Cost of ownership...after 70k...
09-03-2003, 05:07 AM
#1
AudiWorld Senior Member
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Cost of ownership...after 70k...
<center><img src="http://www.12secondgp.com/images/2004%20GTP/s4.JPG"></center><p>
Hey Guys -
I was wondering if some of you could provide me some insight. I've got '00 S4, with 67k, LOVE the car. However, I can get into a '04 Grand Prix GTP (last car was a GTP) for nothing with incentives, GM card earnings, etc.
My question is, how much maintenance/problems do any of you foresee me having with the S4 due to mileage in the coming years? I'm really having a hard time with the decision, even though the GTP would be new. The S4 is just SUCH a nice car.
Thanks for any help you guys can provide!
Travis
Hey Guys -
I was wondering if some of you could provide me some insight. I've got '00 S4, with 67k, LOVE the car. However, I can get into a '04 Grand Prix GTP (last car was a GTP) for nothing with incentives, GM card earnings, etc.
My question is, how much maintenance/problems do any of you foresee me having with the S4 due to mileage in the coming years? I'm really having a hard time with the decision, even though the GTP would be new. The S4 is just SUCH a nice car.
Thanks for any help you guys can provide!
Travis
09-03-2003, 05:10 AM
#2
AudiWorld Senior Member
Thread Starter
Re: Cost of ownership...after 70k...
<center><img src="http://www.12secondgp.com/images/2004%20GTP/gtp.jpg"></center><p>and one of the GTP (not mine, but the color most likely).
09-03-2003, 05:19 AM
#3
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A free car is a free car. There are MANY other cars I'd choose over a Ponitac
but long term costs of this car are expensive. Turbos ~2k, sensors to be replaced over time or from blown turbo $400-2000, labor for turbo swap ~$2000, etc.
thats not including anything else that *could* go wrong on a higher miliage car.
thats not including anything else that *could* go wrong on a higher miliage car.
09-03-2003, 05:23 AM
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Oh boy...apples to oranges.
Lets assume that you've already gotten past the "are you out of your mind" phase and decided because of personal preference and experience that the GTP is for you.
The GTP will have a full warranty and few problems in the first few years and will therefore be the CHEAPER car all around.
Cheaper repair costs
Cheaper maintenance
Cheaper interior
Etc....
If you can stomache such a downgrade in quality or if financial circumstances require it, then the GTP will have the chepaer cost of ownership. The S4 will always be more expensive to fix, and if the turbo lady has not come calling yet, then eventually after 100k she will.
The GTP will have a full warranty and few problems in the first few years and will therefore be the CHEAPER car all around.
Cheaper repair costs
Cheaper maintenance
Cheaper interior
Etc....
If you can stomache such a downgrade in quality or if financial circumstances require it, then the GTP will have the chepaer cost of ownership. The S4 will always be more expensive to fix, and if the turbo lady has not come calling yet, then eventually after 100k she will.
09-03-2003, 05:33 AM
#7
AudiWorld Super User
It looks like you're a Pontiac fan. Not interested in waiting for the GTO? :-)
Is it a supercharger modability thing? I'm sure there will be s/c kits for the GTO in no time since it's basically a vette motor. Just curious b/c I saw one at the auto show a few months back and I think it looks way better than a Grand Prix.
Sorry, no input on the over 70k thing. I'm only at 35k, but some on here are into the 100's.
Sorry, no input on the over 70k thing. I'm only at 35k, but some on here are into the 100's.
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09-03-2003, 05:33 AM
#8
The mere fact that you ask suggests that the GTP is the way to go for you....
Sell the S4 to someone who will appreciate it and while you can still get decent money for it. Like someone else said, a free new car is a free new car. There is a point in the S4s life where keeping it cannot be justified in logical terms. It takes passion, a love affair if you will to go beyond that point. If you can relate to this, then maybe you can consider keeping the S, otherwise, its time to move on.
09-03-2003, 05:38 AM
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What are you thinking?
Are you trying to cut costs? Is the financial aspect more important than the performance? If so, dump the S...it's not a cheap car to own. Depreciation is horrible (although you've probably already assumed the worst of it), reliability is generally not good, parts are expensive, and labor...well hell, some people here are reporting that their dealers are charging over $100/hr!
On the plus side, the car is a lot of fun, very comfortable, pretty quick with secret sauce. Frankly, in non-monetary terms, this car simply doesn't compare to the Pontiac...it's that much better.
So it all depends on your priorities...the fact that you're asking the question leads me to believe that the monetary aspect takes priority.
Personally, if I reach a point where I need to be practical, the S will be sold, and I'll buy a bland reliable used Japanese car for a beater, until I can afford another "fun" car. I wouldn't drop my money into a GTP (or similar).
On the plus side, the car is a lot of fun, very comfortable, pretty quick with secret sauce. Frankly, in non-monetary terms, this car simply doesn't compare to the Pontiac...it's that much better.
So it all depends on your priorities...the fact that you're asking the question leads me to believe that the monetary aspect takes priority.
Personally, if I reach a point where I need to be practical, the S will be sold, and I'll buy a bland reliable used Japanese car for a beater, until I can afford another "fun" car. I wouldn't drop my money into a GTP (or similar).