PontiacBonnevilleClub.com

I am thinking about pulling the trigger on one but reading about the N* makes me anxious and idk if it is the right decision so would you GXP owners out there suggest I get one and are confident in saying that or should I look elsewhere? Thanks for the help!

As long as it's later than 2002, all of the issues with the Northstar should be addressed and shouldn't be an issue.

GXP's didn't come out until 2004.

Yes, I would recommend a N* powered Bonneville. I keep looking myself.

I look at it like this, there are a lot more Cadillac's out there with the same powertrain and they continue to serve their owners quite well.
My parents are my example, and they have had 4 Caddys, 3 with the N* and not a single problem other than a dead battery in their 2007 DTS.

It DOES pay to shop around for a good GXP though.
Pontiacs are generally regarded as "performance cars" by the general public, and with that, the GXP will be driven harder/ beat on, a lot more than your equivalent Cadillac, creating problems down the road.

My hunt lead me to a day long drive to look at a 2005 GXP, but after looking at it, and driving it, I knew that car wasn't for me, due to the issues it had and how long the dealer had been sitting on it (over 1 year).

I later found a very similar GXP, but with a lot less miles and a complete maintenance history, and this car turned out being everything I was looking for in a GXP.

But, this can be said about ANY car out there, it's a buyer beware kind of world, so just make the best purchace you can.
Any car is only as good as the care it has been give up to the point of you buying it.

Good Luck! I love my GXP!!

Leon

I will say just try to find a lower mileage one because you are less likely to have problems. I put 7000 miles on mine in the last 10 months and it has been trouble free. But I also bought a 5 year 60K extended warranty for a little over 2 grand from a reputable company because if something does happen to the engine, it will likely cost more than that to fix it.

The biggest issues with the engine in my opinion are coolant and oil leaks, and the inability to improve performance with mods. The dexcool has to be changed every 5 years or it becomes acidic and eats through the gaskets. The tranny will hold up much better because it is the strongest tranny built by GM for FWD cars. The gas mileage is also not as good as my SSEi, due to the steeper rear axle ratio and the tranny is less efficient, but it will run on regular. Any other problems are the same as the other '00-05 Bonnevilles. The engine does not make a lot or torque at lower RPM so it's not going to blow you away from a dead start.

I would buy one. I love mine, but agree look for low miles. I would also take the VIN to a Buick/former Pontiac dealer to see if there is a maintainence report on the car. If not, have your mechanic check it out and get it up on a lift.

Look for leaks, check the exhaust there was a service report on that and may require a replacement at GM cost. Also see if the ac compressor was done. They tend to go out around 80k miles. Cost is about 1000 bucks all in.

Other than that great car that if taken care of should last you well over 100k miles.

I loved my GXP.. Best car i have owned!!! Even though mine ended up with electrical issues i would recommend it!!!