Like I said before, the prices in the midwest and east appear to be a little less than what they are getting for them here on the west coast - at least in the Bay Area. I suspect it's because soon the cars in the midwest and east will be covered in snow. A $19k-$20k '04 GTO might be commonplace out there, but the best I could do here on a used one was $22.5k.
When I posted that I bought the car, I knew there would be people raining on my parade for whatever reason. I feel that I worked the best deal I could. It turns out the '04 fit my budget and needs the best. They dealer I got it from gave me more than any other dealer would give me for my trade (I got values from $2k-$3k and they gave me $4k) so that offset the final price somewhat.
Used '05s are going for high 20's out here - if you can find one. A new '05 was "only" a $4500 more, but that meant higher payments, a longer loan with a higher interest rate and a higher insurance rate. Keep in mind you also pay tax on that "little bit" more. It adds up. If you are made of money and $3000-$6000 is chump change to you, then more power to you. It's a lot of money to me.
I'm pretty satisfied with the deal considering that used '04s are going for $22 to $27k out here - and those don't have chrome wheels, SAP grilles or Pulse Red paint. Do I wish I could have got it for less? Of course. Do I wish I could afford an '05? Sure. Maybe I paid more than you are willing to pay, but that's my problem. So far, I'm really enjoying this car. It's a far cry from my POS 4 banger Eclipse I traded in. I feel like I went from the slums to Park Avenue.
And to those of you who don't like them...who asked you anyway?
