Could this REALLY be the beginning of the end?

[ragingfish]

So there is a remote -- but very realistic -- possibility the Vibe may be in it's last months...I called my dealer today to discuss the possibility of getting a Solstice. He told me I can definitely order one, and if I did it this week, wouldn't likely see it until March.Yes. March.That being said, I have an appointment with my sales rep on Wednesday next week to sit down, price one out, and perhaps put a down payment down on one. Even if I did order one, I'd still have the Vibe through most of the coming winter...as noted above.But I can't resist the urge that is the Solstice...and I truly believe I will walk outta that dealership Wednesday with some build sheets in hand...Stay tuned...

[03VibeGT6Spd]

You should check with other dealers, See if they will change one that they already have on order, to meet your needs and wants.I had done that many of times.Of course with the GM discount. You won't be able to have your name on the window sticker that way if it matters to you.

[ragingfish]

Quote, originally posted by 03VibeGT6Spd »You should check with other dealers,See if they will change one that they already have on order, to meet your needs and wants.I had done that many of times.Of course with the GM discount.You won't be able to have your name on the window sticker that way if it matters to you. I have always gone to the same dealer, and I plan to do the same this time. It's the first car I'll buy (if I do) that I'll build with every option I want, and none of the ones I don't. I'm not in a rush to get the car...as much as having to wait until March will suck, I'd take advantage of all the extra time to save more money. Quote, originally posted by silverawd26 »I wonder how the Solstice will handle in the winter time and how much insurance will be on it since 2 door's and conv. are a lot more money. If you do get one, I would pick up a winter beater or something cheap to drive when it gets bad out. I always have, and always will, have one, and only one, car. Rain, sleet, snow, doesn't matter. I will drive it year round.

[03VibeGT6Spd]

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »I always have, and always will, have one, and only one, car. Rain, sleet, snow, doesn't matter. I will drive it year round.If it's bad you can always pick up a winter beater!I want to drive one first, before I put any money down on one.

[ragingfish]

Quote, originally posted by 03VibeGT6Spd »If it's bad you can always pick up a winter beater!I want to drive one first, before I put any money down on one.I can't afford maintenance, insurance, and gas for two cars. If I could, I'd keep the Vibe.The Soltice is a car. It's built with the intention of being driven.

[ragingfish]

It's only available with a manual.

[ColonelPanic]

That's awesome, Mike. I say go for it, you deserve it. I do agree with the others that the notion of the Solstice being a car to be locked up all winter is right on... But that's not always possible!I say, screw it, if they have traction control on it, get it... Find a set of green diamonds for it. You'll be set. I wonder if you could throw a bunch of concrete blocks in the back to weigh it down? lol! You won't be able to get all that weight over the wheels though, I imagine. Congrats on the decision... It's going to be a rough road ahead though, having to wait so long! It's bad enough with me, the car I want finally showed up and is sitting on the lot as I type this, but I can't just go out and trade. *cry*I'm sure you'll enjoy the Solstice quite a bit.

[ragingfish]

Quote, originally posted by ColonelPanic »Congrats on the decision... It's going to be a rough road ahead though, having to wait so long! It's bad enough with me, the car I want finally showed up and is sitting on the lot as I type this, but I can't just go out and trade. *cry*I'm sure you'll enjoy the Solstice quite a bit. Now now, let's not jump the gun. Nothing is definite yet. I'm gonna price one out, and try to determine the likelihood of me even being able to afford one...We'll see...

[ColonelPanic]

Yeah, I know it isn't definite... But I still think you'll end up with one at some point in time.

[Faultline]

When I saw the Solstice at the LA auto show ealier this year!! ..............................................................................................................................................................I just knew that I had to turbo it!!!.........I am so messed up now! I hope you can get one! I am definately thinking about it!!!

[joatmon]

you are definitely a super Solstice fan, that's for sure. It shows a lot of confidence that you would commit to buying a car you have never been in or taken for a test drive. I hope it is as good as you hope it will be.

[goodvibe]

Now this one I understand. I never understand why GT owners get off on their new SUVs because of the handling differences. Getting something that that cuts a path better than a Vibe is a great idea. I hope the #s work out for you. I used to drive RX7 all year round in Chicago with all season tires. Everybody drove in the winter before FWD and those cars had more front weight bias than modern RWD.

[ToolGuy]

Do not expect to see one any time soon despite what the dlr states... We usually see vehicles very early here in Mich and especially since I work across from the GM Technical Center and I have not seen one yet! GM Executive or Fast Feedback Engineering vehicles on the road, those types first. None spotted... I also heard 1200-1400 are pre-ordered already, no leases or great deals on leases and the dlrs will not deal when it does come out.

[ragingfish]

Quote, originally posted by MiVibe-ToolGuy »I also heard 1200-1400 are pre-ordered already, no leases or great deals on leases and the dlrs will not deal when it does come out. Thankfully, my dealer is practically a friend, so they'll always give me a fair price. BUT, we'll see what comes on Wednesday. If all else fails, I'll start charging everything to accumulate as many GM Card points as I can before march. As to delivery, like I said, on the phone I was told *maybe* March. If it came in April, or even May, the timing would be perfect to coincide with late spring / early summer. Jumping back to something silverawd26 asked earlier -- manual vs. auto -- I saw this article today on GMI:Quote, originally posted by GM Faslane Blogs »By Lori QueenGM Vehicle Line Executive - Small CarsFirst, let me just say wow! I can feel the excitement and pent-up demand for the Solstice. Second, let me give you my heartfelt thanks for your candor. Your reservations about whether we’ll come through for all of you –- and for GM –- clearly came across as well as your strong hope that we’ll exceed everyone’s expectations. I’m confident we will –- or least I’ll go down trying!Let me respond to some common themes:I saw lots of questions regarding powertrains and the desire for extra horses. As many of you probably know, the Ecotec is a great powertrain, with lots of family members, and it’s perfect for this car. Solstice drivers will have 177 hp and 166 ft. lb of torque. Combine that with an Aisin five-speed manual transmission and, well, you have a fun roadster to throw around the curves. I know because I’ve been driving my Solstice around Detroit. (You can imagine the looks I’m getting! My three teenagers agree –- it’s really cool.). For those of you who are asking for an automatic transmission – look for one next spring.As far as the product development cycle -– it will be complete in a record 27 months. A typical ground-up, all-new design and build process can take much longer. Part of our new process requires stringent testing and a lot of driving of very early non-saleable cars. The first cars that are the result of our tested, validated and perfected process will be those first1000 orders.We will be sure to let you know when we are in production. I'm glad nearly all of you agreed with us that quality is an over-riding goal.Hope that helps. Keep sending us what you think. We love hearing from you. More again later.Source: http://fastlane.gmblogs.com/ar...#more

[ToolGuy]

Do not get me wrong, I am no your side and LOVE this car. But is is basically June now and they are no where is site. I would plan on end of summer... Yeah get the manual if you desire. Small car and a manual trans equals lots of fun! Either way, auto or manual the car is really nice and will be a head turner for sure!

[ragingfish]

Quote, originally posted by MiVibe-ToolGuy »Do not get me wrong, I am no your side and LOVE this car. But is is basically June now and they are no where is site. I would plan on end of summer... LOL! They said end of summer for the first 1000! My dealer told me to order now would yield a car next spring. As in, 10 months or more!!!Quote »Yeah get the manual if you desire. Small car and a manual trans equals lots of fun! As Kari and all others who drove with me recently can testify to, I'm guilty of constantly manually shifting my auto. There will be NO compromises this time -- manual transmission, all the way.Quote »Either way, auto or manual the car is really nice and will be a head turner for sure! That it will! I'm very excited, I hope I can make it happen.And when they release the supercharger for it...mmmmm...200+ horsies. BUT, as I saw with the vibe, it'll take a while for that to come around. Either way, the Solstice's 177hp vs. my Vibe's 130 will be a welcome change no matter what. And the Solstice weighs only 2860 lbs - a hair over the 2700 lbs of the Vibe...so it shouldn't dog it down much at all.

[Kari]

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish » As Kari and all others who drove with me recently can testify to, I'm guilty of constantly manually shifting my auto. There will be NO compromises this time -- manual transmission, all the way.Yes, yes you are...LOL. The ragingshift! I'm personally too lazy to have a full-on manual...something like the G6 would be ideal for me. Have fun when you want to, then back to auto when you're feeling lazy. Should be interesting to see what kind of deal they'll give you on a car that's already got so many pre-orders though and has so much demand. Hopefully they will deal and your relationship with the dealer will be a plus.I know how bad you want this car though so I really hope you get it! Congratulations ahead of time! (And you will be bringing it to a meet sometime, right? LOL)

[RoundUp]

You might want to test drive it first just to make sure that you'll like it and fit in it. I really wanted one at first but realized that there will only be space for me and my bag. Plus, it doesn't have height adjustable seats. For me that is an issue. I might still get one eventually, but it will definitely have to be a summer car.

[ragingfish]

The only thing this car needs to "haul" is a$$!

[ragingfish]

Getting up bright and early tomorrow to go to the dealer.While I'm there working on a potential Solstice deal, will also have my coolant flush/fill (apparantly shoulda done this 20,000 miles ago ) and my valve clearance inspection.Also decided I'm gonna drop by a Saturn dealer on the way home, just for s&g, and check up on the Sky.

[ColonelPanic]

Cool! Yeah, you're a wee bit late on the flush. But it's all good... If you would be so kind though, can you report back with the details about the valve clearance inspection? I swear my car needs that, but not sure how much that's going to end up costing me... Thanks man! ' lol!Good luck on landing a schweet deal man. Do let us know how that turns out!

[ragingfish]

Quote, originally posted by ColonelPanic »can you report back with the details about the valve clearance inspection? Surely.Frankly, I have no reason to believe I need one. But the manual says I should get it done, and I figure *if* I might be trading in (and even if not), wanna make sure I'm up to snuff on recommended maintenance.

[ColonelPanic]

Thank ya man!

[ragingfish]

The skinny:Maintenance. I asked the dealer about the valve clearance inspection. Basically, they told me, if you're not having problems, leave it alone. They say Toyota recommends it, but GM doesn't necessarily agree with it. The said if they go in there and start messing wtih things, it can cause more problems than it's worth.SO: I walked out with a cheapo $30 oil change, and I'm good.Solstice: The lowdown. I'm looking at early summer next year for delivery. Priced how I'd like it optioned, I'm looking at mid-24's. The dealer said there will be no rebates, and 0% is only for 3 years, so my payments are likely to be high. He said if I'm even remotely sure I'll go for it, though, I should order one now and get my place in line. I can cancel the order down the line (within reason) if things "fall through."I'm gonna sit down with the 'rents this week, get their feelings, and if I decide to go with it, place an order next week. Stay tuned...

[Kari]

Thirty-six payments on a $24,000 car...woo...expensive payments is right. Almost $700...but it would be paid off really, really quick, which might make it worth it if you can afford it. Would be nice to be able to have a 3-year-old car and say it's paid off!

[ragingfish]

Well, obviously, payments would be entirely impacted by how much I put down.I'm going to go into super-speedy-savings mode, save as much as I can, then put down as much as I can (15000 or more) so I can bring the payments down to 200 or 300 a month...All these details are set to get worked out though...

[Jahntassa]

Gord. First off, rear-wheel drive cars with automatics are probably some of the most dangerous things on the road. I can't tell you how many problems my friend had with her 96 Camaro and snow. Or...rain. Anything other than dry pavement.And I do have to agree with the others.. the Solstice is NOT a year-round car.. especially not in NJ. If you're paying that much for it, I guarantee that first winter is going to kill your enthusiasm for driving year round. My friend has an S2000 that sits in the garage as soon as it gets too cold. And how many Prowlers do you see in the winter?Have you explored insurance yet? If you think it's high now, I know it's going to skyrocket. Even without the car payments...I dunno...I could NEVER see having a convertable as my only car. Not unless it was something like a Solara or an older (pre-2000 style) Eclipse. But a roadster? No way, especially not in the north east..I know it's your dream, man, and I do share it. I'd absolutely love to get one, but I wouldn't give up the Vibe for it.. or at least not have some old Honda sitting around to take out in the snow. And yes, I am being devils advocate. I know exactly what your thought process is like right now because i've been through it way too many times.. If your parents DO approve it, make sure you sit on it for a week.. take a look at insurance, for sure. Also, make sure you're willing to do without the extra space, without a rearview mirror (with the roof closed), and just make sure you won't kick yourself later...P.S. I get your springs! Aaand..maybe trade out the HIDs. P.P.S. Btw, I forgot another thing. This is a first-gen model car, which is more frightening. I broke my promise to myself that i'd always wait a generation or two to get a new car, and I paid for it in the end. (New clutch, anyone?) While the Solstice is not all-new tech, (it's based on the same platform/tech as the Malibu, G6, and Equinox), it's the first RWD in that platform. I know my father-in-law's Malibu has had a few issues, which were covered under recalls, but so far, they're kinda frightening.1- The steering cut out, twice. Completely. I still don't know how he pulled over the first time.2- The ABS freaks out and starts engaging all the time during brakingThere was some other issue, but I forgot.. But you get the drift..

[ragingfish]

Wellllll...Technically, the Solstice is Kappa while the Mailibu Maxx/G6 is built on Epsilon...I'm sure there are numerous shared technologies, but the platforms are entirely different for sure.As to year-round driving, it's the reason I'm factoring the LSD option into my cost -- and I'll invest in a good set of Green Diamonds. Insurance has yet to be determined, but I honestly don't expect a huge change in it...As to retaining the Vibe as a "second" car, it's not possible. I can't afford payments on two cars, and certainly not the insurance or maintenance. I'm getting a promotion, but not that much money. There will be no second car. If I do give up the Solstice, the possibility of holding out for a G6 GT (or GTP) Coupe with pano roof is not out of the question either. Or maybe a sedan. I dunno. Unfortunately, the G6 convertible is NOT an option given it's price tag.Right now, however, I'm simply shopping my options...Stay tuned.

[Kari]

If it was me, I'd totally hold out for the G6 Coupe...that's a sweet car. My only hesitation on the convertible in the winter would be temperature more than anything...seems it might be a bit cold, even with the top up.

[ragingfish]

Quote, originally posted by Kari »If it was me, I'd totally hold out for the G6 Coupe...that's a sweet car. My only hesitation on the convertible in the winter would be temperature more than anything...seems it might be a bit cold. Well, heat is a standard feature.

[Kari]

Yeah, I know that. But it just seems like a convertible top wouldn't hold in much heat...LOL.

[ColonelPanic]

Heat??? You don't need no steenkin' heat! I made it through the winter with the Vibe's heater being barely functional.

[joatmon]

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »I'm going to go into super-speedy-savings mode, save as much as I can, then put down as much as I can (15000 or more) so I can bring the payments down to 200 or 300 a month...my miser advice would be to stay with the vibe, pay it off, save money for an investment less transient than a car.If not that, then keep the vibe for a little while longer, go into super speedy savings mode until you can afford to buy what you want without having to finance anything. Might mean you have to wait a bit longer to get the dream car and that you might not be the first on the block to get that kind of car, but it's not like you desperately need a new car. Imagine no debt.

[Jahntassa]

Quote, originally posted by joatmon » Imagine no debt. I've been imagining that for a year... Oh dream..please come true!

[ragingfish]

Sat down with the 'rents today.Shockingly, they're not opposed to it. Went through the usual "it's impractical" bit, but when I gave my crown jewel argument -- when in my life will I ever have the ability to have this kind of car again -- they agreed.They just want to call the dealer with some questions they have, but it does seem like this will be a go!!!Stay tuned!

[Jahntassa]

Are you SERIOUSLY saying that your life is going to go that downhill..?Eh.. I still say good luck with it. If it's really what you've want, and you've really thought it over, go with it!But don't you dare get rid of the Vibe with all that aftermarket stuff on it! I will drive up to Jersey and slap you myself!

[ragingfish]

Quote, originally posted by Jahntassa »But don't you dare get rid of the Vibe with all that aftermarket stuff on it! I will drive up to Jersey and slap you myself!Come on now, what do you take me for, a FOOL?

[jeffgtx]

yea i wanna know where the "get in line here for mike's cool shiznit" line starts please

[drunkenmaxx]

alright, alright.i dont want to preach or seem like a jerk. but 15k as a downpayment on a new car while living with your parents seems a bit silly. also, the notion that you had to discuss the purchase with them seems strange as well. trust me, living on your own is 100 times better than any car you could have. i have a meager apartment and a vibe, and im only 23. living by myself is one of the greatest things i have experienced to date.

[ragingfish]

Quote, originally posted by drunkenvibe »alright, alright.i dont want to preach or seem like a jerk. but 15k as a downpayment on a new car while living with your parents seems a bit silly. The more I put down, the lower my monthly payments. No rebates on the Solstice, so basically, I pay sticker, minus whatever GM card points i'll have (which will be negligible)Quote »also, the notion that you had to discuss the purchase with them seems strange as well. trust me, living on your own is 100 times better than any car you could have. i have a meager apartment and a vibe, and im only 23. living by myself is one of the greatest things i have experienced to date.I didn't HAVE to discuss it with them. I opted to see the opinion of someone who doesn't have car fever, and I value their opinion and "wisdom" you might say...

[millster]

I can understand where Ragingfish is coming from discussing it with his parents. I've lived on my own since I was 19 and still discuss major purchases with my parents. They've been there and done it. If anyone is going to have insight into things that could go wrong, it's our parents. At least I know that describes mine.

[greenfire]

Good luck with your decision Fish. Whats the sticker on it?

[ragingfish]

19,995 including delivery for a BASE model...no options, not even A/C.Equipped how I want, which would be:*Power Package: PDL, RKE, PM*Convenience Package: CC, Driver Info Center, Fogs*A/C*ABS*Carpeted Floro Mats*LSD*MP3-Capable In-Dash 6 CD*Monsoon 7 speaker Premium sound*OnStar*XMBrings it to about $24,610. A bit pricey -- but not bad when you think about it.

[Charlievibe]

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »19,995 including delivery for a BASE model...no options, not even A/C.Equipped how I want, which would be:*LSDIf they are giving you LSD with the car, who needs anything else?!?!? You can just sit in your driveway and imagine you have all the other stuff. Hopefully though, you won't have any trees talking to you telling you to run naked through the sprinklers!!! Seriously though, what is LSD on a car?

[Charlievibe]

Quote, originally posted by silverawd26 »LOL.... LSD is Limited Slip Differential. http://www.answers.com/topic/l...ntialWho knew?!?! Thank you!!!!!

[ToolGuy]

Quote, originally posted by silverawd26 »A/C in a convertible?Not too strange, most verts have it...Think about a hot humid rainy day while wearing a suit...

[ToolGuy]

Saw three Solstice this weekend. (Solsti) One at a light could not get a good look at it, just the front. The other was at Home Depot, black, top down, manual trans and looked sweet! And no GM Manf license plate, tan interior and dual tipped exhaust. The thrid was actually this morning going to work, I was behind it. Dirty, already! It was black too, top up single tip exhaust. No Manf plate either. All had the little silver GM badge on the bottom of the door, looked stupid and I would promptly remove it. I would say they are finally coming!!!

[ColonelPanic]

Quote, originally posted by MiVibe-ToolGuy »All had the little silver GM badge on the bottom of the door, looked stupid and I would promptly remove it. LOL! Those things have made their way onto the lower front door of the G6 's at my dealer's lot. That's just stupid... If you don't know the GM divisions, then uh,.... (removed)

[ragingfish]

Just a followup, this topic is far from dead. I'm seriously considering purchasing a Solstice or a G6 (in either the coupe or sedan variety). We've made some inquiries at the insurance company, got some answers, so in a week or two I'm going BACK to the dealer to sit down and price out each car, and take note of my options.One thing IS for sure though. My Vibe IS in it's last days. Despite all that work I (and many others) put into it, by next summer I WILL have a new car...

[Toasted7]

Mmmmmmmmm G6... they are fast! At least the one I test drove, I got it up to 115mph before I knew it