not sure what to get..your opinion?

[beenen]

well to start it out I'm 18, but I'm not like most drivers my age and text drive, swerve in-out of traffic or other dumb stuff like that.

Right now I have a '98 grand prix for my daily driver..and now its time for fun car shopping.. I have veen looking at either the '98-02 trans ams or the late '86/'87 GNs..

I totally have no clue what to get..I have never owned an V8 before but have driven one once ('03 mustang gt) but that was the only time..never been in a car with an LS in it..I love the sound of V8s and can't go wrong with the LS1 in the TA

but....

I LOVE the GNs..the all black..turbo..I just love them.

now I have never got deep into an engine before except help my dad replace the head gasket on the GP, so I kinda have some learning to do


What I love about the TA is the interior..I think its better than the GNs
I like that it is just more modern then the GN..and the LS1


But then again I like the GNs exterior more than the TA..and its more rare than a TA
but you lose the V8 and the sound..but still have a badass engine on it tho..

My price range right noww is 10k - around 14k so I can get one of the two possibly easy..i just don't know what to get

whats your opinion if you were in my situation? hopefully we have some TA owners on here that can compare

thanks

 

[ZNix]

Speaking from a 17 Year old with an 87 Grand National.. Go with the Trans Am. These cars can be a nightmares. The LS1 has plenty of power and can be easily and cheaply modified. These cars are cool.. But they can be very expensive to maintain. Also... You are going to want to show it off.. So don't even lie about it. So when you do, and something breaks.. The TA is going to be a lot cheaper to fix. Blow the engine? 500$ at any junk yard for a short block. Same issue? Look at spending like 2k to get it back into running condition. I have a driven a TA... Their interiors are a lot quieter than ours... I am not sure its more comfortable.. Maybe about the same. Oh! And chicks like 6-Speeds so there you go

 

[G NASTY]

My 02 WS6 was my favorite car I have ever owned but that might just be cause I was 18 when I bought a brand new one and had all day to play with it. But the GN has had my heart since my dad had them when they were new and I was 5 years old.. With that said it depends on your goals and budget, the TA with minor bolt ons with be much more reliable then most GNs and prob be in nicer shape then most GNs in the price point your looking at. You have to make the choice and take into consideration how long you plan to own the car. I will be into my Gn for over 50k when I'm done but plan to keep it forever. If you just want something to cruise in for a year or two and then trade up I would go with the TA.

 

[TurboTGuy]

This is only my opinion so it's not worth much, but there is so much more stuff readily available in boneyards and shelves at performance parts dealers for the F body cars.

For a first time build up, the F body will be much more forgiving not only to inexperiece but more forgiving to your budget as well.

 

[charlief1]

I was expecting the usual BS that comes when a kid (no offence intended here) comes on the board and starts one of these threads. Zack brings a very good point here and it's from one of the snot nosed kids on the board, but he's learned a lot in 2 years so I guess I shouldn't call him that now.

As far as buying a GN or any other turbo car, I really can't recomend it for someone who's under 25. The reason I say this is because most of them really aren't mature enough to understand what they have and how to use it responsibly. Even some of the older guys on the board really shouldn't have one from what I've seen about their posting on here.:biggrin:

Because of the age of the car as well as the antiquated operating system on them I really can't recomend one to someone that will have to rely on someone else to maintain it. The maintainance alone will suprise you and the fact that it's old now you have other issues that go with them. You will need to find one that's either in really good condition or has been restored properly if you plan on driving it on a daily basis. Zack had the same idea when he bought his car. I think he understands better than most of the guys here what a PITA they can be. He didn't give up on his first GN but gave it to his dad and bought a better one to drive, after learning what to look for.

I believe he and his dad are trying to restore the fist one and I'm sure it's been an adventure so far learning about the car together.

 

[Pronto]

Alot depends on your support system. If you have friends that have either car or if there are cruise nights that you can go to to talk to owners of both you can better determine if a TB is for you. For simplicity's sake I'ld go with the TA. The #1 reason is the availablity of parts. Second is they are generally easier to maintain. But if you can stick to learning and don't fall into to the "I want to run 11s" in a week you may find the TB worth owning. No doubt the TB can go fast but it takes the right combination and maintainence as well as a good amount of coin.

 

[ZNix]

I was expecting the usual BS that comes when a kid (no offence intended here) comes on the board and starts one of these threads. Zack brings a very good point here and it's from one of the snot nosed kids on the board, but he's learned a lot in 2 years so I guess I shouldn't call him that now.

As far as buying a GN or any other turbo car, I really can't recomend it for someone who's under 25. The reason I say this is because most of them really aren't mature enough to understand what they have and how to use it responsibly. Even some of the older guys on the board really shouldn't have one from what I've seen about their posting on here.:biggrin:

Because of the age of the car as well as the antiquated operating system on them I really can't recomend one to someone that will have to rely on someone else to maintain it. The maintainance alone will suprise you and the fact that it's old now you have other issues that go with them. You will need to find one that's either in really good condition or has been restored properly if you plan on driving it on a daily basis. Zack had the same idea when he bought his car. I think he understands better than most of the guys here what a PITA they can be. He didn't give up on his first GN but gave it to his dad and bought a better one to drive, after learning what to look for.

I believe he and his dad are trying to restore the fist one and I'm sure it's been an adventure so far learning about the car together.

Charlie, Ill take that as a compliment .

 

[charlief1]

Charlie, Ill take that as a compliment .

I was teasing you a bit but it is a compliment Zack.:biggrin:

 

[ZNix]

I was teasing you a bit but it is a compliment Zack.:biggrin:

:biggrin: Thanks!

 

[beenen]

thanks for all the responses

I do just plan on cruising the car when there is no snow / rain on the ground..garage it in the winters..but if they end up building a local strip here (looks like they are) if will probably be at the track a good part..if not then it will maybe see a track once or twice a year

I do have experience with the G-bodys since I do have a '86 monte carlo ss clone..but sadly since it wasn't taken care of rust is too big of an issue on it

I was thinking about getting the TA and having my fun with it and then in the future possibly trade / sale it for a GN

 

[ZNix]

thanks for all the responses

I do just plan on cruising the car when there is no snow / rain on the ground..garage it in the winters..but if they end up building a local strip here (looks like they are) if will probably be at the track a good part..if not then it will maybe see a track once or twice a year

I do have experience with the G-bodys since I do have a '86 monte carlo ss clone..but sadly since it wasn't taken care of rust is too big of an issue on it

I was thinking about getting the TA and having my fun with it and then in the future possibly trade / sale it for a GN

These are nothing like your run of the mill Monte.. Go with the TA. You will have a ton of fun with it.. Trust me .

 

[dsapper]

I've had quite a few cars, the gn being the last in a very long line. Trust me for a first car, you cannot go wrong with a chevy muscle car. Parts are the number one reason as everyone else stated. Abundant, bulletproof and cheap. The turbo cars, not just buicks, have a huge learning curve and an expensive one. I'm not so much a buick guy as I am a car guy, no brand loyalty per se. But a n/a chevy muscle car would be my advice.

 

[RIFF RAFF]

I bought my first t-type when i was 18 within a matter of 9 months it was on its second warranty block .. I still have the car to this day .. 22000 miles on her .. My second car was a 87 monte ss and i still have that car too with almost 200000 miles with the original engine .. I had to buy the monte to save the t-type .. And i think you can see witch one gets driven more .. I was raised in my family auto shops but at 18 still had no clue of what it takes to keep a turbo buick on the road .. So go with the ta .. Just know when you line up next to a turbo buick with your ta your gonna get smoked ...

 

[G NASTY]

I will add if this was a second car and not a daily driver I would go GN. There is not a question the GN is a cooler car, you can tell just about anyone from a ford guy to a damn fiat guy you have a GN and they will all say "sweet car" or "I always wanted one" the GN just has a fan following that cant be denied. I have been shopping around for a new zl1 camaro and when the dealers ask if it is my first performance car lol and I say no I have Owned a few and now own a GN they all go on 15 minute tangents about the car and all forget the camaro. Lol. Good luck either way.

 

[ZNix]

I will add if this was a second car and not a daily driver I would go GN. There is not a question the GN is a cooler car, you can tell just about anyone from a ford guy to a damn fiat guy you have a GN and they will all say "sweet car" or "I always wanted one" the GN just has a fan following that cant be denied. I have been shopping around for a new zl1 camaro and when the dealers ask if it is my first performance car lol and I say no I have Owned a few and now own a GN they all go on 15 minute tangents about the car and all forget the camaro. Lol. Good luck either way.

Let us know when you get the ZL1! I have been dreaming of one..

 

[GW2]

as a 21 year old who's had his GN for 3 years. All I can say it's awesome. Totally a great first car, just make sure you put the money into it you need to right off the bat, otherwise you'll be sorry. Scanmaster and a good boost gauge are a must!

 

[TURBOPOWERED68]

everything they said PLUS
i am short at 5'10 and can't stretch my legs in a 02 WS6 i love everything about the car except that the seat doesn't go far back enough.
So if your tall, sit in the TA for a good amount of time and drive it.

as for the GN go for it if you absolutely love it other wise move on to the next one.

Side note as a teen i loved my G-body i could fit more people when hanging out and when on a date any seat worked.:biggrin:

 

[GW2]

everything they said PLUS
i am short at 5'10 and can't stretch my legs in a 02 WS6 i love everything about the car except that the seat doesn't go far back enough.
So if your tall, sit in the TA for a good amount of time and drive it.

as for the GN go for it if you absolutely love it other wise move on to the next one.

Side note as a teen i loved my G-body i could fit more people when hanging out and when on a date any seat worked.:biggrin:

Drivers seat generally end up in excessive horn honking.

 

[NOTSOFAST]

beenen, you have already saved 14k right? when you get to 16k pm me & I will sell you one of mine.

 

[DoubleD]

mod the grand prix

I do like the idea here of going with the TA first, and having your fun with it while learning on a slightly "simpler" platform. Then, move into a GN and have a good time with it.

Just as long as you don't get stuck in the V8 world too much!

-D