are the '05 Bonneville GXP really worth it?
#1
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are the '05 Bonneville GXP really worth it?
New to this forum and just wanted to say hello and ask a few questions to start with.
I'm currently looking to retire my '95 Olds LSS with 291K mi on the clock which has been very reliable to date and was looking for something a little more exciting in the GM sedan family. Started looking at the SSEI but then I came across the '05 bonneville GXP. Liked the styling inside and out but was somewhat underwhelmed with the published low gas milage (17 - 24 mpg as I'm use to 24-31 with my Olds or Stealth) and lack of performance from the V8 when I test drove one. I kinda get attached to certain cars and as you can see with my Olds I'm in it for the long haul! So... after reading a few reviews on the GXP I'm wondering whether there have been any reports of these cars lasting through the high miles that I become accustom to with my past GM products. Generally I get at least 240K - 290K mi before trading the cars. Does anyone know of an GXP which has gone that far without major repairs or dimed to death with lots of little things. With these expectations,should I be looking for a different car other then the GXP? Thanks.
I'm currently looking to retire my '95 Olds LSS with 291K mi on the clock which has been very reliable to date and was looking for something a little more exciting in the GM sedan family. Started looking at the SSEI but then I came across the '05 bonneville GXP. Liked the styling inside and out but was somewhat underwhelmed with the published low gas milage (17 - 24 mpg as I'm use to 24-31 with my Olds or Stealth) and lack of performance from the V8 when I test drove one. I kinda get attached to certain cars and as you can see with my Olds I'm in it for the long haul! So... after reading a few reviews on the GXP I'm wondering whether there have been any reports of these cars lasting through the high miles that I become accustom to with my past GM products. Generally I get at least 240K - 290K mi before trading the cars. Does anyone know of an GXP which has gone that far without major repairs or dimed to death with lots of little things. With these expectations,should I be looking for a different car other then the GXP? Thanks.
#5
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Certified Car Nut
But only through familiarity.
Welcome the the GMForum. We really haven't enough experience here yet with the engine to evaluate long term, but it seems to not have the "throwaway" characteristics of the early aluminum Northstars. The highest mileage yet that I remember is 160K from a member in the Service in Germany. He hasn't been on lately to report further. I have yet to see of an engine failure of a GXP. Most modern engines can make it to that mileage range if properly maintained. Especially the close tolerance machined ones that run on 5 or 0 weight oil. My engine still purrs like the day it was new with 50K on the clock with an aggressive foot and some nitrous use when it was younger. I have had none of the problems associated with the engine I detailed below.
That said, expect a few common reported problems. IM shafts (as in many GM products) wear out early. Some oil and water crossover lines develop leaks (especially ones in very cold winter climates. Fog lights burn out prematurely. Hub bearings wear out prematurely. A few coilpacks have failed. Some have experienced trunk leaks from trunk seal and moonroof drains (but common to all Bonnevilles) A few individual dash gauge stepper motors have quit in the integrated dash cluster (has to be replaced as a unit). My sway bar bushing were shot @ 40K miles but I'm sure it was the air lift/lowering kit I had on it. It hasn't been reported by anyone else that I know of.
Like any car it has it'* weakness, but for it'* styling and uniqueness I haven't any regrets for purchasing it and would not reverse the decision if I could.
Welcome the the GMForum. We really haven't enough experience here yet with the engine to evaluate long term, but it seems to not have the "throwaway" characteristics of the early aluminum Northstars. The highest mileage yet that I remember is 160K from a member in the Service in Germany. He hasn't been on lately to report further. I have yet to see of an engine failure of a GXP. Most modern engines can make it to that mileage range if properly maintained. Especially the close tolerance machined ones that run on 5 or 0 weight oil. My engine still purrs like the day it was new with 50K on the clock with an aggressive foot and some nitrous use when it was younger. I have had none of the problems associated with the engine I detailed below.
That said, expect a few common reported problems. IM shafts (as in many GM products) wear out early. Some oil and water crossover lines develop leaks (especially ones in very cold winter climates. Fog lights burn out prematurely. Hub bearings wear out prematurely. A few coilpacks have failed. Some have experienced trunk leaks from trunk seal and moonroof drains (but common to all Bonnevilles) A few individual dash gauge stepper motors have quit in the integrated dash cluster (has to be replaced as a unit). My sway bar bushing were shot @ 40K miles but I'm sure it was the air lift/lowering kit I had on it. It hasn't been reported by anyone else that I know of.
Like any car it has it'* weakness, but for it'* styling and uniqueness I haven't any regrets for purchasing it and would not reverse the decision if I could.
#6
Senior Member
Certified GM nut
Welcome to GM Forum! I'm surprised you got it up to 291K without contacting us.
For what it'* worth, I'm pushing 205K on mine. No major problems, but the minor issues would be death by a thousand cuts (or nickels and dimes) if I tackled every little problem. Do you have any kids who need their first car? If you want to upgrade, I say keep it in the family and see how long it lasts. (The record around here is about 450K miles; the engine outlasted the frame.)
I don't have any hands-on experience with the SSEi or GXP, but just wanted to welcome you to the forum.
For what it'* worth, I'm pushing 205K on mine. No major problems, but the minor issues would be death by a thousand cuts (or nickels and dimes) if I tackled every little problem. Do you have any kids who need their first car? If you want to upgrade, I say keep it in the family and see how long it lasts. (The record around here is about 450K miles; the engine outlasted the frame.)
I don't have any hands-on experience with the SSEi or GXP, but just wanted to welcome you to the forum.
#7
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it'* refreshing to see people who hang onto cars for more than 2 years before buying another brand new car. my friend Tom doesn't like to get much more than 90,000 on a car because he'* worried about maintenance issues.
#8
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Being fresh out of college, I'd be more worried about car payments.
#9
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Welcome to the forum! Every car will have its minor issues, and its hard to compare one owners' experience with someone else'*. It all depends on how well the vehicle has been maintained. If it was babied, then it will probably have very few problems compared to one that was used a lot..but that isn't always the case. My dad has a 2004 Buick Century my parents bought brand new, with almost twice as many kms as my 2002, and he had had very few problems with his..usually only normal maintenance, whereas I have had a few little bugs with mine since I bought it in January. Anyways, good luck with your final decision
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