KWSN Orbiting Fortress

KWSN Im Not Dead · Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 12:45 pm Post subject: Chevy Cobalt?

Thinking of purchasing one of these with the SS package and supercharged motor. I was wondering if any of you happen to have one or know someone who does and what their opinions of said car might be?

Thx
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KWSN Sir CADCAM · Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 12:51 pm Post subject:

The son of one of my clients bought one of these about 5 months ago.
It was nothing but trouble.
In the first 7 weeks he owned it it was on the road 8 days !!
Eventually the dealership said it needed a replacement trnsmission but it would need to be shipped from China where they are made meaning several weeks without the vehicle.
He eventually got his money back under Ontario's 'Lemon Law' and bought himself a Suzuki WRX.
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KWSN Im Not Dead · Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 1:39 pm Post subject:

Well, umm, that is not good. I am not a Chevy fan, but I was considering them due to the string of bad luck I went through this past weekend attempting to replace my truck.

if you are bored continue, if not then you can stop as there is nothing of any substance below this line:
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tried a volkswagen GTI, seat bottom has a "ridge" along both sides of the seat that wore into my leg....so that was a no go.

tried a volkswagen Rabbit, had the same problem as the GTI.

tried a volkswagen Jetta, had the same problem as the GTI.

tried a honda civic, seat back has a "ridge" along both sides of the seat that wore into my back....so that was a no go.

tried a honda accord, had the same problem as the Civic.

tried a toyota prius, everything was fine except my sholder was against the driver side window no matter how I sat...so that was a no go.

tried a toyota camry, ok ride but too expensive for what I am looking for...so that was a no go.

tried a ford focus, has the same problem as the Prius...so that is a no go.

tried a volvo c3, loved the car but I was at $30,000 before i added anything...so that was a no go.

tried to locate a mini cooper, but the nearest dealership is 120 miles away.

tried to locate a mazda mazdaspeed 3, but the nearest dealer that deals with mazdaspeed is 90+ miles away.

tried a nissan 350z, leg room was a problem (actually fit otherwise, though a little tight)...so that was a no go.

tried a audi quad tt, same problem as the 350z...so that was a no go.

anyway you get the point. everything was either too much $$ or was too small / had weird seats. I am 6'3", 280 lbs (im heavy/fat but its not in my waist, its kind of all over...i had a friend describe me a "thick"...if that makes sence?). I am currently in a Ford F-150 (so the seats are huge). I am looking to get rid of the truck due to its 5.4L engine. I am putting $70+ in gas in it each week...I would like to cut that number in 1/2. I am trying to avoid Sedans/SUVs but it looks like I am heading there.

I will keep looking. Thank you for your input Smile

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mohrorless · Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 1:56 pm Post subject:

Have you tried any of the GM vehicles?

If you want reviews/prices & other stuff try:

http://www.edmunds.com/
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jonnyv · Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 1:57 pm Post subject:

Try an Audi A4 or A3? That should be a bit bigger than the TT.
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KWSN Im Not Dead · Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 2:12 pm Post subject:

Yeah edmunds.com is the primary place I go for information, love that site.

As for other GMs, well yes and no.
Buick has nothing I am interested in.
Cadillac is out of my price range.
GMC is mostly trucks and vans, I have a truck now.
Hummer is out of my price and gas range.
SAAB is out of my price range (the 9-3 is almost in my price range, but the MPG is bad).
Saturn i do not trust the quality of. I have known three different people that had major problems with Saturn.
Chevy I looked at but the rest of the Chevy line is either too expensive, or too ugly (Impala) or not good enough on MPG (Montey Carlo).
I am thinking of looking at the Pontiac G5 and G6. I may do that this coming weekend.

As for the Audi A3 / A4. The A4 is out of my price range. The A3 is not bad but by the time I put what I would want on it I am over my budget again.

I am trying to stay under $25,000 if possible. Now if this is not possible I am willing to go as high as $30,000 but only if I had no other option. (and thus far my picking are slim).

I guess if it comes down to me going up to or over $30k, then I will start back at $15K and look at SUVs (yuck).

I have also looked at Dodge and Chrysler. Their cars are either too expensive (300M) or bad MPG (charger). The PT Crusier is ok on price but bad on gas for no more power than you get.

I would consider Scion, but I dont know anyone that owns one of those so I am not sure about their quality either?

I would buy the VW Beetle, it actually fits. However it has become a girly car...would look a little silly for a 6'3" guy to crawl out of one of those.
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KWSN - Sir Brian C....... · Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 3:09 pm Post subject:

do they do the BMW 1 seies in the US?... a bit like the A3 in size but rear wheel drive, more power, and better handling

I own one in the UK and can totally recommend it, had it 2 1/2 years, no breakdowns, just in the dealer for routine servicing...

five door

three door

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mohrorless · Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 3:12 pm Post subject:

I am driving an '04 Grand Prix and I love it. The milage ok (~20 mpg in NYC, near 30 on the highway), the performance is good, the trunk is huge and I had the dealer by the short hairs when Pontiac (and the entire auto industry) was not selling anything late in '03.

I don't know what you are looking for in options, so I don't know what one would run for you.

Good Luck.
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jonnyv · Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 4:35 pm Post subject:

Seems you've been in every other VW auto group car....what about a Passat?

Scion is Toyota. I'd imagine they hold up well, but I don't know anyone who has one.
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jonnyv · Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 4:36 pm Post subject:

jbyram2 · Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 5:11 pm Post subject:

Since you're so big, don't try Accords, Priusses (Prii?)and such.
Full size sedans are the thing for you, It's what I like, and you aren't much bigger than I am.

Toyota Avalon
Buick La Croix (I have a Park Avenue Ultra..lotsa pep w/ a supercharger. The 3.8L supercharged GM engine is a good design IMO, so get it where you can)
Nissan Maxima

Get a used one just off lease. It'll be low mileage and well kept, and reasonably priced.
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KWSN imcrazynow · Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 7:14 pm Post subject:

Try a Dodge, stay away from the trucks unless you go diesel. The transmissions suck in the gas trucks. Diesel has an Allison transmission.
PS. I have a gas Dodge. Trust me. The tranny sucks. #ni-1

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KWSN Sir CADCAM · Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 7:23 pm Post subject:

What about Nissan Altima.
Lots of room, massive trunk.
The 2.5 gives good gas mileage.
The 3.5 is nicer to drive, but a bit thirstier.
I have just returned a 3.5 after a three year lease, it was rock solid.
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JerWA · Prince Joined: 01 Jan 2007 Posts: 1497 Location: WA, USA

What about a Mazda 6? I don't know what they go for new, I'm shopping used ones myself to replace my g/fs daily driver.
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Dagger · Prince Joined: 10 Mar 2004 Posts: 2918 Location: BC Canada

Mazda 6 would be a good car, I'd buy one if I could... as for the BMW Series 1.. Closest is the 3 series.
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dolphinm · Posted: Thu May 31, 2007 4:37 am Post subject:

The Mazda 6 is good - I got one when they first came out in UK - three years ago - never had a day in the shop for repairs (except when my wife hit a wall). handling is excellent headroom ok and comfortable seats - (no ridges) - go for the 2L version as the 1800 is just not very "sporty" a well thought out and executed car!

RAISE THE SPEED LIMIT - THINK OF IT AS EVOLUTION IN ACTION!
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Cohiba · Posted: Thu May 31, 2007 8:23 am Post subject:

I know 3 people who have the chevy cobalts. None have had any problems, one has put nearly 30,000 miles on it in the past 10 months. Only problem with the SS that i know of is they do use the standard transmission which was not designed to realiably handle the extra horsepower and torque of that nice small supercharger. Also GM is killing off the cobalt in 2 years something to keep in mind.

My recomendations are always pontiac, I do currently drive a chevy but have had great luck with pontiacs, the pontiac grand am - awesome still don't understand why they killed it. Pontiac Grand Prix - Awesome fun car to drive handled well in snow and ice. Pontiac Aztec handles like friggin go-kart nimble steering and fun but horrid on gas. G6 not bad but slightly over priced. Sunfire if it is still around is a piece of CRAP!!!
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mohrorless · Posted: Thu May 31, 2007 8:42 am Post subject:

I have the Grand Prix & love it.

Pontiac replace the Grand Am with the G6.
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KWSN Im Not Dead · Posted: Thu May 31, 2007 8:59 am Post subject:

Well I went yesterday and looked at the Pontiac G6 and the Mazda 6. I ended up purchasing the Pontiac G6. It was more $$ but I was able to get them to a pretty good payment (i think). I got the coupe w/convertable (hard top thing). So far i like it Smile

Thank you all for the suggestions. That BMW you mentioned would have been awesome, but yeah they dont sell them here in the US Sad

If you go here
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2007/pontiac/g6/100727154/researchlanding.html#
that is my car, same color and everything. I was able to talk them down a couple of thousand and worked in oil changes and GAP insurance. Probably could have talked them lower but I was over all happy. So far I am getting 25 MPG, so I am 11 MPG better than my truck and pay $50 less payment a month in car payments. That should save me roughly $180 a month total. Shocked

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