Want a 03' Monte Carlo

[Jeebuschryst]

I'm looking into getting a 2003 Monte Carlo SS fully loaded. Anyone who currently has one, maybe a different year, have any advice on it? What are the pros and cons of the model.

 

[GTMail]

Why a Monte Carlo? That's probably one of the worst cars of the 21st century. It's ugly, slow, and uncomfortable. It doesn't even have a V8 and is front wheel drive. I don't care how much you're thinking of paying for it but there is going to be something better in your price range.

 

[Cale]

Don't remember if those had the L67 supercharged engine? They are comfortable, fuel efficient, reliable, and if supercharged they're quick..

 

[Antonisbob]

GTMail

I can agree with two things that man said, they're ugly and front wheel drive. A '76 or an '80 would be the nicer car., though not always an option.

 

[locoman88]

I can agree with two things that man said, they're ugly and front wheel drive. A '76 or an '80 would be a nicer car.

This. It was a cousin to the gnx

 

[Cale]

Holy crap I cant believe you people are saying a 150hp thirty year old car is a better choice based on the fact they were rwd. Come on people.

 

[locoman88]

Holy crap I cant believe you people are saying a 150hp thirty year old car is a better choice based on the fact they were rwd. Come on people.

No, probably because
1. It looks better
2.yes because it was rwd
3.because it would be easier and maybe cost less to upgrade because of less computer parts to move out of the way.

 

[Cale]

It appears the L67 was onky available in 04-05.

 

[locoman88]

It appears the L67 was onky available in 04-05.

Hmm turbo?

 

[Tornado]

3.because it would be easier and maybe cost less to upgrade because of less computer parts to move out of the way.

We're not talking about about a G-Body Monte Carlo compared to a Nissan GT-R. We're talking about a G-Body Monte Carlo compared to a W-Body Monte Carlo. The only difference between the two in technology is whether you consider the exact same 50 year old engine and 30 year old transmission powering the front wheels instead of the rear to be a terrifying development on the road to SkyNet.




Which is kind of moot because GTMail already hit the nail on the head. There were far better cars that GM sold on that platform than the Monte Carlo.

 

[BMWcrazy]

Why not just get a GTO?

 

[locoman88]

Why not just get a GTO?

Good idea

 

[Cale]

Why not just get a GTO?

GTOs aren't under $5000

 

[Cale]

Hmm turbo?

Supercharged. 240hp 280tq. U pipe, underdrive pully, and tune will put you close to 300hp and 340tq

 

[Doog]

A Monte Carlo? I'm sorry, but there are better cars to aspire to.

My Suggestions:

Acura CL (Everything a Monte Carlo is, but better in every way)
Lexus SC300 (Not as quick, but more luxurious, RWD, and more reliable
Buick Park Avenue Supercharged (Why not? Similar performance, similar size, but more luxurious, and more practical)
Cadillac Eldorado (A much better, much more luxurious, faster FWD coupe than a Monte Carlo)
Ford Mustang (You want a 'sporty' Monte Carlo? Here's a better, similarly priced car that is sporty)
Chevrolet Camaro (For the same reasons as the Mustang)

 

[Antonisbob]

No, probably because
1. It looks better
2.yes because it was rwd
3.because it would be easier and maybe cost less to upgrade because of less computer parts to move out of the way.

It's a classier, more respected car. People notice those older cars. & it also has less cheap plastics & isn't made from recycled beer cans.

A Monte Carlo? I'm sorry, but there are better cars to aspire to.

My Suggestions:

Acura CL (Everything a Monte Carlo is, but better in every way)
Lexus SC300 (Not as quick, but more luxurious, RWD, and more reliable
Buick Park Avenue Supercharged (Why not? Similar performance, similar size, but more luxurious, and more practical)
Cadillac Eldorado (A much better, much more luxurious, faster FWD coupe than a Monte Carlo)
Ford Mustang (You want a 'sporty' Monte Carlo? Here's a better, similarly priced car that is sporty)
Chevrolet Camaro (For the same reasons as the Mustang)

Good list. What about a '96 Impala SS?

 

[Doog]

It's a classier, more respected car. People notice those older cars. & it also has less cheap plastics & isn't made from recycled beer cans.
Good list. What about a '96 Impala SS?

That's a good option, but a quick Craigslist search came up with just one '96 (No other 90s Impalas) with 70k miles for $12,500. Probably out of the price range.

 

[Antonisbob]

That's a good option, but a quick Craigslist search came up with just one '96 (No other 90s Impalas) with 70k miles for $12,500. Probably out of the price range.

I figured so.

 

[Adamgp]

Option 1: Get the Monte and gather up parts to do an L67 top swap on the L36. (heads, blower, fuel rails, etc.)

Option 2: Ditch the Monte idea and pick up a '97-'03 Grand Prix GTP. Same car except for sheet metal, & supercharged from the factory.

 

[Jeebuschryst]

I like the body style but hearing that it's only fwd is a huge kill. I would like to keep it American and a Grand Am or other models is too common and not that interesting to me. I would love a GTO but that's way out of price range.

 

[Jeebuschryst]

It's a classier, more respected car. People notice those older cars. & it also has less cheap plastics & isn't made from recycled beer cans.

Good list. What about a '96 Impala SS?

A 94' Impala is a dream car of mine. Just a matter of finding one at a reasonable price and in decent condition.

 

[Tornado]

Could a Lincoln Mk. VIII be swung at that price range?

Option 2: Ditch the Monte idea and pick up a '97-'03 Grand Prix GTP. Same car except for sheet metal, & supercharged from the factory.

I'd also say that, while still not great cars, the Grand Prix GTPs were at least pretty decent.

 

[GTMail]

Get a Comaro or a Mustang if you want to keep it American.

 

[Jeebuschryst]

Get a Comaro or a Mustang if you want to keep it American.

I'm really not a fan of either of those. Everyone has one, and I find them to be ugly. 2000 or older Camaro, I'm in. But any mustang after the 5.0 sparks no interest to me. Anything that isn't so commonly seen but not rare is good to me. I'm very specific with my cars. It's not all about performance. Everything's gotta flow.

 

[NissanSkylineN1]

Infiniti G35 or a Lexus IS. Sure a Muscle car can beat it in a straight line, but once it stops being straight, you're gonna wish you had a Japanese car. Also, theres reliability and comfort/ practicality.

 

[astrosdude91]

Infiniti G35 or a Lexus IS. Sure a Muscle car can beat it in a straight line, but once it stops being straight, you're gonna wish you had a Japanese car. Also, theres reliability and comfort/ practicality.

Of course, you'd be hard pressed to find either of those in his assumed price range.

If you're going Japanese luxury, how bout a first gen Lexus LS?

 

[Doog]

Of course, you'd be hard pressed to find either of those in his assumed price range.

If you're going Japanese luxury, how bout a first gen Lexus LS?

Agreed. Can't go wrong with an LS.

 

[GTMail]

I'm really not a fan of either of those. Everyone has one, and I find them to be ugly. 2000 or older Camaro, I'm in. But any mustang after the 5.0 sparks no interest to me. Anything that isn't so commonly seen but not rare is good to me. I'm very specific with my cars. It's not all about performance. Everything's gotta flow.

I completely feel you there. Maybe a 80s Trans Am or Firebird might float your boat.

 

[hawkeye122]

I would like to keep it American

Why?

 

[locoman88]

It's a classier, more respected car. People notice those older cars. & it also has less cheap plastics & isn't made from recycled beer cans.

Good list. What about a '96 Impala SS?

My dad has a 96' impala. Wonderful