Buy a 2003 leftover or 2004?

I'm interested in upgrading to a GP from a GA. The local dealer has a leftover 2003 GP GT with all the goodies I want for a MSRP of $27K.

A new 2004 GT2 would run me about MSRP $26K with comparable options.

I'd likely get the 2003 for around $24-25K with 0% APR or $3000 rebate. The 2004 I think has 5.9% financing only and would have to pay near MSRP.

What are the pros and cons of the 2003 vs. the 2004? I've always like the sleak wide track look of the previous GP. I don't particularly care for the rear of the 2004 GP.

I know the 2003 will take a huge depreciation hit. But I would probably pay less in the long run for it.

Hello,

The worst thing I could think of about buying a '03, is the fact that the body style is really old, and when the new ones hit the street, will be soon forgotten. Don't get me wrong, I think I prefer the '03 style better, but I haven't seen a '04 in person yet.
The bad thing about buying a '04 is, I've heard from several sources over the years that it's not in your best interest to buy an introductory model. This mainly applies to new models introduced, not necissarily to introduction of a new style to an old model. But, IMHO it's the same.....Just my opinion.
Go with your own feelings when it comes time to sign, you're going to have the car for a long time, make sure it's the one you want. I hate it when I look at something and say..."Man, I shoulda got the other one".
Later now,
Clint

Hey mlc,

Like Crimpton said, new models can be trouble, although the GP is built in the "award-winning Oshawa, Ontario plant" which hopefully means less initial problems My '97 has had relatively few problems over the years, if that's any help.

I'm sure you can get a better deal on the '03, but of course the '04 has improvements and features not on the '03 so it depends how much they're worth to you.

I don't think depreciation will be that much of a difference, especially if you keep the car more than 4 years.

I went with the '04 because I wanted something different from my '97, but you're getting something different anyway, so that's not a factor.

In short, :p

If it were my choice I'd go with the '04. I saw one at a dealership today and all I can say is DAMN!

I went again to the local dealer to look at the 2003 and 2004 models. The 2004 model is growing on me. I really like the front end and I'm starting to get used to the back end. Still they only have silver 2004s in stock. Does anybody know the width, length and height comparisons between the two models?

From the Pontiac website:

Inches/#...2004GTP...2003GTP
Length......198.2........196.5
Width.........71.6.........72.7
Height........55.9.........54.7
Weight.......3385.........3559

Welcome back Fluid, how was Houston? Any further word on the 04? Also, I think you have the weights reversed; my understanding is the 04 heavier than the 03; it makes sense since the other dimensions are all bigger.

Dang, I cannot type anymore! The 2004 weight SHOULD have read 3583#, not 3385#...dumbass! Sorry for the confusion.

Houston was rather cool, highs in the 60s and low 70s while I was there. No new word on the '04, but I'm hoping it arrives on the 14th so I can pick it up on my birthday - the 15th!

NOTE: the word dumbass above referred to me, not to anyone else!

I had a 98 GT, and just bought a 04 GTP. For just a $1,000 difference, get the 04. The styling is fresher and nicer, the interior is improved, plus you won't encounter 2nd year depreciation for 18 months.

So I wasn't imagining that the 04 looks narrower, since it actually is. Does this affect cabin room at all?

I'm sure our other experts who've driven the 04 can tell better, but I noticed sitting in a GT1 at the dealers (didn't bother to test drive since the performance wouldn't be comparable to the GTP WS6 (almost) on order) that it seemed like less space between the steering wheel and the door. I adopt a very convoluted driving position with my left leg against the door and my left foot almost under the seat I also found the cruise control lever to be in the way a little bit (not sure what the point is of having it down at the 4:30 position).

BTW, I'm 6'0" and 270 but I lean back quite a ways in the seat (unlike you skinny guys) so I don't have a problem with headroom.

Not much, some larger in the 2004, some smaller. Here are the values from the Pontiac website - correctly typed this time

Dimension.............2004.....2003
Front headroom......38.8.....38.3
Rear headroom.......36.2.....36.5
Front legroom.........42.2.....42.4
Rear legroom..........36.2.....35.9
Front shoulderroom.58.0.....58.5
Rear shoulderroom..54.8.....57.2
Front hiproom.........54.5.....55.7
Rear hiproom..........54.3.....54.3

I would think a reduction in 1.2" of front hip room could be an issue for bigger people. Guess it depends on how the seats are contoured, etc.

Speaking as a bigger person (see prior post) , it was a very tight fit in the GT1. Fortunately the GTP has lumbar adjustments so it should be OK; otherwise I guess I'll have another good diet incentive! :rolleyes:

What does WS6 refer to? I thought it was a label for the F-body Trans Am/Camaros with the V-8.

No, WS-6 is the code for the Grand Prix Comp G package. What the heck is an F-body anyway? :rolleyes:

I definitely checked under my trunk lid on my CompG 04 GTP. The WS6 RPO code is there. I'm really enjoying the car. The tapshift is fun and is taking some time to get used to. The car is very quick to respond to turns.

I do wish there was a memory seat option. It does take me a little while to find the right sweet spot.

One advantage is that the 2003 is eligible for the $3000 off, while the 2004 is not. I think the new look and "reach" is worth investing in now if you're not concerned with the lack of side airbags. I haven't had side airbags in any car as of yet so I don't know what I'm missing.

F-body refers to the Trans Am and Camaro platform that GM just retired.

Uh, yeah, that's what the smilies were for. Example: Saddam who?

Stupid me - I missed the icons on your second line. I couldn't figure out how a Pontiac enthusiast didn't know what a F-body was!