What to ask Saturn [questions for my trip]

[Rick Tinley Park]

OK folks. During my upcoming trip to Saturn World HQ, there will most likely be a Q&A time. I need to know what questions you'd like me to ask.
I will edit this post to put together a list (let's say Top Ten). What I need from you are the questions you'd like to ask.
So - tell me what your #1 question would be and your #2. Even if the question is already listed. I will move questions with more requests up the ladder of importance. So check back from time to time to see where your question is!

1) There have been reports of leaking differentials in the SKY. Also, we know that Solstice suffers from the same problem. What is being done to fix this problem permanently?
2) What GM Performance parts will be offered for 2.4 and 2.0 Skys?
3) Gauge and radio visability. LCD rather than LED? Come up with a pull out dash visor so you can see the stereo with the top down. Just a piece of plastic that pulls out from above the stereo to act like a visor for screen readability.
4) Are there any plans to upgrade some of the interior features, cup holders, flimsy glove box, viewable guages?
5) Why is GPS not an option? Could OnStar be made more visual - translating the turn-by-turn to a displayed map? Maybe a high end standard and/or option for other models?
6) Come up with a pull out dash visor so you can see the stereo with the top down. Just a piece of plastic that pulls out from above the stereo to act like a visor for screen readability.
7) How about the ability to program the DIC with a scrolling gauge (oil pres, h20 temp, boost) or a second DIC with a tandem readout?
8) Better training for SKY service people. Instances of damage to fender due to improper lifting. Also better jacking instructions.
9) What changes & improvements LARGE or small are in store for the 2008 model year??
10) HID option from factory! Would be nice if they were like the BMW that turn when you do.
11) Color Options for the Dash Like The Mustang has (Pick your own interior lighting color)
12) Any possibility of finding more trunk space? Relocate the gas tank or something.
13) I'm curious about colors (interior and exterior) for 2008. Any new leather options?
14) Are there any plans to make BOTH the driver's and passenger's windows "auto"? 14) Currently the driver's window is only auto down...would be nice if both were auto.
15) Has there or will there be any permanent factory fix for the problem of squeaking (early VIN #'s) tops when down inside the trunk? There were many "homemade" fixes to remedy this problem...but was wondering if a factory fix was in the future?
16) Are they going to flip the door lock/unlock switch so that UNLOCK is UP and LOCK is DOWN like it should be intuitively?

[CRACKTHESKY]

Are there any plans to upgrade some of the interior features, cup holders, flimsy glove box, viewable guages?

[shaolin sky]

Upgrade performance for 2.4 from Saturn? Supercharger/turbo. When and how much.

[2Kool4Skool]

Why is GPS not an option? Yes I know there is on-star, but I would rather have the in-dash GPS.

[ggccg]

Upgrade performance for 2.4 from Saturn? Supercharger/turbo. When and how much.

[lostcause]

Upgrade performance for 2.4 from Saturn? Supercharger/turbo. When and how much.

[cerberus]

Upgrade performance for 2.4 from Saturn? Supercharger/turbo. When and how much.

[xmicro_Redline]

Originally Posted by cerberus

Upgrade performance for 2.4 from Saturn? Supercharger/turbo. When and how much.

They already did that it is called the Redline.

You do not think they are going to come out with something they need to count on the dealers to install?!
They can't even handle jacking the cars without breaking the fender panel.
Never going to happen. GM Performance group is allowed to exist to take the burden of mods off of GM. That's why warrantee problems from GM performance group are kinda covered sometimes kinda.

[cerberus]

Originally Posted by xmicro_Redline

They already did that it is called the Redline.

Can't hurt to ask. I agree that GM may not want to undercut the RL, although they don't have to take the 2.4 to RL territory and there's more features on the 2.0 model besides power. That said, there is a market here as RPi's turbo blowout demonstrated by selling out in a very short period of time. There's a good chance global warming will be advanced as 2.4 owners burn their warrenties should a CARB setup for power in the 210-280 BHP range turn up. That's a fair amount of revenue missed by GM/GMPP, so back to my original statement. Can't hurt to ask.

[xmicro_Redline]

1 - Not from my own experience (YET), but it seems that dealers were not properly trained on servicing the SKY. And unfortunatly some of our fellow members paid the price with their time and aggrevation. WHat is being done about this problem?

2 - Jacking the car is another tricky situation. They should supply the owner with a set of Jack pucks designed to prevent damage.

3 - Come up with a pull out dash visor so you can see the stereo with the top down. Just a piece of plastic that pulls out from above the stereo to act like a visor for screen readability. (Genius I know )

4 - HID option from factory! Would be nice if they were like the BMW that turn when you do.

5 - Color Options for the Dash Like The Mustang has (Pick your own interior lighting color)

Otherwise, we love it, do not change a thing! (Especially the design!)

[MidniteBlues]

What changes & improvements LARGE or small are in store for the 2008 model year?? AND what kind of turbo are they coming out for the 2.4L engine--thanks

[MidniteBlues]

Originally Posted by xmicro_Redline

1 - Not from my own experience (YET), but it seems that dealers were not properly trained on servicing the SKY. And unfortunatly some of our fellow members paid the price with their time and aggrevation. WHat is being done about this problem?

2 - Jacking the car is another tricky situation. They should supply the owner with a set of Jack pucks designed to prevent damage.
3 - Come up with a pull out dash visor so you can see the stereo with the top down. Just a piece of plastic that pulls out from above the stereo to act like a visor for screen readability. (Genius I know )

4 - HID option from factory! Would be nice if they were like the BMW that turn when you do.

5 - Color Options for the Dash Like The Mustang has (Pick your own interior lighting color)

Otherwise, we love it, do not change a thing! (Especially the design!)

I thought I read on a thread this weekend that they are now including some kind of rubber pads with the cars being delivered now? 4 of them to be exact. I guess we need to get someone who just received a new Sky see whats in the trunk to confirm this--

[kwayne]

how about the ability to program the DIC with a scrolling gauge (oil pres, h20 temp, boost)

[xmicro_Redline]

Originally Posted by cerberus

Can't hurt to ask. I agree that GM may not want to undercut the RL, although they don't have to take the 2.4 to RL territory and there's more features on the 2.0 model besides power. That said, there is a market here as RPi's turbo blowout demonstrated by selling out in a very short period of time. There's a good chance global warming will be advanced as 2.4 owners burn their warrenties should a CARB setup for power in the 210-280 BHP range turn up. That's a fair amount of revenue missed by GM/GMPP, so back to my original statement. Can't hurt to ask.

That is true, it can't! But the reason there is such a market is because when most of the 2.4 owners (the ones that want more power anyway) ordered, there was no Redline. It will be a dying issue in the future. As we see right now, I think GM is getting the picture since 3/4 of the orders are Redline orders. They are popping out the Redline's like M&M's, which is different then their original estimate of 15,000 total and only 3,000 Redlines. They will only get clost to that because the Redlines came out late. Watch the ratio for 2008. Will probably be 75 out of a 100 will be Redlines. It is such a good value.

It is funny that people only talk about the Engine changes from the Base to the Redline. Do not forget the High Tech Traction Control system, standard LSD, Torsion bars, Tires, Sport Suspension, Standard Dual Exhaust, Fascia changes, Embroidered Floor Mats, Turbo Badging, Headlight Cosmetic Upgrade, Embroidered Seat Back. That's a lot for $3500. I think it is a bargain, when going into a new sale. And it is all factory waranteed. If I am not mistaken the Turbo should be covered under the 10 Year Drive train Warrantee.

These are things that will never happen aftermarket, especially at that price, with that coverage.

Me and ReedRed had this conversation at the car show Saturday. Anyone with a Base that really wants more power should trade up now. The resae is at it's peek. Sell on the private market, you will not take 1/3 the hit any other car will take, and order a 2008 model. No Brainer, if you are going to spend money trying to get more power aftermarket anyway. And where are you going to get 10 year coverage on a Turbo?

And for those who say they want more power than the Redline, you will never please them out of a factory(Except maybe an exotic, MAYBE).

Figure the Redline with Exhaust and intake that should not effect he warrantee. You bring it in around 300HP, 0-60 in 5.0-5.2. Damn the base Vette is getting a 4.8 sec 0-60. The Sky is a bang for the Buck. But like anything else, what it costs for a little more power kills the value of this car. And in my humble opinion, it is just not worth it!


SORRY RICK FOR THE TEMPORARY

[tjfox]

My only concern is the leaking differentials.

[lostcause]

Originally Posted by xmicro_Redline

Me and ReedRed had this conversation at the car show Saturday. Anyone with a Base that really wants more power should trade up now. The resae is at it's peek. Sell on the private market, you will not take 1/3 the hit any other car will take, and order a 2008 model. No Brainer, if you are going to spend money trying to get more power aftermarket anyway. And where are you going to get 10 year coverage on a Turbo?


SORRY RICK FOR THE TEMPORARY

the problem is that for most people, trading a base for a RL will give them a net difference of well over 3500.00. In my case I estimated it would be between 7000.00 and 9000.00, even if I can sell it on the private market for close to what I paid for it. If I go the trade-in route, I'll lose quite a bit. The last dealer I spoke to offered me 25K for my base less than a month old. That's a 3K loss right off the bat not counting having to pay sales tax and fees again. I'll probably put a deposit down on a RL and see what we end up working out when it comes in, but for a lot of people, upgrading will cost them a lot more than the roughly 4K to install a turbo or some other high power aftermarket upgrade. I know the warranty is an issue and all the other things like traction control, but not everyone will find it worthwhile to take such a big financial hit when ultimately what they want is just more power.

[Rick Tinley Park]

I don't want to edit or take out questions that I think we already know the answers for. What I might do is modify wording - so that the question is a bit more inclusive and general.

For instance - the question about GPS, well the asker pretty much answered himself. Why would GM offer anything that would stop you from getting/keeping OnStar since they will include it on every GM car beginning 2008? 9? The question stands -- but the answer is obvious

I too agree that Saturn would be fighting their own option list by offering too much boost to the 2.4 - however - I am thinking a more general question of: What Performance Parts is GM/Saturn planning for both the 2.0 and the 2.4?
Does that sound good? This would combine a few questions asked.

[xmicro_Redline]

Originally Posted by Rick Tinley Park

I don't want to edit or take out questions that I think we already know the answers for. What I might do is modify wording - so that the question is a bit more inclusive and general.

For instance - the question about GPS, well the asker pretty much answered himself. Why would GM offer anything that would stop you from getting/keeping OnStar since they will include it on every GM car beginning 2008? 9? The question stands -- but the answer is obvious

I too agree that Saturn would be fighting their own option list by offering too much boost to the 2.4 - however - I am thinking a more general question of: What Performance Parts is GM/Saturn planning for both the 2.0 and the 2.4?
Does that sound good? This would combine a few questions asked.

See I knew you were going to be a good choice for this job!
They do not know how well they picked.

That makes total sense!! You can ask if OnStar plans on making their turn by turn more visual like a GPS headunit, with color display. And would GM back that by supporting this upper level option. They are already using a double Din headunit. (They can all charge more and make more money) Call it OnStar Premium, and give it with any of the luxury cars as standard equipment. Optional on regular models!

[GaryH]

I have learned to live with most of the annoying little things like the cup holders. I think the window and mirror controls would be better suited for the center console. But still, I can live with them. To me, the worst thing is the DIC and radio LEDs. There has to be someway to improve this. Would LCD displays be easier to read in bright light?

[CountryGirl]

1 - Leaky Differential.
2 - The visibility of the gauges. If they come up with an improvement, it would be REALLY nice to see something that could be plugged into our cars, even if we have to pay for it.