2006 Pontiac Solstice...good buy?

[Canucks3322]

2006 Pontiac Solstice with 34,000km on it....asking $11,600, would this be a good buy seeing as Pontiac/Saturn is out of business....how hard would it be to still get parts for it? I would be only be driving it till 50,000km or so....need a much cheaper car to hold me over till after I buy a house and I've always loved the look of these cars and don't care too much about performance/power...

[bourge73]

Question, is said car for your wife? or GF? or are you, or have you ,ever been a woman? If not, a Solstice man ?really?

[Canucks3322]

Haha...I dunno, I know it's a weak ass car but I think it looks pretty badass:dunno:

[zipdoa]

Driving the Solstice was like getting hit with a tranquilizer dart.

These cars are the shittest roadsters I've ever had the mispleasure of driving. They are slow, heavy (for their size) and only fit members of the human race below 5'11.

There wasn't one thing I liked about it, except for maybe the compliment I received from a 9-year old going through a Tim Hortons drivethrough. I made sure to educate the kid that Pontiac was bankrupt and his moms minivan offered a more spirited drive.

I really hated this car.

[soloracer]

In that price range I would consider other options (S2000, Z3 or Z4, Boxster, etc.)

[shakalaka]

What kind of s2k's and z4's are you going to get for 11K?

[MGCM]

Originally posted by Canucks3322
2006 Pontiac Solstice with 34,000km on it....asking $11,600, would this be a good buy seeing as Pontiac/Saturn is out of business....how hard would it be to still get parts for it? I would be only be driving it till 50,000km or so....need a much cheaper car to hold me over till after I buy a house and I've always loved the look of these cars and don't care too much about performance/power...

It's not worth the money, I've driven all of the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky models, your better off with Miata/S2000/Boxster.

[corsvette]

Buy it...drive it till you're done with it....then put a LS1 in it:D

Back on topic..Parts will still be easy to come by, the engine is still in use in other GM products, and tons of other parts for this car are common to other GM's (like the instument cluster, its the same as a cobalt's)

[94boosted]

Is it atleast the GXP? If so the 2.0L Turbo LNF engine is quite a capable motor which would put an S2000 to shame (in a straight line).

[euro_racer]

i got owned by a couple turbo solstice's with my ap2 and i am modded :banghead:

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

JUST DONT!

[Canucks3322]

Originally posted by corsvette
Buy it...drive it till you're done with it....then put a LS1 in it:D

Back on topic..Parts will still be easy to come by, the engine is still in use in other GM products, and tons of other parts for this car are common to other GM's (like the instument cluster, its the same as a cobalt's)

Cobalt? That pretty much put the nail in the coffin. Back to the drawing board.....hmmm what about 2003 4Runner with 235,000km on it fully loaded less leather....same price, $11,500

[georgemagana]

if you dont care about power get an rx8 :)

[Canucks3322]

^ I'm no mechanic and I've heard horror stories about RX-8's...guess that's why they're so cheap now..

[Anomaly]

Originally posted by 94boosted
Is it atleast the GXP? If so the 2.0L Turbo LNF engine is quite a capable motor which would put an S2000 to shame (in a straight line).


Yea I wouldn't bother looking at anything other than the 07-09 GXP. 260HP stock, and 300hp for not much money.

Or, you know... LSx swap :bigpimp:

[heavyD]

While the car has some shortcomings I still think the Saturn Sky Redline is a nice looking car with a solid engine. I much prefer it's looks to the Solstice.

[sputnik]

My aunt and uncle auto-x their Solstice very successfully.

Sure it isn't a beast in terms of HP, but it is quite a nimble little RWD car.

Ignore the "aren't you a man" and "is this car for your wife" comments.

Read more about them and their car here.

http://www.tristanshea.com/blog/2011/09/28/wscc-driver-car-spotlight-art-marion-schroeder/

http://www.tristanshea.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/WSCC_TSPhoto_AM_Soltice-3.jpg

[dirtsniffer]

i sorta liked the targa version, with a turbo. i think it'd be alright. base its a chick car. willing to bet it's red..

[lint]

balding and ball cap seem to be pre-requisites to owning one

[Tomaz]

Originally posted by corsvette
Buy it...drive it till you're done with it....then put a LS1 in it:D


Perfect!



Don't listen to anybody here. If you like the car, buy it. Then put an LS into it for fun. :)

Be sure to fill out a life insurance policy before you take her out for a spin though. lol

[Tik-Tok]

Go for it. I've always like the Sky, and the Solstice has grown on me as well. As said, it's no performer (without mods), but if all you want is a DD, then good enough.

[Kloubek]

That's a very good price. As has been said - ignore the "girly man" comments. If you like the car, then that is all thats really important.

Personally, I like the look of the Solstice. (Mind you, this is coming from someone who drives a Boxster. So far, my balls are still intact.) I realize it wouldn't handle like a Porsche - but really, 99% of the time you'd never push it to its limits anyway so who cares.

It isn't the fastest car in the world, but my boxster is only marginally quicker and it is still a blast to drive so unless you're drag racing the kiddies, I don't see that as being a huge issue. Now, don't get me wrong - I long for the power kick that my 500hp 944 had. But I actually prefer to drive the Boxster... it is a much easier car to handle on a daily basis.

I've never driven a Solstice, so I can't speak to its ergonomics or anything like that.... with the exception of the soft top design which is pretty brutal. But the idea of a roadster is that you have the top down most of the time - so whatever.

Again, the bottom line is whether you like the car or not. If you do, then pick it up... its a good deal.

[Jlude]

Originally posted by zipdoa
Driving the Solstice was like getting hit with a tranquilizer dart.

These cars are the shittest roadsters I've ever had the mispleasure of driving. They are slow, heavy (for their size) and only fit members of the human race below 5'11.

There wasn't one thing I liked about it, except for maybe the compliment I received from a 9-year old going through a Tim Hortons drivethrough. I made sure to educate the kid that Pontiac was bankrupt and his moms minivan offered a more spirited drive.

I really hated this car.

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[Mar]

Go for it. If you like getting out to manually put the top up/down.

[georgemagana]

Originally posted by Canucks3322
^ I'm no mechanic and I've heard horror stories about RX-8's...guess that's why they're so cheap now..

yeap tons of those stories on the rx8 forums. Thats why mazda had such a good warranty on them.

And get the soltice man! I love the looks of it and since yor are not looking for a really powerful car, this is more than enough. Remember, when asking about cars on beyond you must keep this is mind...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWnAdB-vkXo&feature=player_embedded

[A790]

If it's a GXP, get it. Turbo = 263HP.

You will find the non-turbo very... lackluster.

[95teetee]

Originally posted by lint
balding and ball cap seem to be pre-requisites to owning one the guy I used to work with who had one wasn't balding nor did he wear a ball cap. He did dye his hear brown one day (it was silver before that).
Then one day my boss and I are working outside this house and I hear some very loud Britney Spears coming down the road...it's him. The next time I saw him it was 'let's get physical' by Olivia Neutron Bomb.
Oh, and this guy said if he won a million dollars, he'd buy...another Solstice, so he could have two.
In other words, don't do it.

[xnvy]

Was the Solstice GXP even around for 2006? I don't think you'll find around 11k but 16k for sure.

[soloracer]

Originally posted by shakalaka
What kind of s2k's and z4's are you going to get for 11K?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2003-BMW-Z4-ROADSTER-CONVERTIBLE-RED-NICE-CAR-/170715640038?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item27bf71f0e6

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2000-Honda-S2000-Convertible-Red-Sporty-Fun-Only-94K-Excellent-Condition-/190592781564?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item2c60370cfc

That was after only a minute search. Even though they are US cars and would have to be imported it is not unrealistic to suggest looking at one of these instead of a Solstice.

[relyt92]

Originally posted by soloracer


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2003-BMW-Z4-ROADSTER-CONVERTIBLE-RED-NICE-CAR-/170715640038?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item27bf71f0e6

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2000-Honda-S2000-Convertible-Red-Sporty-Fun-Only-94K-Excellent-Condition-/190592781564?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item2c60370cfc

That was after only a minute search. Even though they are US cars and would have to be imported it is not unrealistic to suggest looking at one of these instead of a Solstice. There's quite a fair mileage difference though. 34k on the solstice and 151k on the s2000 and 140k on the Z4.

[soloracer]

Originally posted by relyt92
There's quite a fair mileage difference though. 34k on the solstice and 151k on the s2000 and 140k on the Z4.

I would take a higher mileage S2000 or Z4 over a solstice any day.

[treg50]

Solstice is pretty much a unique/collectors vehicle now. If you plan on keeping it for a while it would be a neat little car. 34K kms? Forget the s2000 and z4, get the Solstice. As a collector's car, it's got a tonne of life ahead of it.

[dimi]

Originally posted by treg50
Solstice is pretty much a unique/collectors vehicle now. If you plan on keeping it for a while it would be a neat little car. 34K kms? Forget the s2000 and z4, get the Solstice. As a collector's car, it's got a tonne of life ahead of it.

A non-turbo Solstice a collector's car? :rofl:

[schocker]

Originally posted by dimi


A non-turbo Solstice a collector's car? :rofl:
Not even, the only collector will be the GXP Coupe. :rofl:

[soloracer]

Originally posted by treg50
Solstice is pretty much a unique/collectors vehicle now. If you plan on keeping it for a while it would be a neat little car. 34K kms? Forget the s2000 and z4, get the Solstice. As a collector's car, it's got a tonne of life ahead of it.

If you want a collectors car get a Crossfire instead. ;)

[zipdoa]

Originally posted by treg50
Solstice is pretty much a unique/collectors vehicle now. If you plan on keeping it for a while it would be a neat little car. 34K kms? Forget the s2000 and z4, get the Solstice. As a collector's car, it's got a tonne of life ahead of it.

About as collectible as a spinning top from a box of cheerios.

[dirtsniffer]

the targa version was produced in very limited numbers..

[audimaniaR8]

Heres a guy thats doing a 2jz swap on a solstice. apparently the transmission bolt pattern is the same and the engine mounts arent too different.

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?5335430-2JZ-Solstice-Swap

http://www.hardkore.org/2jz/throttle/sideben.jpg
http://www.hardkore.org/2jz/throttle/front.jpg

[dirtsniffer]

^^ read that whole thread.. much sick

[MGCM]

Originally posted by dirtsniffer
^^ read that whole thread.. much sick

we gotta get the 2JZolstice together with the LSxSolstice for a drag race lol who's faster?

[zipdoa]

Originally posted by audimaniaR8
Heres a guy thats doing a 2jz swap on a solstice. apparently the transmission bolt pattern is the same and the engine mounts arent too different.

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?5335430-2JZ-Solstice-Swap



They should follow-up with a ragtop swap from an S2000.

[dimi]

Originally posted by MGCM


we gotta get the 2JZolstice together with the LSxSolstice for a drag race lol who's faster?

I don't know whats with all the 2JZ swap love. There are quite a few engines nowadays that will easily eclipse the capabilities of a 2JZ. A 4 cylinder F20/F22C will easily get you 5-600whp (700whp with race gas) on a completely stock engine. Head flows better, much lighter, spools turbos faster, cheaper if you blow it up. That's just one example.

If I was to swap anything in there, it would be the LS7. Insta torque.

Come to think of that:

6H4b8TEWlqQ&NR

[star-k]

Originally posted by 94boosted
Is it atleast the GXP? If so the 2.0L Turbo LNF engine is quite a capable motor which would put an S2000 to shame (in a straight line).


Not at all, actually, the S2K can keep up with the newer Solstice, GXP. In straight line. In fact the S, on the track holds cornering, brakes, accelerates better in every aspect.

Then again we are comparing oranges and apples (same displacement), Forced induction engine and NA engine.

Normally a FI engine produces more power and torque, and yes the F20C NA does produce less torque, but seems to have more horsepower. Off the dig, the F20C has enough RPM range to hold Torque and HP values fairly high, similar to Race engines, The 2.0L Turbo LNF has the advantage of FI, with a limited RPM.

If BOTH engines were to be fully tuned and potentiated for race application, race teams likely would choose the F20C...

Remarkable power, highest HP/L output NA in the world, currently holding 2nd place next to the F457 Italia powerplant.

The 2.0L T LNF would be a great commuter roadster car, its different than the S2K roadster. They where built for the same open top experience; but a different type of open top experience...

Go with the S2K, you'll love it soo much more.

[Tik-Tok]

Originally posted by star-k

race teams likely would choose the F20C...


Yeap, and that's EXACTLY what the OP is looking for in this purchase...

[94boosted]

Originally posted by star-k



Not at all, actually, the S2K can keep up with the newer Solstice, GXP. In straight line. In fact the S, on the track holds cornering, brakes, accelerates better in every aspect.

Then again we are comparing oranges and apples (same displacement), Forced induction engine and NA engine.

Normally a FI engine produces more power and torque, and yes the F20C NA does produce less torque, but seems to have more horsepower. Off the dig, the F20C has enough RPM range to hold Torque and HP values fairly high, similar to Race engines, The 2.0L Turbo LNF has the advantage of FI, with a limited RPM.

If BOTH engines were to be fully tuned and potentiated for race application, race teams likely would choose the F20C...

Remarkable power, highest HP/L output NA in the world, currently holding 2nd place next to the F457 Italia powerplant.

The 2.0L T LNF would be a great commuter roadster car, its different than the S2K roadster. They where built for the same open top experience; but a different type of open top experience...

Go with the S2K, you'll love it soo much more.

Wow theres some Honda Fanboi love :D The S2K is obviuously a better track roadster hands down but you can't argue with the fact that it is down on power to the LNF in the GXP even at Sea Level and by the time you bring the cars up here the S2K is way down on power compared with the LNF. Stock for stock the S2K gets demolished in a straight line at this altitude (ask me how I know.....LNF Engine) at sea level it's probably a closer race.

And lets not get into talking about modding the engines because with a simple tune (~$250) the LNF is putting down 300WHP/330WTQ = ~350 Crank HP/ 380 Crank TQ it would take thousands upon thousands of dollars to get the F20C to those power levels.

You are probably right about the race team choosing and F20C over the LNF but thats not what were talking about in this thread.