[slowTA]

I found a black on black, 6 speed, 18K mile, 2005 GTO locally and I'm very interested in it. I've read online that there are some suspension issues with the car, some parts are pretty odd and have to come from down under, they're almost the red headed step children of the service centers. I guess I'm asking if the problems are wide spread, only on the '04 models, or are exaggerated by 'internet information'.

While at the dealer I drove an '08 Malibu. The salesman (fellow gearhead) said it is such a better car than the previous versions that it shouldn't be called a Malibu. I agree. It has a great ride and more power than you would expect. It was raining so I didn't get a full appreciation for all the power. The transmission seemed to shift nicely (6 speed paddle shifted automatic) and wasn't clunky on the downshift, just kinda slow.

Also, when you search for GTO on this board it comes up empty. I found the post by 2000Z-71 because I remembered his GTO was hit by a suburban.

[slowTA]

Let me tell you I was 'this close' to putting a deposit in the car Saturday. They even knocked $1,000 off the car when I stood up to leave. But I'm comparing it to the Malibu I currently have. I've done brakes, oil, and an intake gasket... with almost no other attention. I would like to keep daily driver attention/maintenance to the same point and decided the GTO is not the car for that. But I wish it was!

I've also been keeping tabs on the G8. The latest I've heard is $29,995 for a base GT. That gets you 360hp, cloth seats, and 18" rims. The downside is the 3,995 lb curb weight and possibly the 6 speed auto. The manual gearbox will come out later, as soon as few months or as late as the next model year.

I've briefly considered the Solstice/Sky but I would still want something for the winter (I have 2 cars now, do i really want 3?) and they have no real trunk. I should be able to manage the heavier GTO in the snow better than a Solstice/Sky.