Repair-It

MT review: http://www.motortrend.com/cars/buick/la ... rst-drive/

Jesus the Super is so much nicer than the SS. I want this.

http://www.caranddriver.com/features/th ... per-page-4

Seems to run the same 14.2 @ 101 as the Impala SS.

It does, after all, share its chassis and engine with Chevrolet’s Monte Carlo SS and Impala SS, as well as the Pontiac Grand Prix GXP, and front-wheel drive does none of these cars any favors. It is interesting to note that the Buick stops in less distance, holds onto the skidpad longer, and is quicker and faster than any of its platform-mates, with shocking high-speed stability, especially considering its roots and the badge on its nose

Well that seals it.

So let's recap, contrasting among the LS4 cars:
Better interior
Better exterior
Best options and features
Best performance
Best ride quality
Maybe most rare, interesting and special

Bob wrote:Here you go: https://newyork.craigslist.org/stn/ctd/5964970802.html

I love this. Good price. Kinda high miles.

Specs on the SS and GXP here:
http://www.j-body.org/forums/read.php?f ... 5&t=168805

Curious how the LaCrosse Super stacks up in the interior space department. You'd think it would be bigger like the Impala is but who the hell knows. What's weird is the Impala is NOT on a longer wheelbase than the Grand Prix - it's just larger inside (a little more rear legroom, some more head room, more hip room, trunk space, and total interior volume).

So I think the Super does come substantially more loaded than the SS, which I'd expect. But cars.com lists the following this as "Optional" on the Super:
- Block heater
- Chrome wheels
- Front license plate bracket
- Power glass tilting and sliding sunroof
- Sunshade
- 1st row express open sliding and tilting glass sunroof (what's the difference?)
- 6-disc CD changer
- 12 performance speakers
- 12 premium speakers
- XM AM/FM/Satellite with seek-scan, 6-disc in-dash CD player

So for the most part, it does seem to come with just about everything. But there are a few key features in here that aren't standard, mainly the sunroof (I'd think just about all of these would have that though) and something to do with the audio. Which is annoying. Because it isn't even branded. Obviously I'd want the premium audio. It will be hard to find one of these the way I want it, where I want it, in the condition I want it, and at the price I want it. It's the perfect unicorn.

kevm14 wrote:Specs on the SS and GXP here:
http://www.j-body.org/forums/read.php?f ... 5&t=168805

Curious how the LaCrosse Super stacks up in the interior space department. You'd think it would be bigger like the Impala is but who the hell knows. What's weird is the Impala is NOT on a longer wheelbase than the Grand Prix - it's just larger inside (a little more rear legroom, some more head room, more hip room, trunk space, and total interior volume).

It seems to be a weird blend of the two.

- The SS has the 3.29 final drive and the other ones have 2.93.
- It sounds like the Super has the largest brake setup. This may be related to the high top speed and also the quoted high speed stability. maybe they actually tested it at these speeds, and the result would be all good things (better brakes, suspension, etc.)
- Super has the ~198" length like the GXP vs the Impala at 200". Part (or all) of that goes to trunk space. The Super may actually have the smallest trunk space of the group if Cars.com is correct. 14.3 vs 16 on the GXP and 18.6 on the SS.
- GXP and Super share the ~98-99 cu-ft passenger volume. SS gets 104.5 cu-ft. That and the trunk is one of the things I liked about the SS over the GXP, in terms of doubling as an extra family car that Jamie could actually use if the SRX was unavailable.
- That made me sad because I thought the rear seat particularly on the GXP was pathetic for the size of car (large car foot print, mid-size space). But the rear legroom goes like this: SS 37.6", GXP 36.2", Super 37.6". If I believe cars.com. Hopefully it's true. Let's go through the rest of the interior specs.
- Front headroom
SS: 37.4"
GXP: 38.8"
Super: 39.4" (interesting)
- Front legroom
SS: 42.3"
GXP: 42.2"
Super: 42.3"
- Front shoulder room
SS: 58.7"
GXP: 58"
Super: 57.2" (smallest?)
- Front hip room
SS: 56.4"
GXP: 54.5"
Super: 55.3" (between...)

- Rear headroom
SS: 37.8"
GXP: 36.2"
Super: 37.2" (good)
- Rear leg room
SS: 37.6"
GXP: 36.2"
Super: 37.6" (good)
- Rear shoulder room
SS: 58.6"
GXP: 54.8" (now that is going to be very noticeable)
Super: 57.0" (again, between and closer to SS - good)
- Rear hip room
SS: 57.2"
GXP: 54.3" (same comment as above - this matters for family stuff)
Super: 54.6" (ah crap)

So there you go. Hip is the only thing on the Super that is most GXP-sucky compared to the SS. If a middle passenger was not required, that might work out OK. What I probably should do is see how this at least compares to the SRX. The SRX may be just as tight as the GXP on the hip/shoulder. SRX has way more legroom than all of these though.

According to this 2008 brochure, the Super comes standard with "Single-CD/MP3 player, AM/FM stereo, auto-tone control, speed-compensated volume and Concert Sound III nine-speaker, 240-watt premium audio system"

http://www.auto-brochures.com/makes/Bui ... e_2008.pdf

Also unique to the Super:

- Trunk-mounted spoiler
- Warm Chestnut wood-accent transmission shifter
- Special Ride and Handling four-wheel independent suspension with Bilstein® monotube performance struts and upgraded springs, front and rear stabilizer bars and bushings—includes larger front disc brakes
- Magnetic quick-ratio, variable-assist, power rack-and-pinion steering with performance calibration and steering gear
- Dual stainless steel exhaust with chrome-plated tips
- DreamWeave leather-appointed seating

Now here's a real unicorn feature: the 2009 has Bluetooth. And it is optional. Well I can just plan on not having that I guess.