Note... I post here because I consider all of you my friends. And yes, i will still continue doing calendars if you guys/gals still want them.... 
Those of you that know me - know that really love the TRs. I sold my last one back in 2003 to start a business. Now, 5 years later, things are better, and I had thoughts to get back into the HP game again. I have a Jeep Wrangler as a foul weather driver - and I looked into getting a nice TR to drive on the fair days.
As I spent several months looking - I am finding that as the TRs get older they fall into two camps. The really nice $12K and up cars that I wouldnt want to rack up miles on, and the 125K cars with rust for $7-$8K.
That being said - for a "toy" car - I really like having a manual trans. I had a WRX that leased under one of the businesses a few years back. While it wasnt really fast - it made a fun driver....
So - I stumble onto another one of GMs unheralded cars - the 04-06 GTO.... They were called fat, lazy, slow, etc.... But the reality is, its the rear wheel drive, v8 (or v6 turbo), muscle car we kinda guys love.
I spent a few months watching prices, checking whats out there... There are two different models, (kinda the hotair vs IC thing for us). The 04 crowd, 350hp LS1 and the 05-06 400hp LS2. In pricing, you will see, miles for miles, about a 3-6K difference for an 05-06 over an 04.
I settled on an 04 for a few reasons. One - the LS1 is a great motor, that with some minimal stuff can surpass that 400hp mark anyway. There is a great following and aftermarket for that motor. Secondly - price. Obviously, as a second vehicle, with a wife, kids, etc - I can't go drop $30K on a G8 GT (mmmm.... 6 speed next year)....
I found one close by and went to sit in it and drive it because I didnt even know if I would fit, or if I would like it. The "internet price" was $16,777 - more then I would want to pay - but I was just looking, right? Sigh.....
Went for a drive with the cute blond sales girl, she gives me the old "What will it take for you to buy this car today?" Bad thoughts aside - I threw out $15,000, figuring they would give me the old "our internet price is our lowest, we can go $16,500 blah, blah" - and then I could gratiously leave.
I stuck to my $15K after 2 rounds - and they came to $15,300! I was floored..... We finished the financing, they beat my bank by a point, and I drove it home. I LOVE IT.... What a nice fun car to drive. Tight, comfortable, zippy, nice exhaust note that a 38 year old isnt embarassed about.... Insurance is cheap..... And with the LS1 and 6 speed, the ECM says I get 27mpg at 70mph..... Unreal.....
So - I am still here - still love TRs. But its gonna be a long while until I can have a part-part time driver in the driveway....This is it - the new toy. Blue/blue leather, SAP package (late 04s got the spoiler and 05 hood scoop hood), LS1 with a 6 speed. Love clicking off that traction control....
Those of you that know me - know that really love the TRs. I sold my last one back in 2003 to start a business. Now, 5 years later, things are better, and I had thoughts to get back into the HP game again. I have a Jeep Wrangler as a foul weather driver - and I looked into getting a nice TR to drive on the fair days.
As I spent several months looking - I am finding that as the TRs get older they fall into two camps. The really nice $12K and up cars that I wouldnt want to rack up miles on, and the 125K cars with rust for $7-$8K.
That being said - for a "toy" car - I really like having a manual trans. I had a WRX that leased under one of the businesses a few years back. While it wasnt really fast - it made a fun driver....
So - I stumble onto another one of GMs unheralded cars - the 04-06 GTO.... They were called fat, lazy, slow, etc.... But the reality is, its the rear wheel drive, v8 (or v6 turbo), muscle car we kinda guys love.
I spent a few months watching prices, checking whats out there... There are two different models, (kinda the hotair vs IC thing for us). The 04 crowd, 350hp LS1 and the 05-06 400hp LS2. In pricing, you will see, miles for miles, about a 3-6K difference for an 05-06 over an 04.
I settled on an 04 for a few reasons. One - the LS1 is a great motor, that with some minimal stuff can surpass that 400hp mark anyway. There is a great following and aftermarket for that motor. Secondly - price. Obviously, as a second vehicle, with a wife, kids, etc - I can't go drop $30K on a G8 GT (mmmm.... 6 speed next year)....
I found one close by and went to sit in it and drive it because I didnt even know if I would fit, or if I would like it. The "internet price" was $16,777 - more then I would want to pay - but I was just looking, right? Sigh.....
Went for a drive with the cute blond sales girl, she gives me the old "What will it take for you to buy this car today?" Bad thoughts aside - I threw out $15,000, figuring they would give me the old "our internet price is our lowest, we can go $16,500 blah, blah" - and then I could gratiously leave.
I stuck to my $15K after 2 rounds - and they came to $15,300! I was floored..... We finished the financing, they beat my bank by a point, and I drove it home. I LOVE IT.... What a nice fun car to drive. Tight, comfortable, zippy, nice exhaust note that a 38 year old isnt embarassed about.... Insurance is cheap..... And with the LS1 and 6 speed, the ECM says I get 27mpg at 70mph..... Unreal.....
So - I am still here - still love TRs. But its gonna be a long while until I can have a part-part time driver in the driveway....This is it - the new toy. Blue/blue leather, SAP package (late 04s got the spoiler and 05 hood scoop hood), LS1 with a 6 speed. Love clicking off that traction control....
. Nice looking aftermarket hood too, no body will be able to tell it's an '04 vs an '05-'06
