Solstice GXP - any reason not to?

I'm looking around for a new autocross/track car and came across a local '07 Solstice GXP in great shape with low miles. The condition looks to be fantastic, and we're going to look at it later this morning. Anything I need to be especially aware of?

Why would I not want this car? I see that it's reasonably well-classed for auto-x (BS and ASP), so it's not an utter underdog. I haven't yet begun to dig into what aftermarket stuff is available, but I gotta believe there's stuff out there. I've just never really looked at these before.

Thanks!

Chris

I had loan approved and check in hand when I went to buy one for a DD, but bought a MINI instead. For me the foot box was too narrow for me to be able to move my right foot off the gas and use the cruise, which was a deal breaker for the amount of highway miles I was planning on driving. For a track rat it probably won't be an issue, but it's worth checking the ergos before you commit too much.

Our favorite motorsports magazine did a buyer's guide a few issues ago.

oldopelguy wrote: I had loan approved and check in hand when I went to buy one for a DD, but bought a MINI instead. For me the foot box was too narrow for me to be able to move my right foot off the gas and use the cruise, which was a deal breaker for the amount of highway miles I was planning on driving. For a track rat it probably won't be an issue, but it's worth checking the ergos before you commit too much.

Good lord, if you bought a MINI because the GXP footbox is too narrow, it must be the narrowest footbox EVER.

mndsm wrote: Good lord, if you bought a MINI because the GXP footbox is too narrow, it must be the narrowest footbox EVER.

It wasn't as much the actual foot position as when I put my right knee against the center console and my left against the door I couldn't put both fists between my knees. Granted I'm only 5'8" tall, so someone a lot taller might not have the issue, but it was no good for me.

The console on the MINI was a lot lower, as well as being a lot wider, so lots more room.

Having owned one, I can tell you that there are a lot of reasons not to own one, but the vast majority have to do with using it as a DD. If you can deal with the nagging and frequent little things that go wrong with it, it might be a great toy. It certainly was fun to drive!

It's a car that went from pure concept to production in 9 months, and it has all the production quirks to prove it. Sweetheart motor though.

calteg wrote: It's a car that went from pure concept to production in 9 months, and it has all the production quirks to prove it. Sweetheart motor though.

I believe you just hit on why so many U.S. branded cars have been considered lemons over the years! It seems U.S. companies put products on the market with almost no research. This then lets the recalls, bad publicity, and owner complaints be their research.

How sad! Often right about the car is brought up to the level where it should have been introduced it is already toast!

The Japanese have made the same mistake once or twice with the same results. But in the US this has been happening for generations.

Do it! Unless wrecked or has an insane amount of miles, the car should hold it's value well.

A Corvette is similar money....Thats the only reason I can come up with

oldopelguy wrote:

mndsm wrote: Good lord, if you bought a MINI because the GXP footbox is too narrow, it must be the narrowest footbox EVER.

It wasn't as much the actual foot position as when I put my right knee against the center console and my left against the door I couldn't put both fists between my knees. Granted I'm only 5'8" tall, so someone a lot taller might not have the issue, but it was no good for me.

I test drove one when they first came out. I am 5'7" and in addition the foot space problem I was banging my elbows on the console and door. I know someone who has one and fits fine but he is 6'1".

The ergonomics suck, the trunk size is laughable, and the top is fiddly. The powertrain and suspension make the car, and when you're behind the wheel those sins are all quickly forgotten. My wife's Sky Redline with the GMPP tune is a joy to drive around on twisty back roads on a clear day with the top down. It gets good enough economy to use for daily driving, but it's a much more fun car to own if you drive it for fun and not for commuting.

Bryce

Well, I bought it. The price was right and the car is as clean as expected. There a few niggles to attend to, but it's solid overall. Time to hit the interwebz and do some learnin'...

In reply to CLH:

Very nice! I've been lusting after one from the time the first spy shots were published.

Damn, fastest referral-to-purchase I've made. Only 35 minutes after my post you bought it!!!

Get the GMPP tune, you won't regret it. Doesn't even void the warranty!

Bryce

That looks great. And I think your garage looks awesome, too.

ZOO wrote: That looks great. And I think your garage looks awesome, too.

My thoughts exactly. Your garage is operating room levels of clean!

bravenrace wrote: If you can deal with the nagging and frequent little things that go wrong with it, it might be a great toy. It certainly was fun to drive!

it is good to see Pontiac never changed since I suffered through 9 years of ownership of this car.

Datsun310Guy wrote:

bravenrace wrote: If you can deal with the nagging and frequent little things that go wrong with it, it might be a great toy. It certainly was fun to drive!

it is good to see Pontiac never changed since I suffered through 9 years of ownership of this car.

I want that.

dyintorace wrote:

ZOO wrote: That looks great. And I think your garage looks awesome, too.

My thoughts exactly. Your garage is operating room levels of clean!

Thanks guys. It's a new house, so I haven't had an opportunity yet to "dirty-up" the operating room so to speak. :D

I spent the last few months getting the garage squared away so that it would be ready to receive an occupant. I still need to move my tools, workbench, press, compressor, etc. in so that I have something to work on and with, but it's a start!

Datsun310Guy wrote:

bravenrace wrote: If you can deal with the nagging and frequent little things that go wrong with it, it might be a great toy. It certainly was fun to drive!

it is good to see Pontiac never changed since I suffered through 9 years of ownership of this car.

it couldn't have been that bad if you kept it around for 9 years...

regarding the Solstice: they look like fun little cars, and Hot Rod proved that a Corvette LS7 is practically a drop in engine replacement that doesn't add a lot of weight to the car... and for all it's quirks, they can be forgiven: it's a parts bin car that GM slapped together to have something to sell to people that wanted a 3/4 scale Corvette but couldn't afford to buy 3/4 of a Corvette.

What is that you are parked on and where can i get one?!?!?!? I wanna know.... and your garage is sick clean... omw

In reply to bigbens6:

coin mat. Available from many places... Griot's comes quickly to mind.

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/coin+top+garage+floor+mat.do?sortby=ourPicks

I'm sure there are cheaper options out there.

I like the GXP, although I have to admit I prefer the looks of the Sky Redline.

I like the stainless fender pole, so you don't hit the house or garbage bin when you arrive home in a festive mood.

@bigben6 - Ian got it right. I think we got this one through Amazon though (Prime makes for cheap shipping).

@Tyler - that pole is just silver painted steel (and it's HEAVY). It's code here in WA because there is a water heater just to the right of it that isn't in the picture.