Drove a 2009 RL

[bsharding1982]

A couple weeks ago I test drove a manul 2008 Solstice GXP and the clutch didn't quite feel right. After some research I found that was a common complaint. Yesterday I drove a 2009 RL manual and the transmission felt much better. I know they are supposed to be that same car, so did they do some changes between the 2008 and 2009 models that would affect the feel of the transmission or was so blindsided by the sexy styling that I thought it felt better?


I am still trying to decide if I want a Sky RL, Sol GXP, Civic SI, Infi G35 Coupe or 350Z. Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Brent

[G8TR]

I own a 2008 RL myself, never thought there was any kind of problem with the clutch. As far as which car, I'm prejudiced towards the Kappas, which one depends upon individual taste. The Solstice is more rounded and the Sky more angular. Most people usually prefer one over the other.

[Barry]

I prefer one over the other to!

[Bogie]

Originally Posted by bsharding1982

I am still trying to decide if I want a Sky RL, Sol GXP, Civic SI, Infi G35 Coupe or 350Z. Any thoughts?
Brent

Each of those choices have unique advantages and disadvantages. What advantages do you like, and what disadvantages can you live with?

[Showtyme5]

I'd go Sky Redline or G35 Coupe. I'm obviously partial to one over the other, but of the imports you listed and the Solstice, I'd go G35 as my second choice. You'll get much more attention in the Sky. I don't go a week without someone saying something to me about my car on the street, at a gas station, restaurant, or elsewhere. You won't get the kind of attention in any of those other cars, so be aware of that. I guess I would say this: Get the Sky if you don't need creature comforts like interior and trunk space and get the G35 if you do.

[bsharding1982]

I absolutely love the Sky/Sol, but the G35 is more practical. That has been my argument with myself. I've never had a two seater, but have driven a Camaro and Wrangler which just about might as well have been two seaters. Nobody wanted to ride in the backseat of those anyway. I absolutely had a blast driving the car. I really like the Sky better, but a slightly used Sol is easier to come by. Although, that isn't a good sign for the Sol. I would just go with a Sol, but just don't like the look of the front. Hopefully in the next month or 2, I'll be getting into a Sky.

Oh, one other concern I have is resale value. Anyone have any insights on the resale of the Sky? The Obviously being an import the G35 tends to hold its value, should I be concerned how the Sky will retain is value being a GM?

[Showtyme5]

Originally Posted by bsharding1982

Oh, one other concern I have is resale value. Anyone have any insights on the resale of the Sky? The Obviously being an import the G35 tends to hold its value, should I be concerned how the Sky will retain is value being a GM?

The Sky holds it's value pretty well. That's one of the reasons I bought it. Check used Sky prices. They're pretty high......

[Booster_RL]

Originally Posted by bsharding1982

I absolutely love the Sky/Sol, but the G35 is more practical. That has been my argument with myself. I've never had a two seater, but have driven a Camaro and Wrangler which just about might as well have been two seaters. Nobody wanted to ride in the backseat of those anyway. I absolutely had a blast driving the car. I really like the Sky better, but a slightly used Sol is easier to come by. Although, that isn't a good sign for the Sol. I would just go with a Sol, but just don't like the look of the front. Hopefully in the next month or 2, I'll be getting into a Sky.

Oh, one other concern I have is resale value. Anyone have any insights on the resale of the Sky? The Obviously being an import the G35 tends to hold its value, should I be concerned how the Sky will retain is value being a GM?

The Sky is already a very niche vehicle GM pedigree not withstanding. I think you will see this car hold its value incredibly well for a long time to come. I mentioned on another thread that the last generation Mazda RX-7 was "only a Mazda" and had more problems as a vehicle platform than any Sky will ever have on its worst day. Because of the limited production numbers, turbo, unique styling, etc etc. the mechanical problems were overlooked by enthusiasts and the car could be sold for -more- than its initial market value many years later.

Originally Posted by bsharding1982

I am still trying to decide if I want a Sky RL, Sol GXP, Civic SI, Infi G35 Coupe or 350Z. Any thoughts?

Thoughts-

Sky/Sol: The Sky is incredibly impratical, it is a toy. If you are looking for practical I highly recommend you NOT buy this vehicle you will just end up selling it sooner rather than later. Same for the Sol.

Civic SI: You could not give me a brand new one.

G35: Sexy car, elegant lines, practical, good resale value.

350Z: Losing its appeal due to market saturation (See: Corvette)

[cerberus]

Originally Posted by bsharding1982

I absolutely love the Sky/Sol, but the G35 is more practical.

"Just buy the car you fell in love with".

[Hraesvelg]

Originally Posted by bsharding1982

A couple weeks ago I test drove a manul 2008 Solstice GXP and the clutch didn't quite feel right. After some research I found that was a common complaint. Yesterday I drove a 2009 RL manual and the transmission felt much better. I know they are supposed to be that same car, so did they do some changes between the 2008 and 2009 models that would affect the feel of the transmission or was so blindsided by the sexy styling that I thought it felt better?


I am still trying to decide if I want a Sky RL, Sol GXP, Civic SI, Infi G35 Coupe or 350Z. Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Brent

I test drove a used Saturn Sky (non redline) a while back. I was trying to decide on a 350Z, a G37 coupe, or wait for the 370Z... I got a good deal on a NISMO edition 350Z (#33 of 1500) and picked it up.

Just didn't care for the fit and finish of the Saturn.

[Bogie]

Originally Posted by Hraesvelg

I test drove a used Saturn Sky (non redline) a while back. I was trying to decide on a 350Z, a G37 coupe, or wait for the 370Z... I got a good deal on a NISMO edition 350Z (#33 of 1500) and picked it up.

Just didn't care for the fit and finish of the Saturn.

Hope you have fun in the Z. In addition to fit and finish, keep in mind the Z and the SKY have distinguishing differences in driving styles and performance targets, and the NISMO makes it that much more pronounced. NISMO is a track star, and is tuned as such, and likes to be driven in a narrower powerband (compared to the SKY) with close ratio gearing and high end power. It's track ready, and has nice brakes. SKY has a wider powerband, less finesse in the gearing, but is more responsive lower in the rev range. And our brakes are a bit problematic for track day.

To sum it up: The SKY is a daily driver looker you can take to the track. The NISMO is a track racer you can use as a daily driver.

[Wolfheart]

I bought my Sky RL as a 4th car, not practical in a 1 car household, however I do use the Sky RL as a commuter car when I don't have to haul much and when the weather is not bad. Of the other cars you mentioned, I would only have a G35, personal taste and seeing where it would fit in my stable due to the advantages and disadvantages of my other cars and the G35 itself.

[Slowbro]

350Zs are a dime a dozen in my area, although the soft top is kinda rare. I see a lot of Skys as well, more then the Solstice recently. I see many G35 sedans but not many coupes. As for the civic si, its in a different playing field then the rest. The new civics are nice but forever labeled as a "ricer" platform. Don't expect to be taken to seriously if you mod one out.
Might also want to check into STI, Evo, etc.. plenty of performance to be found there while still holding practicality.

[compdoc777]

Originally Posted by Booster_RL

The Sky is already a very niche vehicle GM pedigree not withstanding. I think you will see this car hold its value incredibly well for a long time to come. I mentioned on another thread that the last generation Mazda RX-7 was "only a Mazda" and had more problems as a vehicle platform than any Sky will ever have on its worst day. Because of the limited production numbers, turbo, unique styling, etc etc. the mechanical problems were overlooked by enthusiasts and the car could be sold for -more- than its initial market value many years later.




Thoughts-

Sky/Sol: The Sky is incredibly impratical, it is a toy. If you are looking for practical I highly recommend you NOT buy this vehicle you will just end up selling it sooner rather than later. Same for the Sol.

Civic SI: You could not give me a brand new one.

G35: Sexy car, elegant lines, practical, good resale value.

350Z: Losing its appeal due to market saturation (See: Corvette)

RSX Type S. Timeless looks and I just sold it for 53% original value.

[McLovin]

If you want a truly track ready car, dump the 350z for a used Lotus Elise. You can get a Lotus for 35k used and it will make the 350z look silly on the track.

[OldmansSky]

Buy American made. Support your country and help Obama!