Looking at buying a GXP

Discuss your Bonneville GXP and/or any other Northstar powered Olds or Cadillac... Including the Intrigue / Aurora 3.5L Twin Cam V6 (Short Star ) , 4.0L and 4.6L Northstar V8's. Please use General Chat for non-mechanical issues, and Performance and Brainstorming for improvements.
DCMain
SLE Member
SLE Member
Posts: 67
Joined: Wed May 28, 2014 8:16 am
Year and Trim: 2005 GXP

Re: Looking at buying a GXP

Post by DCMain »

When I bought the GXP I got a little ahead of myself...it had the original RS-A's on it and I wanted the stock look and replaced them before I joined the Bonneville Club. Can't do anything about it for now...
1oldman
Certified Bonneville Nut
Certified Bonneville Nut
Posts: 3975
Joined: Tue May 04, 2010 11:21 pm
Year and Trim: 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
Location: Lone Star State

Re: Looking at buying a GXP

Post by 1oldman »

Just a suggestion, change the cabin filter and use the kit to clean the A/C evaporator core. That should help a bunch. I'm sure others have better suggestions than I do. My dad was a chain smoker, so I know how hard it is to get the cigarette smoke and odor out. - BC
In Memory of Brad - 1/21/1977 .. 10/23/2013 ...... Aaron - 1977 .. 2017 .....
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport ..... 1992 Bonneville SSE 1SB 170 HP L27 4T60E retired/sold to MattStrike ..... 2005 Bonneville SE 1SC 205 HP L36 4T65E - retired/salvage yard ..... PBCF user 2321
User avatar
PontiacFan
SSE Member
SSE Member
Posts: 113
Joined: Wed May 21, 2008 9:45 pm
Year and Trim: 2005 Pontiac Bonneville GXP

Re: Looking at buying a GXP

Post by PontiacFan »

DCMain wrote:There is a very nice 2004 GXP on Ebay now outside of Chicago...31,000 miles asking $11,800
Hey!! Back the hell up!! Don't be bidding now & runnin' the dang price up! Or just DON'T be biddin' at all! :)
That's the one I've been trying to buy from them. They're pretty set on the price right now tho.
My big issue, ..., no Sirius/XM in it right now. (Other thread, ...)
User avatar
CMNTMXR57
Certified Bonneville Nut
Certified Bonneville Nut
Posts: 5841
Joined: Wed May 13, 2009 10:45 pm
Year and Trim: 2006 STS-V, 2004 GTO, 2009 G8 GT
Location: CHICAGO

Re: Looking at buying a GXP

Post by CMNTMXR57 »

And that you need to replace those tires...

Use that as a bargaining chip. Those tires are more dangerous than a faulty GM ignition switch!
Image

Retired Bonneville Owner and former GM Tech:
2004 Pontiac Bonneville GXP: Black/Ebony *SOLD*

Summer Toys: Combined 827 RWHP / 877lb/ft RWTQ
2004 Pontiac GTO: Impulse Blue Metallic/Black/M6: lots 'o mods, 415 RWHP / 405lb/ft RWTQ!
2006 Cadillac STS-V: Light Platinum Metallic/Light Gray/A6 - Spectre CAI, Magnaflow exhaust, Speed Inc. tune, 412 RWHP / 472lb/ft RWTQ

Daily Drivers:
2019 Chrysler Pacifica Limited: Mommy's new RGC
2015 Chrysler Town & Country Limited Platinum: Kids new RGC
2011 Camaro SS
2009 Pontiac G8 GT: L76, Sport Red Metallic
2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD: Victory Red - 8.1L Big Block and Allison
2003 Chevrolet Suburban 2500: Doeskin Tan - 8.1L Big Block... RIP
1999 Chevrolet Suburban: Sunset Gold Metallic - RIP
DCMain
SLE Member
SLE Member
Posts: 67
Joined: Wed May 28, 2014 8:16 am
Year and Trim: 2005 GXP

Re: Looking at buying a GXP

Post by DCMain »

PontiacFan wrote:
DCMain wrote:There is a very nice 2004 GXP on Ebay now outside of Chicago...31,000 miles asking $11,800
Hey!! Back the hell up!! Don't be bidding now & runnin' the dang price up! Or just DON'T be biddin' at all! :)
That's the one I've been trying to buy from them. They're pretty set on the price right now tho.
My big issue, ..., no Sirius/XM in it right now. (Other thread, ...)
Don't worry I'm not bidding on it...my wife would notice another GXP in the driveway...
User avatar
PontiacFan
SSE Member
SSE Member
Posts: 113
Joined: Wed May 21, 2008 9:45 pm
Year and Trim: 2005 Pontiac Bonneville GXP

Re: Looking at buying a GXP

Post by PontiacFan »

I've got brand new Dunlop SP Sport Signatures on mine this week.
They are really quiet & smooth so far, after about 400miles this week.
So I'd be swapping wheels & tires if I brought another one home.

But with new tires on mine now, ..., I'd better drive it another 40k or so, ...
1) 2001 Pontiac Trans Am 10th Anniversary Firehawk #0270/038
2) 1986 Pontiac Fiero GT
3) 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS
4) 2023 Ford F150 Lariat S'Crew 4x4
Steelworker26
SLE Member
SLE Member
Posts: 72
Joined: Sat May 31, 2008 7:22 am
Year and Trim: 2000 SSEI Bonn
2002 GTP Grand Prix
1978 GMC JIMMY

Re: Looking at buying a GXP

Post by Steelworker26 »

Call it a double mid life crisis...me.... and my wife.

"http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=43147&endYear=2015&modelCode1=BON&sortBy=mileageASC&showcaseOwnerId=0&startYear=1981&makeCode1=PONT&searchRadius=500&showcaseListingId=0&mmt=%5BPONT%5BBON%5BBON%257CGXP%5D%5D%5B%5D%5D&listingId=378773117&Log=0"

(Not sure if hot links allowed so I used quotation marks around the link)

The car fax seems suspicious. Wondering if anyone saw this or has knowledge of why a CAT would be replaced with such low mileage? Something serious has to be going on with the engine to warrant such a replacement?

Any input would be greatly appreciated. And if you decide to but it yourselves then kudos to you.

Thx
User avatar
PontiacFan
SSE Member
SSE Member
Posts: 113
Joined: Wed May 21, 2008 9:45 pm
Year and Trim: 2005 Pontiac Bonneville GXP

Re: Looking at buying a GXP

Post by PontiacFan »

I looked into that one also.
The sales people there are hawks & won't stop emailing.
I had to tell them to stop.
1) 2001 Pontiac Trans Am 10th Anniversary Firehawk #0270/038
2) 1986 Pontiac Fiero GT
3) 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS
4) 2023 Ford F150 Lariat S'Crew 4x4
User avatar
bobgto65
Posts like an L36
Posts like an L36
Posts: 866
Joined: Thu May 29, 2008 7:52 pm
Year and Trim: 2002 SSEi
2004 Bonneville GXP
Location: Maryland

Re: Looking at buying a GXP

Post by bobgto65 »

My cat had to be replaced with about that mileage on my 02 SSEi. Seems it disintegrated.
bobgto65
Image
2004 Bonneville GXP 62,000 miles purchased 04/13
2009 G8 GXP PBM, M6 9580 miles, no mods, sold 08/15
2009 G8 GT SBM 36,000 miles, modded 430 whp
2002 Bonneville SSEi 203,200 miles (sold 3/2014)
1oldman
Certified Bonneville Nut
Certified Bonneville Nut
Posts: 3975
Joined: Tue May 04, 2010 11:21 pm
Year and Trim: 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
Location: Lone Star State

Re: Looking at buying a GXP

Post by 1oldman »

Steelworker26 wrote:Call it a double mid life crisis...me.... and my wife.

"http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=43147&endYear=2015&modelCode1=BON&sortBy=mileageASC&showcaseOwnerId=0&startYear=1981&makeCode1=PONT&searchRadius=500&showcaseListingId=0&mmt=%5BPONT%5BBON%5BBON%257CGXP%5D%5D%5B%5D%5D&listingId=378773117&Log=0"

(Not sure if hot links allowed so I used quotation marks around the link)

The car fax seems suspicious. Wondering if anyone saw this or has knowledge of why a CAT would be replaced with such low mileage? Something serious has to be going on with the engine to warrant such a replacement?

Any input would be greatly appreciated. And if you decide to but it yourselves then kudos to you.

Thx
I would be suspicious with 4 owners and such low mileage that it might be a lemon. Even if it's not, with such low mileage, the scheduled maintenance was probably not performed. People sometimes are funny about keeping their cars up. They look at the mileage and they think they're ok. jmo. - BC
In Memory of Brad - 1/21/1977 .. 10/23/2013 ...... Aaron - 1977 .. 2017 .....
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport ..... 1992 Bonneville SSE 1SB 170 HP L27 4T60E retired/sold to MattStrike ..... 2005 Bonneville SE 1SC 205 HP L36 4T65E - retired/salvage yard ..... PBCF user 2321
Steelworker26
SLE Member
SLE Member
Posts: 72
Joined: Sat May 31, 2008 7:22 am
Year and Trim: 2000 SSEI Bonn
2002 GTP Grand Prix
1978 GMC JIMMY

Re: Looking at buying a GXP

Post by Steelworker26 »

CMNTMXR57 wrote:Same here, I was looking the other night at GXP's.

I ended up replacing all my Monsoon speakers with Infinity reference speakers. Night and day difference. Even though you were able to make the bal/fade adjustments to make it sound better, if you drive around with the windows down and sunroof open (like I do when it's nice out), the stock speakers flat out stink. Some of that has to to with the system dialing back bass as the volume increases, but it's all distortion and noise after a certain level.

One of the reasons I loved the GXP (amongst other things), was because of it's gauge cluster. That is what got me to start looking again the other night. I was parusing pics of mine with the dash at night... Oh how I miss Pontiac warm red on the Caddy at night.
So it has been a few days and I am really not liking the speakers now. They sound great with some albums with little base but as soon as heavier base kicks in you can hear the cardboard pop. So I will be upgrading soon.

As I look into Infinity speakers do you have any idea if the Bose speakers will hook up to the monsoon? If so then I might see if Haro has a set.

Just a thought.
User avatar
techweenie
SSE Member
SSE Member
Posts: 137
Joined: Sat Jun 07, 2014 9:22 pm
Year and Trim: 2004 GXP
Location: Grand Blanc, MI

Re: Looking at buying a GXP

Post by techweenie »

Disregard. I must be tired or something and this response did not fall in line with the conversation.

Congratulations on getting the car! I just got mine back from the repair shop and it's great to have it back. They're a love hate relationship with the balance in favor of love for most.
Last edited by techweenie on Wed Oct 01, 2014 11:13 pm, edited 1 time in total.
2004 Bonneville GXP Greystone Metallic - all stock
2002 S10 ZR2 - my favorite truck in the world
1998 K3500 CCLB - motor rebuild in progress, future mud truck
1994 S10 Blazer - 5" lift, narrowed ZR2 rear end, 32x11.5 tires, parting out due to overwhelming rust
User avatar
CMNTMXR57
Certified Bonneville Nut
Certified Bonneville Nut
Posts: 5841
Joined: Wed May 13, 2009 10:45 pm
Year and Trim: 2006 STS-V, 2004 GTO, 2009 G8 GT
Location: CHICAGO

Re: Looking at buying a GXP

Post by CMNTMXR57 »

Steelworker26 wrote:
CMNTMXR57 wrote:Same here, I was looking the other night at GXP's.

I ended up replacing all my Monsoon speakers with Infinity reference speakers. Night and day difference. Even though you were able to make the bal/fade adjustments to make it sound better, if you drive around with the windows down and sunroof open (like I do when it's nice out), the stock speakers flat out stink. Some of that has to to with the system dialing back bass as the volume increases, but it's all distortion and noise after a certain level.

One of the reasons I loved the GXP (amongst other things), was because of it's gauge cluster. That is what got me to start looking again the other night. I was parusing pics of mine with the dash at night... Oh how I miss Pontiac warm red on the Caddy at night.
So it has been a few days and I am really not liking the speakers now. They sound great with some albums with little base but as soon as heavier base kicks in you can hear the cardboard pop. So I will be upgrading soon.

As I look into Infinity speakers do you have any idea if the Bose speakers will hook up to the monsoon? If so then I might see if Haro has a set.

Just a thought.
Any speakers will work with any stereo. The wiring at the speaker is a simple two wire setup.

If you're referring to swapping amplifiers and other driver components, that I can't answer.
Image

Retired Bonneville Owner and former GM Tech:
2004 Pontiac Bonneville GXP: Black/Ebony *SOLD*

Summer Toys: Combined 827 RWHP / 877lb/ft RWTQ
2004 Pontiac GTO: Impulse Blue Metallic/Black/M6: lots 'o mods, 415 RWHP / 405lb/ft RWTQ!
2006 Cadillac STS-V: Light Platinum Metallic/Light Gray/A6 - Spectre CAI, Magnaflow exhaust, Speed Inc. tune, 412 RWHP / 472lb/ft RWTQ

Daily Drivers:
2019 Chrysler Pacifica Limited: Mommy's new RGC
2015 Chrysler Town & Country Limited Platinum: Kids new RGC
2011 Camaro SS
2009 Pontiac G8 GT: L76, Sport Red Metallic
2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD: Victory Red - 8.1L Big Block and Allison
2003 Chevrolet Suburban 2500: Doeskin Tan - 8.1L Big Block... RIP
1999 Chevrolet Suburban: Sunset Gold Metallic - RIP
Steelworker26
SLE Member
SLE Member
Posts: 72
Joined: Sat May 31, 2008 7:22 am
Year and Trim: 2000 SSEI Bonn
2002 GTP Grand Prix
1978 GMC JIMMY

Re: Looking at buying a GXP

Post by Steelworker26 »

No swap of anything but speakers for now.I am no audio guy but I know what I like sound wise.

Thx
User avatar
PontiacFan
SSE Member
SSE Member
Posts: 113
Joined: Wed May 21, 2008 9:45 pm
Year and Trim: 2005 Pontiac Bonneville GXP

Re: Looking at buying a GXP

Post by PontiacFan »

There's another white 2004 GXP on eBay this week.
In conversation with the owner, trying to make a deal, ...
Anyone in Rochester, New York wanna take a look at it for me?!?
1) 2001 Pontiac Trans Am 10th Anniversary Firehawk #0270/038
2) 1986 Pontiac Fiero GT
3) 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS
4) 2023 Ford F150 Lariat S'Crew 4x4
User avatar
98SSE
Posts like an LN3
Posts like an LN3
Posts: 426
Joined: Sat Apr 19, 2014 7:51 pm
Year and Trim: 2001 SSEI/2007 TBSS/2004 CTS-V
Location: Columbus, Ohio

Re: Looking at buying a GXP

Post by 98SSE »

Looks good =D> , glad to see another Ohioan on here. I'm looking at purchasing a GXP for my wife but kind of hesitant about it. Car is an 05 and has 60k on it, but we need something reliable as this is her DD.
2001 Bonneville SSEI (His) - Gen V/3.5 pulley/CAI/SD Headers/ZZP 1.9 Rockers/90# Springs/Magnaflow Converter/HP Tuners/180* T-Stat/Trans-Go Shift Kit/TruCool Transmission Cooler/ F-Body Front Brakes/STS Rear Brakes/Tint/GXP Interior September 2015 COTM

2007 Trailblazer SS (Hers) - PCM4Less tune, E-Fans, SLP PowerFlo Exhaust, Hotchkis Sways, PML Tranny Pan, Powerstop Brakes,
"Big 3", Tint

2004 CTS-V (His) - B&B Exhaust, LS7 clutch, HIDs, LED fogs, Powerstop Brakes, Tint

Image
User avatar
PontiacFan
SSE Member
SSE Member
Posts: 113
Joined: Wed May 21, 2008 9:45 pm
Year and Trim: 2005 Pontiac Bonneville GXP

Re: Looking at buying a GXP

Post by PontiacFan »

98SSE wrote:Car is an 05 and has 60k on it, ....
Where's it at? Color? Weblink or dealer name, or zip code?
User avatar
techweenie
SSE Member
SSE Member
Posts: 137
Joined: Sat Jun 07, 2014 9:22 pm
Year and Trim: 2004 GXP
Location: Grand Blanc, MI

Re: Looking at buying a GXP

Post by techweenie »

Closely inspect the driver output shaft seal in the transmission for any signs of leakage. If it looks good it should be reliable. If not, it will need a rebuild. I haven't had any issues other than that on mine. I consider these reliable cars, but I'm coming from a long line of s10 trucks that had something break almost daily.
2004 Bonneville GXP Greystone Metallic - all stock
2002 S10 ZR2 - my favorite truck in the world
1998 K3500 CCLB - motor rebuild in progress, future mud truck
1994 S10 Blazer - 5" lift, narrowed ZR2 rear end, 32x11.5 tires, parting out due to overwhelming rust
User avatar
98SSE
Posts like an LN3
Posts like an LN3
Posts: 426
Joined: Sat Apr 19, 2014 7:51 pm
Year and Trim: 2001 SSEI/2007 TBSS/2004 CTS-V
Location: Columbus, Ohio

Re: Looking at buying a GXP

Post by 98SSE »

PontiacFan wrote:
98SSE wrote:Car is an 05 and has 60k on it, ....
Where's it at? Color? Weblink or dealer name, or zip code?
Its black and about 2 hours from me, that's all the details I can give you ;) . It's looking more and more promising that this might be the one for us so don't want to give away too many details and lose out on it.
techweenie wrote:Closely inspect the driver output shaft seal in the transmission for any signs of leakage. If it looks good it should be reliable. If not, it will need a rebuild. I haven't had any issues other than that on mine. I consider these reliable cars, but I'm coming from a long line of s10 trucks that had something break almost daily.
This is refreshing to hear as the N* has a pretty bad reputation and initially scared me off but the more and more I read into it, it sounds like something I can handle. I do all my own work on our cars so I'm definitely not afraid to turn a wrench. On a scale from 1-10 I'd put myself at a 6/6.5 out of 10, done a few rebuilds on my Honda's (Flame on lol) back in the day and countless other repairs on cars ranging from Nissan Maxima, Dodge Intrepid (POS), Saturn SC2, Isuzu Amigo, S10/Blazers ect.
2001 Bonneville SSEI (His) - Gen V/3.5 pulley/CAI/SD Headers/ZZP 1.9 Rockers/90# Springs/Magnaflow Converter/HP Tuners/180* T-Stat/Trans-Go Shift Kit/TruCool Transmission Cooler/ F-Body Front Brakes/STS Rear Brakes/Tint/GXP Interior September 2015 COTM

2007 Trailblazer SS (Hers) - PCM4Less tune, E-Fans, SLP PowerFlo Exhaust, Hotchkis Sways, PML Tranny Pan, Powerstop Brakes,
"Big 3", Tint

2004 CTS-V (His) - B&B Exhaust, LS7 clutch, HIDs, LED fogs, Powerstop Brakes, Tint

Image
User avatar
techweenie
SSE Member
SSE Member
Posts: 137
Joined: Sat Jun 07, 2014 9:22 pm
Year and Trim: 2004 GXP
Location: Grand Blanc, MI

Re: Looking at buying a GXP

Post by techweenie »

I think the only reason these engines get a bad rep is how expensive they are to fix. Just look at how EVERY 3800 and most 4.3l v6's need new intakes gaskets. It's much cheaper and easier to do that repair, yet it affects close to 100% of those engines. I still see tons of cadillacs on the road, many of which are old enough to be prone to studs pulling out. In my opinion, the Northstar in and of itself is a good engine.
2004 Bonneville GXP Greystone Metallic - all stock
2002 S10 ZR2 - my favorite truck in the world
1998 K3500 CCLB - motor rebuild in progress, future mud truck
1994 S10 Blazer - 5" lift, narrowed ZR2 rear end, 32x11.5 tires, parting out due to overwhelming rust
Post Reply