[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.

[Teutonic Speedra...]

I had thought about a GTO as a daily driver as well about two years ago. I test drove one, and thought the quality was better than expected, was classy inside, and was smooth. If felt mushy as all hell though for a performance car, but my car has been solid bushings everywhere for so long, I don't know what a "stock" performance car should feel like anymore. The thing that scared me away was that it would be expensive to maintain and DD. Was thinking of 18" tires that will wear out every 20k, premium fuel, higher insurance, etc. If I didn't track the Camaro, then it wouldn't be a big deal...so I settled on a Corolla at $15k, which I regularly get 38mpg (with 80mph commuting and stop and go). It's got 47k miles and all I've done is oil changes and an air filter. When the tires wear out, they'll be $40/piece. Of course it's no performance car and I'd much rather drive a GTO to work every day :-)