YACT: My New 2006 Pontiac GTO

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RKS

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
6,824
3
81
Nice, Congrats. :thumbsup:

I'm not usually domestic fan but I actually like the simple styling of the GTO. The interior seems very nice even though the steering wheel and the HVAC and radio dials seem too plain. You can't go wrong with a 6.0 combined with a 6-Speed manual.

We have a 6-Speed Max and my wife won't buy an automatic if there is a manual option.

Hopefully in a couple years (need a bigger house by next year) I can start eyeing the new Nissan GTR, Z06, or a used 997TT.
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,599
1,000
126
Congrats.

Do those rear wheels rub when you get on the power? I test drove one that had 18's on it and they rubbed bad. :thumbsdown:
 

fbrdphreak

Lifer
Apr 17, 2004
17,555
1
0
Originally posted by: RKS
Nice, Congrats. :thumbsup:

I'm not usually domestic fan but I actually like the simple styling of the GTO. The interior seems very nice even though the steering wheel and the HVAC and radio dials seem too plain. You can't go wrong with a 6.0 combined with a 6-Speed manual.

We have a 6-Speed Max and my wife won't buy an automatic if there is a manual option.

Hopefully in a couple years (need a bigger house by next year) I can start eyeing the new Nissan GTR, Z06, or a used 997TT.
Yeah the HVAC controls are GHETTO. They are utter crap and unfortunately typical GM. Luckily most of the car is not like that. Steering wheel is fine, the style is to each his own. Personally as long as a steering wheel isn't butt ugly and its functional, I'm happy.

Glad you've got a woman who appreciates cars ;) My gf is the same way
 

fbrdphreak

Lifer
Apr 17, 2004
17,555
1
0
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Congrats.

Do those rear wheels rub when you get on the power? I test drove one that had 18's on it and they rubbed bad. :thumbsdown:
Nothing I've noticed yet, but if there is any rub it will be on the front. The struts are VERY close to the tires and a poor design indeed. You have to be careful what brand you replace the front tires with, as they do vary somewhat in real size and can cause rub even if sticking with the same size. Out back rub generally isn't an issue unless you go larger than a 265-width tire; 275's are pushing it, but sometimes possible. Front no larger than 245 for sure, which is what comes on the 17's all around. 18's come with 235's all around.
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,599
1,000
126
Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Congrats.

Do those rear wheels rub when you get on the power? I test drove one that had 18's on it and they rubbed bad. :thumbsdown:
Nothing I've noticed yet, but if there is any rub it will be on the front. The struts are VERY close to the tires and a poor design indeed. You have to be careful what brand you replace the front tires with, as they do vary somewhat in real size and can cause rub even if sticking with the same size. Out back rub generally isn't an issue unless you go larger than a 265-width tire; 275's are pushing it, but sometimes possible. Front no larger than 245 for sure, which is what comes on the 17's all around. 18's come with 235's all around.

I don't know what size they were but when you got on the power and the rear end squats down the rear wheel well would hit the outside edge of the rear tires. A few good blasts and I suspect they'd have cut right through the sidewall. I don't know what idiot put that tire/wheel combo together but they clearly weren't thinking.

BTW-I had that car up to 100mph on that test drive. ;)

Also, I wouldn't recommend teaching a nub how to drive a stick on that car. I tried once with my wife on my old Mustang GT. Didn't happen... :roll: Go test drive a used BMW or something. :p:laugh:
 

InlineFive

Diamond Member
Sep 20, 2003
9,599
2
0
How old are you? If the price of the car wasn't enough Mr. Insurance will be tapping your shoulder. ;)
 

theeedude

Lifer
Feb 5, 2006
35,787
6,198
126
Isn't Pontiac bringing a Holden based sedan next year as well? If gas stays under $2.50, I think I am going to have to get one :)
 

RGN

Diamond Member
Feb 24, 2000
6,623
6
81
Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
Originally posted by: Aimster
how much HP did the GTO have when it first came out? The new one

340?
2004 models had the 5.7L LS1 350HP/365TQ. 2005-2006 has the 6.0L LS2 400HP/400TQ.

Yep, and my freak '04 just put down 305/330 stock... :D

Congrats!!! Hit up ls1gto.com if you already haven't.
 

fbrdphreak

Lifer
Apr 17, 2004
17,555
1
0
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Congrats.

Do those rear wheels rub when you get on the power? I test drove one that had 18's on it and they rubbed bad. :thumbsdown:
Nothing I've noticed yet, but if there is any rub it will be on the front. The struts are VERY close to the tires and a poor design indeed. You have to be careful what brand you replace the front tires with, as they do vary somewhat in real size and can cause rub even if sticking with the same size. Out back rub generally isn't an issue unless you go larger than a 265-width tire; 275's are pushing it, but sometimes possible. Front no larger than 245 for sure, which is what comes on the 17's all around. 18's come with 235's all around.

I don't know what size they were but when you got on the power and the rear end squats down the rear wheel well would hit the outside edge of the rear tires. A few good blasts and I suspect they'd have cut right through the sidewall. I don't know what idiot put that tire/wheel combo together but they clearly weren't thinking.

BTW-I had that car up to 100mph on that test drive. ;)

Also, I wouldn't recommend teaching a nub how to drive a stick on that car. I tried once with my wife on my old Mustang GT. Didn't happen... :roll: Go test drive a used BMW or something. :p:laugh:
My gf is a VERY good driver and from being in the car with me, with Marlin teaching me and stuff, she should do well on the first try. There's so much torque you can do a no-throttle start in 1st gear, and starting in 2nd gear is very easy as well. She'll be good ;)
 

fbrdphreak

Lifer
Apr 17, 2004
17,555
1
0
Originally posted by: InlineFive
How old are you? If the price of the car wasn't enough Mr. Insurance will be tapping your shoulder. ;)
$160/month with full coverage on this car and my 97 Subaru Legacy GT Wagon with $1M underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage. 23, nothing on my record right now ;)
 

fbrdphreak

Lifer
Apr 17, 2004
17,555
1
0
Originally posted by: RGN
Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
Originally posted by: Aimster
how much HP did the GTO have when it first came out? The new one

340?
2004 models had the 5.7L LS1 350HP/365TQ. 2005-2006 has the 6.0L LS2 400HP/400TQ.

Yep, and my freak '04 just put down 305/330 stock... :D

Congrats!!! Hit up ls1gto.com if you already haven't.
I've been on there since before I bought the car, ecetim ;)
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,599
1,000
126
Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Congrats.

Do those rear wheels rub when you get on the power? I test drove one that had 18's on it and they rubbed bad. :thumbsdown:
Nothing I've noticed yet, but if there is any rub it will be on the front. The struts are VERY close to the tires and a poor design indeed. You have to be careful what brand you replace the front tires with, as they do vary somewhat in real size and can cause rub even if sticking with the same size. Out back rub generally isn't an issue unless you go larger than a 265-width tire; 275's are pushing it, but sometimes possible. Front no larger than 245 for sure, which is what comes on the 17's all around. 18's come with 235's all around.

I don't know what size they were but when you got on the power and the rear end squats down the rear wheel well would hit the outside edge of the rear tires. A few good blasts and I suspect they'd have cut right through the sidewall. I don't know what idiot put that tire/wheel combo together but they clearly weren't thinking.

BTW-I had that car up to 100mph on that test drive. ;)

Also, I wouldn't recommend teaching a nub how to drive a stick on that car. I tried once with my wife on my old Mustang GT. Didn't happen... :roll: Go test drive a used BMW or something. :p:laugh:
My gf is a VERY good driver and from being in the car with me, with Marlin teaching me and stuff, she should do well on the first try. There's so much torque you can do a no-throttle start in 1st gear, and starting in 2nd gear is very easy as well. She'll be good ;)

My wife isn't very mechanically inclined. Although, we did go test drive a used BMW 3 series once and as soon as we cleared the dealer's lot I pulled into a big parking lot and let her have at it. :laugh:

She still can't drive a stick though.
 

RGN

Diamond Member
Feb 24, 2000
6,623
6
81
Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
[
Congrats!!! Hit up ls1gto.com if you already haven't.
I've been on there since before I bought the car, ecetim ;)[/quote]


lol, I just read your color thread. My car is the Phantom Black/Red. Its PITA to keep clean. :D
 

Triumph

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
15,031
14
81
Beautiful car. I am seriously considering picking up an 04. Has to be black w/ red interior. The car is a trade-off because of the fuel economy and lack of space, but the quirky nature of the vehicle is really appealing to me. I mean, after you drive it for 2 hours, an icon of a little green christmas tree and a park bench pops up on the dash. Why? I dunno. It also doesn't have a door unlock switch on the 04's and 05's. There are alot of other little quirks that don't make much sense, but they sure make it unique. Part of what I love about this car. But I mainly love the fact that no one else loves it. :)
 

Vette73

Lifer
Jul 5, 2000
21,503
9
0
Yea Kat, his girl, was saying "ok I feal better, Marlin is driving..." :)

But he was not giving it enough gas when in gear. The car is loud to the point I thought I was giving it to much gas. But I am used to my turbo Saab.
But after driving it I just told him until he gets better, act as though there is no 1st gear. the car has so much power that 2nd still takes off very fast and hard.

Very nice car. I noticed some parts were in the old Saabs, like the side mirror adjuster and the key fob look ssimiliar to the old Saabs.
 

dj2004

Platinum Member
Oct 8, 2004
2,246
0
71
Hah, I see you got a 2006 (thought it was a 04 for some reason). Nice car, play it safe. :)
 

necine

Diamond Member
Jan 25, 2005
3,631
0
0
Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
Originally posted by: InlineFive
How old are you? If the price of the car wasn't enough Mr. Insurance will be tapping your shoulder. ;)
$160/month with full coverage on this car and my 97 Subaru Legacy GT Wagon with $1M underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage. 23, nothing on my record right now ;)

I pay 190/mo for the lowest possible insurance on my 93' Mark Vii. Completely clean record... you're lucky. I can't afford a new car because of my insurance.
 

psteng19

Diamond Member
Dec 9, 2000
5,953
0
0
Wow, learning to drive stick on a brand new GTO that you just bought.
That's ballsy.

I could do without the useless hood scoops that make it look like nostrils though.
 

zerocool84

Lifer
Nov 11, 2004
36,041
472
126
good job on getting a fast car for ur first REAL car. i id the same thing but luckily i knew how to drive stick and when you buy those kind of cars the interior or looks dont really matter, you buy that kind of car for pure performance. the look of the GTO's is pretty damn sleeperish, if you just swapped out the hood for non scoops no one would be the wiser but i like it with the scoops better. good luck with ur sweet ride and becareful not to let ur right foot get the best of you
 

fbrdphreak

Lifer
Apr 17, 2004
17,555
1
0
Originally posted by: Triumph
Beautiful car. I am seriously considering picking up an 04. Has to be black w/ red interior. The car is a trade-off because of the fuel economy and lack of space, but the quirky nature of the vehicle is really appealing to me. I mean, after you drive it for 2 hours, an icon of a little green christmas tree and a park bench pops up on the dash. Why? I dunno. It also doesn't have a door unlock switch on the 04's and 05's. There are alot of other little quirks that don't make much sense, but they sure make it unique. Part of what I love about this car. But I mainly love the fact that no one else loves it. :)
That little icon is a setting you can change as a "Rest Reminder" to remind you to pull over and take a break ;)