No one happy I didn't get a GTP? Would you get a 2002 Pontiac SuperCharged GTP loaded with everything over a Maxima?

[tantos]

Trade in Value:

2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP Coupe 2D: Loaded
Excellent Condition: $15,565

2001 Nissan Maxima SE Sedan 4D: Loaded
Excellent Condition: $18,060

Need we say more? I'll take the Maxima over the Pontiac any day.

 

[vi edit]

Tantoos, coupes typically cost less initially than four doors. They are also harder to sell than a 4 door as well.

 

[tantos]

overall, the pontiac loses out on resale value. American cars lose value like crazy

 

[Mister T]

Is your current car really that bad?
Perhaps you should delay buying a new car until you have to?
97K is not a whole lot on a car.
You might as well run it into the ground, no?

Can you imagine the kind of deals dealeships will be having in January and February?
Everyone is buying cars like crazy now AND everyone is about to blow there money on Christmas and holiday shopping.
Come Jan/Feb, people are going to be broke and the demand for brand new 02 models will have faded.
Your best bet is to wait.... thats what I would do anyway....

my 1.999999 cents

 

[Thegonagle]

Just got word that I'll be driving a 2002 Altima SE V-6 5 Speed over to Milwaukee tomorrow.

I'll let you know what I think of it, if I don't forget what the it's like on the way back. I'll be driving a Frontier home. :frown:

 

[LAUST]

<< overall, the pontiac loses out on resale value. American cars lose value like crazy >>


because there is also 10X more Domestic's on the road also, building a car that loses value by producing cheaper to make and more incentive to sell looks bad to many people but also looks very good to the average American, you have to realize that the U.S. isn't a bunch of IT people with 75K a year jobs, these are blue collar people with 2-3 kids, Ford and GM are VERY smart in that they want to get people in on a 3 year lease, some middle class person who wants a car for 3 years thats fully covered, turn it in get a new one do that cycle over, then on the back end the lower class can now pick up a vehicle thats only a few years old thats also in their price range....

 

[PlatinumGold]

bigsmooth

that was for the '97 model, my link was to year 2001. they do vary year to year. i'm not denying that maxima is a nice car, but people talk about nissans as if they are 100X better than their american counterparts. it's just not true.

 

[CraigRT]

<< that was for the '97 model, my link was to year 2001. they do vary year to year. i'm not denying that maxima is a nice car, but people talk about nissans as if they are 100X better than their american counterparts. it's just not true. >>



mm pretty close though..

GM cars are OK... but they're low quality which is the worst part. then run decent, they are pretty reliable too, but sooo damn CHEAP..

the interiors in those cars are DISGUSTING.. I was in an Alero we had as a rental once.. it made me laugh.. such junk!

 

[Doggiedog]

Just get the Maxima. When you want to drive a Grandprix just head over to Avis and rent one with the money you saved buying the Maxima.

 

[bigbootydaddy]

the heads up display on the GTP is reason enough.

i wish i could get a GTP.

booty GTP

 

[BigSmooth]

<< bigsmooth

that was for the '97 model, my link was to year 2001. they do vary year to year. i'm not denying that maxima is a nice car, but people talk about nissans as if they are 100X better than their american counterparts. it's just not true. >>


PlatinumGold:
My link is also to the 2001 study. You can read about the study here. It is based on the problems that arise in cars after 4 or 5 years of ownership (hence the '97 model year vehicles). Therefore, your link was also based on MY '97 vehicles.

I do think the quality of American cars has improved greatly in the last 5 years. However, they have to earn the respect over time that companies like Honda and Toyota have already established.

 

[BigJohnKC]

I just bought a new Altima last Saturday. Let me tell you, if these guys had not told me about the size, power and quality of Nissan a few months ago when I started looking, I never would have ended up at the Nissan dealership. I'd probably be driving a GTP, or even a Chevy Monte Carlo.

I've driven the GTP - I admit it was very nice. I especially liked the heads-up display for the speedometer....cool. And the car is much bigger on the inside. Yes, I know there was a quoted stat about the Maxima having more cubic feet of space, but I will tell you from personal experience, I felt cramped in the Maxima because it had such a huge console in the middle that had the stereo, a/c, etc. on it. The GTP provided much more room to the driver, more room to spread out your legs. But the Maxima had more power. I don't look at the stats, I think about how I felt when I drove it....the Max jumped off the line and accelerated smoothly and quickly, getting up to about 80 in no ttime at all. The GTP did the same, but it was louder, and it felt like the RPM was higher or it was working harder to go. That may have to do with the engines being designed differently, I don't know. If the Maxima was bigger on the inside, I would have gotten that instead of the Altima, but the Altima had more room. What I'm saying is that they are quite similar cars in power, but what you need to look at is the look you're going for and the quality of the car. Like these guys say, the Maxima is better quality, and the Pontiac is a more blue-collar sports car. It depends on the image you want for yourself.


BTW, where the heck could you get a loaded Altima for just under 20K?? That better be with your trade in - how much was your trade-in? Mine cost much more than that, but I only had a 1200 dollar trade-in....

 

[WickedMotorcar]

Get the Pontiac and be different. You don't see those GTPs every day and they look nice and have balls! Forget Nissan, everyone and their mother has an Altima or Maxima these days.

 

[Pothead]

Thanx JohnKC, that was very informative. The GTPs are nicer looking than Maximas. Roomier too.

My car is what you would call a POS! I had some braking problems and brought it to the dealership several times. Problem was when I was at a red light and gassed it, it hesitated for a split second. The dealship said just get another ECU or computer in it. It would be the third one already since I bought the car. So I didn't and have been running on it for almost yr now. My friend that does a lot of work on cars and stuff says the tranny is gonna go soon. Lots of squeling also. Considering the cost to maintain, it isn't worth it at all. I'll need a new timing belt soon and new brakes also.

I love my car even though it isn't that fast. I guess it's true when you hit 100k miles, the resale value plumets?

I was leaning so much toward finalizing a deal for the GTP but maybe not now.

Anyone reccomend a car that is sporty and pretty decent size?

Thanx for the input, everyone

 

[bigshot]

The Nissan Maxima's top engine was rated as one of the 10 best engines last year. Pontiac has never been even close to making the list.

actually the 3.1L and the 3.8 3800 series engines are regarded bulletproof are i believe they are on that list...well the 3800 series i think.

and the GTP runs mid 14's too.

 

[slag]

First off, the gtp does not have a northstar. It has ONSTAR.

I own a 97 GTP and can honestly say it is a very fun car to drive. I have a child so I bought the sedan version of the car (used with 62k miles) last spring. It now has 92k miles and the only problem I have had with the car is a bad water pump (replaced it myself, $30.00).

I drive about 80 miles a day with the car and get a consistent 21-24 mpg. I tend to hot foot it alot since the GTP launches very well due to its torque.

It is easy to mod these cars. Swap the stock 3.8 pully for a 3.4 or 3.25 to raise your boost levels.
Replace the stock airbox/filter with a K & N cone or Cold Air Intake to help it breathe better

I have done these 2 mods and can run with the Camaro SS cars and can beat most later model Mustang GT cars... with my 4 door grocery getter. I can consistently blow away Taurus SHO, Audi A4, and walk Nissan Maximas as well. I do get walked myself by most cobras and m5's. WS6's also kick my ass. I'd estimate I am pushing around 280-285 hp, but have never been dynoed so I dont know for sure. One thing to consider is with this engine, you MUST run premium gas due to the supercharger.

It is relatively easy to hit 300+ horsepower with these cars. Other mods would be headers, Reprogrammed PCM, custom exhaust, and rockers or cam. All of these items are readily available for the 3.8 sc motor (L67) which is also found in the Buick Regal GS.

My 1997 GTP comes with eyecue Heads up display (i dont know how I ever drove without this), leather interior, electrochomatic rearview mirror, keyless entry, steering wheel radio controls, and other normal extras. After 6 years and 92,000 miles, everything still works well with no problems.

MadIndian. Stock Gtp's are in the 14's as well. GT's are low 16, high 15 second cars. These engines are very reliable and have been around for decades. They are relatively low tech and are dogs in the top end, but I have no problem getting my car up to 100 (Fastest I have had it) in very little time. These cars really shine off the line. I also wouldnt go as far as to say the 4t65 tranny is bulletproof. Several members who autocross and race their cars on CLUBGP have had differential problems, output shaft problems, and other problems. Their cars simply make too much hp and torque and blow the trannies. Thrasher has a tranny out that is supposedly the end all of problems, but I dont know much about it. Fact is, I have had no problems at all with my tranny and I am a sucker for stoplight races.

PowerMac4Ever--no, the supercharger does not make the engine any less reliable. In fact, the GTP actually has less compression than the GT and also has stronger internal parts than the NA 3.8 engine so it can accomodate the supercharger better. It does not bring any more dirt into the car because just like a NA (normally aspirated) engine, all air comes in via the airbox and air filter. The volume of air is just much more.

Skoorb, you are so far out there..... The GTP looks better, is faster off the line, and has more options available, all which make it a great car. The GTP is not available in a stick, but many 4 door sedans do not have sticks. A manual transmission is not everything!!.. Having owned a 280zx (5 speed), RX7 (5 speed), and a few other older stick imports, I can honestly say that I prefer the automatic transmission in this car. It has traction control, shifts very well, and is not a dog. Plus, with an aftermarket pcm, you can skip-shift from 1-3 just like you can in a manual transmission. Btw, your estimations suck its more like.. while the maxima owner is shifting into 1st gear, the gtp owner is already 2 car lengths ahead and getting smaller and smaller as the torque pulls the car away from the maxima. sure, the maxima might catch up at 100+ mph, but by then the race is over.. just in time for the maxima owner to do a racer flyby..


This being said, the maximas (and especially the new altimas) are going to be fun cars to drive. Personally, I'd pick the new altima over the new maxima, but to each his own.

 

[vi edit]

<< Get the Pontiac and be different. You don't see those GTPs every day and they look nice and have balls! Forget Nissan, everyone and their mother has an Altima or Maxima these days. >>



You're not from the midwest are you? I must see 5 GTP's and 10 other various models of Gran Prix's on my daily drive to work. A nice Maxima SE is a rare sighting.

 

[Rage187]

I have the 2001 GT GP, love it...


its finished off very nicely inside...

 

[LAUST]

if the purchase is to be different then your screwed no matter what way you go, you have to make it different if you want that, it's preferred that you go the route of clean additions if you do tho (not Rice)

 

[Blundar]

I would never buy a pontiac.
Never.
But that's me.

My roomie has a 96 V6 Maxima, and it's grrrrrrrreeeeeeeeat. Nissan has really done a ncie job revamping their product line.
I personally detest all supercharged cars. In terms of forced induction, turbocharging is much more elegant and efficient. Not to mention less expensive when it breaks!

Another thing I think you need to ask yourself: How long do you plan on keeping the car?

Pontiacs lose value MUCH faster than Nissans. You can still pay 3-4Grand if not more for a maxima in good shape with 100K. American cars after 100K lose a lot more of their value.

Also, the roomie with the maxima had a stanza before. It had 240,000 miles on it, original body and engine. Only reason he doesn't still drive it now (he would have kept it) was that he neglected to get the timing belt changed within the maintenance period and it snapped as he was driving 70mph down I75 and totalled the engine.

Point being, if you are going to keep the car 3 years and trade it in, the Pontiac may be ok. If you are going to keep the car for a LONG TIME, the Nissan will retain its value better for trades and be more reliable in later life.

Oh yeah, I know pontiac lovers are going to flame me.

 

[Scarpozzi]

Pontiac = Poor Old Numbnuts Thought It Was A Cadillac

I would have to say between those two vehicles it's a tough call. They are totally different. Maxima is a classier vehicle simply because it's not as racey. The Pontiac will eat more gas and wear out quicker, but you'll see A LOT more power and it will be a blast....but it's a cop magnet. I would personally go with the Maxima for total value over the Pontiac. The resale will be pretty good since it holds value better and it will still peel out if you get a 5 speed. Look around though and go with a used one if you can. You might be able to find a deal on a 2000 right now since sales are down. Just point that out to the dealerships guys....

 

[mAdD INDIAN]

to the guys who said why don't the Maximas sell as well?

They are the BEST SELLING IMPORT V6 MIDSIZE SEDAN in North America! The VQ engine has been in the top ten engine catagory for the past 8 years! It's claimed to be the Best V6 Engine for the past 8 years!

Secondly the reason why Nissan cars in general don't sell as well is two fold:
1) their Marketing, till recently..it was crap. Now its getting better...Nissan sales are rising..they have been since 2000.

2) their cars are not for everyone. Most people on AT are performance oriented, that's why they select the Maxima over a Camry or Accord. If you want buttery smoothness and the tranqility of a vault, get a Camry..its the best choice out there..but don't expect to have any fun driving the car!

The Majority of the consumers out there don't care for performance, so they select the Camry..and they are making a right choice also. Notice the majority of Camrys are all 4-cyls? Same with Accords.

 

[tcsenter]

Personally, I think Ford is letting a potentially killer platform go to waste - Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable. How can you allow your NASCAR flagship to waste away in mediocrity of a 200HP V-6 with grocery-getter styling? The Taurus SLS is almost there, a little more tweaking like some body accents, a tuned suspension, and a SVT-prepped Duratec sporting 240-260hp and they would have a winner. I miss my Taurus SHO.

 

[Glock30]

Buy non-American!

I'd pick Maxima.

 

[straubs]

<< I personally detest all supercharged cars. In terms of forced induction, turbocharging is much more elegant and efficient. Not to mention less expensive when it breaks! >>



Sorry, but I disagree. For one simple reason: TURBO LAG. Superchargers NEVER lag. How can you call that more elegant and efficient? You like having to rev up the engine to the redline in order to produce any power? I don't....
The GM 3.8 SC engine has been around a while in the form of a Bonneville SSEI. It's a proven engine. Don't worry about it blowing up on you.

I can't BELIEVE people think that the Maxima actually looks BETTER than the GTP! :Q More classy, maybe, but the same people who think this are the people buying your bland and extremely boring Camry. The Maxima looks like every other sedan out there except with incredibly ugly tail lights.

The interior is plasticy, but I like it still.

All doubters really need to DRIVE or at least ride in a GTP before you knock it so harshly. I'm not knocking the Maxima except in the looks department where it has gone downhill in the last few years.

My belief of why people pick the GTP over the Maxima are the simple fact that the GTP is MUCH more sporty in appearance. Appearance counts a LOT for sporty cars. The Maxima just looks like a sedan. I don't doubt the quality/reliability of the Maxima. That's been proven. But if that's what you are absolutely, positively, MOST concerned about, then get a Camry.

Edit: changed 3.6 to 3.8... my bad!