Saturn Sky as a primary/only vehicle?

FaceGarden · 07-09-2008, 03:58 PM

Hey all,
I'm considering selling my 3000GT VR-4 for something that gets better gas mileage, and the Sky is one of the few cars that:
is sexy enough for my tastes,
is cheap enough for me to buy,
and is much more fuel efficient than my current car.

The only problem is, it has crap for trunk space.

How do you guys get along with that? Is this normally your secondary car? Or are you guys married with the option of borrowing your wife/husband's more "functional" car?

I'm thinking its likely not going to work out, which is too bad, because the monthly savings in gas would just about offset the price of the loan, so it's almost free for me to upgrade to the sky, but man, no trunk! If it had a trunk at least big enough to fit a bit of luggage for a road trip, I'd have NO reservations... but as is, it's a tough choice!

Are there any Mods to give you more space? What's under that hump in the trunk? Looked like the gas tank, but maybe nothing?

I also realized that i could get a hitchmount cargo box (i need a hitch for my bike rack anyway) for long road trips, but that still doesn't help the day to day annoyance of having no space... Unless it's not really that bad? What do you guys think?

-Taylor

lostcause · 07-10-2008, 04:21 PM

it's not really that bad. It's my only car and although sometimes it's a pain, it usually works ok. And keep in mind, I play guitar in a band and have to transport my guitar and amp to gigs. Fortunately one of the other bandmembers has a truck so he just keeps my speaker cabinet at his house but I still have to carry my guitars, amp, and other accessories. It's not always the most convenient thing, but it's a tradeoff I've been willing to make so far in order to drive a cool car.

SSRL · 07-10-2008, 04:28 PM

My only car and I live in North NJ, so I deal with snow! It did not stop me!

BlackSkyPilot · 07-10-2008, 04:31 PM

I find that most stuff that I need to carry will fit in the front seat if you can't get it in the trunk. If it's something a bit bigger, put the top down. You can use the trailer hitch as well when you need to carry bulky stuff.

This coming from someone that more or less lives out of his Sky when he's back in the States.

Leather · 07-10-2008, 05:37 PM

In my opionion this would be a lousy choice for my primary vehicle. It is not very practical but soo much fun to drive. Good luck!

Friz · 07-10-2008, 05:46 PM

It's my primary car. My wife has a Suburban for family trips, etc.
I can usually carry everything that the wife and I need for weekend trips in the trunk of the Sky.
Get the Kappasphere luggage. It really does pack a lot of stuff.

Rick Tinley Park · 07-10-2008, 06:20 PM

We pack for a week long trip in there no problem... I saw a picture showing 96 beers in there..
My SKY is a fun car -- but I drive it everyday in spring & summer. It travels well....

Elff · 07-10-2008, 06:24 PM

I've already loaded up the back with the top up pretty well.
I was surprised to see how much it could hold.

There was a person who did fit his golf clubs in the back. That and the passenger seat do give you alot of space.

With the top up, you basically pack around the gas tank. You can put stuff all the way in the back by the rear brake lights and then you can stow stuff in the sides by the rear quarter panels.

There is plenty of room for a weekend getaway for a couple.

I'd say go for it. If you need more space, you can get the luggage rack for the rear deck and even add a small trailer.

One thing you could do, is go to a dealer with a bunch of luggage and other stuff that might constitute a typical trip for you. See how much of it you could fit.

SkyBaby · 07-10-2008, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackSkyPilot

I find that most stuff that I need to carry will fit in the front seat if you can't get it in the trunk. If it's something a bit bigger, put the top down. You can use the trailer hitch as well when you need to carry bulky stuff.

This coming from someone that more or less lives out of his Sky when he's back in the States.

I totally agree..... I go everywhere alone... and the front seat with smart floor packing space is just perfect for one!!! and if I will be there for a while... I ship the bigger items if needed.... Best of luck... I have seen alot of really cool trailers too... I think hud brothers on the sister site .... very awesome... matches his Sky!!! SkyBaby

kevette · 07-10-2008, 06:32 PM

We dont have enough room to pack for a weekend I dont how you pack for a week with no problems. That would be my only complant about this car. My Vette has more room than the Sky. But the Sky gets the best gas milage. I think it would be a good daily driver.

Bogie · 07-10-2008, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FaceGarden

If it had a trunk at least big enough to fit a bit of luggage for a road trip, I'd have NO reservations... but as is, it's a tough choice!

The problem with the SKY isn't the lack of trunk space, it's the "shape" of the trunk space. If you are willing to acquire new luggage and be creative, and your primary objective is space for a "road trip", you will be surprised at what the SKY can hold in the trunk.

But that presumes your primary objective is "stuff" for a road trip, as you noted. Are you concerned about more than luggage? Do you need to run down to the hardware store on a regular basis and pick up sheetrock? Do you need to bring home a coffee table, or a big screen TV? In a nutshell, does your life require you to transport things with odd shapes or things that are somewhat bulky. If so, you need to find a vehicle that can accommodate such things. But if it's just "stuff" for road trip, the SKY should work out.

Edit: The smart ad page recognized this thread was about auto luggage and presented me with Target's Axius Rooftop Cargo Carrier. LoL, I guess the smart ad logic ain't that smart after all.

SteveSky67 · 07-10-2008, 07:21 PM

Primary Car..No...Weekend Toy/Car or used at Sky/Solstice events..Yes...Drive to Work..Never Again......I sold my '01 Maxima to my G/F for $$$ and a '01 Chevy Cavvy, that is my rain car, gym car, etc.... I use my bike whenever i feel like it or walk to work.... I love my weekned toy!!.

....SteveSky67

SteveSky67 · 07-10-2008, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevette

We dont have enough room to pack for a weekend I dont how you pack for a week with no problems. That would be my only complant about this car. My Vette has more room than the Sky. But the Sky gets the best gas milage. I think it would be a good daily driver.

I wanted to take the Sky to Cape Cod for a week, but with a weeks worth of Luggage and cooler, etc, there was not way, I would have so loved to have taken it on the beach..SteveSky67

Rick Tinley Park · 07-10-2008, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevette

We dont have enough room to pack for a weekend I dont how you pack for a week with no problems. That would be my only complant about this car. My Vette has more room than the Sky. But the Sky gets the best gas milage. I think it would be a good daily driver.

We do it 2-3 times a summer and top down... It's all in the packing

fr0stb1t3 · 07-10-2008, 07:32 PM

Sounds like you guys pack too much. What all do you need for a week long trip? A week can fit in a carry on bag if you pack smart.

xmicro_Redline · 07-10-2008, 07:35 PM

Only a second car in my opinion. No Trunk, rear wheel drive and too low for snow (less than 4" Clearance up front). Plus they seem to attract A$$HOLES at the workplace. We have seen at least 6-8 people post about their SKY being screwed up in there work parking lot. People get jealous of this car for some reason and love to screw with them. I would not park it in the same spot everyday........but hey that's just me!

Good Luck........It is a VERY fun cruiser!

SkyhighNY · 07-10-2008, 07:56 PM

I just got mine and am enjoying it so much that it is the daily driver. However I don't have to carry anything. If I do or the weather is nasty I switch and take the truck, that holds plenty!

JRinKY · 07-10-2008, 07:58 PM

It is my primary car, but not my only car. I kept my Bravada for really bad weather and for hauling "stuff".

I once had a motorcycle as my only "car", so depending on lifestyle and climate, you could do it quite nicely with a Sky. There are always "Mr National" and "Mr Hertz" when you need more space. Also, our Home Depot home improvement stores will rent you a truck when you have to get something big home.

Traveling requires discipline, and the right kind of trip. The trunk is a bad shape, and it is tiny. Touring motorcycles have a larger cargo volume than we do. That said, two people for a week is very doable, as others have stated. I can't take the Sky for a camping trip ... yet ... and it is pretty useless for ski trips. And if you "need" to take a large cooler to the beach, you will need either a bigger car or a trailer.

DirtyMike · 07-10-2008, 08:04 PM

it's my only car as well and dont mine the small trunk. takes some time to get used to, RPi has a trunk extention mod they do in house but only works with their GT exhaust system.

i went away for the weekend to a buddies place, it had no furniture because it had just been built, but i managed to put, a full size areo bed, folding chair, two small bags with clothes, beer bong, portable ipod player,two pillows and a bottle of jack!

not bad for a weekend. and on my passenger side had 7 six pack of beer and a couple bags of chips!

windshear · 07-10-2008, 08:06 PM

Worst case just get a duffel bag or other soft luggage. Then take everything out of it and pack the stuff in the trunk. Fold up the bag and go. Then just pack everything back in the bag when you get to where you are going.

Again worst case.

07-09-2008, 03:58 PM	#1 (permalink)
FaceGarden Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 64 My Photos: (0)	Saturn Sky as a primary/only vehicle? Hey all, I'm considering selling my 3000GT VR-4 for something that gets better gas mileage, and the Sky is one of the few cars that: is sexy enough for my tastes, is cheap enough for me to buy, and is much more fuel efficient than my current car. The only problem is, it has crap for trunk space. How do you guys get along with that? Is this normally your secondary car? Or are you guys married with the option of borrowing your wife/husband's more "functional" car? I'm thinking its likely not going to work out, which is too bad, because the monthly savings in gas would just about offset the price of the loan, so it's almost free for me to upgrade to the sky, but man, no trunk! If it had a trunk at least big enough to fit a bit of luggage for a road trip, I'd have NO reservations... but as is, it's a tough choice! Are there any Mods to give you more space? What's under that hump in the trunk? Looked like the gas tank, but maybe nothing? I also realized that i could get a hitchmount cargo box (i need a hitch for my bike rack anyway) for long road trips, but that still doesn't help the day to day annoyance of having no space... Unless it's not really that bad? What do you guys think? -Taylor

07-10-2008, 04:28 PM	#3 (permalink)
SSRL Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: North NJ Posts: 225 My Photos: (0)	My only car and I live in North NJ, so I deal with snow! It did not stop me! __________________ Do or don't do, There is no try.

07-10-2008, 04:31 PM	#4 (permalink)
BlackSkyPilot Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Basically nomadic, my company puts me up where ever I go. My Sky is currently in N. Carolina. Posts: 193 My Photos: (9)	I find that most stuff that I need to carry will fit in the front seat if you can't get it in the trunk. If it's something a bit bigger, put the top down. You can use the trailer hitch as well when you need to carry bulky stuff. This coming from someone that more or less lives out of his Sky when he's back in the States. __________________ Later!! Andy It doesn't matter whether I'm flying in my plane or driving my car. Either way I'm traveling in the Sky!! :D

07-10-2008, 05:37 PM	#5 (permalink)
Leather Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Red Deer, Alberta Posts: 203 My Photos: (6)	In my opionion this would be a lousy choice for my primary vehicle. It is not very practical but soo much fun to drive. Good luck! __________________ 2007 Sky Redline Chilli Pepper Red Red & Black Leather, Spoiler, 5 speed Westers Hot Tune, Monsoon Audio Custom Storage Pouches, Sky Cooler Bag Illuminated Custom Dragon Wind Restrictor 3 Million Color Wireless Underbody Light Kit Sky Pic's

07-10-2008, 05:46 PM	#6 (permalink)
Friz Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Milton, Florida Posts: 102 My Photos: (0)	It's my primary car. My wife has a Suburban for family trips, etc. I can usually carry everything that the wife and I need for weekend trips in the trunk of the Sky. Get the Kappasphere luggage. It really does pack a lot of stuff. __________________ 2008 Sky RL

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07-10-2008, 04:21 PM	#2 (permalink)
lostcause Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 1,228 My Photos: (0)	it's not really that bad. It's my only car and although sometimes it's a pain, it usually works ok. And keep in mind, I play guitar in a band and have to transport my guitar and amp to gigs. Fortunately one of the other bandmembers has a truck so he just keeps my speaker cabinet at his house but I still have to carry my guitars, amp, and other accessories. It's not always the most convenient thing, but it's a tradeoff I've been willing to make so far in order to drive a cool car.

07-10-2008, 06:20 PM	#7 (permalink)
Rick Tinley Park Moderator Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: SW Suburbs of Chicago Posts: 4,796 My Photos: (11)	We pack for a week long trip in there no problem... I saw a picture showing 96 beers in there.. My SKY is a fun car -- but I drive it everyday in spring & summer. It travels well.... __________________ Find out about my radio show http://www.anj.westpm.net Founder: www.chicagolandroadsters.com Rick Tinley Park Delivered June 15, 2006 VIN - 3099 Sunburst Yellow Name - Sunni1 IL License # - YLO SKY 1

07-10-2008, 06:24 PM	#8 (permalink)
Elff Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Keebler, PA Posts: 232 My Photos: (5)	I've already loaded up the back with the top up pretty well. I was surprised to see how much it could hold. There was a person who did fit his golf clubs in the back. That and the passenger seat do give you alot of space. With the top up, you basically pack around the gas tank. You can put stuff all the way in the back by the rear brake lights and then you can stow stuff in the sides by the rear quarter panels. There is plenty of room for a weekend getaway for a couple. I'd say go for it. If you need more space, you can get the luggage rack for the rear deck and even add a small trailer. One thing you could do, is go to a dealer with a bunch of luggage and other stuff that might constitute a typical trip for you. See how much of it you could fit. __________________ Lusiphur 2008 Polar White Sky Redline Hybrid Theory 2003 Jeep Rubicon Nugget 2003 Mini Cooper Jack 2006 Buell XB12R

07-10-2008, 06:32 PM	#10 (permalink)
kevette Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Moyock, NC Posts: 4 My Photos: (0)	We dont have enough room to pack for a weekend I dont how you pack for a week with no problems. That would be my only complant about this car. My Vette has more room than the Sky. But the Sky gets the best gas milage. I think it would be a good daily driver. __________________ 97 Vette (mine) 08 Sky (wifes) 95 Tahoe (ours)

07-10-2008, 07:32 PM	#15 (permalink)
fr0stb1t3 Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Highland Park, Texas Posts: 277 My Photos: (0)	Sounds like you guys pack too much. What all do you need for a week long trip? A week can fit in a carry on bag if you pack smart.

07-10-2008, 07:35 PM	#16 (permalink)
xmicro_Redline Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: New York Posts: 4,029 My Photos: (1)	Only a second car in my opinion. No Trunk, rear wheel drive and too low for snow (less than 4" Clearance up front). Plus they seem to attract A$$HOLES at the workplace. We have seen at least 6-8 people post about their SKY being screwed up in there work parking lot. People get jealous of this car for some reason and love to screw with them. I would not park it in the same spot everyday........but hey that's just me! Good Luck........It is a VERY fun cruiser!

07-10-2008, 07:58 PM	#18 (permalink)
JRinKY Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 1,368 My Photos: (0)	It is my primary car, but not my only car. I kept my Bravada for really bad weather and for hauling "stuff". I once had a motorcycle as my only "car", so depending on lifestyle and climate, you could do it quite nicely with a Sky. There are always "Mr National" and "Mr Hertz" when you need more space. Also, our Home Depot home improvement stores will rent you a truck when you have to get something big home. Traveling requires discipline, and the right kind of trip. The trunk is a bad shape, and it is tiny. Touring motorcycles have a larger cargo volume than we do. That said, two people for a week is very doable, as others have stated. I can't take the Sky for a camping trip ... yet ... and it is pretty useless for ski trips. And if you "need" to take a large cooler to the beach, you will need either a bigger car or a trailer. __________________ John Lexington, KY VIN 00252 2.4 Manual Midnight Blue

07-10-2008, 08:04 PM	#19 (permalink)
DirtyMike Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 215 My Photos: (0)	it's my only car as well and dont mine the small trunk. takes some time to get used to, RPi has a trunk extention mod they do in house but only works with their GT exhaust system. i went away for the weekend to a buddies place, it had no furniture because it had just been built, but i managed to put, a full size areo bed, folding chair, two small bags with clothes, beer bong, portable ipod player,two pillows and a bottle of jack! not bad for a weekend. and on my passenger side had 7 six pack of beer and a couple bags of chips! __________________ 07Redline,5 spd,black w/black & red int,spoiler CAI & ICP,HID6000k low&fogs,stubby,5%Tints,RPi GT Exhaust & Race Pipe,Hahn IC,Dejon BOV spring,Areoforce dual guages,DDM ProBeam & A-Pilar JPM Shifter...pending installation

07-10-2008, 08:06 PM	#20 (permalink)
windshear Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 7 My Photos: (0)	Worst case just get a duffel bag or other soft luggage. Then take everything out of it and pack the stuff in the trunk. Fold up the bag and go. Then just pack everything back in the bag when you get to where you are going. Again worst case.

07-10-2008, 08:23 PM	#21 (permalink)
Darkwing Senior Member