It's funny about the timing of this subject.
My wife and I who are both 64 years old, were just talking last night while out in our base 2,4L Sky getting icecream. She has been in a few Solstice GXPs which is the twin to the RedLine. She was just saying last night how she appreciates our base Sky so much more. One of the many reasons is the more comfortable ride, or should I say "less harsh". She said the ride of the GXP was uncomfortably rough. She also likes the style of the Sky so much more, both inside and outside, along with my many interior illumination changes from glowing orange to crisp white with added floor and glove box lighting.
She also likes that our nice condition, fully optioned Sky
PICTURES HERE is a high mileage vehicle. It is not a garage queen that we would worry over every little environmental threat. Our Sky has 123,000 miles and a 5-speed manual transmission. The 2.4L engine with 177hp is plenty enough, and me being the hands-on guy that I am, appreciate it's simplistic mechanics that are more reliable and generic by comparison to the high pressure, direct injection 2.0L turbo.....especially considering it's higher miles and climbing.
If the "amount of launch" in the Sky is not a high priority, a fully optioned base is an excellent choice.
As others have mentioned, every Sky is a real head-tuner, somthing my wife has been entertained by. It even turns her own head. It's funny how she mentiones my change to a shark antenna on the trunk lid, and the quality clear wind defector.
Regarding which model year to consider, we have a 2007 and love the car. But I wish we had a 2008 or newer to get the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System). Though we have not had a problem with air leaks while driving, it would be nice to be forewarned if a problem arises. Also, the earliest 2007s like we have, lack inside door lock switches and driver seat height adjustment. I added them later. Just get a 2008-2010 to have everything. One more thing....know that the 2009-2010 model years lack the center cup holder....no great loss what-so-ever....we never use ours.