Looking at a Bonneville GXP
04-11-2006, 04:25 PM
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Looking at a Bonneville GXP
Hello all! By way of introduction, I'm marauder307. I live and work out here in Honolulu, HI, and I'm a prospective B-ville GXP owner.
I've been a Mercury Marauder owner for the last three years; unfortunately, due to a combination of circumstances, the Black Hulk (as I refer to it) has pretty much exhausted itself, and I've been casting about for a new ride.
I had a coworker who showed up at my previous duty assignment in St. Louis with a white-gold tricoat GXP a couple of years back...I was so impressed and taken with it that I went down to the local Pontiac dealer and checked one out. At the time, I was happy with the Marauder, and as the B-villes were still brand-new, their prices were rather high...
Fast forward to this past Saturday. The Bonnie'* pretty much out of my mind; figured that was it when they were discontinued, and lately I've been looking at the new Chargers as a potential replacement for my badly flagging Marauder. I stop in at the local L-M dealer (who'* also one of the Pontiac/GMC dealers on the island) to pick up yet more parts....and stop dead in my tracks.
There'* a brand-new white-gold tricoat GXP sitting on the lot; the factory window sticker still posted in the DS rear window!
Even better...come to find out, this dealer has 4 of them still left on his lot! He'* got 2 white ones, a crimson one, and a black one...and he'* absolutely desperate to sell. These cars have been sitting here since last summer and haven't moved. I went ahead and test-drove one of the white ones. It was optioned out with the HUD and power sunroof. My fiancee loved it; she'* not too crazy about either the Marauder or the Charger---she'* afraid to drive either one because they're so big. But she really loves the GXP.
So...I got a few questions for all of you:
1) I see from some of your signatures that the Bonnies tend to be rather long-lived. Suits me,...I'm having to give up on a Marauder after only 40k miles, and I see at least one of you with over 200k on his odo. But how long do those CV joints last, especially in the GXP? And how expensive are they when they go?
2) I had satellite radio available to me back on the mainland (Sirius); can't get it out here. The stereo in this GXP looks to be pretty good, and I know that XM is a factory option, but if the car doesn't come with XM originally, how hard is it to retrofit (when I finally get back to the mainland?) (As a side note, the car DOES come with OnStar and has the little blade antenna for that on the rear of the roof area.) Also, if the car doesn't have the factory CD changer in the trunk, how hard is it to get that retrofitted as well? (the local radio stations really stink out here.)
I'll leave y'all with this interesting fact: The Honolulu Police Department has an arrangement whereby officers that have been on duty for enough years can buy their own vehicle for duty use. There'* an approved list from the Police Chief. This leads to some pretty funky vehicle choices...I've seen a Toyota Avalon and a Nissan Murano running around here with blue strobes bolted to their roofs.
But out here on the eastern edge of the island, at the local police substation, there'* an officer running around with a silver 2000-ish SE model. If it'* possible, I'll try to get a picture for the forum...if the officer will allow it.
Thanks folks! Hope to hear from you!
I've been a Mercury Marauder owner for the last three years; unfortunately, due to a combination of circumstances, the Black Hulk (as I refer to it) has pretty much exhausted itself, and I've been casting about for a new ride.
I had a coworker who showed up at my previous duty assignment in St. Louis with a white-gold tricoat GXP a couple of years back...I was so impressed and taken with it that I went down to the local Pontiac dealer and checked one out. At the time, I was happy with the Marauder, and as the B-villes were still brand-new, their prices were rather high...
Fast forward to this past Saturday. The Bonnie'* pretty much out of my mind; figured that was it when they were discontinued, and lately I've been looking at the new Chargers as a potential replacement for my badly flagging Marauder. I stop in at the local L-M dealer (who'* also one of the Pontiac/GMC dealers on the island) to pick up yet more parts....and stop dead in my tracks.
There'* a brand-new white-gold tricoat GXP sitting on the lot; the factory window sticker still posted in the DS rear window!
Even better...come to find out, this dealer has 4 of them still left on his lot! He'* got 2 white ones, a crimson one, and a black one...and he'* absolutely desperate to sell. These cars have been sitting here since last summer and haven't moved. I went ahead and test-drove one of the white ones. It was optioned out with the HUD and power sunroof. My fiancee loved it; she'* not too crazy about either the Marauder or the Charger---she'* afraid to drive either one because they're so big. But she really loves the GXP.
So...I got a few questions for all of you:
1) I see from some of your signatures that the Bonnies tend to be rather long-lived. Suits me,...I'm having to give up on a Marauder after only 40k miles, and I see at least one of you with over 200k on his odo. But how long do those CV joints last, especially in the GXP? And how expensive are they when they go?
2) I had satellite radio available to me back on the mainland (Sirius); can't get it out here. The stereo in this GXP looks to be pretty good, and I know that XM is a factory option, but if the car doesn't come with XM originally, how hard is it to retrofit (when I finally get back to the mainland?) (As a side note, the car DOES come with OnStar and has the little blade antenna for that on the rear of the roof area.) Also, if the car doesn't have the factory CD changer in the trunk, how hard is it to get that retrofitted as well? (the local radio stations really stink out here.)
I'll leave y'all with this interesting fact: The Honolulu Police Department has an arrangement whereby officers that have been on duty for enough years can buy their own vehicle for duty use. There'* an approved list from the Police Chief. This leads to some pretty funky vehicle choices...I've seen a Toyota Avalon and a Nissan Murano running around here with blue strobes bolted to their roofs.
But out here on the eastern edge of the island, at the local police substation, there'* an officer running around with a silver 2000-ish SE model. If it'* possible, I'll try to get a picture for the forum...if the officer will allow it.
Thanks folks! Hope to hear from you!
04-11-2006, 04:58 PM
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Re: Looking at a Bonneville GXP
Originally Posted by marauder307
1) I see from some of your signatures that the Bonnies tend to be rather long-lived. Suits me,...But how long do those CV joints last, especially in the GXP? And how expensive are they when they go?
2) I know that XM is a factory option, but if the car doesn't come with XM originally, how hard is it to retrofit (when I finally get back to the mainland?) (As a side note, the car DOES come with OnStar and has the little blade antenna for that on the rear of the roof area.) Also, if the car doesn't have the factory CD changer in the trunk, how hard is it to get that retrofitted as well? (the local radio stations really stink out here.)
2) I know that XM is a factory option, but if the car doesn't come with XM originally, how hard is it to retrofit (when I finally get back to the mainland?) (As a side note, the car DOES come with OnStar and has the little blade antenna for that on the rear of the roof area.) Also, if the car doesn't have the factory CD changer in the trunk, how hard is it to get that retrofitted as well? (the local radio stations really stink out here.)
2. Putting satellite radio into a car is SO easy its stupid, with the availability of docking stations, and even portable radios, there is little or no installation required with some kits.
04-11-2006, 08:13 PM
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1)The drivetrain in the GXP is significantly different than those of the 3.8 Bonnes: Northstar + 4T80 vs. 3.8 + 4T65 ..... you can't really extrapolate reliability from one to the other. I had a Grand Prix GTP (same drivetrain as V6 SC'd Bonne'*) with 170,000 hard miles and 100+ quarter mile passes with sticky drag tires / hard burnouts and never had any issues with the engine, tranny, CV'* /half shafts (I did eventually waste both front wheel hubs, but I was running 13.2'* @ 105+mph!). I don't forsee the CV'* being a problem in the GXP.
I've put 62,000 miles on my GXP in under 2 years (I may have the most miles in this forum?? )... and I've had no issues with the drivetrain at all.....just the foglights and the steering shaft which have both been addressed by the dealer. She'* starting to use a little oil now, but I've been told the N*'* do that....
2) I had a full-blown Alpine system in my GTP. I only moved the 12" sub/amp over the GXP'* Monsoon system and have been pretty happy.
Good luck with your choice. I love my GXP!
I've put 62,000 miles on my GXP in under 2 years (I may have the most miles in this forum?? )... and I've had no issues with the drivetrain at all.....just the foglights and the steering shaft which have both been addressed by the dealer. She'* starting to use a little oil now, but I've been told the N*'* do that....
2) I had a full-blown Alpine system in my GTP. I only moved the 12" sub/amp over the GXP'* Monsoon system and have been pretty happy.
Good luck with your choice. I love my GXP!
04-11-2006, 08:15 PM
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Hmm...the Marauder is a nice car. You must have driven it hard for it to be in bad shape. All I have seen have been mint. GXP as a tad faster to 60 than the Marauder but the Marauder is 302 hp and rear wheel drive and some really want that.
I think a used SSEi would be moving backward so go for a new GXP and waranty and you will be happy.
I think a used SSEi would be moving backward so go for a new GXP and waranty and you will be happy.
04-11-2006, 09:33 PM
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Welcome aboard!
I've only had my GXP for 5,000 miles... replacing an '02 3.L Impala as my daily driver. The Bonny and Impala share a lot of chassis features, but the GXP is an awesome combination of power, ride and handling.
I also missed the CD changer and the dealer said he could install for $500(?) I 'd ask the dealer about the CD changer and XM radio as a dealer installed item. If he'* willing to deal, he may make it happen. And deal he should... it'* been, what, 9 months since they went out of production.
I love my car. The only complaint I have so far is the gas mileage. My Impala would get 28mpg on my daily route. The GXP gets about 19mpg on the same route. It will hit 23-24 with steady highway driving.
I've only had my GXP for 5,000 miles... replacing an '02 3.L Impala as my daily driver. The Bonny and Impala share a lot of chassis features, but the GXP is an awesome combination of power, ride and handling.
I also missed the CD changer and the dealer said he could install for $500(?) I 'd ask the dealer about the CD changer and XM radio as a dealer installed item. If he'* willing to deal, he may make it happen. And deal he should... it'* been, what, 9 months since they went out of production.
I love my car. The only complaint I have so far is the gas mileage. My Impala would get 28mpg on my daily route. The GXP gets about 19mpg on the same route. It will hit 23-24 with steady highway driving.
04-11-2006, 09:36 PM
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Yeah the GXP is not too bad of an idea, but getting that kind of gas mileage with a combination of Hawaii'* gas prices...hmm, thats a nono...unless of course the gov'ts payin fo it...a nice 2005 N/A like an SLE might be nice too..
04-12-2006, 01:25 AM
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Wow, quick responses!
I'll answer a few here: As to the Marauder being driven hard---not really. Never raced the car, but it DID get used as a daily driver. Bought it originally in Daytona Beach, FL during my move outta town to St. Louis, MO. It drove over those roads from March 2003 to October 2004, then the Coast Guard reserve activated me and took me to Pt. Arthur, TX (SE part of the state, just outside Beaumont) for 7 months and I drove it there. After I returned to STL, my real job (I work for the DoD) rewarded me with the move out here to HI. The move out here is what I think killed it...DoD contract movers have no respect whatsoever, and I've spent $2500 over the last 6-7 months (since it came off the ship) replacing suspension components and simply trying to stay ahead of the breakages. I'm getting married in 2 months and don't have the time, patience, or money to keep spending on repairs.
So, no, it hasn't been abused...but it has been used. The vast majority of Marauders you'll see are show-ponies; they're used as second cars/weekend racers/etc. The FL Highway Patrol has a block of about 25 of 'em that they use for unmarked patrol; I hear they do amazing things with 'em...
As to the stereo arrangement: What I'm really looking for is to keep it stock. I'm trying to figure out what components it'll take to upgrade to the factory CD changer and the factory XM feed.
Premium prices on cars in Honolulu: Sore subject, but not with me personally. Anybody out here who buys cars in Hono gets shanked pretty hard. The dealer markup on this GXP that I sampled last weekend was 4k, pushing the sticker all the way to 42k. Yikes.
Anybody who buys a new Charger out here gets screwed even harder...the SRT-8 models have been marked up anywhere from 8-10k over sticker. The worst part about these dealer markups is that a) they're obvious about 'em---don't even try to make some excuse, it actually says right on the sticker "Dealer Availability Charge", and b) Nobody from the corporate offices actually comes out here to check, so the dealers get a free pass on their screw-jobs.
What I've got going for me on this potential deal is the fact that the Bonnie'* out of production and it'* last year'* model. This dealer'* looking visibly desperate; he wants these suckers gone because they're eating into his operating costs to keep 'em up until they sell. He was willing to drop all the way down to around 30k to get rid of it.
Gas prices: Pretty bad all right. Premium'* up to $3.25/gal out here...good thing the Bonnie takes midgrade/regular. Now...I can get about a .15c break per gallon, because I can buy gas on the Navy base at Pearl Harbor. But it'* still on the steep end...
Hope this answers at least a few questions! Thanks for reading!
I'll answer a few here: As to the Marauder being driven hard---not really. Never raced the car, but it DID get used as a daily driver. Bought it originally in Daytona Beach, FL during my move outta town to St. Louis, MO. It drove over those roads from March 2003 to October 2004, then the Coast Guard reserve activated me and took me to Pt. Arthur, TX (SE part of the state, just outside Beaumont) for 7 months and I drove it there. After I returned to STL, my real job (I work for the DoD) rewarded me with the move out here to HI. The move out here is what I think killed it...DoD contract movers have no respect whatsoever, and I've spent $2500 over the last 6-7 months (since it came off the ship) replacing suspension components and simply trying to stay ahead of the breakages. I'm getting married in 2 months and don't have the time, patience, or money to keep spending on repairs.
So, no, it hasn't been abused...but it has been used. The vast majority of Marauders you'll see are show-ponies; they're used as second cars/weekend racers/etc. The FL Highway Patrol has a block of about 25 of 'em that they use for unmarked patrol; I hear they do amazing things with 'em...
As to the stereo arrangement: What I'm really looking for is to keep it stock. I'm trying to figure out what components it'll take to upgrade to the factory CD changer and the factory XM feed.
Premium prices on cars in Honolulu: Sore subject, but not with me personally. Anybody out here who buys cars in Hono gets shanked pretty hard. The dealer markup on this GXP that I sampled last weekend was 4k, pushing the sticker all the way to 42k. Yikes.
Anybody who buys a new Charger out here gets screwed even harder...the SRT-8 models have been marked up anywhere from 8-10k over sticker. The worst part about these dealer markups is that a) they're obvious about 'em---don't even try to make some excuse, it actually says right on the sticker "Dealer Availability Charge", and b) Nobody from the corporate offices actually comes out here to check, so the dealers get a free pass on their screw-jobs.
What I've got going for me on this potential deal is the fact that the Bonnie'* out of production and it'* last year'* model. This dealer'* looking visibly desperate; he wants these suckers gone because they're eating into his operating costs to keep 'em up until they sell. He was willing to drop all the way down to around 30k to get rid of it.
Gas prices: Pretty bad all right. Premium'* up to $3.25/gal out here...good thing the Bonnie takes midgrade/regular. Now...I can get about a .15c break per gallon, because I can buy gas on the Navy base at Pearl Harbor. But it'* still on the steep end...
Hope this answers at least a few questions! Thanks for reading!
04-12-2006, 02:09 AM
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I have had my GXP for 1200 miles now and love it even with it'* faults. The side panels come loose, and the fog lamp wiring has to be replaced.
There are 9 minor TSB'* so far...Reference for yahttp://www.edmunds.com/maintenance/recalltsb.do?step=tsb&year=2005&make=Pontiac&model =Bonneville&style=GXP+4dr+Sedan+%284.6L+8cyl+4A%29 &zip=48114&synpartner=edmunds#1
The Xm is available but a dealer item on.The Monsoon radio is interconnected to the DIC, ONSTAR, Carphone, and PCM .
Gas mileage really varies as the engine can run smooth as silk or aggressively, depends on your foot. My last fillup was 11.8 MPG average on DIC.(Photo of this feat is in end page of a thread a few down called MPG. My best is 16 , and I think Z'* is middle of the road.
Required Octane for the Northstar is 92, and my dealer told me it could run on regular also... Liar. Dont be fooled. The manual states 92 (compression on this engine is 10-1) Maybe if drivin grama style the regular is ok, but it gave me trouble till I accepted paying for Premium.
Love the car regardless and love all the luxury, bells, and whistles I got for 29k Total for a new car listed at 39k+
There are 9 minor TSB'* so far...Reference for yahttp://www.edmunds.com/maintenance/recalltsb.do?step=tsb&year=2005&make=Pontiac&model =Bonneville&style=GXP+4dr+Sedan+%284.6L+8cyl+4A%29 &zip=48114&synpartner=edmunds#1
The Xm is available but a dealer item on.The Monsoon radio is interconnected to the DIC, ONSTAR, Carphone, and PCM .
Gas mileage really varies as the engine can run smooth as silk or aggressively, depends on your foot. My last fillup was 11.8 MPG average on DIC.(Photo of this feat is in end page of a thread a few down called MPG. My best is 16 , and I think Z'* is middle of the road.
Required Octane for the Northstar is 92, and my dealer told me it could run on regular also... Liar. Dont be fooled. The manual states 92 (compression on this engine is 10-1) Maybe if drivin grama style the regular is ok, but it gave me trouble till I accepted paying for Premium.
Love the car regardless and love all the luxury, bells, and whistles I got for 29k Total for a new car listed at 39k+