GMTruckGuy74

Did you get the dual hero card too (G8 ST on one side, G8 GXP Sedan on the other)? If not, PM me your address and I'll send you the extra one I picked up :AH-HA_wink:

No, not a problem! I posted mine in the lounge, as I didn't want to take away from your expose (which is much better than mine of course!). I appreciate your kindness in including my little write-up alongside of yours. I'm glad that both z28 and I are able to share our NYIAS experience with the entire C&G community. z28 of course has a much better commentary and photos, and knowing that he was working on it, I just wanted to highlight my personal preferences from the show. I do have additional pictures I can post, if anyone wants them. Since z28 posted a lot, I didn't want to duplicate much. Just post your requests here and I'll see what I can do.

Well, I don't know about the 6 cyl being available, but a 2nd row, split folding/removable seat is standard. Plus the Ford lady said that you'll be able to customize it to fit your needs, so I'd imagine a few will end up as passenger models too.

Just for clarification, GM trucks through the ages have always had 8' and 9' beds available on the stepside models. Just look at the mid-'50s GM trucks for proof... 1-ton Chevy (3800) & GMC (250) pickups had the 9' bed if a pickup box was ordered (not a chasis truck). My grandfather's '55 GMC was a 102 - this designated the 8' stepside bed, and of course Chevy offered the same option, look for a 3200 model. And while I don't know the model designation after 1959, I know that the longbed stepside, at least in 8' measurement, continued through to the late '80s. And FYI - the "new" stepside box was introduced in 1954 and was used all the way up to 1987, with the tailgate stamping and fenders being the only changes throughout the years. So essentially, you could find an 8' bed anywhere from 1954-1987 and probably just change out the fenders & tailgate to reflect the year you desire, assuming you can find the fenders and tailgate (fenders are probably availbale from LMC Truck and other parts places, but I know original, non-damaged tailgates are hard to find). Good luck with your search, and I'll second Sixty8's recommendation that you find a GMC for that extra rarity factor :AH-HA_wink:

Continued... And to finish my take on the show, the creme de'la creme (for me, atleast!), the GMC Denali XT: I know many of the posters here don;t care much for this trucklet, but I walked away from the show wanting it even more. The GMC spokesperson manning the display stated that he's received many positive comments and feedback from attendees on this GMC. He said that if there's enough positive feedback, GM may seriously consider producing it. While I want a non-Denali version myself, I agree that toning down the styling would aid in selling more. I love the chopped-top and boxy look of this concept. While I would love the G8 ST as my daily driver, I could definitely see myself in the more practical Denali XT. We ended the show by visiting the Ford displays. The wife really likes the Ford Edge now, so time was spent in the ones they had on display. She finished by visiting Volvo. I asked why there was no S40s or V50s on display (just one C30 R-Design), and was told that Volvo makes more money off the S60 & up models, so they didn't bring the lower-priced models for that reason. Oh well... Now I've attended every NYIAS since 1995. I've gotten there early in the morning, I've gone on both weekends and weekdays, but this year introduced a change that I will carryover for all future visits to the NYIAS = going later in the weekday. Like I stated in the beginning, we got to the show just before 4:30 and stayed to closing (10:30 PM). There were very few people in the "basement" around 4:45 PM, and by 7:00 PM the second floor was thinning out. It was easier to take pictures, sit in the vehicles, and talk to the spokespersons one-on-one. I'd recommend it to anyone that doesn't like wall-to-wall crowds. I hope you enjoyed my take!!!

Continued... For some reason, this shot makes the H3T look like a "big rig" (aka Dodge Ram). No one was paying attention to this show truck on the display, and I never heard the speaker talk about it at all during my entire time in the Hummer area. I think it is an impressive pickup truck and if I needed a real off-road capable GM pickup truck, I'd look no farther than the Hummer H3T. I still prefer the 2004 Hummer H3T concept pickup over this production version, but I know that regular cabs don't sell. You should tell by my posting 3 pictures of the Hummer Hx I was head over heels for it. And so were many other people. This was the big draw in the Hummer display and many people were telling the Hummer spokespeople that Hummer should go ahead and build it. I asked one of them if they have been getting positive feedback and they said "a lot". If it's made, I will definitely be looking into one. I've always wanted a Jeep Wrangler, but can't live with one as a daily driver (and have no real need for an off-roader). However, I feel the Hx will be more liveable and it would make me join my neighbor when he & his friends take their quads off-roading. This is one awesome looking car. The color is fantastic and the G8 GXP drew a big crowd. Too bad that's a one-off custom color. The Targa version will definitely help with Solstice sales. I overheard many positive comments from the crowd it drew. The G8 ST is an awesome niche vehicle. If I could manage with a 2-seater as my daily driver, I would so buy one. Not too many people were hanging around this vehicle, and it drew all kinds of comments (positive, but more negative) while I was there. Pontiac will sell every one they get over here, but how it will aid in the rebuilding of their image, I'm not sure. Continued...

Continued... Moving upstairs to the more mainstream manufacturers, we walked through Nissan (Anthony wanted to see the GT-R?), Lexus, Mercedes & BMW (the wife likes to dream), and into the Dodge/Chrysler area. There were 3 Challengers on display - silver & orange SRT-8's and the blue SE. I like the blue color on this car. Many people were hovering in and around this area. Not too many people in the Saturn area, but there was the FlexStream on display. It did attract people, but there were not many nice comments being said about it that I overheard. Next up was Chevrolet, and surprisingly I didn't take any pictures of the Traverse. The wife really likes the Traverse, and said she'd buy it over the OUTLOOK and Acadia (but not the Enclave) . She sat in the Malibu and finally stated that she could see owning one, but it wouldn't be at the top of her shopping list. That's the angle I like best of the new CTS Coupe. The wife was in love with this car and said she'd want the Couple over the Sedan if she had the money to get one. She sat in a mid-level CTS sedan and day-dreamed about owning one. I really like the Provoq a lot. Not many people were around this concept/show vehicle - they were all over the CTS Coupe & CTS-V. I thought the wife would like this, seeing as how she likes the VUE. She'd rather have the CTS Coupe and as a result, didn't pay much attention to the Provoq. I gotta say that this car impresses in person. I think the side profile shot isn't that great due to the length of it (since it covers the driver and rear passenger). But many people were all over this display at all times, and GM definitely has a winner here. I spent some time in the Black LaCrosse Super... I still like this car, even if it's on the out-dated W-body. Continued...

So around 12:30 PM on Tuesday, me, the wife, and the two boys get into the Envoy and head north up the NJ Turnpike to NYC to attend the 2008 New York International Auto Show. First was a visit to the Times Square Toys R Us, as it was Justin's first time to that store and all of our first time on the famous indoor Ferris Wheel. Afterwards, the wife likes to go to Planet Hollywood for lunch, so we headed one block over to eat. At this point, it's a little after 4:00 PM and I want to head over to the Jacob Javits Center for the car show. A very interesting 15 minute cab ride later, we arrive and get started. Below is just a quick snapshot of what piqued my interest; yes, I drink the GM Kool-Aid and mainly go to see what GM has on display (most cases, I see the other manufacturers b/c my wife and/or step-son want to see other-than-GM vehicles). If you've ever been to the NYIAS within the last few years, you're greeted to the huge Scion display before you get to enter the actual show. My step-son, Anthony, is in love with Scion, and hopes to get a Tc when he gets his driver's license in about 3 years. I know, I still got time to change his mind for him! Anyway, above is Scion's concept for 2008, the HD Coupe. I asked if it basically is a reworked Xb, and the guy stated they share many parts, but with the lack of coupes on the market, Scion is exploring this market more. I will admit that out of all the Scions, this is the only one I can say I like. Being a "truck enthusiast", I tend to start off in the basement, where GM, Ford, and Dodge/Jeep showoff their trucks and commercial vehicles: My step-son was in love with the GMC Sierra NFL show truck. He wanted me to buy this Sierra! Not likely. Jeep Renegade? More like Jeep Ribbit. My 2 year-old, Justin, agreed with me that it looks very "frog-like" in it's design. Jeep did not "wow" me this year with their concept. Of course the military is always on display there. The Marines had their recruitment Hummer H3 on display, while the Army had the above pictured International MaxxPro on display. Quite a massive truck it is in person; that's the best I could do. While not a truck, Speed Racer's Mach 5 was on display. This looked to be a mock-up for promotional duties instead of an actual car used int eh filming process. Many people were drawn to it, however there was nobody around it to talk about the car or the movie. I will say that while it's a little awkward in its proportions, I like the upcoming 2009 Ford Transit Connect. There were 3 on display; the Taxi version (pictured), a version for a construction contractor, and one for a band (repleat with band instruments). I think this will give the HHR Panel some competition in the long run. Continued...

Camino... oh Camino... I'm waiting for you...

Well, she's now added a new vehicle to her "wish" list - the Ford Edge SEL or Limited FWD. We test drove a SEL FWD model last night and she was very impressed with the ride, handling, performance, features & options, and overall size. Of course she really wants the $33k Limited FWD that was in the showroom, that had the awesome factory-optional 20" chrome rims and Vista panaromic sunroof She wants to do something now, but I told her that paying 4 months of lease payments would eat up 50% of our downpayment cash is not the best thing to do. Plus I want to see how incentives for all the vehicles she wants get better as the year progresses (I think Memorial Day and Fourth of July sales will be better than what's being offered now). The benefit is that I get to keep the Envoy a tad bit longer, we can try to save up some more cash for a down payment, and if the incentives are better like they usually are in the summer months, then we really benefit in the long run. So, an up-to-date list of what she likes, not in her perferred order: 1. 2008 Ford Edge SEL or Limited FWD 2. 2008 Saturn VUE XR FWD 3. 2008 Volvo S40 or V50, or if possible, an S60 sedan 4. 2008 Chevy Malibu (after sitting in it at the NYIAS on Tuesday, she said if she goes "car", she'll give the Malibu a chance) 5. 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT Anyone care to provide insight on any of the above vehicles, that I could share with her to aid in her decision making process?

I did my part and votd for it. I went to the NYIAS on Tuesday and I was impressed with the G8 ST. If I could manage with a 2-seater, I'd be more than happy to own one. On the flip side, I was more than happy to see the GMC Denali XT in person. It is the perfect blend of car & truck, and gives me the back seat I need. While I would jump at the chance to buy one as is, I do agree with most that the exterior styling needs to be toned-down a bit for it to be produced (plus I want a non-Denali version). The G8 ST was not well attended, although I was at the show from 4:30 to 10:30 PM (after about 7PM, the show really thinned out). I saw the G8 ST around 8:15, and while there were people checking it out, there were more at the Buick Riviera. The woman manning the ST did tell me that many people commented that they liked it, although there were the "if it's basically an El Camino, then why isn't it at Chevy" and "who would want to own something like that over a REAL pickup?" comments too. Sad thing was that her shift ended at 8:30 and no one else bothered to man the ST until closing (I guess if you really want to sit in it Camino, you need to go there for 9:00 PM!!! :AH-HA_wink: ). The Denali XT though had several more people viewing it than the G8 ST. I spoke at length with the man "manning" the Denali XT. He said many people have given it positive feedback and have stated that GMC needs to look at producing it soon. He was nice and took my camera to get some close-up interior shots, and we continued talking about the truck itself. At one point in our conversation, he took out his pen & little notebook and wrote down a comment I made. The comment? I just said that I'd love to buy the G8 ST as soon as it hit the dealer's lot, but with a wife and two boys, the Denali XT would be the more practical choice for me, and being a huge GMC fan, is the natural choice . And speaking with the two older, more distinguished GMC Product Specialists at the info table, they both said that the Denali XT was getting a lot of positive feedback at all of the 4 shows its been to so far and that I need to watch for next year's major shows for some great announcements from GM for the 2010 model year. Were they pulling my leg, or giving me an early Christmas present?!?!?!?!

These trucks did exist, but yes, they are rare to see today. I grew up in a suburb of Trenton and there was a service station that owned a dark blue Chevy since the '80s. I will say that it was between a '82-'87 model, as it had the square look in the front fenders and I want to say it was probably more like an '85-'87, as it had the updated grille with the headlight/turnsignal combo (no turn signals in the bumper, like the '81-'84 trucks had). I've been by the station lately and it has changed owners (all new station), and the cars & trucks (including the longbed stepside) that were part of the back lot, are all gone. Other than that bit of info, I can't really give you anything else to go on. Maybe our resident truck wiz - Wildmanjoe - will be able to give you more useful information to aid in your research.

I spent much of my time yesterday at the NYIAS checking out the actual Hummer Hx concept. It is currently one of my favorite GM concept vehicles and one I'd like to own if GM decides to produce it - I've always been a fan of the Jeep Wrangler, but can't see driving one on a daily basis due to its cramped interior and rough ride. Now I'm sure the Hx (H4?) will give a much better on-road ride and handling, plus a more usable and comfortable interior.

Don't be jealous Camino. They do have one G8 GT Sedan on the floor to sit in, so just use your imagination and don't look behind you!!! :rotflmao:

No, it was not. Even though she saw it on the display twice at the Philly Auto Show in February (2nd & 9th), she never paid much attention to it (she was too overcome by the Volvo S40/V50 R-Design models and the Enclaves there). Seeing it on the dealer's lot Saturday, now she noticed it. However, as she was checking it out, she said it reminded her of the VUE. When I asked her if she'd still be happy with it 3 months after initially buying it, her response was "not compared to the VUE". So it was on the list, for about 15 minutes Well, not status as in luxury car to everyman's car. The cars at the pharmecutical company she works at in Princeton range from lowly Toyota Corolla's up to the CEO's Mercedes collection! She's concerned that if she were to buy "used", people may question why she didn't get used (to her, what other's think/perceive is important to her ). And while I am open here that we've been financially unresponsible in the past and are trying to make a change, she is more private at work about our business (they don't even know I sold the SKY due to our financial situation- at her holiday party in December <a week after I sold the car>, I had to smile and talk about how much I love it and can't wait for spring again to drive it, even though it was like a knife was being stabbed in my chest). So while a Vibe or VUE doesn't = luxury status, a new car means we have money to spend I guess

Could this change be due to the fact that the Hx/H4 will use the 3.6l V6 to make a better competitor against the Wrangler???

Picked up this little baby at TARGET this past Saturday while doing some last minute "Easter" gift shopping. Here are the details: Made by Maisto, 1:16 scale radio controlled vehicle, multi-directional (forward, reverse, left & right turning), available in gold (shown above) and two-tone black & bright green, comes with dashboard-styled controller, cost $19.99, requires 1 9-volt & 4 AA batteries to operate. I have not opened it yet, but my 2 year-old son is dying waiting for me to. He can't wait to play with "daddy's new toy truck"!!!

Well, we went to see the '05 ULTRA model yesterday. The wife was accepting of this concept (buying used), at least until she slept on it. She became a little conscience about what her co-workers would "think" about her not buying a brand new car But she wanted to see the Buick anyway. We got to the dealership - a Buick/Pontiac/GMC + Saturn & Cadillac next door - and immediately she caught the all-new 2009 Vibes they had on the lot, so we checked those out first. Next were some 2008 Torrents, which she stated she did not like. While looking at the Torrents, someone drives by in a 2008 VUE XE, and that's when she states she really likes the VUE the best. Since we drove the VUE about a month ao, we just cruise by them to see the colors & trim lines available on the lot. We then pull around to the Buick, which happened to be unlocked. As soon as she opened the door, the persecution began - stains on the floor, seats, and dash/console; scratches on the dash & radio/hvac faceplates; chrome rims that showed some ago. Her comment was "No way in h%$# am I spending that kind of money for used over new - and this is why I want to buy a new car." So we decided that since she really likes the VUE - first time she's bothered to tell me what she really likes - I think we'll wait and see what deals are offered over the next couple of months. On a side note, I have a test-drive offer from Ford that I got at the Philly Auto Show that not only allows me to drive a Ford of my choice hassle-free (yeah right! ), I also get a $75 MasterCard gift card for my time. We stopped by the local Ford dealership after Easter mass Sunday morning and looked at what they had that might interest her. Well, there was an Edge Limited FWD on the lot unlocked - she wants to look into that now too. So the 2008 VUE XR FWD and the 2008 Edge SEL FWD are on her radar, the Vibe no longer is. At least until we go to the NYIAS on Tuesday

I was only 7 years-old during the summer of 1982, being carted around in my mom's gray with red vinyl interior late '70s Ford Granada and playing in the dirt with my wonderful TONKA trucks!

Thanks for the advice so far. The two I'm looking at are both 2005 MY Rendezvous; one is a CXL, the other is an ULTRA. Not sure if either are FWD or AWD, but that won't factor into the decision either way (ours was a FWD model). Both have heated leather seats, though the ULTRA has suede inserts and memory settings. Both have the HUD (head's-up dislay) option, so that makes me very happy. The CXL is listed with a rear seat DVD system, which will make the wife happy, but the ULTRA has a NAV radio (can anyone tell me how this option works?). The CXL is Black/Gray with Gray interior (just like our '03), the ULTRA is Cappacino Frost with Beige interior (I prefer this color combo more). The best part is both dealers are GM Certified Pre-Owned, so there's reassurance from either Rendezvous. The wife has not yet responded to my e-mails about whether or not she wants to look into either of these two vehicles, but I think she'll want to. The big problem is we're going to the NYIAS next week, so I'm sure she'll feel tortured looking at the cars she really wants to get (Enclave, CTS, S40/V50).

The wife anad I are currently reviewing our financial status and trying to decide what is the amount we are comfortable paying per month for a new vehicle when the Envoy lease expires soon (August). Of course small and cheap would be best (a loan amount not exceeding $20K), but there isn't much out there she likes at that loan amount (she really wants a 2008 Enclave, CTS, S40/V50, or a VUE, just so you know). We don't have a large enough down payment, so even looking at a $23-$24K MSRP would be stretching it. She's not fond of the Malibu ( ), so don't suggest that, and we already are leasing an AURA, so that's out of the question. Anyway, as we were talking yesterday, she brought up looking into a used vehicle. She really liked her 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix GT Sedan and her 2003 Buick Rendezvous CX FWD (both were leased). I haven't found too many GP's (2003) that I'd consider, but have found two 2005 Buick Rendezvous CXL models with just under 30k on the odo, pretty well loaded, and both a tad under $20k in asking price. So my question is here, how are the 2005 Rendezvous? Our '03 had problems with the sunroof and the tires wearing out around 28k, but other than that it was good. I didn't care much for the 3.4l V6, but the wife was happy with it and this would be her daily driver. Would you recommend a '05 Buick Rendezvous as a used purchase? I need as much input as I can get. A big thanks in advance to all that come to my aid.

PCS, you need to make a correction on the date - it is scheduled for Friday, May 9th. If all goes well, I will be there again this year (by "all goes well", that means if my employer grants me a personal day, seeing as how I will be at a conference on the 7th and they've already granted me that day off - otherwise, I may just have to call out "sick" ).

You stole my answer! While I would also go back to 1956 to get my hands on a '56 GMC Suburban Carrier pickup and a '56 GMC factory-issued 4WD 100 stepside pickup, 1957 would satisfy many of the GM love affairs I have - '57 Pontiac Star Chief and Bonneville Convertible, '57 Pontiac Safari (Nomad), '57 Chevy Bel-Air Sport Coupe, '57 GMC Suburban Carrier/Suburban Carry-All/'57 100 Deluxe trim 2WD Stepside/'57 100 4WD stepside pickup, '57 Buick Caballero/Century Station Wagon, '57 Olds 98 Sport Coupe/88 J-2 Convertible/Fiesta Station Wagon I'd be a happy collector for sure!

Okay, I guess I'm in the minority here, but I really like the looks of the '99 Concept GTO. I will say that some aspects of it are too cartoonish and outlandish, but you have to remember that other Pontiac concept vehicles from the '90s followed the same formula (look at the '97 Pontiac Rageous and the '98 Montana Thunder for proof). If you toned this Concept GTO down a bit, gave it more production-like exterior features (a real front bumper, for example), then it wouldn't be as bad as many of you think. I definitely see the '68-'72 A-body in it's design, with the '66/'67 GTO showing up in the rear design (namely taillights). This would have been one Pontiac I would have desired to won if it was produced.