Thank you for your answer. And yes, I already found a third one who is asking MSRP. And the 2 others have lost the extra business I had for them (2 other non solstice cars)
congrats.....and Im sure the new dealer will appreciate your other business as well....sure wish other dealers would learn that lesson..there is more business after the car sale.......
Beautiful car, but. Let's see......loaded GXP 30k plus $5000 market adjustment or base 400hp 6speed GM 2 seater which carries luggage and runs on regular gas(minus $4000 market adjustment) Vette 41k or GXP 35k? Make mine Red.
I don't know if it's just in the Pittsburgh area but since I have been seeing more of these on the road 99% of them have been with woman drivers that are at least over 40. Not sure if the husband bought them and realized they didn't fit and gave them to the wife or what. What has been your experience in your area? Don't get me wrong I love the looks of the car but I feel these may go the way of the VW Beetle Convertable.
Seems like in Detroit more like 40's men but I will keep a tally starting today. I have seen young (20's?) women driving them though. Car is affordable as a first time new car.
the second national solstice meet will be held in Nashville TN 21-24 Jun....details still be worked.....our first one was a success...100 cars..and almost 200 people from all over north america in Kansas City.....a totally impromptu gathering all based from the solsticeforum.......come on over for details or email me...... :P
I will do that..didnt know if it was allowed..once we get all the registration details, facilities, and track arrangements made...will post the details
I will do that..didnt know if it was allowed..once we get all the registration details, facilities, and track arrangements made...will post the details
It's definitely allowed -- the only thing that isn't allowed is posting links to other online auto communities, but I think all of us would definitely want the details, so please do post them.
MODERATOR
Need help getting around? claires@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
but I have noticed that almost every Solstice I have seen on the road has a man 45 or better (just an estimate of age, of course) or a man and woman in that age range. There is one lady here in my burg that owns a red one. She is about 40.
I think the reasoning for this is: the first models out were simply too pricey for the younger genre. with a deposit required to pre-order (young people don't do that - instant gratification) and then the dealers were bumping msrp. I think this is a car that will hit the younger crowd as a USED vehicle.
Not that I'm really young (37), but about the time I get my current ride paid for, the used solstice prices MAY be down where I'm willing to buy one. I'm not seeing a $25K to $30K car in it right now. Not slamming it, it looks great!!
over on the other solstice related forum..we have many folks under the age of 30 actively participating....your observation may be correct...at the national meet most of the attendees were the above 35 crowd.....we are 50.....
most dealers arent requiring a deposit to pre-order....and you can find dealers that arent adding a prem market,,again you just have to do a little research or be willing to go out of your home market area...
those that are available or mostly fully loaded...most dealers dont order a strip down model for stock these days anyway regardless of the car....so a fully loaded base sol comes in around 25-26..with the turbo pushing 30-31K....
the market appears to be holding strong for the sol....and while there are some available at dealers..usually you will find them at a mark up....if you are willing to wait and order a base sol.....depending on the size of the dealership and his allocations...you can probably see one in 3-4 months.....
Event T-shirts will be $15.00 each again this year but will be ordered separate from registration.
A Web Site is being developed to allow access to all Solstice Owners interested in attending this event.
Fund-raiser will benefit Susan G. Koman Foundation again this year.
Tentative schedule for this event:
Thursday, June 21, 2007 Registration Sign-in and Packet Pick up 2pm – 6pm Reception - Meet & Greet 6pm – 8pm
Friday, June 22, 2007 Free Activity Day – attendees will be free to visit the sites and history of Nashville. We are working on a list of “Things to Do While in Nashville” and will post here and on the web site.
Saturday, June 23, 2007 8am – Noon and 2pm – 6pm “How To” Seminars Vendor Booths
7pm – 9:30 pm Dinner and awards
if any questions you can go to my profile....and contact me
Butchered? I would have thought your comment was to get people to read it but since you did not give a link I wonder if you are jsut trying to stir up the owners? They did have a few quibbles like the power window switch placement and a heavy flywheel but most of it is darn good. Oh yea, little luggage space but we all know that. Overall the below sums up their opinion.
What is it about the Solstice that so quickens the pulse? Driving dynamics? Fuel economy? Practicality? A resounding "No" to all those questions. What seems to drive Solstice fever is summed up in this quote by one Edmunds.com executive who took the little ragtop for a weekend: "If I had an extra $20 grand lying around and I wanted a little roadster to run around town in, I'd probably buy one of these just for fun." In short, the Solstice will rarely be your only car. It will occupy the extra space in your three-car garage and, like a sundial, will only record the sunny hours.
I agree with 62vettes assessement...the long term was the same thing we have heard about since it was introduced...no trunk..dont like the top, plastic interior...noise.....
my response....we have packed for a 5 day trip in our solstice, if the top is a factor in buying the car..dont buy the solstice, plastic interior....have you check all cars these days..noise....its a ragtop convertible..and not a 40K hardtop auto convertible....
any car choice is a personal one....the solstice is our "FUN" car and is the one of 4 other vehicles in our used car lot......
Most Sol owners who have had it for year now are happy with it....most Miata MX-5 owners are happy with their purchase....do I base my car purchases off of Edmunds, C&D, MT or Consumer Report reviews.....Nope, I do my research for what I want in a vehicle for the purpose Im buying it for...look for the best deal...and the dealership with a service department Im comfortable with..which may not be the same one I buy it from........most people today simply go to a dealer lot with a specific model in mind...pick the color..test drive it..and take it home....
What is amazing is how over time things went bad. Nothing new, just the opinions of the drivers.
I guess the Solstice should be thought of as a toy to be used when you wanta have fun. Not your everyday transportation. It is like my old vette. Lots of personality and gets lots of looks and is a blast to drive. Just would not want to drive it to work everyday.
again..same old song and dance that all reviewers have said about this car.....dont understand the ride comfort comment however....we have taken ours to Kansas City, SC, and Ohio from VA.....and its one of the more comfortable rides we have had......
rattles...none here...squeeks...a few..but I found and fixed them......again....comparing it to the MX-5 that has had almost 15 years to work out the bugs......give me a break at GM...its a pretty good entry for a first year production....and there have been some mid year changes in the 07 model.....power door lock buttons....seat height adjuster, torgue bar to assist with drive train stability, and for some reason they changed the DRLS.....
I am going to take delivery of a 2007 Solstice next week. The only thing I haven't decided on yet is whether to bump the 36K bumper-to-bumper to a 5 year 60K bumper-to-bumper. I know that the standard powertrain warranty is now for 5 years 100K, but not sure if that covers things like AC. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
5/100 is just the drive train only....all other components are covered under the 3/36..shop around for extended warranty....I would stick only wiht the GMPP plan offered by GM......if you dont want to finance the cost of the warranty...wait until you are close to 12 months or 12K and then purchase the warranty...it'll be the same price and coverage is added to your current mileage and time of ownership..look at these folks for the GMPP plan..their prices are pretty good
Thanks pao. I don't think the dealership is willing to work with me, and after researching the gmoutlet website that you refer to over the weekend, it looks like my best bet. I believe I'm going to bump up to the 6/60 major guard with them. I was reviewing old e-mails and backed into a web page of theirs that listed the 6/60 major guard for 550 (100 over cost). Does that sound right? Still going back and forth whether I want to do it for 6/60, 6/72, or 7/72. Since the Solstice is still fairly new, I want to make sure I'm covered! What do you think, and if you don't mind me asking, what was your cost for the GMPP Major Guard? Thanks again and happy holidays.
remember I have an 06...and GM didnt offer the 5/100 on the drivetrain till the 07 models.....we got the 5/75, no ded....got it 8 months into ownership and about 11k on the car....so the warranty in effect didnt start until we paid....so it is good through July 2011 or 86K whichever comes first....looks like it will be the 86k at this point..no ded..and was $950
you mentioned 550 for their cost...believe that is with a $200 ded..for another 175 you can get no deductible....I would opt for that one IMHO
You bring up a point that I hadn't thought about. By waiting to purchase the extended warranty, it will extend the ending mileage of the warranty. I don't believe there is a difference in the price whether purchased now, or prior to the 1 year mark. Thanks again.
there isnt a price difference..unless they do a price increase for the plan.....but you need to purchase before 12 months or 12K.....I didnt have to validate either..but had to give the VIN..and IM sure they at least validated the delivery date in the GM database.....
I'll discuss a second topic that may be of interest. I purchased a 2007 Soltice GXP from Hampton Pontiac in Columbia SC about 6 weeks ago. Just had a very minor fender bender with the car. Ran up a little hard on a curb, and scratched the fender and broke the plastic panel under the engine compartment. After being told by the local body shop that no parts were available to repair the car, I went to the dealer who after two weeks located the parts. After delivering the car to the body shop they discovered another problem.... the intercooler was damaged. (this is now a $1400 repair for hitting a curb at 5 mph) Guess what? GM has no intercoolers for the Soltice ANYWHERE in the US. And they have no idea when they will get any. In the meantime I will drive a damaged car and wait until parts become available. I'm told it could be a month, six months, nobody knows. I'm irate! This is not a 1957 Chevy. It is not a '65 Cobra. It's a 2007 GM off the rack car. And the $#@%^ people at GM built the cars knowing they had no spare parts to repair them. A classic example of screw the customer. We will make'em as fast as we can to sell as many as we can, and if you happen to be stupid enought to buy one better be lucky enough to not have an accident. If you do we can't provide parts to fix it!! Sorry folks. Not a happy Pontiac owner.
your dealer can order the part..and code it a particular way as an emergency part that keeps the car from being driven.....if the intercooler is damaged....is it really ok to drive the car...I dont quite recall the coding the parts manager must use...but it will search all inventories...and might even pull one from the manufacturing line....but the parts manager must be willing to code the order correctly....
the fender and panel Im sure are common to both the 06 and 07 models...there are parts in the system....try a google for gm parts....and you will find several sites that offer replacement oem parts....
Also this isnt a complete off the rack car.the kappa body itself is molded steel..and many of the chassis welds are hand done...vice pure...assembly line....it is also a low volume car...less than 15K year...as compared to others that have a much higher production volume......so take that into consideration as well
your dealer can order the part..and code it a particular way as an emergency part that keeps the car from being driven
but the parts manager must be willing to code the order correctly....
The only thing this GM customer needs to take into consideration is that he is being forced to ask questions on the internet to make sure his dealer managers are doing all they can to get his parts, and they are not. Either they are incompetent, uncaring or a combination of both.
unfortunately..I agree that the dealerships and service departments vary greatly...again independent owners/operators......many solstice owners know more about this car than the dealers who sell them......it is amazing how imcompetent some of the service techs are.....
the world of mass media and the internet allow us all to seek information....
I'm very impressed to see the Solstice do so well in the federal roll over ratings.
"NHTSA said it had completed frontal, side-impact and rollover ratings for 63 of 70 vehicles from the 2007 model year.
In rollover ratings, three vehicles received the top score of five: the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky convertibles and the Mazda6 four-door with side air bags"
Looks like either GM cannot keep up with demand (doubtful for the middle of the winter) or Mazda is really having a hord time selling. For as many dealers the Pontiac has compared to Mazda the MX-5's must be sitting enmasse.
I see by those numbers that the MX-5 is easily outselling the Sky and that the Solstice is only about 500 units ahead of MX-5. Face it Pao the bloom is off the rose.
The GM dealers around here start selling '08s in July or August. Are the Kappas on a different cycle?
no....probably a bit liberal on the end of the 07 model year...the last allocations are the first week in May for a early July delivery, so still approx 3 months left in the model year.........then the 08 allocations kick in....
If you look at how MX-5/Miata did in '05 they sold 9800 units. So the entire low cost roadster market rose significantly. This is very typical in the auto market and other markets also. New blood may scare the current players but often the new marketing brings in plus volume for all.
Anyone here purchase & get some use out of the optional tonneau cover? Just wondering if it would be worth the $ or be such a pain to use that it would stay tossed in the back using what trunk space there is. I also notice Pontiac has a first & second version, difference seems to be how it fits by the radio antenna. I haven't seen any model yrs. listed as needing one version or the other. Don't need bird poop/UV ray theory, just would appreciate info from those who actually have one on their Solstice
teh cover isnt meant to be used while driving.....and it has several snap connectors that require drilling into the body to install it......the difference in the two is rounded edges and the antenna fit for some reason...no difference in model years......if you want a cover to protect it....while the top is down...look here:
thanks pao. It looks like it would be simpler and quicker to just pop the top up than use that cover, and I don't like the idea of drilling to install the tonneau-that always seems to let rust get a foothold. Do you have either item yourself, if so would you do it again?
I have neither....have seen the tonneau..and most as you mentioned are simply hesitant to drill holes in their new car....the other one from kappasphere is relatively new...a few folks over at the solsticeforum have it....and have made on complaints about it.....the issue to me is where do you store it....
I realize there isnt much room in the trunk but any of the tonneau covers can fit in the trunk of your solstice/sky... They really dont take up much space... You should check out www.kappasphere.com
Well, as I mentioned in my original question-was hoping to get some replies from folks who actually had the products. The concepts are fairily simple, looking to get some real-world advice. I've found over time that the question. "Would you buy it again?" is an excellent measure of should I consider it.
am a good customer of kappasphere..as I know them well both from their site and the solstice site....dont forget the national solstice meet in Jun....all kappas welcome
I loved the tonneau cover on my old TR6. Just unzip the drivers side on a cool day and turn on the heater and be toasty warm cruising down the boulevard.
I just came from test driving a Solstice. Absolutely beautiful car from any angle looking out or looking in. But, you all already know that on this forum. Your couldn't pay me to drill holes in that car to install a tonneau cover even if it wasn't mine!
A reporter is hoping to talk with current Pontiac owners who are long-time Pontiac enthusiasts. Please reply to ctalati@edmunds.com no later than Thursday, May 10, 2007 with your daytime contact info and a few words about your experience.
A reporter is hoping to talk with current Pontiac owners who never before owned a Pontiac. Please reply to ctalati@edmunds.com no later than Thursday, May 10, 2007 with your daytime contact info and a few words about your experience.
Comments
And yes, I already found a third one who is asking MSRP. And the 2 others have lost the extra business I had for them (2 other non solstice cars)
MODERATOR
Need help getting around? claires@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
Tell everyone about your buying experience: Write a Dealer Review
we expect vendor participation, road course availability, keynote speaker, modification workshops...etc...
MARK YOU CALENDARS NOW!!!
It's definitely allowed -- the only thing that isn't allowed is posting links to other online auto communities, but I think all of us would definitely want the details, so please do post them.
MODERATOR
Need help getting around? claires@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
Tell everyone about your buying experience: Write a Dealer Review
I think the reasoning for this is: the first models out were simply too pricey for the younger genre. with a deposit required to pre-order (young people don't do that - instant gratification) and then the dealers were bumping msrp. I think this is a car that will hit the younger crowd as a USED vehicle.
Not that I'm really young (37), but about the time I get my current ride paid for, the used solstice prices MAY be down where I'm willing to buy one. I'm not seeing a $25K to $30K car in it right now. Not slamming it, it looks great!!
most dealers arent requiring a deposit to pre-order....and you can find dealers that arent adding a prem market,,again you just have to do a little research or be willing to go out of your home market area...
those that are available or mostly fully loaded...most dealers dont order a strip down model for stock these days anyway regardless of the car....so a fully loaded base sol comes in around 25-26..with the turbo pushing 30-31K....
the market appears to be holding strong for the sol....and while there are some available at dealers..usually you will find them at a mark up....if you are willing to wait and order a base sol.....depending on the size of the dealership and his allocations...you can probably see one in 3-4 months.....
I saw the yellow one!!! WOW!!
2nd North American Solstice Meet
June 21-23, 2007
Nashville, TN
Sheraton Music City Hotel
Group Rate of $119 plus tax
Reservations can be made online at: http://www.starwoodmeeting.com/StarGroupsWeb/booking/reservation?id=0611065133&k- - ey=5DCA5
Or by calling 1-888-627-7060 ----- Make sure to mention you are booking for the 2nd N.A. Solstice Meet
Registration costs for attendees will be:
Couples: $90.00
Singles: $45.00
Event T-shirts will be $15.00 each again this year but will be ordered separate from registration.
A Web Site is being developed to allow access to all Solstice Owners interested in attending this event.
Fund-raiser will benefit Susan G. Koman Foundation again this year.
Tentative schedule for this event:
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Registration Sign-in and Packet Pick up 2pm – 6pm
Reception - Meet & Greet 6pm – 8pm
Friday, June 22, 2007
Free Activity Day – attendees will be free to visit the sites and history of Nashville. We are working on a list of “Things to Do While in Nashville” and will post here and on the web site.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
8am – Noon and 2pm – 6pm
“How To” Seminars
Vendor Booths
7pm – 9:30 pm
Dinner and awards
if any questions you can go to my profile....and contact me
Butchered? I would have thought your comment was to get people to read it but since you did not give a link I wonder if you are jsut trying to stir up the owners? They did have a few quibbles like the power window switch placement and a heavy flywheel but most of it is darn good. Oh yea, little luggage space but we all know that. Overall the below sums up their opinion.
What is it about the Solstice that so quickens the pulse? Driving dynamics? Fuel economy? Practicality? A resounding "No" to all those questions. What seems to drive Solstice fever is summed up in this quote by one Edmunds.com executive who took the little ragtop for a weekend: "If I had an extra $20 grand lying around and I wanted a little roadster to run around town in, I'd probably buy one of these just for fun." In short, the Solstice will rarely be your only car. It will occupy the extra space in your three-car garage and, like a sundial, will only record the sunny hours.
my response....we have packed for a 5 day trip in our solstice, if the top is a factor in buying the car..dont buy the solstice, plastic interior....have you check all cars these days..noise....its a ragtop convertible..and not a 40K hardtop auto convertible....
any car choice is a personal one....the solstice is our "FUN" car and is the one of 4 other vehicles in our used car lot......
Most Sol owners who have had it for year now are happy with it....most Miata MX-5 owners are happy with their purchase....do I base my car purchases off of Edmunds, C&D, MT or Consumer Report reviews.....Nope, I do my research for what I want in a vehicle for the purpose Im buying it for...look for the best deal...and the dealership with a service department Im comfortable with..which may not be the same one I buy it from........most people today simply go to a dealer lot with a specific model in mind...pick the color..test drive it..and take it home....
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/LongTerm/articleId=108642
Not trying to stir anyone up. Just thought the review was interesting. My current car never gets good reviews either, but I still like it.
Just teasing, folks!! I honestly don't ever think of linking to things like that. I just find it, read it, and comment.
I guess the Solstice should be thought of as a toy to be used when you wanta have fun. Not your everyday transportation. It is like my old vette. Lots of personality and gets lots of looks and is a blast to drive. Just would not want to drive it to work everyday.
rattles...none here...squeeks...a few..but I found and fixed them......again....comparing it to the MX-5 that has had almost 15 years to work out the bugs......give me a break at GM...its a pretty good entry for a first year production....and there have been some mid year changes in the 07 model.....power door lock buttons....seat height adjuster, torgue bar to assist with drive train stability, and for some reason they changed the DRLS.....
http://www.gmoutlet.com/gmpp.htm
we got our plan thru them for our 06 in VA...simple and easy..credit card and phone call ..and bought it at 10 months and 12k miles on the car....
you mentioned 550 for their cost...believe that is with a $200 ded..for another 175 you can get no deductible....I would opt for that one IMHO
I'm irate! This is not a 1957 Chevy. It is not a '65 Cobra. It's a 2007 GM off the rack car. And the $#@%^ people at GM built the cars knowing they had no spare parts to repair them. A classic example of screw the customer. We will make'em as fast as we can to sell as many as we can, and if you happen to be stupid enought to buy one better be lucky enough to not have an accident. If you do we can't provide parts to fix it!!
Sorry folks. Not a happy Pontiac owner.
the fender and panel Im sure are common to both the 06 and 07 models...there are parts in the system....try a google for gm parts....and you will find several sites that offer replacement oem parts....
Also this isnt a complete off the rack car.the kappa body itself is molded steel..and many of the chassis welds are hand done...vice pure...assembly line....it is also a low volume car...less than 15K year...as compared to others that have a much higher production volume......so take that into consideration as well
but the parts manager must be willing to code the order correctly....
The only thing this GM customer needs to take into consideration is that he is being forced to ask questions on the internet to make sure his dealer managers are doing all they can to get his parts, and they are not. Either they are incompetent, uncaring or a combination of both.
the world of mass media and the internet allow us all to seek information....
"NHTSA said it had completed frontal, side-impact and rollover ratings for 63 of 70 vehicles from the 2007 model year.
In rollover ratings, three vehicles received the top score of five: the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky convertibles and the Mazda6 four-door with side air bags"
Sky 1300
Solstice 4600
MX-5 6300
S2000 2000
Looks like either GM cannot keep up with demand (doubtful for the middle of the winter) or Mazda is really having a hord time selling. For as many dealers the Pontiac has compared to Mazda the MX-5's must be sitting enmasse.
What was your point again?
The GM dealers around here start selling '08s in July or August. Are the Kappas on a different cycle?
Sky 1300
Solstice 4600
MX-5 6300
S2000 2000
I guess my point was that Mazda has a lot of stock out there while Pontiac and Saturn does not. Not sure if I had a point but was wondering why.
What is interesting is that in 2006 sales we get:
Solstice.....19710
Sky...........8676
MX-5.........16897
If you look at how MX-5/Miata did in '05 they sold 9800 units. So the entire low cost roadster market rose significantly. This is very typical in the auto market and other markets also. New blood may scare the current players but often the new marketing brings in plus volume for all.
http://www.kappasphere.com/handler.cfm?cat_id=20103&cat_id=20143&prod_id=4261&fu- nction=product
I just came from test driving a Solstice. Absolutely beautiful car from any angle looking out or looking in. But, you all already know that on this forum. Your couldn't pay me to drill holes in that car to install a tonneau cover even if it wasn't mine!