buying a grand prix

[chevyguy93]

I've always wanted a grand prix, and i have been keeping my eye out for the right one. Today I went and took a look at one, and Im pretty interested in it. I just need some opinions.
2003 Grand Prix GT, 118k km's. hood has some paint missing, needs to be repainted (only the hood). sun roof, 4 door, power everything. Drove great. Drivers side headlight looked to be really scuffed, so it needs to be replaced, and it was in an accident, and the back drivers side quarter panel was replaced. Everything looks to be in good shape, just needs a good cleaning inside and out. Ooh, and alloy wheels, disc brakes front and back. Asking 6900 but I know i can get it for $6500 canadian. Reason I'm asking is because I dont know much about these cars yet, and i'm looking for something i can really upgrade and possibly race.
Opinions?

[GTP Dad]

Walk away and look for a GTP. There aren't a lot of speed parts to upgrade the GT model. The GTP produces more stock horsepower and is much easier to upgrade. I would also be cautious about this GT due to the accident record and the pealing paint.

[GaryFenza]

yea, what GTP dad said. My family owns a "auto Body" shop. Pealing paint is not a good sign, plus....like he said with the accident record, you really dont know what was damaged and looked over, and not replaced, something might be bent or "on its way out". Find a GTP or a better condition GT.

[chevyguy93]

okay well. im gonna add some more info. What was hit was just the back quarter panel, they said it was checked out and it was the only thing that needed to be fixed. My dad who is a mechanic also checked over the car and everything looked great, so even if something does happen, i can fix it myself. And im not sure how the paint chipped, i think something just hit the hood and took a chunk out, so they covered it up. I'd get it repainted. but other than 2 stone chips on the body, the paint is great.
And also, i'm upgrading from a 93 cavalier. I'd be happy with anything that has more than 100 hp :P So I think im gonna give this car a try. i put a deposit on it, just gotta wait for the loan to go through.

[GaryFenza]

now that you were more clear.....it sounds like a better Car , good luck with your Grand Prix, i LOVE grand prix's cant wait until i can afford a GTP, unfortunatly i just turned 17, o well.....someday i guess

[chevyguy93]

lol yea. when i was about 17 my gf's family only owned grand prix's. i'd drive them around all the time and they were fun. i figured it was a car i could never afford. but things seem to change lol.

[jeepgclwj]

Mark my words. You will be wishing you spent your money on a GTP once you get over the power dif. from yout old car to the GT.....

If you would have spent a little time I bet you could have found a GTP for around the same price. You could have looked for a good low mileage 98-00 GTP and spent the same thing.,,

O'well good luck with your car....

[chevyguy93]

actually, i've been searching for a long time now. I havent found any grand prixs, gt or gtp, under $10,000, and the very few i did had very high mileage. Also, i'm a part time worker and part time student, I dont have lots of money to spend Keep in mind I can always keep my eye out, and sell this one if I find a gtp for a good price.

[richtazz]

If you really want to upgrade and race, then don't get the GT. The GTP is the only choice for those serious about performance. The GT is more practical, because it runs on 87 octane (GTP's need 92+). Performance upgrades for the GT, including a remapped PCM, will require a switch to premium fuel without nearly the HP gains a GTP gets, so pass on the GT and get a GTP or you'll regret it. I love my GT, but I don't race it or plan on modding it, so keep that in mind.

[OJ_]

Well, I think I will tell my story in here since it kind of applies to your question.

I picked up a 2000 GT last year. I drove it for a few months, and the entire time I was LUSTING for a GTP. Well, fate intervened and an SUV pulled in front of me, totaling my GT. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise, I was ok AND the insurance company gave me more than I payed for it. I went out and picked up a 2001 GTP. I have not looked back since.

The GTP has a lot more modding potential then a GT, even though GT's are good cars, if your looking for a fun-fast ride with modding potential, get a GTP.

GTP for the win!

[chevyguy93]

so i bought it, and i love it. one problem. the lights on the stereo deck don't work. theyre completely black, even the display. the stereo works great though. Would it just be the dimmer wire, maybe it came loose in the back?