GMTruckGuy74

No, there are no others close by (a new dilemma for me if we purchase a new Buick, Pontiac, or GMC). The next closest one is approximately 20-25 miles away, and that's too far out of my way (FC Kerbeck in Palmyra, NJ). I leased my Envoy from Burns BPG, which is around 20 miles away, but I wasn't happy with their service dept or there inconvenient location (Marlton, outside of Cherry Hill). Unless GM is closing this small-time dealer only to offer the franchise to another person who will build a much bigger store in one of the developing towns nearby, I will have to drive out of my way to get a new Buick, Pontiac, or GMC. Time will tell. Just out of curiousity, is there any way to tell GM "officially" how disappointed I am with this decision? I mean there's no other local BPG dealership nearby, yet there's three Chevrolet dealerships all within a 10-mile radius!

My local (literally right around the corner from where I live), small-time Buick-Pontiac-GMC dealer is closing per GM, at least that's what I was told today by the business manager. About a month ago, I noticed the inventory of older cars & trucks stored in the back of the dealership were missing. Then I noticed the used car inventory became smaller and smaller each passing week; the new vehicle inventory didn't seem to get any larger either (I noticed that the 4 G8 GT sedans they received apparently are their last new car deliveries; only one sold, the other 3 are still there with AMP stickers on them for $3k each ). Then on Saturday as I was passing the dealership I saw the big, bright red FOR SALE sign. The delayed call today confirmed the dealership is closing after 24 years of existence. The business manager stated that GM was no longer interested in having a BPG dealership in this area and were closing them down. I asked if the franchise was being sold, and she replied "No". The remaining used cars will sold off and she's not sure what will happen to the unsold new inventory (probably be sold to other local dealers?). She said to keep an eye out in the local newspapers for a big "blow-out" sale soon. Seeing as how GM is willing to relieve me of my Envoy lease's last two payments (June & July, all that I have left), maybe I'll visit them during the sale and see what I can work out :AH-HA_wink: I'm sad they're closing, as I've been using their service dept for the last two years and have been VERY satisfied. I'll now need to find a new BPG dealership to use for service (assuming we stay with a Buick, Pontiac, or GMC vehicle when the Envoy lease goes back). Now I need to find out if the much smaller Pontac-Cadillac dealership two towns over is closing. They are the ones with the white '87 GP LE parked in the garage I posted about a week ago. I can't imagine GM would keep them open much longer, seeing as how they had 5-6 new Pontiac vehicles and 3-4 new Cadillacs. <shrug> Anyone else know of their local GM dealership closing?

I found this on sale at my local Cracker Barrel restaurant. I didn't buy it, as I have a Simpson's clock similar in style to this already. I could however put it in my office, should I decide to eventually. Thought some here might enjoy adding this to their stable of "GM collectibles". :AH-HA_wink:

Oh Cruel Fate, Why Do You Mock Me???

Thanks for taking the time to look, but this car is not a "MUST HAVE" for me. If I find one that's a good deal, then I'll bite. I just happened upon the white '87 GP LE and wondered if I should ask or not, seeing how it is parked in a garage and not in an area where cars are "for sale". Again, thanks

NEW: (1) Caddy CTS, (2) G6 sedans, (1) G6 GT Coupe OLD: '80s Pontiac 6000LE, '87 Pontiac Grand Prix LE, '70s/'80s Chevy El Camino, and one other car I can't recall Hey, at least I found out rather than still sitting here wondering. Atleast they have my name & contact info should it ever become available in teh future :AH-HA_wink:

...nothing gained. Literally. The dealer e-mailed me back to say that the 1987 GP is not for sale and to thank me for my request. Oh well, at least I found out rather than always wondering.

GM does do this at other car shows - Chevy was present at last year's All-GM Nationals show at Carlisle Fairgrounds in Carlisle, PA. I test drive the all-new 2007 Silverado Crew Cab Z71 4WD there, and had the opportunity to drive other Chevy vehicles but didn't. The GM/Chevy workers told me they travel from show-to-show doing this. Pontiac did this in the past at another All-GM Nationals show there too. I agree with you 100% and think GM can benefit greatly from this type of promotion. They need to bring back the "Auto Show In Motion" show too, as that was a big hit with many people. My only suggestion - reconsider offering test-drives in the competition's models, as my wife was one to walk away wanting the non-GM cars!

My mom's '83 GP LJ was maroon with a maroon landau and a dark red velour cloth interior/buckets. I remember vividly many trips taken in that car... it truly was the car of my childhood (while many of my friends parents had the all-new minivan, my dad refused to buy anything than a two-door coupe). As for my dad, he was okay with "basic transportation" and the cheaper, the better. He'd buy old '70s Dusters and Ford Mavericks - whatever worked well and that he could pay in cash on the cheap. Anywhere we went as a family, we took the GP. Did a little "Googling" today and found through my research that this is likely an '86 or '87 GP due to the fact that it has a third brake light and this was done starting in the '86 model year. I'm going to venture a guess that it is also equipped with a V8, as it has <aftermarket, I'm assuming> dual exhaust outlets with chrome tips - I don't think a V6 owner would go that length <shrug>. I like this car a lot, but other than for sentimental reasons, it's not a "must have" for me. If it works out, then great; if not, then I'll move on. It sure looks like a really clean 20-something year old car though. Now if money were not an object right now, I found an original condition, red with black interior, 57k mile '97 WS6 Ram Air Trans Am T-top Coupe for sale - the ultimate TA for me. Back in late 1996, I stalked my then local B-P-G dealer (back where I grew up) because they had two awesome '97 WS6 Ram Air Coupes for sale - one black and one red <I wanted the red one> - fully loaded cars too. The wife and I just started our relationship and she thought I was wierd for stopping by to see them on an almost daily basis (I passed the dealership on the way to her house). The black one sold first, in late winter, and the red one went during the late summer. I really played the NJ Lottery weekly to try to get the cash to buy one (I was in my senior year of college in '97, so there was no way I could afford one then). Anyway, the one I found is listing for $12,995 and I've been trying to convince the wife all weekend that the T/A is a liveable daily driver for me and that it would be cool to drive around - all 4 of us - with the t-tops off. So far she's not buying I'll be waiting patiently tomorrow to see if the dealership responds to my e-mail about the GP.

Well, I just sent the dealership owner an e-mail; hopefully I get good news back soon. If it is for sale, and the price is negotiable, I'll tell them they can keep the Thule aftermarket carrier to knock off some $$$ Thanks for the input so far. Anyone know of a good site to check out GPs of this vintage? I'd like to know options, features, etc. for this generation.

My parents bought a brand new 1983 Pontiac Grand Prix LJ new; I was 8 y-o at the time. I essentially grew up with this car, and learned how to drive on it. May of 1993 my mom traded it in and it was gone forever (I did see it on two separate occasions in 1994). Ever since then, I've had a special place in my heart for these unloved GPs, and vowed one day to own one (even though it was never really mine, I treated it like it was my own before I bought my first car, a '78 Camaro LT, in 1992). Over the years I'd spot one for sale or just sitting alone, but all have needed work. Last Sunday I was out cruising around looking at dealer inventories and I spotted this: I've seen this car before, in the same spot, but never really "noticed" it (I wasn't looking for this at the time). There's a very SMALL Pontiac-Cadillac dealer in Burlington County (NJ) that stores 75% of his inventory (about 5 new cars) inside of the garage on weekends. While peeking in to see if they had a G8, I spotted the '84-'87 GP LE pictured above. There was also a 6000LE and an '80s El Camino in there too, none of which look like they have been driven or moved in a LONG time. They all are wearing dealer's tags, but again, they don't look like they've been moved as the amount of dust covering them is apparent looking through the window. So my question is, should I contact the dealership and ask about the status of this car? The reason I've been hesitating is that I found it by looking through their garage window on a day the dealership was closed - it's not like it was parked outside - so would they think I want to break in? Would they take me seriously? Even if they said it was for sale, I only have a small amount available ($1k), so I'm guessing I wouldn't have enough to buy it. But should I try anyway? And if you say yes, how should I word it?

Thanks for the info Olds Guy. I was at my local TRU last Tuesday, and they didn't have any of these (though they had the Bandit series and the '89 Pontiac Firebird Formula; I passed even though I liked it). My TRU is a smaller one, so they don't usually get the good stuff until some of the bigger ones around me do. I will keep my eyes open for both the '55 Pontiac (gotta have at least one of them regardless) and the '53 Olds. Please keep posting your finds!

I guess GM doesn't want my money then. I can't afford the Cadillac CTS wagon, and I'd be stretching a bit to afford the G8 version, but at least it would be within range, whereas the CTS wagon is not. So stupid for GM to limit their sales because of a divisions rants that they have to be the sole provider of a car

I think for the time being the $1,800 we'll be getting (married + 2 kids) will be going into the savings account. It won't last long - we have a small family trip planned for the first week of November and that money will most likely pay for our airfare tickets.

Wow, those are sweet looking cars!!! Where'd you find them, and how much did they cost? Are there more GM models available? Thanks!

X2... here's mine:

Okay, I know this is a loaded question, because everybody will have "their" own favorite brand to recommend. A close friend of mine wanted me to go with him 42" LCD TV shopping this afternoon, mainly because he can't fit what he wants to buy in his '05 Grand Prix and needed me for my Envoy (friends with trucks ). I really didn't mind though, because I haven't spent much time with Jeff lately. Anyway, a we started off at Best Buy to see what deals they had. He looked at LG, Samsung, Toshiba, and Sony there. Next was Cicuit City, with pretty much the same offering, but adding in Westinghouse. Last stop was at BJ's Wholesale Club, where he looked at a Philips, Olevia, and Vizio LCD TVs. Needless to say, he's confused and is not sure if he should a "brand name" over a more affordable brand. He'd like to spend less than $2,000 - so that's putting the Sony out of the question (most Sony 42" LCD TVs were over $2,500 bucks; the non-brand names <Philips, Olevia, Vizio> were between $900-$1200, and the LGs were around $1,800). A man we followed from Best Buy over to BJ's stated he ownes a Vizio and loves it; however, his sister <to whom he was there helping buy one> wants BRAND NAME recognition. Jeff was in doubt, so he held off the purchase to do some more research. So I ask the knowledgeable here, if you were shopping for a 42" LCD TV, would you choose one of the lesser-known brands, or go with the LG or Sony ones? I'm sure he'll want to go shopping soon, and he asked me to ask around with the people I know what they have. I appreciate your input and look forward to reading your insight.

I've attached a picture I took previously of a white Sierra at my local dealership. While you are 100% correct that the front wheelwell is blacked out and the rear wheelwell is body color, IMO I don't think it's as horrible as you're making it out to be. I could live with that just fine if I owned one; maybe the aftermarket has addressed this issue?

I see that the GMC Denali XT concept has given the 2010 Terrain it's grille design: We could have gotten a rebadged VUE: ( )

Move the business back to Jersey, I can help you get schools signed up, and then you can hire me part-time to be a driver! :AH-HA_wink:

The school district I work for still uses GMC Topkick's for their school buses (older models), but they are starting to replace them with the Internationals you've described. The township where I live is starting to convert over to Thomas built buses using Freightliners, similar in design to the Internationals:

At least you're coming up with options when you have to tell him no. Please don't think I want you to give up your new car for the night, I'm just saying that what you experienced is nothing new. When I had my SKY, many of the kids in the class of 2006 (I was their class advisor) asked to borrow it for the prom, but they were either joking or just testing my patience Much like you, that was one car I'd never loan out - heck, I was nervous when the wife was behind the wheel! It was MY baby and as such, no one else was allowed to touch her. I hope this kid appreciates your willingness t help him out, and hopefully something works out. Maybe a few of the neighbors and his family can all chip in for a limo?

My neighbor has a 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid that he doesn't think is worth it. He is like me, drives less than 10 miles to work, so he says he is not reaping in the benefits of a hybrid vehicle. Now how is the Mariner Hybrid withmostly highway driving? I am to believe that hybrids are best in city driving (stop and go), and since 90% of my wife's commute is on open highway, would the MPG be good? Please provide any additional info on this vehicle; I'll run it by her if just to see her reaction. I do like the Mariner over the Escape though (styling-wise).

In case you're wondering about the red pickup in the last picture DF posted, it is a 1939 International D-Series pickup truck. It's reason for being in the picture? The '39 was restored by International (using the 32-valve, 390 cubic inch MaxxForce TD V8, is appropriately called the "DMaxx") and was the inspiration behind the Lonestar's design (according to TruckTrend). It was parked next to the Lonestar at it's Chicago debut. More info and pictures of the DMaxx can be found here. For a picture gallery of the new Lonestar, click here.

Actually, with the amount of miles she'll be putting on the vehicle, and likely 60 month financing (unless 0% is extended to 72 months later this spring/summer), we're planning for this to be at least a 6 year committment for her. I'm the one who has been the motivator behind leasing - she really liked her 2000 Grand Prix GT sedan and the follow-up vehicle, her 2003 Buick Rendezvous CX FWD, and hated giving them back at lease-end. If I didn't push leasing back then, she'd probably have owned the GP for 6 or 7 years. She's definitely buying this round, I on the otherhand may or may not continue leasing next round (November, 2009). I tell you, I think VUEs and Edges are following me everywhere! If I'm behind a VUE in traffic, an Edge will come by shortly after. If I park near an Edge, when I come back out a VUE is not far away. I know this is what happens when you're interested in a new vehicle (you "suddenly" start seeing them everywhere), but it's unreal. Today I noticed the VUE is really narrow, more like a comfortable 4-seater rather than a true 5-seater. I told the wife that with a child seat installed in the VUE, it will be difficult to get my older stepson and one of his friends side by side in the back seat witht he child car seat. Styling is subjective, because we like both designs even though they have some flaws (like the VUE looks a little Kia/Hyundai-ish, and the Edge is a squarish bubble). I do like the fact that the Edge uses the GM/Ford 6-speed auto, which comes in the VUE XR too. My neighbors have two 2005 Fords - one is a 500 Limited and the other is a Freestyle Limited. They put a TON of miles on them and other than regular maintenance and wear-and-tear items, they've been reliable vehicles (and we've been in the Freestyle for a 2-hour drive to Hershey, PA and it was a comfortable experience). The wife likes the more compact size of teh VUE packaging and thinks it will be ideal for her; the Edge is larger and she knows that it will make for a better long-haul vehicle (we plan to travel more with the kids for vacations in the future, like to Williamsburg, VA next summer). At this point, I'm not ready to move to the next step (pricing & financing options), as I'm not ready to part with the Envoy yet (have until August 17) and I want to see if the deals/incentives get better around & after Memorial Day. But please, keep the comments and dicsussions going - I like all of the opinions, views, and information I've been receiving.