First post! Help me out on deciding first car!

[GMan614]

I just recently made my account but have been following this forum for about a year and its a great community! My 16th birthday is coming up and I will (hopefully) pass my test and get my car. The only problem is im stuck between a couple options. I know we're all grand prix people here but please keep an open mind when answering! The first option is my cousins 1982 z28 camaro. Now I love the fact that it's a v8 and that insurance is surprisingly not high on it. But my one main concern is gas mileage. My friends and I like to go alot of places and 13-15 mpg just doesn't seem appealing now that gas had reached $4/gal in Ohio. The camaro also is pretty "under performed" in my eyes making only 145hp. It just doesn't seem smart to spend the money on gas and not get much in return. My other options are a 1998-2002 firebird v6 and a 1997-98 GTP. I like how these perform on gas and under the hood but I do miss having the v8 option of the camaro. One thing that stands out for me on the firebird is RWD and ttops. I know you can get a sunroof for the GTP I just like the classic feel and look of ttops. But one thing that keeps me coming back to the gtp is the mods. As you all know about the immense amount of mods you can do to a gtp. You can also do this to a firebird but I would probably save my money for an LS/T56 swap in the future. Anyways, any comments are appreciated as to what car I should lean towards! Sorry for this ramble session! Thanks!

I should also state the prices since they are a pretty big factor:

1982 z28 Camaro: $2500
98-02 Firebird: $2500-$3000
97-98 GTP: $3000-$4000

[Below Average Joe]

your prices on the GTP are off. where at in Ohio are you?

[Below Average Joe]

2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP

[GMan614]

your prices on the GTP are off. where at in Ohio are you?

That's just about what I see on the Columbus Craigslist.

[Below Average Joe]

1998 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP Coupe

[RivMan]

1982 z28 Camaro: I wouldn't even consider.
98-02 Firebird: 3800 motor, 5-speed, fun to drive, worthless in an Ohio winter.
97-98 GTP: 3800 SC Motor, Auto, Fun to drive, decent in the winter

Of those 3 cars, the GTP's your best bet for an only car. I'm on my 3rd W-Body (5th if you count parts cars) and I don't think you can really beat them for a DD. If you had a beater truck or decent winter driver, then I'd look at the F-Body.

-Rob

[Below Average Joe]

1999 pontiac gtp supercharged

[Below Average Joe]

2000 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP

[Below Average Joe]

I can keep going

[GMan614]

1982 z28 Camaro: I wouldn't even consider.
98-02 Firebird: 3800 motor, 5-speed, fun to drive, worthless in an Ohio winter.
97-98 GTP: 3800 SC Motor, Auto, Fun to drive, decent in the winter

Of those 3 cars, the GTP's your best bet for an only car. I'm on my 3rd W-Body (5th if you count parts cars) and I don't think you can really beat them for a DD. If you had a beater truck or decent winter driver, then I'd look at the F-Body.

-Rob

Thanks ill keep the winter in mind! Is it true about 97-98 GTP that they were GT 'add-ons' and not a separate trim level? I think insurance would just see it as a GT then if i'm not mistaken.

[GMan614]

I can keep going

Thanks! People some people around CBUS are nuts then

[RivMan]

It's possible. At this point, I believe the cars are old enough that the insurance isn't much of a swing between the two (That or I've gotten too old for it to matter).

-Rob

[RivMan]

BTW, on a first car, Winter should be HUGE on your mind.

-Rob

[Below Average Joe]

if you are from the Columbus area PM GMR BadAss. He might know of some cheaper GTP's. Don't forget to look at Regals too especially the GS.

[GMan614]

BTW, on a first car, Winter should be HUGE on your mind.

-Rob

For sure, I was just figuring that some all-season tires and grandma driving would do the job

[Below Average Joe]

You don't want RWD in Ohio in the winter unless you have beater car/truck.

[GMan614]

You don't want RWD in Ohio in the winter unless you have beater car/truck.

A question on GTP's, is there a way to tell that a engine/supercharger has not been cared for? I know having more on your engine could lead to more problems if someone doesn't change SC oil, etc. Also does the SC start to go bad around any certain mileage? Thanks

[Below Average Joe]

read this http://www.grandprixforums.net/97-03...ems-60802.html

[ericspecullaas]

I can keep going

please keep going joe go right for the bathroom LOL

[dsmuts]

I bought my 04 comp g in Feb for $2200. You just have to look for deals. Don't look just for 97-98 any year gtp you'll be happy with I'm sure.