Pontiac Solstice

lhess

I like the look of the convertible with the top down, but the top up looks a little dumpy to me. Course, most of the time, they'll be top-down. Does the current soltice have a butt like the one on the concept coupe? Haven't seen one from the back, but I'm not crazy about the one above.

m1miata

Coupé --- Looks great, bring it on! Finally some eye candy from GM.
Corvettes are fine, but this is so cool, and so much less $$$$.

-Loren

xkss

another picture

rorr

For some reason, the rear 3/4 shot reminds me of the tail-end of the old 1964 Cheetah.....

http://www.cheetahcars.com/factory.htm

xkss

I think the Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR looks more like a Cheetah due to its really long hood and short rear overhang.

Claires

2006 Pontiac Solstice vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata

foxyroxy

Dear Carman:

It's Foxyroxy again, still working on leasing something. As I said before you have been very helpful with the numbers on the BMW and 350Z. I noticed the new Solstice and I'm interested to know if Pontiac is providing any money factor support on the 2006 or if there are any dealer cash incentives. Just needed to see what numbers I should concern myself with for the best lease deal. 10 to 12,000 miles per year is fine.

Thanks to your help, eventually I'll get one of these dealers to give me the deal I am most interested in.

:shades:

dhanley

I don't see why pontiac would provide lease support--the car is sold out for some time to come.

On the other hand, because they are sold out for some time to come, residuals may be very high, making leases low-cost.

You can lease a z4 2.5 for $329 a month with $3200 down. I expect a similar(loaded) solstice would have a similar lease price with zero down. The z4 has free maintenance, don't know what upkeep would cost on the solstice, probably not a whole lot. I can't say what i'd do if i had to choose between the 2 on a moment's notice given the price difference.

m1miata

" I don't see why pontiac would provide lease support--the car is sold out for some time to come. "
:::::::::::END QUOTE::::::::::::::
Because they make more money on a lease. I know, I know, salesman are your friend, and they will show you how much money you will save by leasing, and blah, blah, blah. They aren't your friend, in general, though some are very good to deal with and fine people, and you are not going to get one up on them, as in stealing a deal, or leasing saving thousands of dollars. This is a business, and they are in it, as you would be in it, to make a buck. The only way to really save on a GM car is buy it used, unless it happens to be a popular make like a Corvette. The last of the C5 at 39,999 was not too bad a deal. If you could get something off on a Solstice - yeah, good deal. Most of the GM cars drop like a rock the first two years.

Loren

m1miata

Never test drove a Z4, but the reviews on the car mention the steering as a bit too fast. If this is true, and I must say IF, it is one draw back to the car. As for the deal, the Z4 is pretty neat, and comfortable to sit in. BMW Z4 was a bold step. Interesting styling, though at first you scratch your head, and wonder what happened to the Z3. While I liked the Z3, bold new styling is not a bad thing, unless you have total resistance to change. Maybe it grows on you, and perhaps not, but at least it is not GM bland design. The Solstice is a break out for GM styling. It is the first new car in some time, other than the Caddy CTS. This is good!
Can you compare Solstice to a Z4? Are they not in different zip codes, cost wise?

Loren

dhanley

"Because they make more money on a lease."

Yes, this is why pontiac would like to lease them. But lease support means that pontiac/gm kicks in extra money on a lease to make it cheaper. I don't know why they'd do _that_. The lease would probably be cheap enough as is.

The z3 was pretty fun to drive. I had one as a loaner for a day when i have having the 40K service on my 328. The z4 is supposedly an upgrade and it is definitely nicer to sit in, so i'm curious, especially as the base model moves to 215 hp next year. I'm weird in that i really like how it looks.

The z4 is in a different price category than the solstice, but at least for the 2.5L it *may* be similar enough to lease that i'd consider cross-shopping.

martymart

I am in new car sales and I am your friend. Why would I tell my customers to buy a car that depreciates so quickly when they are only going to keep it 2-3 years anyways. Yes, leasing is not for everyone.... But today so many people "flip" their cars every couple of years it only makes sense to lease. I do not think I would ever buy a new car again in my life, unless it was as hot as the solstice. We have two in our showroom right now and it seems like that is the only car here. Everyone calls for it and shows up to look at it. We could sell a whole parking lot of them if we had a chance. I do not make any more money by you leasing a car, only by the fact that you might be back sooner to get a new one. I am in the relationship building industry here, if my customers feel as if I took advantage of them and cheated them, they will not come back. The main reason for people not leasing, is lack of information! I would be interested to hear from others on this subject.

Chris

dhanley

There's been huge amounts of debate on edmunds about that over the years. Probably best to not repeat it in this forum.

m1miata

Generally speaking, it is crazy to buy any GM car new. The resale value is just awful. Buy them used. The Solstice, if bought at around $20K may be a pretty good deal, and be one example of a GM that doesn't drop like a rock in price. I guess the car is a rare find. So far I have yet to see a Solstice or a G6 Coupe.

I would rather own a coupe. This first year run for the convertible will be a good test run for the product. Hopefully, no first year blues play out here. History would indicate the third, or forth year is a better bet. Yeah, I know, it is pretty exciting owning a first year model of car. And yes, perhaps worth the risk to do so.

I was wondering why there was no Camaro coming out during this time of really outstanding sales in Mustangs. Is this Solstice Coupe to be the car which is to compete with the Stang?

Loren

xkss

I was wondering why there was no Camaro coming out during this time of really outstanding sales in Mustangs. Is this Solstice Coupe to be the car which is to compete with the Stang?

GM has revived plans for rwd cars (per autoweek 9-12-05). A new rwd Chevy coupe will come by 2009 or 2010.

The Solstice compete more with the new Mazda MX-5 than the new Mustang.

adp3

The Solstice compete more with the new Mazda MX-5 than the new Mustang

You are forgetting about the Mustang convertible, which some shoppers will cross-shop with the Solstice. (I do see what you are saying, however, based on the post you were replying to.)

I think most people looking for a convertible look at every convertible out there, even more expensive ones to see if maybe they can pick up a used one of the more expensive car.

No question almost every Solstice buyer is also considering an MX-5.

307web

People can cross shop what they want. Some may be shopping by price and could be even be looking at Honda CR-Vs, but the MX-5 is a more suitable alternative to the Solstice.

m1miata

I was talking about the Solstice Coupe, as competition to the Stang.
Yes, the convertible competes one on one with the MX-5, and will win in the beauty contest no doubt. At least it looks newer. As for comparisons on the track, the MX-5 will be stiff competition. Dealers may not want to get too crazy on the add-on sticker prices.

-Loren

baggs32

I'm not a big GM fan but I do like the Solstice somewhat. Glad they had the guts to go ahead with it.

Anyway, I saw one in the flesh on I-79 near Pittsburgh today. It was black and on the other side of the highway, but I was able to get a good look at it as we were both on one of the very few level straight stretches of that road. On approach I thought it was a Panoz roadster and got all excited. My excitement did diminish somewhat when I realized what it really was but it was hard to look away which is a big compliment from me as anyone who knows me will tell you.

Nice car but I'll still stick with a Mustang in '07. The MX-5 needed some decent competition and now it has it. Even if it's not winning all of the comparos at least it looks good and seems to be built well. That's all we care about here in the US of A anyway right? :shades:

If I could afford a third weekend "fun" car the Solstice would definitely be on my short list. Things seem to be heating up in Detroit now and it's about time!

tripowergto

I also saw my first Solstice on the road yesterday. It was silver gray cruising with the top down on interstate 84 near Newburgh NY. Looked AWESOME!! Ironically I spotted it going the opposite direction just as we were overtaking a late model Fiero while discussing the differences between these two influential Pontiac 2 seaters. I wonder if either driver noticed my 04 GTO as it passed them.

I was returning from the combination SCCA/NASCAR Busch North series road course race at Lime Rock Park CT. I can't wait to see the Solstice compete at this level once the new hardtop is available. It will look perfectly at home road racing in a setting such as Lime Rock Park.

62vetteefp

Just read the Miata does not have a spare tire for the '06 model? I see Solstice does not either. Did the old Miata have a spare and that is why Solstice decided not to?

adp3

I've yet to see one. Been seeing more and more Mustang convertibles. Goofy colors (the limey green is great, actually). i've grown to like it. Not sure how it drives, or how bad the mpg is, however.

I'm all over the map, right now, but still gravitating back to the roadsters. I should just go drive one so I'd get the idea out of my head. With my chronic lower back pain, the worst thing for me would be a little, low-slung roadster - climbing in and out would not be good.

lhess

is just that car manufacturers are trying to keep the weight down in these cars, plus, they are so tiny, a spare tire takes your entire trunk space. my rx8 didn't come with a spare tire, just a "kit" with some fix a flat and "stuff" in it. The spare tire is an option you can have added, but you can't hardly slide a piece of paper in the trunk (probably not that bad, but get my point?) once the spare is put in.

xkss

tripowergto,

In case you did not know, the Solstice will indeed be raced in Grand-Am Cup (Grand American Road Racing Series...it is the fastest-growing sports car series in North America).

m1miata

Yes, Miatas did have a spare tire.
Location of tire right side of trunk
as is the battery to help balance the
car. That is on the first series. I think
it is in the center of trunk on 2nd gen.

Loren

62vetteefp

Thanks, did dropping the spare give more luggage space?

pao

having seen both the MX5 and the Solstice in person..the MX5 does have some trunk space.. the top now slides back and clicks in place behind the seats and before the trunk...to give it a more clean roadster look....I had to lower the top by unlatching it...push a button and pull one center lever..then get out of the Miata and lower it pressing it down until it clicks in place to hold it....styling wise depends on if you want the clamshell cover the Solstice offers or the top down flush with the rear deck the solstice offers....styling wise I will take the solstice...performance wise..the miata....but the differences are so small for performance and Im not racing it or doing an autocross so....after seeing both, riding in both, I will take the solstice....dimension specs are close between both cars....but sitting in the MX-5..I felt squeezed into it..compressed so to speak....In the Solstice.....I had more interior room..and didnt have that compressed feeling....my wife and I rubbed shoulders in the MX-5 when sitting and shifting....not so in the Solstice...plenty of leg room in both.....but for my ergonomic comparison.....the solstice wins.....I also perfer the seating in the solstice.....it seemed to hold me in place better.....Ok all unscientific comparisons....but just one person's opinion...

BTW..the Miata was 24095 MSRP...sport suspension, 6spd manual A/C, 17Inch chrome wheels, ABS...a few others that I recall......a 3rd generation limited edition was also on the lot...27.5 for it MSRP.....the dealer wouldnt negotiate the price...

my Solstice remains on order....a delivery late this year....

xkss

It was confirmed per autoweek.com as of today.

62vetteefp

Does anyone think the supercharged version would be competition for the more expensive BMW and S2000?

307web

No, it is way too crude and plasticky, but if it can get raw 0-60 times close to the same, then people will compare them.

Someone, MIGHT compare a Dodge Neon STR-4 to a BMW M3.

midwesttrader

I was at the dealer the other day for service. I had some time to kill so I looked for a Solstice. None to be found. The sales guy told me they had rec'd two so far and both were sold. I then asked how do they expect to sell any more without one available to see/drive? He just got this blank look on his face like how dare I ask such a silly question.

62vetteefp

Just so you know the Solstice is sold out until next year. There will be none to drove for awhile. they just cannot be built fast enough to meet the unbelieveable demand.

307web

How many are they making this year?

62vetteefp

I can only guess less than 5000? I think the plan is 20k a year. They started late in the year and usually do less than full l ine rate during ramp up.

rorr

"The sales guy told me they had rec'd two so far and both were sold. I then asked how do they expect to sell any more without one available to see/drive?"

Let me get this straight: you think he should have held back 1 of the 2 cars (the ONLY 2 cars) he's received, even though he had a buyer (and probably multiple buyers) lined up to take delivery? Just so the curious tirekickers could take some joyrides?

danf1

The latest release said that they expected to make abot 13,000 this year.

307web

OK, so they're just not making many. You can't buy what doesn't exist.
They don't have massive, "unbelievable" sales.

62vetteefp

Actually they are unbelievable sales for a small 2 seater roadster. Well since they are selling it must be believable. Good luck on trying to find one to drive for the next 6 months.

iluvmysephia1

used 2006 Pontiac Solstice's. There will hardly be a one for sale used as 2005 closes and 2006 rolls along.

Somebody correct me on that if the first year of the Solstice is considered a 2005 model, OK? You never know what year a carmaker will pin on a new model any more, know what I mean?

xkss

None to be found.

Pontiac has 13,000 orders for the Solstice.

62vetteefp

Bit confused, '06 model year starts in August/September and that is when the Solstice first started. There was and could not have been a 2005. Are you being funny??

lhess

I guess Pontiac can tag them with whichever year they choose. I would have called the first 1000 2005's which would have made them a little more exclusive and then tagged the following as 2006's. Just my thinking. And, I agree, there's no dealer on earth gonna tell a credible buyer that they can't sell a solstice cause it's the last one they have and other people want to see it!!

iluvmysephia1

was tagging the 2006 model year on the very first Solstice's. I thought so, just making sure. lhess knows what I mean.

62vetteefp

Neat idea bu the paperwork alone would have cost GM lots of money. You need to certify for both years, etc. Plus as of September the '05's would have been "old" and worth less. Of course with the Solstice it probably did not matter but who knew they would be so hot??

lhess

and, good point on making them a year "older." So, we're saying that the debut model year for the solstice is 2006? I picked up a really nice promo piece at the GM dealer the other day and it doesn't mention a model year either!! BTW, in that booklet, the interior shot of the dash, guages.... really turned me OFF. Everything else about the car just screams SLEEK but the interior was yelling CHEAP!! Haven't seen one in person so maybe it just doesn't photograph well?

62vetteefp

If the interior is not good enough take a look at the Saturn Sky. Not out yet but search the web.

pao

the solstice is a 2006 model....first deliveries of the first 1000 are nearly complete...beginning in late sept.....some fo the first four month dealer allocation orders are not being delivered......it will be hard to see one sitting at a dealership....close to 15000 orders for the car now...carrying production and delivery well into next summer now

blh7068

took dellivery of #397(dark grey) that he ordered last March.

I sat in it...and while I liked the interior.. why cant GM get way from using hard plastic on EVERYTHING!!!! I thought the shifter was a little notchy.

Is a V-6 in the plans at all for this car? Id like to see it

Good looking vehicle.

lhess

let alone actually shop for one or buy one. Forgive me for any toes I'm intruding on, but Saturn has always seriously turned me off. They just seem like such non-cars (like Daewoo) for me.

blh7068 ... I think it was the plastic look in the solstice, plus they photo'ed a dark grey interior with a big chunk of it in tannish-gold (glove box area, around the steering wheel...). Not attractive to me. I agree with you on the exterior of the car - just downright sexy!!

iluvmysephia1

though, lhess. I mean as far as Saturn's image with a lot of us. And I'm a Kia fan!
I see so much more design intelligence in the South-Korean built Kia and Hyundai lineup than in a Saturn of any flavor or generation.

But the 2006 Saturn Sky just looks great and does not look cheap at all, at least not from internet pictures of it. This rig changes the rules regarding Saturn, at least in sporty roadsters from Saturn.