What to Look For in An Early 07 Sky?

[sooner]

I am looking for used Skys and Solstices and have come upon a red 07 base Sky automatic with 7400 miles. It has pretty much everything but leather from what I can tell. It's an hour and half drive to see it in SF Bay area traffic. At just under $20,000 asking price, it has me interested, to say the least. From the CARFAX report, it shows it went into service (private party--not a rental) in Oct-Nov 06, which makes it a fairly early 07 Sky. I realize the early Solstices had quite a few problems. What, if anything, should I be checking on an early 07 Sky? Were there any real weak spots? Before I make the trip (which I intend to do) I would like to be armed with as much information as possible.

Lastly, what sounds like a fair price for an 07 with those miles and equipment, assuming it in excellent condition? The market is very soft so KBB is barely even a guideline anymore.

I appreciate any information you could provide. Thanks

[saf0775]

You can tell if it's an early 07 by it's lack or power door lock buttons on the door panels. The design was changed in early 07 (Feb or March 2007, I think) and a door lock button was added.

Make sure all the campaigns and recalls have been performed. There are not that many, and even if they haven't been done on the vehicle yet, you can bring it to Saturn and they'll take care of you. Check the wheel wells on the front (thanks to those in the forum who showed me this) for any paint rubbing issues from the hood. When test driving, listen and feel for any abnormal "clunks" from the drive line. Also, look at the rear end and check for excessive moisture (gear oil/fluid) on the differential or the axle seals. Make sure the center cup holder goes in and out with little effort. Make sure the upper/center storage compartment door fully opens and closes without "popping" against the trim panel around it. Jounce (Jiggle) the seats. Make sure they are not loose. Check the door panels by the front speaker grills for "foot damage". Make sure the subwoofer...if equiped...is not blown. Look at the brakes...they are easy enough to see through the rims.

Remember, you may not drive it like a racecar...but the guy before you might have.

If it doesn't have leather, you probably don't have audio controls on the steering wheel and probably only a singe CD/MP3 player with no XM. I'm only speaking from experience. My Base 07 is the same as what your looking at and we just got a base 08 thats a carbon copy of my 07...option for option.

I offered to trade in my 07 for an 08 RL today. I was figuring 19K to 21K for a trade in value with 17,000 miles. He (the salesman) came to me with a figure somewhere in between. It really varies, not only from car to car, but from market to market and state to state. You're going to push more convertibles in Cali and Florida then say...Wisconsin or Washington. It's just the nature of the beast.

[Bogie]

Thoroughly check the top. And I do mean thoroughly. There are many problems with tops. Alignment. Fraying. Cuts. Search these boards for all the things that can go wrong. Check the latch too...see if it's bent; if a user closes the latch when lowering the top, the trunk latch will bang into it and bend it.

Check to ensure rubber stoppers are properly attached inside of trunk....the stoppers hold top in place when hood is closed. Check top for stains/marks at the stopper points.

Check trunk alignment. Test buttress release several times. If one or both stick, it's often an alignment problem.

Check all body panel seems for fit.

Check fenders for bulges.

Check inside trunk on opposite side of license plate for mold/moisture or water damage to carpet.

Examine shocks for leaks, or evidence of leaks.

Check doors at lift points for repaired damage.

Get a good look at the chin....expect scuff marks...look for damage beyond cosmetic.

Check Saturn sill plate each side, where door closes. Look and see if they are lifting or about to lift. Tap them. If firm, OK. If any flex, then not OK.

Tap the badges and see if they are firm.

Tap the rim around the speedo and tach...see if it's loose.

Check seat adjustments thoroughly. Some early models had loose seat mounts. Seat should be firm.

Check seat cushion for signs of sagging.

[GaryH]

Check under the front fenders to see if they have been cracked from improper lifting.

[yellowredline]

Is the paint rubbing on the wheel well a recall, or will the dealer fix this?"

[GaryH]

Originally Posted by yellowredline

Is the paint rubbing on the wheel well a recall, or will the dealer fix this?"

Not a recall. A service bulletin. The dealer will put a piece of that 3M type clear film on the inside of the hood. Later models had this film from the factory. I noticed the film at one of our Gulf Coast meets and took mine in for this.

[yellowredline]

Originally Posted by GaryH

Not a recall. A service bulletin. The dealer will put a piece of that 3M type clear film on the inside of the hood. Later models had this film from the factory. I noticed the film at one of our Gulf Coast meets and took mine in for this.

Thanks! There is not a saturn dealer where I live darn it. Do I HAVE to go to a saturn dealer to get this done! The closest one is two hours away!

[yellowredline]

BTW how do you know or findout if the recalls have been done? WHAT kind of recalls do these have. Thanks!