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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.

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Just to close this story I wound up buying an '08 Aura XR in Techno Gray with black cloth interior and no sunroof. It is the cheapest way to get the 3.6L engine with the paddle shifted 6 speed automatic. I also took advantage of the red tag event so the rebates came out to $2250. So far the car has 255 miles on it, and I can't complain about much. The transmission likes to shift a little too often so in traffic I just keep it in manual mode. It still downshifts on its own and I accidentally hit the downshift button just after the number on the dash changed so it dropped 2 gears instead of 1, 4th to 2nd. not a big deal but I'll have to keep an eye out for that one.

The ride is great even with 18"s, but the car will burn the front tires off the rims before the traction control kicks in. There have been reports that the tires are pretty crappy (confirmed with Tire Rack.)

Wish me luck.

(IMG:http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//pictures/VEHICLE/2007/Saturn/2007.saturn.aura.20091706-E.jpg)