[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]

I'm thinking the Astra might be worth at least a test drive too, but I have to stick to my original plan and at least test drive a G8. I'm sure the Astra is about half the price. The downside to any Saturn is that they don't honor the points from my GM card. I don't have much now but 2 years ago I got a mailer from GM doubling my points, and it doubled the amount you can take off of a new car. Fortunately I was able to transfer it all to take $3k off my mom's trailblazer.

I got a voice mail from the GTO salesman today... and had to talk myself out of calling him back.

[dailydriver]

I'm thinking the Astra might be worth at least a test drive too, but I have to stick to my original plan and at least test drive a G8. I'm sure the Astra is about half the price.

GM could really do something special with the Astra. It is a GREAT platform, and could be made into a world-beating turbo AWD monster with a little effort. I'd love to see them make a WRC car out of it, and go STI, Evo, Focus, and Peugeot/Citroen hunting with it. But yes, sadly enough, I realize they are in NO position financially to even think about this with any commitment. It is a shame because I'd bet that would garner them a big sales boost in Europe, Asia, and even here among the ubiquitous "sport compact" crowd. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/gr_sad.gif)

This post has been edited by dailydriver: Nov 15 2007, 04:02 PM