Greetings all. I just wanted to share my GXP purchase plan with everyone and then get everyone to input and put in their $.02

A little background...

In 2004 I traded my 1995 Impala SS (My first car purchase ever when I was 21).. I loved that car so much.. it was so sad to let it go but i had constant issues with it.. i was spending as much per month in repairs as I was on the payment.. my work was going well and i had just bought a house.. and I had seen all the buzz about the GTO.. when it was coming I just knew I HAD TO HAVE IT! My fav color is blue so of course the IBM w/ Blue interior just made me have many sleepless nights..
And one day after work I stopped in the local dealership and there she was in the service garage still not fully unpacked... IBM on Blue M6 EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED!!! A few days negotiating and she was mine...

But you know what.. then the '05 and '06 came out and I just found myself wishing I would have waited.. I am in marketing so I completely understand why companies keep the wraps on new products up until the last moment.. to try to move as many of the exsisting product as possible...

I have come the realization that I drive cars hard.. my GTO was nearly totalled three weeks after purchase while stupidly racing my buddy in his GP GXP in the rain... damn front wheel drives do pretty good in the rain.. lol.. i lost.. and the curb and a Denali ate my Goat. we had just left the gym so i guess all the testosterone or competitive juices were flowing OH THE THINGS WE LEARN AS WE GO HUH..

Anyways four years later My GTO sits in my garage down for the count with a whole host of issues.. bent strut, blown rack, failing driveshaft, destroyed half shaft, cooked brakes.. lol All the stock parts from other modded GTO's and very generous GTO owners over at LS1GTO.com are in route as I type.. (Thanks guys for all your help and props to Vegas Roll Call!)

So I go walking into the Pontiac dealership hoping to catch a brochure and as I'm pulling in my jaw drops.. there they are 2 of em.. one white one organge.. G8 GT.. and I recognized the feeling DEJA VU! Broken car that's down and out, brand new eye candy.. hmmmmmm. LOL

But THIS TIME IS GOING TO BE DIFFERENT, knowing now what I didnt know then here is my plan:

I'm going to fix my GTO up and get her paid off.. (got about 10k) left.. I'm going to drive her and enjoy her until i can find a low mile, unmodified GXP M6... I am so proud of myself for having the restraint to do this... and there's several reasons and benefits why I want to do this.
1. Obviously the financial reasons.. let someone else take that first hit
2. The warranty is much better now so picking up a one or two year old car isn't as risky as it was with the GTO
3. There becomes plenty of time to see what good mods come available and learn from other people's experiences
4. I will have my GTO paid for and have money saved in the bank for a decent down payment (never put money down on a car yet and will be happy too.
5. Time to fix my credit after a nasty divorce... lol! (I have no idea whay i just said LOL)
*6. Won't be disappointed about missing out on features or options that are added in later model years of the G8

So that's it.. that's my plan and one which I would NEVER have been able to stick to.. but i've just learned alot of things the hard way in the last few years...

So I'm sure my personal story was a bit more than you cared to know but none-the-less what other benefits can you come up with to sticking to this plan?

That's not a bad plan. But I absolutely cannot wait! I wouldn't be able to stand pulling up to a red light and seeing a G8 next to me if I was not driving a G8 myself! It's bad enough seeing the photos of users on this board who already are enjoying their G8 right now!

Hopefully the G8 will have fewer issues than your previous GM cars. :sick:

The plan sounds like a good one. You'll also be able to see from all of these new G8 owners whether the car has any mechanical/design issues. Hopefully it won't and you can get a deal and jump into an almost new one in a year or so.

Plan sounds good. But we don't even know what the gxp is going to look like yet. It could be like trying to quit smoking cold turky ;)

I told my wife to start saving $500 a month until we are ready to look for her G8. That way she can get used to about what I expect the payment to be. She'll also have a decent down payment by then.

I'm keeping my GTO. My plan is to pay it off towards the fourth year. That gets me into a used GXP (probably won't buy new; I can't believe how badly the GTO depreciated), past the inevitable first two years of problems (e.g. axle tramp... offset axle shafts, maybe).

modding it slowly and tastefully.

I'll probably keep the Goat for ever.. lol

and replace the TL with a GXP, M6.

but this GXP M6 could be a used one or brand new, cause I tend to keep my cars for more than 6 yrs.. lol

And I want to buy it somewhere a yr after its launch

Oh, and could someone please photoshop a Red G8 GXP next to the Goat, will help me dream better.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii113/hsvls2/DSC00179.jpg

- no dealer gouging
- car would have been reviewed pretty thoroughly
- if its used I would be able to pay abt 20% less. I really would like brand spanking new though.

I don't even know how much the GXP will cost or when it will be here in the US, so I can not plan too much at this stage. I do plan to purchase a new one, whether it be a GT or GXP. I can hold out till the end of this year maybe, so I hope the GXP is coming this year.

That sounds good to me too. My question is which dealership did you go to that you saw these cars? I need to get down and try one out real soon to decide what I am going to do. Good luck with the GTO, and if you need some extra help I might be able to find a little extra time to give you a hand.

Markups on the GXP will probably be in the 15k range...

That is just a supposition. You've nothing to back up your claim. I find it highly unlikely that such a car would exhibit a 40% + markup.

I agree. There may be a few crazy dealers the first month or so, but just like the other G8's, the hype is wearing down and dealers are beginning to come off MSRP.

I plan on buying in mid to late 2010 and letting the hype die down for the sake of getting a good deal. I bought my '04 CTS-V used in '05 with low miles at a helluva price. My only problem is I'm really wanting to go new, so who knows what I'll end up doing. Wife is already ok with it, so I've got that covered.

Markups on the GXP will probably be in the 15k range...

not if they want to sell any

I can't wait to get a G8 GT and do some mods nothing crazy though it will be a nice compliment to the GTO.

I can't wait to get a G8 GT and do some mods nothing crazy though it will be a nice compliment to the GTO.

if they have HUDs, the usual lux stuff, as they have in all GXPs and i'll happily give away my 40K to them.

This thing might be 38-39K.

not if they want to sell any

There are always idiots willing to pay to be the first one on the block. Paying anything over MSRP is ridiculous, IMO.

if they have HUDs, the usual lux stuff, as they have in all GXPs and i'll happily give away my 40K to them.

This thing might be 38-39K.

I agree with you - it would seem foolish to price the GXP higher than an SRT8.

But at the same time, the CTS-V is supposed to start at 62k, so the GXP at 40+ doesn't sound too out of the realm of possibility....

we'll hope for the first scenario.... :-)

My plan is to have my '04 GTO paid off either later this year, or early next year. Then wait a whole year and trade in the GTO on the GXP (even though I've been saying my GTO will never leave.... of course that was before another Holden masterpiece was announced to grace our shores).

I already have my "keeper", my '96 Impala SS. My SS will become my dedicated autocross (and minimal track) car. I doubt that I could talk the Mrs. into letting me keep the GTO as well (although the goat would make a great track car).

I don't buy cars as investments, so I don't care how much they appreciate/depreciate. If there is something I want, and the price is acceptable to me, then I'll go for it.

I don't buy cars as investments, so I don't care how much they appreciate/depreciate. If there is something I want, and the price is acceptable to me, then I'll go for it.

Completely agree with you here. If you want an investment, buy property. Cars are meant to be driven, so depreciation & value 5 years down the road means squat to me. As long as I get a good price, I'm game.

My lease is up in mid 2010 so might be a good time to get a gxp :driving:

While you guys are waiting for the gxp....ive already gotten the lost 40 hp figured out...and driving around in my new g8....guys....its not worth waiting...if your going to do it..just get one ....u can gxp it yourself
probally going to put alil hidden spray bottle after the flows, chip, and CAI. ...ive already gotten road head from a college hottie in it. lol come on..do it...go down and BUY one NOW!

oh for you impalla guys...out there....ive got pics of my lambo red 96 ss on 20s...cowl hood...pizza cutters up front...white gauges..etc etc...PM for link if u wanna c the baddest impi

While you guys are waiting for the gxp....ive already gotten the lost 40 hp figured out...and driving around in my new g8....guys....its not worth waiting...if your going to do it..just get one ....u can gxp it yourself
probally going to put alil hidden spray bottle after the flows, chip, and CAI. ...ive already gotten road head from a college hottie in it. lol come on..do it...go down and BUY one NOW!

Well, I figure to make the G8 into a GXP, barring visual appearances (front facia, rear diffuser, badges) it would take:
19" wheels and tires - ~$2k
14" 4-piston front brakes - ~$1.5k - $2k
suspension w/ caster/camber plates - ~$1.5k
manual transmission conversion - ~$3k+
bolstered seats - ~$1k

Looks like about $9k worth of parts, no labor, and most of all, not covered under warranty. I'll wait for the GXP and get the above, plus .2 liters of displacement more, and the visual differences.

oh for you impalla guys...out there....ive got pics of my lambo red 96 ss on 20s...cowl hood...pizza cutters up front...white gauges..etc etc...PM for link if u wanna c the baddest impi

O.T. - local guy here has almost same setup ('96, lambo's, 20's, hood, chromed, etc).

If you're game, bring that bad boy out to St. Louis this year for the Impala Nats.

and most of all, not covered under warranty.

Ding! Ding!...

Sticking to my GXP plan...keep it all under warranty and just keep modding the TA, the G8 GXP would likely only see a CAI and maybe a tune....nothing the dealer can really gripe about.

My only plan is to somehow avoid getting bent over on trading in or selling my SRT8...Oh and not paying over MSRP to into a GXP G8.

My plan is to sell my Grand Prix GXP 07' w/11k miles on it. Hopefully I'll make a bit more than I owe and will be able to bank that, the $ I WAS saving for the inferno hood on it, and then everything I would've been paying per month to keep the GP, to put down on the G8 GXP when it's time. Until then, I'll be driving around the beater... 2000 sunfire w/115k on it. Luckily I work from home most of the time.

When are the GXPs supposed to be available to purchase? November?

DONT Need to make a g8 into a gxp...the autos fine....who wants to row your own ..when you can have a modded auto 6sp...
for ALOT lets than $9K, mine will keep pace or out run a GXP when I am done with it...brakes..$2k? waste of money.im not going to be on a track..for ever day use.. some upgradded pads and calipers will be 99% as good....
the G8 is already set up......a few intake, exhaust and ecm upgrades..maybe sum rear guy..and ill be hauling right next to any gxp

A Manual has a gearing advantage over an auto; especially when you're talking about the tranny that's going into the GXP. The 6 Speed Auto is great, but some people enjoy driving a manual. Its more fun. Auto maniacs aren't required to understand.

but some people enjoy driving a manual. Its more fun.

Yep it is.....on the open road, its great.

But sometimes its not so fun:
- stop and go traffic
- trying to talk on the phone and shift
- eating or drinking while you drive
- have any sort of physical disability (temporary or permanent) to a limb.

Really, the big advantage used to be gearing (6 vs 4) and "shiftability" both of which are available now with the Auto. But Brake Torquing it will never be as fun as popping the clutch....

if your going to do it..just get one ....u can gxp it yourself


DONT Need to make a g8 into a gxp

:confused: :sneaky: For me, I want the different facia. That's the one thing I'm not a fan of is the standard G8 front facia. I like the subtle change of the GXP front.

I currently have a 6m GTO, so I may or may not want another, we'll see how I feel about it when they come out so I can drive them, I may very well want the auto, but with the GXP specific rear gears, that's already a step in the right direction.

Bigger brakes? I'm a brake fan (have you thought about how much your "caliper upgrade" is going to cost? Won't be $2k, but it probably won't be cheap either), and I may or may not take it to the track, but knowing I have nice, big brakes, all that surface area to scrub off heat and speed, I'll gladly fling it through the back roads and not fear brake fade... Tail of the Dragon, anyone?

If I do end up getting a GXP, you better believe I'll be doing intake and exhaust as well (maybe some DiabloSport programming to boot), which when added with the gear ratios, you will most definitely be needing some saucy nawws to keep up. Just my 2% of $1.

I like the subtle change of the GXP front.

x2! that small change makes a big difference...IMHO.

While you guys are waiting for the gxp....ive already gotten the lost 40 hp figured out...

Got news for you...if you think you gained power with a Flowmaster, you're sadly mistaken...

http://performanceparts.com/performance_parts_images/flowmaster_42441.jpg :(

glad to see others are holding out for the GXP. It's going to be hard for me, but I know it'l be worth it in the end.

My situation is so messed up. I have about 15 different scenarios, all which are feasable, none which are perfect. Here's the background:

My dad works for GM. He's a 9th level, so he can do Drive & buys at PEP pricing. This has worked out well for me, because he is able to "sponsor" me and those great prices are passed on to me. I started off in a G6, with payments of $113 a month. Fantastic! Then I wanted some more power, so I got my GP, built exactly how I wanted it. I figured I'd be fine with a 15k/year lease, but it turns out, I'm already pushing that barier, and my lease isn't up till december.

So now I'm thinking lease pullahead in june, and getting a G8 GT then. But now that I am over 21 and no longer a student, I cannot be "sponsored" by my dad, and only can get GMS pricing. This turns out to be around 500/mo on a new G8. Since I am just starting my career in June, I really don't want 500+200 ins a month taken out of my paycheck right away. So then I'm thinking I'll just get a used vehicle till the GXP comes out (I swore to myself my next car would be a manual). but the problem with that is a lease pullahead requires you to get a new car from GM. The headaches begin to set in.

So now that I'm too old to get a drive and buy, and I have to get a new car in order to pullahead the GP, I'm somewhat stuck between a rock and a hard place. The solution my dad and I worked out is pretty wild, but I think it will work. We are going to tag a Silverado, and pullahead my GP for it. He will put it in his name, but I will drive it for about 8 months, and then finance a GXP at GMS pricing come springtime. At that point my dad will take over the silverado lease payments, and give it to my younger brother to drive, selling his current vehicle ('99 silverado). By then I will have saved up about 10k to put down on the GXP, so they payments shouldn't be too bad.

So at the end of the day, I am driving my GP till I get a new silverado, and then come next spring I'll be driving a new GXP, which will be all mine. I think it works out pretty well :D

Magnum R/T driver right now but as soon as I heard about the GXP :drool:I got a GM Master Card:). I only wish it came with Nav.

Magnum R/T driver right now but as soon as I heard about the GXP :drool:I got a GM Master Card:). I only wish it came with Nav.

My argument to that is that it probably would cost around 1k added to the MSRP to integrate a nav system. 3rd party nav systems are running below $300 now, and are often loaded with more features. It would be nice to have it integrated to the screen, but this way allows you to customize how you want, and save on the purchase price.

My argument to that is that it probably would cost around 1k added to the MSRP to integrate a nav system. 3rd party nav systems are running below $300 now, and are often loaded with more features. It would be nice to have it integrated to the screen, but this way allows you to customize how you want, and save on the purchase price.

Great point but, I think the interior (pics I have seen) in the G8 is so well thought out that I would hate to ruin it with some suction cup thing on the windshield.

Magnum R/T driver right now but as soon as I heard about the GXP :drool:I got a GM Master Card:). I only wish it came with Nav.

Smart move!

I'm a Charger SRT8 owner but I'm patiently waiting to see if the GXP version will fill the Chargers void. The only 2 things that I might miss with the GXP is not having rear dvd and nav.

Well, I figure to make the G8 into a GXP, barring visual appearances (front facia, rear diffuser, badges) it would take:
19" wheels and tires - ~$2k
14" 4-piston front brakes - ~$1.5k - $2k
suspension w/ caster/camber plates - ~$1.5k
manual transmission conversion - ~$3k+
bolstered seats - ~$1k

Looks like about $9k worth of parts, no labor, and most of all, not covered under warranty. I'll wait for the GXP and get the above, plus .2 liters of displacement more, and the visual differences.

............and the interior changes such as racing seats, oil pressure & oil temp guages, racing pedals, GPS, etc.... Plus the Magnetic Ride Control, HSV exhaust tuning, etc.............And the body kit and different tail light assembly which looks awesome.

............and the interior changes such as racing seats, oil pressure & oil temp guages, racing pedals, GPS, etc.... Plus the Magnetic Ride Control, HSV exhaust tuning, etc.............And the body kit and different tail light assembly which looks awesome.

I was unaware that they were putting all that on the car as well

Got news for you...if you think you gained power with a Flowmaster, you're sadly mistaken...

http://performanceparts.com/performance_parts_images/flowmaster_42441.jpg :(

Yeah thoes are the biggest pieces of **** ever

would be nice if Greddy or HKS made a catback for them

would be nice if Greddy or HKS made a catback for them

Why :nonono:

I was unaware that they were putting all that on the car as well

It's based on the differences between the HSV Clubsport (GXP) and the SS Commodore (G8-GT). I would be pretty safe in predicting that you guys will get the displacement on demand as well. We haven't got that yet here in Oz, but HSV will be the first to launch in the series II with the LS3.
It's worth the wait mate. Go to www.hsv.com.au and have a look at the Clubsport R8. Have a look at some of the additions the HSV enator has as well. I'd say you Yanks will get some of them as standard. There's your GXP minus the Pontiac nostrils.

good plan im going to start saving a certain amount of money per month as well.

It's based on the differences between the HSV Clubsport (GXP) and the SS Commodore (G8-GT). I would be pretty safe in predicting that you guys will get the displacement on demand as well. We haven't got that yet here in Oz, but HSV will be the first to launch in the series II with the LS3.
It's worth the wait mate. Go to www.hsv.com.au and have a look at the Clubsport R8. Have a look at some of the additions the HSV enator has as well. I'd say you Yanks will get some of them as standard. There's your GXP minus the Pontiac nostrils.

We have the AFM (Active Fuel Management - new acronym to replace DoD) in the GT, but the LS3 in the GXP will not have it. The LS3 does not have AFM capability. So unless Holden switches their base engine to the L76, you won't be getting AFM

But you know what.. then the '05 and '06 came out and I just found myself wishing I would have waited.. I am in marketing so I completely understand why companies keep the wraps on new products up until the last moment.. to try to move as many of the exsisting product as possible...

Ain't it the truth. I when I knew what was coming out next year or two, I figured I could wait a year or two. When I knew what was coming out in three to four years, I wondered if I could wait. Once I knew what was coming out in seven years, I started planning on getting the 2009 G8 GT/GXP, and then get the something or other 5 years after that.

I got my plan im selling my SRT 4 to buy a junker so i can save up and make a huge down payment. I will definatly be getting one.

While I am not certain if I am getting a new GT, GXP or used ones, my consistent plan is to stop all mods on my current ride, and keep it clean as possible while paying her off. When the time is rigt for me, I will sell my current ride, then buy a G8.

I have been holding out on getting anything until I found out if the GXP was a real go. I leased a Mazda CX-7 GT for $196 per month for 27 months as the interim hold out. Looks like the timing will be about right as my lease is up next March. I was looking at a 2006 CTS-V, but the GXP has definitely got my attention. Decisions, decisions.

So, looks like one more summer without a "fun" car. It will be nice to have something with some real go to it, again.

I'm strongly considering the GXP as well.

The two dealer breakers will be the price (out if it's over $35k) and the colors offered (out if they're boring, the car looks like too many others on the road without something to set it apart). I'm also waiting to see if the G8 ST gets a GXP model, if so the unique styling should make that a head turner and it would be my choice.

Or I might give up on how GM handles Holdens in the USA and simply get a new Challenger with a stick.

Sorry JAWDRPNG8, The GXP will be a bird of an entirely different feather. Much upgraded suspension, wheels, brakes, LS3!!!, even the body in a few places will be different, not to mention the M6 tranny which helps any car lose 70-90 lbs of un wanted weight. The car is way worth the wait. A friend of mine at GM says a H\C, CAI and a tune in the GXP will put the puppy at 510 bhp, up from the stock 405-407, No it's not going to be 402 as stated in mags. Add in full bolt-ons and you've got a $45k car that puts down 560 bhp!!! 10 ponies more than the 2009 CTS-v and it's supercharged, the GXP car will be all motor and 300 lbs lighter too, then if you want to go hunting ZR1's, slap a supercharger on top of that all motor LS3 GXP and now you're look'n at a cool 680-700 bhp!!! or so, yeah baby, yeah. Hell, a 540 bhp GXP would smoke M5 V10's and E63's and C63's and, well there would be nothing left to eat but Z06's and go nibbling at Fearri F430's and Porsche turbos.

Manual tranny all the way!

Hmm...I might be rethinking my GXP plans..

Seems like there's some pretty good gains from Intake, Exhaust and Tune that puts the GTs up near the GXPs in power.

Sure there's some gains to be had on the GXP side, but I'll bet they won't be much more than 20hp crank.

Then I figure: GT has AFM/DoD will likely get much better mileage on the highway than the GXP (Gas prices figuring into it).

Drive it for a while with few bolt-ons and then if the power craving gets too much take the $$$ from the GXP and put a SC or TC on it.

Giving up, the Suspension, Brakes, and few other GXP features, but how much to do those figure into the price tag? At $40K a GT at $31K is a bargain IMHO. If the GXP out the door is more than $37 its too much I think...

I don't buy cars as investments, so I don't care how much they appreciate/depreciate. If there is something I want, and the price is acceptable to me, then I'll go for it.
Me too!:judge:

It's based on the differences between the HSV Clubsport (GXP) and the SS Commodore (G8-GT). I would be pretty safe in predicting that you guys will get the displacement on demand as well. We haven't got that yet here in Oz, but HSV will be the first to launch in the series II with the LS3.
It's worth the wait mate. Go to www.hsv.com.au and have a look at the Clubsport R8. Have a look at some of the additions the HSV enator has as well. I'd say you Yanks will get some of them as standard. There's your GXP minus the Pontiac nostrils.
For some strange reason I feel compelled to read your post with an Australian accent. :dunno:

I'm strongly considering the GXP as well.

The two dealer breakers will be the price (out if it's over $35k)

I would go ahead and consider the deal broken. I would be SHOCKED if it was less than $38K

I would go ahead and consider the deal broken. I would be SHOCKED if it was less than $38K

Especially when a loaded GT now goes for $34,110.