# Is my co-worker's car what he claims it is? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [June 16, 2017, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-co-workers-car-what-he-claims-it-is/789127 "2017-06-16T16:48:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![sweepkick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/87869e/32.png) [@sweepkick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweepkick)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2017, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-co-workers-car-what-he-claims-it-is/789127/61 "2017-06-20T03:16:44Z")
Fast, perhaps. But let me tell you, I’ve always felt that the resurrected GTO was seriously lacking in design aesthetics. Frankly, the car always reminded me of a Sunfire. [Fugly - but hey it’s got a spoiler](http://www.caranddriver.com/features/best-cars-for-20k-feature-2004-2006-pontiac-gto-page-9) I loved my 2000 SSEi and thought the G8 GTs were cool, but that GTO was a girly car that happened to go like a raped ape. ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2017, 7:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-co-workers-car-what-he-claims-it-is/789127/62 "2017-06-20T07:53:31Z")
> [@Gary\_T](#): > > I don’t know about this specific model, but a number of cars manufactured for overseas markets don’t meet U.S safety and/or emissions standards. Or could meet them, but the maker hasn’t considered it worth it to file for it. If the US market would be tiny compared with the market for which the car is targetted, there is simply no point in passing all US paperwork. ---
**Author:** ![FoieGrasIsEvil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foiegrasisevil/32/16638_2.png) [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2017, 8:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-co-workers-car-what-he-claims-it-is/789127/63 "2017-06-20T08:42:40Z")
> [@JXJohns](#): > > Exactly, I don’t get why it is necessary to do anything else to a pretty cool car to start with. True, it’s at or over 400hp stock, but those cars are eminently upgradeable performance-wise. Here’s a brief video of a startup of a GTO that a former employee of mine bought from the widow of a deceased friend (these guys were all like 21 at the time). It was in pretty sad shape. He put a crate motor in it with forged internals, a cam and who knows what else. After months of work, which they did themselves, here’s the rise of Frankenstein, also known as “Black List”: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrSFkMBO8k8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrSFkMBO8k8) > [@Morgenstern](#): > > In fact, many say it’s the car that killed Pontiac. > > Jot down the VIN, and send it to a enthusiast’s group for verification. How did it kill Pontiac? It was never meant to be high production, I think they sold all that they built/imported, and the G8, another Holden car, was one of the best if not _the_ best car to wear a Pontiac badge in awhile (since the demise of the T/A, IMO). Pontiac was always the performance arm of GM, especially in the 1960’s. > [@sweepkick](#): > > Fast, perhaps. But let me tell you, I’ve always felt that the resurrected GTO was seriously lacking in design aesthetics. Frankly, the car always reminded me of a Sunfire. > > [Fugly - but hey it’s got a spoiler](http://www.caranddriver.com/features/best-cars-for-20k-feature-2004-2006-pontiac-gto-page-9) > > I loved my 2000 SSEi and thought the G8 GTs were cool, but that GTO was a girly car that happened to go like a raped ape. I never thought of it’s looks as _girly_ at all, but I agree it was pretty bland. But again, if you do the right things to it…good things! Check this one out: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4FJHBc8uEg&t=616s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4FJHBc8uEg&t=616s) ---
**Author:** ![Crotalus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crotalus/32/41_2.png) [@Crotalus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crotalus)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2017, 11:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-co-workers-car-what-he-claims-it-is/789127/64 "2017-06-20T11:06:49Z")
> [@Richard\_Pearse](#): > > You’re just giving him a bit of friendly advice. There is nothing remotely friendly happening here. ---
**Author:** ![Penfeather](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/penfeather/32/384_2.png) [@Penfeather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Penfeather)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2017, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-co-workers-car-what-he-claims-it-is/789127/65 "2017-06-20T20:21:42Z")
Next up: are wigs fraud? ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2017, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-co-workers-car-what-he-claims-it-is/789127/66 "2017-06-20T23:05:40Z")
> [@China\_Guy](#): > > Why do people want a Holder? Color me confused. AFAIK, Holden isn’t held up as the premier manufacturing nor design house at GM. And for bonus points, I used to deal with the President of Holden, Chris Gubbey, when he was in a different role at GM China Some people try to impress others by rebadging their cars. Others do it by talking about their personal dealings with obscure business executives. Everyone has their own thing, i guess. ---
**Author:** ![ssgenius](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5ac83/32.png) [@ssgenius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ssgenius)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2017, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-co-workers-car-what-he-claims-it-is/789127/67 "2017-06-21T02:31:21Z")
I have one of these GTO’s (2004) In 2004, there was NO other rear wheel drive GM cars except for the Corvette, No Camaro/Firebird and the Impala was now front wheel drive Yes, it is not overly styled but that I considered an advantage as being only noticeable by the people who recognize GTO’s gives it some stealth. It essentially has the corvette engine and you could get it with the 6 speed Tremac. manual Unlike a lot of other cars, it was actually feasible to pull the motor out (although not as easy as the 60s GTO) Nice comfortable leather seats and there is actually a useable back seat. The trunk was a joke (Fuel tank had to be relocated which cut its size in half) In terms of power, the Ls1 in 2004 or the Ls2 in the 2005/2006 didn’t feel that fast right off the line. However they kept their power constant until 6000 rpm which gave them a deceivingly fast top end. What you had was very close to a slightly worse handling corvette with a back seat. Yes, there was a lot of aftermarket parts so a 600 - 700 hp monster was possible and it would not need much in the way of chassis modifications either ---
**Author:** ![x-ray\_vision](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/x-ray_vision/32/351_2.png) [@x-ray\_vision](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/x-ray_vision)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2017, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-co-workers-car-what-he-claims-it-is/789127/68 "2017-06-21T03:42:36Z")
> [@ssgenius](#): > > In 2004, there was NO other rear wheel drive GM cars except for the Corvette, No Camaro/Firebird and the Impala was now front wheel drive The G8 and Cadillac CTS. ---
**Author:** ![FoieGrasIsEvil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foiegrasisevil/32/16638_2.png) [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2017, 5:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-co-workers-car-what-he-claims-it-is/789127/69 "2017-06-21T05:34:30Z")
> [@x-ray\_vision](#): > > The G8 and Cadillac CTS. The G8 didn’t appear until 2008. But you’re right about the CTS-V, the introductory year was in fact 2004 for the first gen version of that car. But it was far, FAR more expensive than the GTO in that year. ---
**Author:** ![bobkitty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c67d28/32.png) [@bobkitty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobkitty)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2017, 10:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-co-workers-car-what-he-claims-it-is/789127/70 "2017-06-21T10:14:59Z")
So, resolution? ---
**Author:** ![FoieGrasIsEvil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foiegrasisevil/32/16638_2.png) [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2017, 12:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-co-workers-car-what-he-claims-it-is/789127/71 "2017-06-21T12:05:06Z")
> [@bobkitty](#): > > So, resolution? Buy a low mileage GTO with the 6.0L motor, put in headers, intake and purchase a tune then haul fucking ass. ---
**Author:** ![bobkitty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c67d28/32.png) [@bobkitty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobkitty)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2017, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-co-workers-car-what-he-claims-it-is/789127/72 "2017-06-21T16:19:23Z")
Pfft, not in my neck of the woods. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![ssgenius](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5ac83/32.png) [@ssgenius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ssgenius)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2017, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-co-workers-car-what-he-claims-it-is/789127/73 "2017-06-21T21:01:29Z")
> [@FoieGrasIsEvil](#): > > The G8 didn’t appear until 2008. But you’re right about the CTS-V, the introductory year was in fact 2004 for the first gen version of that car. But it was far, FAR more expensive than the GTO in that year. Thanks, However the CTS-V was way out of my price range ---
**Author:** ![Reply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reply/32/15952_2.png) [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2017, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-co-workers-car-what-he-claims-it-is/789127/74 "2017-06-21T21:34:43Z")
Man, that car may be the only thing of value he holds on to in his life. Go easy on him. Even if he’s self-deluding, what if it’s all he’s got? ---
**Author:** ![Scumpup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2017, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-co-workers-car-what-he-claims-it-is/789127/75 "2017-06-21T21:38:46Z")
> [@Reply](#): > > Man, that car may be the only thing of value he holds on to in his life. Go easy on him. Even if he’s self-deluding, what if it’s all he’s got? But what if exposing somebody in such a trivial thing is all _you’ve_ got in life? Let’s not lose track of who is really the victim here. ---
**Author:** ![snfaulkner](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snfaulkner/32/433_2.png) [@snfaulkner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snfaulkner)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2017, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-co-workers-car-what-he-claims-it-is/789127/76 "2017-06-21T22:03:16Z")
> [@Scumpup](#): > > But what if exposing somebody in such a trivial thing is all _you’ve_ got in life? Let’s not lose track of who is really the victim here. What if reading about the whole trivial ordeal on the internet is all _I’ve_ got in life? ---
**Author:** ![Drunky\_Smurf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drunky_smurf/32/449_2.png) [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2017, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-co-workers-car-what-he-claims-it-is/789127/77 "2017-06-23T16:22:45Z")
So did the OP expose this charlatan for what a vile piece of villainy he is and thus saving us all from his evilness? ---
**Author:** ![FoieGrasIsEvil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foiegrasisevil/32/16638_2.png) [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2017, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-co-workers-car-what-he-claims-it-is/789127/78 "2017-06-23T19:17:25Z")
Inquiring minds want to know! Vicarious living is all I’ve got left! ---
**Author:** ![FoieGrasIsEvil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foiegrasisevil/32/16638_2.png) [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2017, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-co-workers-car-what-he-claims-it-is/789127/79 "2017-06-23T19:20:37Z")
> [@ssgenius](#): > > Thanks, However the CTS-V was way out of my price range Plus the first-gen CTS-V made the same power as the GTO and I’m pretty sure both had the LS1 motors in that year, so the GTO was the better performance option for the money. ---
**Author:** ![Scumpup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2017, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-co-workers-car-what-he-claims-it-is/789127/80 "2017-06-23T19:27:21Z")
> [@Drunky\_Smurf](#): > > So did the OP expose this charlatan for what a vile piece of villainy he is and thus saving us all from his evilness? My guess is that “parking lot assbeating” \> “enjoyment of exposing a trivial lie while simultaneously appearing weird and stalkery.” **Czarcasm** either made the sensible choice and let it go, or, he isn’t able to post from the hospital. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-co-workers-car-what-he-claims-it-is/789127.md?page=3)