TTA vs GN

[turboscott]

Originally posted by Whut
Really? I havent priced out TTA's so I dont really know. That one offers financing which is why I put the link up there. Doing a search for GN's they seem to be priced about the same, anywhere from $25,000 on down to $6,000.

There are TTA's worth $25K as well. But it all depends on the miles. $18K for a TTA should bring you something with around 5K miles unless it is a HT then it would be more. 31K miles, depending on the mods and stuff would be $11k-$13K or so.

 

[8bud]

It amazes me how cheap TTAs are right now. ONLY 1555 MADE. When they start going back up in value we will all be sad that we can't afford to buy one. This is the time to buy a TTA. Just my opinion.

 

[CHARGED]

Have both, the fun factor is definetly there with the TTA as long as you can handle the creaks, vibrations and feeling every bump on the road go up your spine. I just got the TTA this spring and I've driven the TTA now for about 600 miles and still getting used to the way it feels.
I'm starting to get older now and enjoy a smoother ride which is why I lean towards the GN. If you haven't, I'd drive a F body car to see if you can deal with its draw backs before ever looking for a TTA as its the same car only much faster

 

[azgn]

I don't think TTA's will ever be a good investment because they never had a following...the Pontiac guys don't care and the Buick guys don't care

plus it is a crappy F-body car

which isn't to say they aren't good buys now....you can pick up a low mileage TTA on the cheap (much cheaper than a GN)

 

[Gary Wells]

Nothing cheap about the tta's price right now. The garden variety tta, (T-Top) is going through the same thing as a t-top GN. If you want to talk pricey, and investment opportunity, you will have to step up to the plate and say TTA-Hardtop only. I think that those will hold their value much better that the t-top. I believe that the value of a museum quality TTa hardtop to be a little above the GN but definitely well below a similiar GNX. I am sticking with the Turbo-t's myself. I hate to try and keep a black car clean.

 

[azgn]

well, the bottom line is....neither the GN or TTA are an investment grade car and never will be

so just buy 'em and enjoy!

 

[Gary Wells]

azgn:
I think that I used the term investment opportunity in the wrong context. You are right, neither one of those cars are investment grade cars. But I do think that the TTA-hardtop will elevate in value a little better that the others, excluding, naturally, the coveted GNX.

 

[fly89gta]

Originally posted by Whut
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...dvanced=n&start_year=1989&color=&cardist=1016 49,000 miles $9,000

Jesus that's cheap!!!

Makes me not want to finish rebuilding the GTA and buy that lol

 

[tracy]

Originally posted by turboscott
the 31K mile car for $18K is RIDICULOUS MONEY. The other one isn't a bad deal depending on condition.

Not really if the car is in excellent shape.

 

[tracy]

Originally posted by azgn
well, the bottom line is....neither the GN or TTA are an investment grade car and never will be

so just buy 'em and enjoy!

I disagree totally. Have you seen what bottom early feeder muscle cars now bring?? I'm talking A-body small blocks, Novas etc. Even late 70's Trans Ams are going up and up

Absolutely buy it and enjoy it, but keep the original parts and keep it nice because they WILL increase in value there's no doubt.

 

[tracy]

Originally posted by azgn
I don't think TTA's will ever be a good investment because they never had a following...the Pontiac guys don't care and the Buick guys don't care

plus it is a crappy F-body car

which isn't to say they aren't good buys now....you can pick up a low mileage TTA on the cheap (much cheaper than a GN)

Gee, the Buick guys in Chicago sure like my TTA and it's pretty popular at local cruises as well and some of those are Pontiac owners. I have had a few offers from GN owners to trade even and plus or minus cash so their values are fairly comparable.

The TTA is really a great car and deserving of the Buick motor. As for being a crappy F-body, all I can say is that the only knock on them is the firm ride and some associated squeaks and rattles. The engines received some beneficial upgrades/refinements because they had more extensive R&D. It's indesputible that the motors were better engineered in the TTA than the GN. Sure the bodies may have had some issues as I am sure Regal bodies do.

Also define much cheaper than a GN. I'll agree they seem to bring a little less presently, but maybe in the $1000-$1500 range is what I am seeing. But they are certainly in the same general ballpark.

TTA's that are kept by collectors sell for a fairly good price because they are in showroom condition and are original. However most have been owned by people who modify them, abuse them and do not keep them in showroom condition - hence the lower prices.

Instead of off the cuff opinions why don't we give this person some objective issues to consider.

By the way - if "investment potential" is any consideration you need to look at the long term possibilities and from that standpoint the TTA would be my choice over a GN just based on it's lower production #'s and superior performance. But realize that it may take 10 years or so for that ship to come in. Remember even big block '69 Camaros were dirt cheap until around 1990.

They are both great cars - take your time drive them both and pick the one that rings your bell. Good luck.

 

[azgn]

I don't consider my opinion any more "off the cuff" than yours

all I know is, you can buy unmolested TTA's with low mileage (lets say under 30K) for $10-12K...you won't see that with GN's, so I would say the TTA is the better buy now

I have seen three of 'em in that state come and go here in the last couple of years

as for engine development....any changes made to the TTA were of necessity to make it fit ie different heads....they also had the benefit of some leftover GNX intercoolers....other than that, those motors sat in a pile until Pontiac used 'em

I am not knocking the TTA, it is a fun car and a good buy for what you get....if I wanted to modify a turbo car, I wouldn't start with a TTA......ever try replacing the fuel pump? priced a posi unit? tried to fit a 3" downpipe?

Both cars have their pros & cons...buy the best one of either you can find for the best price

 

[fly89gta]

Originally posted by azgn
plus it is a crappy F-body car

Yeah those crappy fbody's that'll outhandle and outbrake any stock GN

Those GN interiors are so awesome, WAY better than the fbody's. The gauge setup is so lively...I've seen more life in a cemetary

 

[tracy]

Originally posted by azgn
I don't consider my opinion any more "off the cuff" than yours

all I know is, you can buy unmolested TTA's with low mileage (lets say under 30K) for $10-12K...you won't see that with GN's, so I would say the TTA is the better buy now

I have seen three of 'em in that state come and go here in the last couple of years

as for engine development....any changes made to the TTA were of necessity to make it fit ie different heads....they also had the benefit of some leftover GNX intercoolers....other than that, those motors sat in a pile until Pontiac used 'em

I am not knocking the TTA, it is a fun car and a good buy for what you get....if I wanted to modify a turbo car, I wouldn't start with a TTA......ever try replacing the fuel pump? priced a posi unit? tried to fit a 3" downpipe?

Both cars have their pros & cons...buy the best one of either you can find for the best price

There were more changes to the TTA motor to get it to emit lower EGT's and therefore increase reliability, anong other refinements.

Maybe I misunderstood you, but I thought you were knocking the TTA and a little unjustly I IMO. Hense the retort.

I think what really irritated me was that I saw you live in Scottsdale and I'm stuck here in Illinois!! My wife and I are thinking of relocating ou there - how do you like it?

 

[TurboJunky]

I've owned 2 GNs, 1 TTA and 1 Typhoon all bone stock. By far the most enjoyable car to drive was the TTA. The best launching goes to the Typhoon but the most enjoyable to own AND drive is the GN.

The Buick's the most recognizable going down the road and at shows, nicer riding, head turning, valuable and legendary than the TTA or GMC. Most run of the mill car buffs have no idea what a TTA OR Typhoon are. Obviously you get a car for your personal reasons but make no mistake, the Typhoon or TTA (TTA moreso) will blend in with everyday traffic and be mistaken for regular 'ole car. Personally I like my car to stand out in a crowd but in a normal sort of way.

 

[azgn]

Tracy

Better visit the Valley of the Sun in the summer before you up and move...we pay our dues for 6 months of really nice weather during the May-Oct summer...as in, who wants to go racing (even at night) when it is 110*..

Definitely not knocking the TTA.....almost bought one myself

I still stand by my criticism of the good old F body.......uncomfortable, rattle box.......and if you are bigger than a breadbox and an old fart like me, you can't get in the damn things...not one of GM's better efforts..add the T-tops (which 99% of TTA's had) and the flex, rattle, creak factor increases

GM actually got the G-body almost right after 10 years of trying and then discontinued it....oh well

(BTW, if you think the TTA brakes are wondeful, try holding 10 lbs(or more) of boost on 'em...admittedly they'll stop a lot better than the GN, but I am a drag strip guy)

 

[tracy]

I was there last August and have made several trips to Arizona. Last time it was well over 100 all week. Hot yes, but more comfortable to me than Illinois when it's 90 plus and humid, which is surprisingly often. We get "both" kinds of weather - blazing heat and frigid cold!! So much more to offer than Illinois. Scenery, activities, better climate, much more house for the $$$. I'm paying $6,000 annualy in property taxes alone.

I'll have to take you for a spin if I get out there - not as many squeaks or rattles as some people think. I used to share your opinion before I owned this one. Feels like a Cadillac compared to all the old musclecars I have owned. I may end up with a GN someday simply because my back is in such horrible shape.

 

[azgn]

I have lived here for 24 years and my only real complaint is "where in the hell did all these people come from?"

(a lot came from Ill, BTW)

Yeah, housing and taxes are cheaper than the midwest, but salaries are also lower and there are prolly less job opportunities in the better paying catagories than in Chicago

we're starting to have all the big city problems......metro Phoenix is 3.5 Mil and growing 10,000 per month in net in-migration

from my perspective, it isn't as nice as it used to be, but it is better than prolly 90% of other big cities....(flame suit on)

stop by and I'll give you a ride in my GN....you will definitely think your TTA is a caddy in comparison

 

[jet864]

Thanks for all the opinions guys (whether they be objective or not ). I think I actually found a great TTA that I'm gonna have checked out, and if all goes well, buy. I've weighed my options, and decided I'll take the more sports car base with better braking and handling instead of head turning ability and some more room. I can take some rattles, and my back is in good shape. Oh, and the black car I have now, I almost end up in tears after washing it seeing all of the scratches. White'll solve that problem. Finally, I love flying under the radar. I want all the stupid ricers and V6 mustang boys to laugh at me and put up money when I tell them I have an 89 AT V6 Pontiac. God, this'll be great...

James

 

[87grandnat]

hey man how come your photo page doesnt work?, there is some really good stuff on there