Cobalt SS/SC or Solstice? Please help me decide!

[MikeP]

Hey

I've been lurking around here for some time now, and I just thought I would see if I could try to get some insight from you guys.

I'm in the process of getting a new car. I work at a GM dealership, so I like to show my GM pride and stick to them whenever I can. Anyway, I'm really having trouble deciding between the Pontiac Solstice and the Chevy Cobalt SS/SC.

On one hand, it's nice to have that power of the SS, but I've had a couple FWD performance cars, and they really seem to beg for RWD or AWD. On the other hand, I've always wanted a Miata, and the Solstice would fit the bill quite nicely. The only trouble with this is that I will need to drive the car in some limited winter weather. My commute is only a couple miles each day, so snow isn't really a huge deal. Cargo space/people space isn't a big deal either, since I don't carry much stuff or people around. It would be a bonus to be able to fit 3 people in the car, but it's not necessary. The Solstice is a bit cheaper than the SS (no options on either), but I would imagine that the Solstice would have somewhat higher insurance rates and maybe a dealer markup. The wait for the Solstice would also be a LOT longer than the SS.

Both cars have their own advantages and weaknesses. I wish I could get both cars, but that can't happen. Anyway, I'd appreciate any input or experience on these cars that you guys might have.

Mike

[GM_Fanatic]

Good luck getting your hands on a Solstice. lol Unless you want to wait a year I guess I would go for the Cobalt

[Aerodynamix]

Even if you were to wait a year for the Solstice, I think the majority of the '07 MY are already spoken for. Why not lease a Cobalt SS/SC for a year or two an then trade it in for a Solstice that you pre-order in the mean time if you're still itching to get a roadster? If you've lost the top-down itch then just switch to regular purchase financing for the SS. Just my 2 cents.

[Canyonaro]

I drove a Saturn Ion Redline (the cobalt SS supercharged brother as you already know) and I loved every second in it. I almost bought it, but I would rather have the Solstice due to the unique factor.

I guess what you should ask yourself is when do you want the vehicle. If it is 6 months or less, go with the Cobalt and just be happy, I am sure it wont dissapoint in any way.

[Squachy]

Solstice if you want a roadster for top down cruising.

Cobalt if you want a coupe and some practicality.

Ion redline if you want to be different :P

[DuSpinnst]

If you want the car now, Cobalt SS Supercharged. If you want to wait until April get the Solstice.

And please people they have not sold all the MY '06 Solstice's. They have a production capacity of at least 20,000 and they have maybe sold 13,000. Remember the 7000 was Calendar year '05, not MY '06.

[MikeP]

Thanks for the help. It really doesn't matter that much when I get the car, since I'll have to live with it for quite awhile after I decide. I guess the best thing for me to do is get with a salesman and find out when they can get a Solstice vs. an SS/SC from the factory. I really want a roadster, but OTOH the power of the SS would be nice. I think a slight edge goes to the Solstice just for the uniqueness...

Mike

[camaroman22]

dude, get the solstice, roadsters attract females (or dudes, if you're into them. whatever floats your boat.).

[01cavalier]

If youre in no rush at all, Id say wait for the Solstice, it's worth the wait!

[surferdude00711]

Cobalt SS is a great deal too. Nicer interior and grat features, car is plenty fast for 25k. while not being a stripped. Back seat is also "roomy" according to C&D.

[Swahili]

My opinion is much the same to others in the thread here. Put your name on the list for the Solstice and get a 1 year or 2 year lease for the Cobalt SS/SC. If it were me, I think I'd rather get the Solstice if you don't need a vehicle too much for practicality reasons, it's a factory hot rod and it's inexpensive for what you're getting. Let us know what you decide!!!

Also, great to see you've signed up to post!

[Aerodynamix]

Originally Posted by 01cavalier

If youre in no rush at all, Id say wait for the Solstice, it's worth the wait!

Bingo!

Also I'd just like to add that if I were in the market, I'd likely wait for the Solstice. However, if I wanted a coupe, I'd prefer the Ion Red Line over the Cobalt SS/SC becuase I like the exterior styling, rear suicide doors, and the lack of a 'B' pillar. I was really impressed with the Quad Coupe when I managed to fit a 27" TV (box and all) in the back seat of a friend's Ion with little effort.

[MikeP]

Well, I just had some free time to really check out the Cobalt and the Solstice this morning. I went to the dealership just hoping to find out roughly the wait time on a Solstice, and someone was actually having theirs delivered right then. It must have been fate. Anyway, after driving the Cobalt and riding in the Solstice (thanks to the owner), I definitely will wait for the Solstice. The Cobalt is really nice too, but the open air sports car feel of the Solstice was just too good to be true. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get a solid estimate for a waiting time. Apparently they have one salesman handling all of the Solstice orders or something, and he's on vacation. I'm going to head back there before they close on Monday to see what I can find out and hopefully get my order in.

The Cobalt is really cool, but the Solstice is just such a breathtaking car... Everything just looks and feels "right" on it, and it looks more like a $50k car instead of a $20k car.

Mike

[Ming]

If you have luck to get your hands on one, get the Solstice. The Cobalt SS, while nice, is a performance variant of a common car while the Solstice is a purpose-built roadster. Really no comparison, unless you need to seat a lot of people on an infrequent basis, and then the rear seat on the Cobalt could come in handy.

[give_it_all_]

Go for the Solstice if you have time to wait, otherwise, get the Cobalt SS SC