2001 SSEi vs. 2004 GXP - advice?
 

All, need your help. I currently own a 2001 SSEi, with only 41k miles on it, and love the piss out of it! Such a great car; and, it's paid for.

But, I noticed that there is a 2004 new GXP with 185 miles on it at my neighborhood Pontiac dealer. Took a look at it last weekend. My heart started to beat faster as I got closer to it; I mean this car is absolutely gorgeous! And they are only asking $29,900 for it!

What should I do? Do I do the smart thing and drive my SSEi for a while longer or do I bite the bullet and buy this GXP awesome machine???

Thanx in advance.

The Josh

The SSEi and the GXP are really two different animals. It's really all up to what you want and how much you want to pay.

If it were me, I'd stick with the SSEi. You've bearly got the thing broken in and it's paid off. Now it's time to start modding it up. For equal money in mods, the L67 can completely kill any N* out there (save the new STS-V with the blown N*). That and basically, the GXP is an SSEi with a N*. I don't believe that much, if anything is really all that different in the suspension and the interior (save the embroidery-sp? & guages) are practically identical.

Also, I am a bit biased against the N*. My family has had nothing but cooling system trouble with the 3 very well maintained N* cars (2 STS's & a Deville) that they've had. I'll stay away from them like they've got the plague.

In the end, you do what suits you best because it's your choice. Be sure to inspect the paint VERY closely as we've had quite a few GXP owners that have been unhappy with the paint coverage.

Trade in value for your car (based on Kelly Blue Book & excellent condition) would be around $12,000 and private party sale should be around $15,000.

The SSEi will kick the GXP, and the SSEi is easier and cheaper to mod for more power. IMO, the GXP was a partial step in the general correct direction, but fell short. My 93 will kill a GXP off the line and in handling.

I like the looks of the GXP, but not the performance or seats. I'd stick with the 'i'.

(For the record, I've driven every type of Bonneville from 1987-GXP)

Seriously? Stick with the SSEi? I must admit, I am in love with the GXP's look. It is one beautiful automobile!

Will the SSEi really kick a GXP's ass?

I would bet that your '01 SSEi with a 3.4" pulley and CAI (or FWI) would give a GXP a run for it's money. Add rockers, PCM, and headers and you'll leave it behind.

Rogue's car (8ball) has run 12.98 1/4 @ 104.75 w/ 1.842 60' (Oct 21st, 2004 Norwalk Ohio). Although he has extensive modifications, many (if not all) of them are bolt ons and readily available. He's pushing 400hp & 500ftlbs of torque out of an L67 with a stock bottom end (crank, rods, pistons) as well as stock heads.

The shear size of the aftermarkets for the L67 would make me stay with the SSEi even if the stock performance of the GXP was much better, but I like to wrench on things!

Not everyone will want a performance car though. The GXP has class and style written all over it. If you are going for sheer looks and styling, go with the GXP. You can't beat those 18" wheels.

If you want a car to modify and make very fast, stay with the SSEi.

I don't really know what kind of shape both cars are in. Go play around on the kelly blue book site. The trade in value on your 2001 ssei is around 11 - 12K. The retail price on gxp should be around 25K. Hammer the guy a little. Loan amount should be 13/14k. Don't forget tax and whatever else thhere might be. I would do it if you like the car. Or you can keep what you have. Of course the longer you keep it and more miles, the less it will be worth. Then you might as well soup it up, because it won't be worth anything to anyone else but you.

which seats are more comfortable? 2000-3 ssei leather or the suedey GXP's?

I ate a GXP for breakfast just the other night...(Sorry Scott :) )