Almost about to pick up an 04 GTO M6 but....
So I went and test drove this GTO today. I pretty filtered my search down to the goat, a 350z, or an RX-8 (which i will get into later on).
I have to say i like the goat the most, there's just a few issues with the car that are holding me back from writing the check.
When i was driving the steering wheel was vibrating like crazy until i got over 50mph and when i let go of the steering wheel it pulls alot to the left, which is leading me to believe one of the front rims is bent. I looked into the type of rims they are and found out theyre 3pc foose rims that run for $1000 each. I know I can make them fix it before i take the car but im wondering if these rims can even be fixed, i know not all rims can take a torching. They also are a little dinged up but not horribly. The dealership that the car was at has theyre showroom full of ferraris, lambos and others in the like. It makes me think those rims were on one of those cars until someone bashed em up and they figured just to throw them on GTO to make it look better (which it does very very well). Id hate to not buy a car because of rims, but it doesnt come with the stocks and i dont want to deal with the hassel of trying to get them fixed on my own.
I also have a question about shifting into reverse. It seem to be a little finicky when i try to go to reverse, like the car has to be at a dead stop on a flat surface or it wont let you get into it. I soon got used to it and eventually had no problem with it but im just wondering if this is normal with these cars and im just making a big deal about it or if its something i need to look into.
Other than those two things theres just some little stuff; glove box fell off when i unlatched it, graphics they put on the rear quarter is covering a considerable size chip by the gas door. Just some stuff i know i can use as leverage to get a deal. I know a car this age in this price range isnt going to be perfect.
If anyone could give me some tips, suggestions, answers, ect... That would be greatly appreciated
If youve got this far thanks. I know im going on and on but this car is going to be with me the next five years so i want to be sure im happy and that i made a good decision.
As far as the other two cars i tried. The 350z is nice and all but is horribly uncomfortable on the inside, and i can see myself getting very annoyed by it quickly regardless of its good performance overall.
With the RX8 i was actually extremely impressed, its very comfortable and its a very unique driving experience. It seemed to handle everything i threw at it, with out a slip at all, and the 50/50 balance makes you feel like your really in control of every little bit of the car. Also the 9k redline definitly put a smile on my face. The only thing that kills me is that it has no balls in the low end department and is definitly slower than 350 and not even comparable to the GTO.
Overall im leaning more twards the GTO, It seems more like a car i could see myself in, the color is what im looking for and im not a small guy so i dont look too good in the 8. Also i know the GTO's are more reliable and have better gas mileage. My daily commute calls more for power than twisty turny stuff like the 8 is made for. I know if i got an 8 i wouldnt be using it for what it is made for.
I know if I have trouble with the dealership with the GTO as far as getting the issues fixed and a price alot better then the one posted, I have no problem jsut walking out and going straight to the mazda dealer to pick up the 8. It kind of sucks that there arent more GTO's around here for sale, it would definitly make my decision alot easier to make. But as it stands right now, i want the GTO more.
So that's it. What I'm looking for from you guys are opinions and suggestions. Im kinda hungup right now as far what my next move should be. I just need some more opinions.
Thanks
