Opinions on 08 Solstice GXP

[offroadzj]

Now that the wifey has just gotten a new car, it is time for me to start looking. Hopefully within the next 4-6 months, we will be getting a home loan that will actually be for more than the house we are having built so my truck and personal loans will both be paid off. Anyways, I have been looking at getting a convertible sports car that gets decent gas mileage. I have pretty much narrowed it down to 4 possible selections.
1)2004-2005 Mazdaspeed Miata: My mom just picked up an 08 mx5 and I have to say, i love driving it. It has very nice handling (puts my old rx7 up to the test). the mazdaspeeds have a factory 1.4l turbo charged 4 cylinder and have approx. 200hp. Approx. Price: $17,000 used.
2) 2008 Pontiac Solstice GXP: Currently my favorite. 2.0l Turbo ECOTEC with approx. 260hp, and supposedly a faster 0-60 than the Porsche boxster. I also like the look of it and although I havent gotten to drive one yet, they seem to be very well handling. Approx. Price: $31,000 new, equipped to my liking
3) 2008 Honda S2000 SR: A little pricey, but still something to look at. 237hp 2.2l VTEC. They seem to have quite a bit of power and pretty good handling according to reviews. Also has Honda's known reliability. Approx. Price: $37,000 new, equipped to my liking.
4) 2008 Saturn SKY Redline: 300hp turbocharged, a little larger than the GXP, but still a decent look.
What are some opinions on the three and anyone have any other suggestions. It will be a little while before I can get anything, and even then, who knows if I will be approved for anything. Even though I did just get approved for KY's Jeep at around $28k, and will have my truck and personal loans paid off beforehand.

Kenny

[Captain Moai]

Solstice and the Sky are exactly the same, sans some sheetmetal and trim. The Sky is more nicely appointed, IMO. The pontiac was initially made with the main constraint that it be sold for under 20k. Unfortunately they didn't decide to put nicer trim onboard when the more powerful engine went in. The turbocharger is a Borg/Warner unit with a proprietary cast housing and integrated boost control solenoid on the compressor housing. Spool is fair - around 3k under load, but the engine doesn't rev nicely at all. In fact, it feels like they tripled the weight of the flywheel just to make it drivable. A lightweight flywheel would totally change the behavior of the car, along with the exhaust and intake. If you opt for the bilstein suspension (which I recommend), it'll be a better balanced car with better manners for more aggressive driving. Otherwise it's going to feel like a very small turbocharged pickup truck, except less comfortable.

Main beef with the Sky/Solstice... build quality and ergonomics. The car has no visibility. Get used to that. Ergonomics will make you want to scream because reaching stuff and doing anything except holding the steering wheel with both hands, is a contortionist act. Build quality is questionable because the car was rushed to market and unfortunately has a boatload of issues that GM kinda/sorta/maybe has resolved. Some issues like the convertible top weatherstripping, rear differential and cold start problems, have been mostly resolved. Don't get me wrong - the car is fun, but limited.
The miata is going to be a hop in and go proposition. The bugs have been worked out and it's about as well balanced and put together as a car can be. Same goes for the S2000. They're going to work fine when ridden hard and they aren't going to really give you much of any mechanical problems. Too bad I can't say the same for the Sky... but then again there's always the 100k powertrain warranty. I'm sure Brew has all the latest on that car. I dealt with it mostly when it first came to market and I've seen all the little stupid things that GM could've done right, but decided to save a few pennies and screw the customer.

[offroadzj]

thats where im torn... i do like the miata, but i am looking for a little more power. Although I could always get the miata, and upgrade the turbo for a couple grand and still be way under the price of the GXP.

[crazybrew609]

pick up the used 08 miata, any modifications done to the intake/ exhaust system cuts you right out of the powertrain warranty.. the miata just needs a bigger turbo and wider rear tires and your still gunna get 40+ mpg

[mikecentola]

I don't like convertibles

[GranMassaX]

I like the s2k best out of that group, but I feel like they are WAY overpriced. the best value is a used miata, by far.

[offroadzj]

brew, they only made the mazdaspeed in 04 and 05. I would much rather pick up an 08 mazdaspeed, but they just dont exist.

[crazybrew609]

if you really can't find one then a sky/solstice is fine but it's gm build quality and u know i can help you out with a sky but i don't know how many things i can help you "hide" on the service side.. if you do go with a gm let me know and i'll see what kinda deal i can find you

[offroadzj]

im thinking i may stick with the mx5. I found where I can get it to around 260hp at the rear wheels which should be plenty for me (it is only a 2500lb car.. lol). Even with the $17k and say $7k in upgrades, im still only looking at $24k which is $6k under the solstice, and will probably be quicker in the end while still keeping better gas mileage.

[crazybrew609]

yea exactly