Ragingfish's Car Shopping Photo Journal (56K Warning!)

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 1:18 pm

We're coming into the final weeks of "the decision."There seems to be some poor information floating out there, and part of it is my fault.NO. A decision was never officially made. No papers were signed. No deposits were made. No orders were placed. Yes, I had said that in a post, but shortly after reniged it because, while I THOUGHT I know what my decision was, I quickly became attracted to other options...That being said, let me set the record straight.I HAVE NOT MADE A DECISION YET. I HAVE NOT ORDERED A CAR. NO DECISIONS. NO DEPOSITS. NO DEFINITIVE ANSWERS.It should be obvious now the reason the announcement has been delayed until on or about September 1. There's nothing to announce yet. So, I thought it might be fun to post a "photo journal" of the cars I'm currently shopping and pricing out...So, let the games begin:2006 G6 COUPE: 2005/2006 G6 SEDAN FYI: These pics were taken with a Motorola e815 camera phone. I don't know about you, but I'm DAMN impressed with the photo quality!!! MORE TO COME!

Attached files 04-08-05_1941.3g2 (142.4 KB)

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 1:22 pm

And if anyone's interested, here are two quick 360Â° spins around a coupe (quicktime required):360Â° Exterior Spin #1: Clicky360Â° Exterior Spin #2: Clicky

Attached files 04-08-05_1940.3g2 (142.1 KB)

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 1:29 pm

Get that Electric Blue G6 already! If it doesn't have that awful light poop interior.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 1:30 pm

It is quite a color...I'm torn between that color and the stealth gray metallic...the fusion wasn't too bad either...

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 1:32 pm

Oh but that blue...it's just beautiful...There is no comparison...what is there to decide?

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 1:33 pm

Quote, originally posted by Kari Â»what is there to decide? which car should wear it!

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 1:33 pm

Yeah, I think he should go ahead and get it... And even if it's got that "beige" interior, when that Jersey traffic makes him poop in his drawers, it won't stain the seats!

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 1:35 pm

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish Â»which car should wear it! Whichever one's got it! If there's a coupe, I say that one.

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 1:38 pm

I still think he's just messin' with our emotions! We all know he has already bought the Vibe's replacement, he's just waiting on some essential "accessories" to arrive:http://www.wickedbodies.net/04....html

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 1:39 pm

Quote, originally posted by ColonelPanic Â»I still think he's just messin' with our emotions! We all know he has already bought the Vibe's replacement, he's just waiting on some essential "accessories" to arrive:http://www.wickedbodies.net/04....htmlDAMN YOU!You PROMISED not to tell man! lol

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 2:33 pm

Well, at least now you can have a car that you won' t have to keep *****ing about not having any body kit available!

scherry2 · Post by **scherry2** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 7:10 pm

Quote, originally posted by ColonelPanic Â»I still think he's just messin' with our emotions! We all know he has already bought the Vibe's replacement, he's just waiting on some essential "accessories" to arrive:http://www.wickedbodies.net/04....htmlnice car ragingfish!! it fits you too, i don't know about white though. LOL

ShadowRuleZ · Post by **ShadowRuleZ** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 10:47 pm

Wait and get a solstice. The G6 coupe is to accordish or 350zish for me.

Toasted7 · Post by **Toasted7** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 11:56 pm

I would go with the blue on the G6, if that's the car you decide on, but it only comes with chrome wheels (at least that's what my dealer told me when I was looking at them). I saw one with a two-tone interior as well: it was charcoal and beige... looked pretty sweet if you ask me.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 12:43 am

Quote, originally posted by ShadowRuleZ Â»Wait and get a solstice. The G6 coupe is to accordish or 350zish for me.These aren't the only ones I'm considering, just the only ones this particular dealer had on the lot. The Eclipse, Solstice, and GTO are also being considered...

Psychobroker · Post by **Psychobroker** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 1:14 am

Oh my goodness...If you're choosing between a G6 and the Eclipse, go for the Eclipse GT! I'm sure you already know this, but It's absolutely sick:263hp @ 5750 RPMs260 lb-ft of torque @ 4500 RPM's (6500 redline -- talk about a sweet spot)

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 2:39 am

Yeah, I saw one at a dealer, was orgasmic almost.Haven't had a test drive yet...soon enough...

ShadowRuleZ · Post by **ShadowRuleZ** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 2:49 am

I've heard bad things about the new eclipse from motortrend and the like. Mainly that it drives like a pig and it gets like15 miles to the gallon.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 3:47 am

I read similar reviews in autoweek, saying it handled well but was sorely underpowered and the mileage, despite the V6, is a joke. Hence the reason I shall test drive.

Psychobroker · Post by **Psychobroker** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 6:10 am

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish Â»I read similar reviews in autoweek, saying it handled well but was sorely underpowered and the mileage, despite the V6, is a joke. Hence the reason I shall test drive.Really? Sorely underpowered? that's wierd

george · Post by **george** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 10:30 am

Ecplise is awesome stylin but they had a recall already on over 350 units dew to bad master cylinder design they had 3 crash on the asslebly lines they should have them fixed by now though

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 12:26 pm

More car shopping fun! 2006 G6 COUPE: Now, a little more narrowing down! I'm REALLY getting attached to the G6 coupe...and I've eliminated 2 (yes, TWO) cars from my options.I am no longer considering the GTO or Eclipse. While I *could* afford the GTO, the continually climbing costs of gas, combined with the lack of utility (no folding seats because of the fuel tank) make it unreasonable for me.Eclipse - things I'm reading online are leaving me questioning the overall reliability of the Eclipse. That combined with the desire to stay within the GM family, have led me to shed that car from the list.The remaining 3 contenders are the Solstice, G6 coupe, and sedan. My dealer gets his first solstice in just around the first of the month, when it comes in, I'll go take a look at it, test drive it, and make a determination if I can realistically live with one...Stay tuned...

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 12:38 pm

You're getting the G6. C'mon already!

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 1:12 pm

That's what i'm pushing for.. Though I still want a test drive with that GTO! Ehehehe...The last good Eclipse was the 98/99 model. Specifically the GT-S Spyder. Ooooh... My parents had one in that deep red with the tan top. I got to drive it ONCE..and dang..that thing was great!Of course the Saab 93 has the same kinda kick..

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 1:40 pm

I sat in the G6 coupe in the showroom at the Ohio Rally, and it was super nice. The GTP, with leather...oooooh. I burn, I pine, I perish!psssst...buy the G6.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 1:46 pm

*blech* to leather!

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 1:55 pm

No leather for you? I don't particularly care for it either, but I think I've come to the realization that the way I mistreat my car's interior, cloth isn't the way to go.

Puckman27 · Post by **Puckman27** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 3:42 pm

GTO!! f*ck the gas prices!! but if thats too much of a power increase for ya from the vibe, the G6 coupe is sweet too

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 3:43 pm

Quote, originally posted by Puckman27 Â»GTO!! f*ck the gas prices!! but if thats too much of a power increase for ya from the vibe, the G6 coupe is sweet toowhen one doesn't make a 6 figure salary, it's not so easy to say "f*ck the gas prices."

Puckman27 · Post by **Puckman27** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 3:49 pm

yeah i know..... i barely make a 3 figure salary, i just love that car but really, i think a G6 coupe w/ a manual transmission would be a fun cari don't know if you said this before, but why are you getting rid of your Vibe?

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 5:20 pm

Quote, originally posted by Puckman27 Â»i don't know if you said this before, but why are you getting rid of your Vibe?I guess he's looking to find a car that can't be easily modded. The G6 fits that nicely, I'd be petrified to do anything to that thing, seeing all of the electronic stuff crammed into one of those things.

michaelgt · Post by **michaelgt** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 9:26 pm

I know you are down to the focusing on G6. However, have you seen/driven the 06 Impala SS? A fully loaded SS is $31 sticker. It is rated for 28 mpg on the highway, has seats that fold flat, V8, and will run to 60 in 6 seconds. I just wished they made it in a wagon!

BlueCrush · Post by **BlueCrush** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 11:06 pm

You're probably going to get the 2005 Pontiac G6 GT in Black like the picture above. That would be the best choice in my opinion.

Pablo1669 · Post by **Pablo1669** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 11:09 pm

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish Â»*blech* to leather!Yeah, thats what I said too... my G6 GT sedan is fully loaded, minus leather.

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 11:56 pm

I kinda liked the leather...it was comfortable and soft even though it was hot outside and I was definitely still hot, despite the fact that we were inside. The headliner is a little low though...I was surprised by how close it was to my head, and I'm pretty short. Somebody who's tall would probably have a hard time driving the coupe. Unless the dealer had the seat raised way up or something, which it didn't seem to be.

Pablo1669 · Post by **Pablo1669** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 12:33 am

I'm sure if you get the 6-way power seats that come with the leather trim package, you could just lower the seat

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 8:30 am

Quote, originally posted by Puckman27 Â»i don't know if you said this before, but why are you getting rid of your Vibe?Numerous reasons.1) Just crossed 59k miles today. I do 100 miles roundtrip 5 days a week for work. Some weeks I do more, since our corporate office is in northern jersey, and when i have to go for seminars or training or meetings, the mileage racks up fast.2) The exterior is gone to hell. The car looks horrible. It looks as if I've had it 10 years. It's beyond repair, and it makes me feel depressed every time I look at it. I've never had a car with such horrendous paint durability. Yay for that Toyota crap-ity...errr...quality...no no, crapity.3) When I received my unexpected promotion at work, and finally started earning REAL money, I thought i'd treat myself to something nice for my hard work -- a new car, and mainly, one I've wanted all along.4) Stupid as it sounds...I miss having a trunk!5) The Vibe's 130 horses are a bit too docile for my needs. 170 or 200 (or more) should do nicely.6) The interior rattles and squeaks make me want to rip out every interior panel and drive with nothing but the wheel and the pedals. It's horrible.7) I just want a new freakin car! Quote, originally posted by michaelgt Â»I know you are down to the focusing on G6. However, have you seen/driven the 06 Impala SS? A fully loaded SS is $31 sticker. It is rated for 28 mpg on the highway, has seats that fold flat, V8, and will run to 60 in 6 seconds. I just wished they made it in a wagon!GM or not, I hate chevy.Quote, originally posted by BlueCrush Â»You're probably going to get the 2005 Pontiac G6 GT in Black like the picture above. That would be the best choice in my opinion.I can say with complete certainty you are WRONG. I won't buy every buy a car in straight black, it's too bland for me. Quote, originally posted by Kari Â»The headliner is a little low though...I was surprised by how close it was to my head, and I'm pretty short. Somebody who's tall would probably have a hard time driving the coupe. Unless the dealer had the seat raised way up or something, which it didn't seem to be.Dealer definitely must've had it in the full up position. When I sat in one at my dealer it was TOO low, and I had to raise it up. I fit nicely.

Pablo1669 · Post by **Pablo1669** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 8:51 am

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish Â»I can say with complete certainty you are WRONG. I won't buy every buy a car in straight black, it's too bland for me. Hey now. Thats why I got the chrome rims with mine

kostby · Post by **kostby** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 2:29 pm

You've waited this long Mike, why not wait for a G6-Convertible (or whatever they're calling the droptop version)You'll have the best feature of the Solstice (open air motoring) PLUS much of the passenger and cargo capacity of a G6!

Puckman27 · Post by **Puckman27** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 4:18 pm

well good luck w/ getting ur new car! and i agree with ya too w/ toyota's "quality." i dont' see how they get praised so much when any toyota i've driven, including my toyota-parts-and-built vibe, isn't any better than most cars i've driven. i valet on the weekends, so i've driven quite a few cars....... the only ones i can think of that feel cheap still are fords

scherry2 · Post by **scherry2** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 7:24 pm

[QUOTE=ragingfish]2) The exterior is gone to hell. The car looks horrible. It looks as if I've had it 10 years. It's beyond repair, and it makes me feel depressed every time I look at it. .[QUOTE]this coming from a person who climbs all over his car. [QUOTE=ragingfish]6) The interior rattles and squeaks make me want to rip out every interior panel and drive with nothing but the wheel and the pedals. It's horrible..[QUOTE]and who has taken almost every part of his interior apart. ROFL only picking on you mike.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 7:59 pm

Quote, originally posted by scherry2 Â»this coming from a person who climbs all over his car. and who has taken almost every part of his interior apart. ROFL only picking on you mike. I was waiting for SOMEONE to go there! Quote, originally posted by kostby Â»You've waited this long Mike, why not wait for a G6-Convertible (or whatever they're calling the droptop version)You'll have the best feature of the Solstice (open air motoring) PLUS much of the passenger and cargo capacity of a G6!(A) price(B) there's a reports the problems plaguing the convertible may result in it getting cancelled before it ever makes it to production. (Link: http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=102977)

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 8:34 pm

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish Â»5) The Vibe's 130 horses are a bit too docile for my needs. 170 or 200 (or more) should do nicely.I object to the use of the word "needs" in this context. While the claimant may desire additional engine power, the engine power of a 2003 Pontiac Vibe has not been demonstrated as being inadequate to meet the claimant's actual necessities. Quote, originally posted by ragingfish Â»2) The exterior is gone to hell. The car looks horrible. It looks as if I've had it 10 years. It's beyond repair, and it makes me feel depressed every time I look at it. I've never had a car with such horrendous paint durability. Yay for that Toyota crap-ity...errr...quality...no no, crapity.it's not toyota paint. it's NUMMI paint. toyota paint may also be crap, but if so it's still different crap

russ257 · Post by **russ257** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 9:16 pm

Quote, originally posted by joatmon Â»I object to the use of the word "needs" in this context. While the claimant may desire additional engine power, the engine power of a 2003 Pontiac Vibe has not been demonstrated as being inadequate to meet the claimant's actual necessities. somebodys been watching too much court tv

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 9:42 pm

Quote, originally posted by ColonelPanic Â»I guess he's looking to find a car that can't be easily modded. The G6 fits that nicely, I'd be petrified to do anything to that thing, seeing all of the electronic stuff crammed into one of those things. This is why he's lucky I now live several states away, and not less than an hour.

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Thu Aug 18, 2005 6:04 am

Quote, originally posted by Puckman27 Â»i dont' see how they get praised so much when any toyota i've driven, including my toyota-parts-and-built vibe, isn't any better than most cars i've driven.Just a theory: It's a combination of Toyota buying their way out of everything and brainwashing the world - making everyone think that these cars are the bestest thing since sliced bread. Well, I ain't buyin' it! Um, anyway, um... Mike, I hope you get something you enjoy. I need to do the same, but just don't have the money for it right now so I have no choice but to be miserable for a few more months. lol!

MrRich · Post by **MrRich** » Thu Aug 18, 2005 8:44 am

Hey Mike! Did you ever think of an Audi? Because the ne A3 just came out, and it is pretty promising:2006 Audi A3 SummaryThe 2006 Audi A3 is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury wagon, available in two trims, the 2.0 T and the 2.0 T With DSG. Upon introduction, the 2.0 T is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 200-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 23-mpg in the city and 30-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard. The 2.0 T With DSG is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 200-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 24-mpg in the city and 30-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard0-60 is 6.7seconds

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Thu Aug 18, 2005 8:59 am

I don't do Audi.I'm staying in the Pontiac family.

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Thu Aug 18, 2005 9:06 am

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish Â»I don't do Audi.kinky!

redlava · Post by **redlava** » Thu Aug 18, 2005 9:10 am

Just look at the red exterior and the way the door is open. It totally wants it.