QuestionQUESTION: I am wondering if a 2004 Grand Prix GT with 93,000 miles on it for $9,000 is something I should consider purchasing. I am a little concerned with the amount of miles but it is in excellent condition. It looks to have been well maintained. I guess the miles are mostly highway. Does that really make a difference? Do you have a recommendation? Thank you.
ANSWER: I never let high miles scare me: if the car is well-maintained, then it's probably a bargain. Too many people shy away from these cars, but if they'd only stop to think. To put that many miles on a car in 2-3 years, then they HAVE to be highway miles. And every mile on the highway is one where you're NOT shifting in and out of gears, using the brakes, opening and closing the doors, etc... All you're wearing is the tires, and even they last longer on the highway. I keep a '92 Town Car at my place in Florida that currently has 156,000 miles, and I drive it all over the state. Well-maintained, high-mileage cars, in my opinion, are the best-kept secret in the U.S. automotive world.
The big question here is which model: that's a lot of money to pay for the GT1 or GT2 model (BTW, all 2004 Grand Prixs were "GTs"), but about right for a loaded GTP w/ the supercharger.
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QUESTION: What would you consider a fair price for this vehicle? It is a GT1 model. I am in the Mid-Michigan area.
AnswerEdmunds.com and Kelley Blue Book both say $6500-$8000, depending on condition, for a "private-party" sale. It may be worth a little more at a dealer if they can prove extensive reconditioning (new tires/ tune-up/ belts and hoses, etc...), or if they're providing a worthwhile warranty.
