Solstice GXP purchase - this could get interesting...

epbrown · 03-11-2010, 09:14 AM

Much as I love my M Coupe, I had a hankering for a convertible. I considered a 986 because I thought the mid-engined experience would be interesting, but there's a fire sale on the Pontiac Solstice right now and I was curious on a couple of fronts. For one, I haven't owned a US brand since my Chevette right after high school, and I wanted to see if things have changed in the ensuing decades. For another, I've always had a bias against turbocharged cars, finding them laggy; thinking on it, I realized that was almost 30 years ago.

Another factor is that I was there for the concept debut and voted for Pontiac to make it, and I've been curious how the car turned out. So, here it is:

It's only been a day, but impressions are overall favorable. I'll post again when I've spent more time with the car.

cashflyer · 03-11-2010, 09:32 AM

These guys are TOP NOTCH.
I suggest you check them out.
DDMWorks Solstice Products

legion · 09:44 AM

They made a couple hundred Solstice GXP coupes (have targa tops) before they shut production down. If you could score one of those, that would be the Solstice to get. Much more usable trunk space than the Solstice cab with the absence of the roof mechanism.

vash · vash's Garage

i miss a convertible. if i had to have one, i would get a used S2000 or hell, even a new jeep rubicon.

the solstice is a tiny blip on my radar...tiny.

epbrown · 03-11-2010, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by legion

They made a couple hundred Solstice GXP coupes (have targa tops) before they shut production down. If you could score one of those, that would be the Solstice to get. Much more usable trunk space than the Solstice cab with the absence of the roof mechanism.

I like the coupe and tried to rationalize getting one, but since I've already got the Z4 M Coupe, getting a 2nd 2-seat coupe - even with the targa top - just didn't appeal as much. I don't think they'll be collectables, as many are suggesting, but I see the makings of a small, dedicated fan base, similar to the Z3 M Coupe.

Pazuzu · 03-11-2010, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by epbrown

I don't think they'll be collectables, as many are suggesting, but I see the makings of a small, dedicated fan base, similar to the Z3 M Coupe.

Actually, I got the impression that I was the ONLY one suggesting that

Talewinds · Talewinds's Garage

First let me say thanks for all of your contributions on the Z4M forums!
What made you decide Solstice rather than Boxster?

m21sniper · 03-11-2010, 12:15 PM

We argued about these here a few months ago. I really like them. Good luck with it!!!

The Turbo cars will absolutely, positively be collectible one day.

masraum · 12:45 PM

The biggest complaint that I've heard about the skystice is the trunk and the fact that when the top is down, there is no trunk, just the place where the top goes when it's down.

I read several reviews/comparisons of the skystice (solstice and/or sky) and Miata when they both came out. Comparing the base models, the cars were very equal in performance. The Solstice came with 177hp, the Miata came with 170, but the miata was a little lighter than the Solstice. The miata was more agile, but the solstice had more tire, so they both held their line about the same. Times on a track were pretty darn close. Acceleration and braking were pretty close.

One of the reviews said that the Miata was biased towards the sportscar driving experience, but the Solstice was more of a Cruiser, but their performance is about equal. Of course, the turbo had about 90 more hp.

m21sniper · 03-11-2010, 12:53 PM

With a reprogrammed ECU and a good exhaust/downpipe that little Pontiac Turbo should absolutely haul ass.

DUK · 03-11-2010, 01:13 PM

I heard that there are no spare body panels in the GM system. I would try and check this out before purchasing. Last time the dealer here checked it was n.b.o. on them.

m21sniper · 03-11-2010, 01:14 PM

Aftermarket companies will take up the slack.

onewhippedpuppy · 03-11-2010, 02:04 PM

We've already concluded that they will be worth eleventy-billion dollars someday, so you've made a good investment.

Pazuzu · 03-11-2010, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

We've already concluded that they will be worth eleventy-billion dollars someday, so you've made a good investment.

No, only the 700 or so GXP coupe 5-speed will be valuable.

Anyone who thinks otherwise is just a dunderhead.

911boost · 911boost's Garage

I think they are cool little cars. Just don't put carbon fibre body panels and crap on it.

+1 to what sniper said about tweaking the turbo a little.

masraum · 03-11-2010, 02:26 PM

I like the way the Solstice looks. Reminds me of something out of the 50s/60s a little. The sky has the angular thing going on ala Cadillac. I'm not as fond of that (although, I do like the SRX and SLR [aesthetics] for some inexplicable reason).

I'd probably enjoy a Solstice turbo.

Rufblackbird · 03-11-2010, 02:43 PM

I like the Sky more because of the angular caddy look...to me it looks like a mini 'vette. However the Solstice would be just as fun.

I heard when they first came out people complained about their ergonomics. I sat in a Sky two years ago at an auto show and while I fit perfectly, access to some of the switches/buttons (like power windows) were a bit awkward.

Arizona_928 · 03-11-2010, 06:33 PM

I love them. Was able to get one for a rental for acouple days, just pure fun.

epbrown · 07:13 PM

Thanks for the comments, everyone. Some responses:

Pazuzu - pretty much everyone on the Solstice forums sees the coupe as a future collectable, but they're a bit biased.

Talewinds - didn't know I was (in)famous on the Z4 forums. I was psyched about getting the Boxster, but the Solstice has a bit of the "road less traveled" to it, since I've done the Porsche thing before.The Solstice, the M Coupe, maybe I've got a weakness for orphaned cars. Maybe in order for me to get the Boxster, Porsche has got to stop production.

M21sniper - I'm happy with the performance, but I've got it scheduled next week for the GMPP (GM Performance Parts) upgrade; they chip the car to 290hp/340lb-ft, up from a stock 260/260 for $650; that's too good a deal to pass up. I also want to swap on the wheels from the Sky "Ruby Redline" edition. With that, I'll be set...

Masraum - the trunk is incredibly tiny, it's insane. I was actually worred I wouldn't be able to fit my 4" thick briefcase in it, and it's a near thing. My Z4MC is an SUV in comparison. However, we've already checked and a pair of soft-sided duffles will fit with the top down, enough for a weekend getaway, which is all you can ask from a roadster.

Ruflblackbird - window button and console switch placement is odd, with the assumption being you have the short arms of a Tyrannosaurus Rex (and yet, the wheel doesn't telescope towards you). I wouldn't mind as much if the windows were one-touch; the driver's side is only one-touch down, the passenger side not at all.

It's fun, and rather nice looking - I get as much pointing as the Smart, but people aren't laughing (kinda miss that).

onewhippedpuppy · 03-12-2010, 02:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by epbrown

Thanks for the comments, everyone. Some responses:

Pazuzu - pretty much everyone on the Solstice forums sees the coupe as a future collectable, but they're a bit biased.

Taleswinds - didn't know I was (in)famous on the Z4 forums. I was psyched about getting the Boxster, but the Solstice has a bit of the "road less traveled" to it, since I've done the Porsche thing before.The Solstice, the M Coupe, maybe I've got a weakness for orphaned cars. Maybe in order for me to get the Boxster, Porsche has got to stop production.

M21sniper - I'm happy with the performance, but I've got it scheduled next week for the GMPP (GM Performance Parts) upgrade; they chip the car to 290hp/340lb-ft, up from a stock 260/260 for $650; that's too good a deal to pass up. I also want to swap on the wheels from the Sky "Ruby Redline" edition. With that, I'll be set...

Masraum - the trunk is incredibly tiny, it's insane. I was actually worred I wouldn't be able to fit my 4" thick briefcase in it, and it's a near thing. My Z4MC is an SUV in comparison. However, we've already checked and a pair of soft-sided duffles will fit with the top down, enough for a weekend getaway, which is all you can ask from a roadster.

Ruflblackbird - window button and console switch placement is odd, with the assumption being you have the short arms of a Tyrannosaurus Rex (and yet, the wheel doesn't telescope towards you). I wouldn't mind as much if the windows were one-touch; the driver's side is only one-touch down, the passenger side not at all.

It's fun, and rather nice looking - I get as much pointing as the Smart, but people aren't laughing (kinda miss that).

That is $650 well spent. The wheel upgrade is a very good choice, I've seen several with aftermarket wheels that are a huge improvement.