snowy months.

I can always get a project vehicle for fun down the road.

The trans issue is what seems to concern me the most with the GXP. It just seems to me like the standard 4-speed trans was beefed up a bit to handle the V8 but I'm always wary of trying to upgrade something to handle something it was never designed to. Now I'm only putting about 5,000 miles annually on my own car, so any drivetrain issues would probably not show up as I'm not going to be driving the car hard or a lot.

Good to know the '04s and up got the upgraded LIM gaskets. I've read up that the GTP will run 0-60 in the mid 6 second range, and mid to high 14s in the 1/4. The GXP is under 6 seconds for 0-60, and low 14s for the 1/4 mile. My Caliber SRT4 as it sits right now runs a mid 13 second 1/4 mile and mid 5 seconds for 0-60.

Not super concerned with performance numbers. I am willing to sacrifice some performance for a more suitable DD compared to a small hatchback on a stiff suspension that beats up on ya.

Thanks for all the info guys, I really appreciate it.

Another question.....

Did pretty much all years of the GTPs and GXPs get satellite radio? Or was it a separate option not packaged in with the GTP or GXP?

I looked at a 2008 base Grand Prix last night with 42,000 miles. Had leather, heated seats, remote start, almost all the goodies. Still can't believe used car prices though. It's posted at $13k. Interior is in really good shape, although there were a couple scratches here and there on the exterior. The two left A/C vents would spin like a top in place, and there was a buzzing noise at idle. For $10k it would be great....but not at $14k with tax, title, and all that fun stuff.

Going to look at a 2004 GTP today with 43,000 miles. They're asking $12 for it.

cuzin has an 08 gxp i have drivin it, not as fun as 04 gtp compg ( mine ) 04 rides way better