So I'm now debating between getting a 09 Cobalt SS/TC or a Solstice Coupe GXP when my SS/SC's lease ends next summer. Up until the Solstice Coupe debuted at the NY Auto show my plans were pretty solid on getting the new SS Turbo.

I had some little issues in the two years that I had my Cobalt SS/SC, nothing serious, but enough to almost make me not want to get another one.

At 6k miles my crank sensor went out on me, shift cap snapped off, rear clothes hanger broke, had to replace my floor mat where my foot rests beneath the clutch twice now, and just a month ago the plastic rail on my sunroof broke and I wasn't able to fully shut and seal my sunroof. And also on the door controls where the satin trim pieces are near the door lock and window buttons the trim is starting to peal. The thing is I baby this car, and it looks practically the same as when I first got it (I wash, clean, and vacum inside and out at least once every week) So that has discouraged me from getting a new one.

I priced a Solstice GXP convertible loaded (I read the Coupe won't be more than 1k then the roadster) with GM employee discount, and the current rebate I priced it at $25,696 and it comes stock for 09 with a rear LSD, and stability control, and 4 wheel disc antilock brakes. Since it's the GXP it already has the LNF, and an almost similiar FE3 suspension.
It's also RWD, slightly quicker, a 2 seater, and will have a removable magnesium roof, making it a targa.

I actually already went and priced out a 08/09 Cobalt SS T/C including the optional LSD and sunroof it came out with the rebate and employee discount to $21,500. And we all know what the new SS turbocharged comes with... (it's great)

So for a rough difference of $4200-$4500 between the 08/09 Cobalt SS Turbocharged and a Pontiac Solstice Coupe GXP what would you get???

 

RWD > FWD


+ The Solstice is a Head turner...



Then again if ya need any room to store anything... Cobalt

 

make a poll

i say colby

 

I have more than one friend, plus I might need to haul a child seat at come point in the next couple years. You ned a back seat for both of these activities...But if you don't have these concerns: get the Solstice (I'd prefer a Sky though, look better IMO, total preference though, same car.)!

 

Room is a big plus in my book. I am certainly a bit biased since I have the '08 ss/tc, but I would take it over the solctice any day. Just to give you an idea of the room you will gain in a ss/tc...the other day I hauled a 24 x 64" piece of melanimite(?) plus shelving in coby and I had plenty of room for more...there was no need to worry about anything sticking out of the back of the vehicle...just lay down the seats and go....Coby has more room than my old 2003 Lancer!

 

cobalt FTW

 

thanks for your opinions everyone so far! Yeah kazinova, between my girlfriend, and maybe a duffel bag/sports bag and some clothes that's about all I ever carry... lol and yeah no Children will be an issue for at least 5 more years!!! I also love the looks of the Sky more than I like the Solstice, always had, but the soon to be available coupe version made the difference for me.

Thanks for the poll suggestion PimpLay2!

Has anyone here had any of the problems that I posted with their balts?

 

Solstice man unless your planning on moving friends around with you or are looking for a slightly more functional car when it comes to day to day living.

Solstice is a damn nice car, but if its your daily commuter your going to run into problems when you need to move more than one passenger, have **** to move etc...

 

I am pleased with my Solstice.

RWD does make for far more actual driving fun.

I would not suggest this car to anyone that doesn't have access to another vehicle.

 

rwd drive is fun...unless it snows



FWD FTW

 

I love my cobalt, but that said, i'll probably never buy FWD again unless its just a winter beater.

 

I voted GXP, but I have to say that I am picking up an SS in the next couple of weeks. I have 2 kids to throw in the back and actually need a car that I can use for something other than hot rodding. Except for those needs, I'd have gotten a GXP.

 

You are sooo wrong.

The best drivers I know grew up with RWD winter cars, just like me. I used to go out in the middle of the night to practice my "drifting" skills at moderate speeds and with a low power car. Great fun!

Balance and weight transfer are skills easily learned in a few snow storms. Once you have skill and a decent set of tires, the winter is playtime.

 

I second that.

 

I voted for the Solstice. I saw a picture and that car is HOT!

 

Even with snow tires the solstice may be too light.

If I had to haul people around or drive in the winter I would say Cobalt.

 

Sky > Solstice

Cobalt > Kappa in terms of a DD in a Michigan winter.

 

thanks everyone, yeah just to let all of you know, it would be my daily driver and I would be driving it in the winter.

Driving it in Michigan winters I'm not worried about because way back in the day I learned to drive and drove a 84 Celica, with a 5sp in the winter and did just fine.

As far as driving people go, 90% of the time I only have one other person in the car with me. I think I can count in the 2 years how many times I had anyone ride in my back seat so that i'm not too worried about.

Only concern of mine is space for carrying stuff. Like I said I really don't carry much, but when I go to test drive it I'm going to bring enough stuff for a weekend trip, a sports bag with like a racquet and if it fits then I'm sold. If it doesn't well then looks like I'll get the SS/TC.

 

i say cobalt.. sheerly because of the space issue and winters...i know you're not worried about winter.. but the solstices are very low and rwd.. bad combo for winter driving and space.. well you have none..

if you're gonna get a 2 seater lnf get the sky redline and worry about the roof later

 

Sky Red-line looks better!!

 

as much as I love the styling and everything of the cobalt, if you are going to get a lnf car, might as well do it right and get a rwd one. Those car look just as good as the slobalt.

 

if you get a GM discount just get a G8.

 

cant drive a sky during the winter, but you can with a cobalt

 

If you're planning on getting the removable hard top, then I'd get the Solstice, remove the convertible top (ie 80lbs) and take off the hard top when you want a convertible. Then you'd have the best of both worlds, convertible and some trunk space too!

 

i picked the ss because i don't want the front of my car looking like a dick head