In Oz they are called Holden Monaros, and that's where these GTOs were made. Definitely a fast car with that Corvette motor in it. I think they're governed to about 150-160 mph, but you can get around the limiter. OTOH can't see the point of making it go much faster unless you're going to race it. Nice that you can get it with a 6 sp manual too, and from what I've seen of used models quite a few of them have a stick since an automatic meant you had to pay a gas guzzler tax. Suprisingly though, gas mileage isn't too bad on the highway, around 25 mpg with the stick as long as you don't get on the gas pedal too heavy.
Back when we bought the Malibu, the interest rates were cheap on a new car. Now it's not too good, especially a used car loan. But that's the only way I'd buy this car too as the depreciation on these is horrendous.
For me this could be a lifetime car. Even though the GTO had a limited run, there's plenty of aftermarket out there for them. Everything from suspension to bodywork upgrades. And of course there's plenty of money you can spend on the motor if you want to since it's the same motor in the Vette.
