Which small car Pontiac would you choose?

[GMTruckGuy74]

In May of 1994, my cousin sold me her '92 Cavalier Z24 that had less than 8k miles on it (it was practically a new car still, as she bought it in September of '92 as a leftover model). I had that car from May '94 until I gave it to my wife (then fiancee) in April of '98. She then had the car as her daily driver until August of 2000 (so essentially I still had the Cavalier). I, and then me & the wife, went everywhere in that car. I see the G5 GT Coupe as reliving those days of past. Of course now though I need to haul more than just 2 people on a regular basis! I guess the love for my old Cavalier Z24 is one of the reasons I am considering the G5 GT.

[turbo200]

i like that the G5 GT [good wheels and all] cures some of the ills on the good-formed Cobalt coupe design. i don't like that the interior is rental-basic, however, there are other things about the car that are good. vibe is more car, more practical, more useable....but inherently less attractive in form, to my eyes. astra is a compelling choice, very attractive form and good looks, interior's great, price now good, a 3 door should be something the dealers are eager to push out the door, and the rear on that thing is just pure beauty. check out the camaro too, none of the other cars on the list offer enough appreciable mileage gains to offset camaro's basic goodness/desirability.

[regfootball]

I haven't ruled out an Astra XR 5-door, thought the wife isn't crazy about them (yet, at least). I still don't like that they are "2008" models and as such are not discounted/incenticized enough to move them (I know, let the flaming begin for expecting more 'cash on the hood', but that's GM's fault for not selling them in '08 and trying to sell them now in 2009). We did go to the ASTRA "Ride & Drive' event back in December '07, and my wife wasn't thrilled with the ASTRAs we drove. But it all boils down to getting my wife behind the wheel without a salesperson so she can enjoy the drive without any sales stress, then she may open her mind up a bit. We'll see after visiting the NYIAS what she says.

If I decide that I can get comfortable in a small car and decide to make it mine, then the HHR and Astra will be what I'll be shopping. Now if incentives galore come out for the Memorial Day or 4th of July sales events, allowing me to get a slightly larger vehicle and going past the $20-$23k MSRP range, then I'll consider other GM suggestions. As it is right now, I have to go *NEW* in order to get out of my lease early, and since there's already a G6 in my garage, I won't be pursuing another one (not enough has changed on them, though a convertible would be nice).

And if I get a decent paying teaching job for September, or a decent paying job in the business world, maybe I'll hold out and look into the new '10 Equinox, seeing as how they're going to be starting at $23k!! http://www.autoweek.com/article/20090402/CARNEWS/904029973

currently astra is 0/72. incentives will vary. models with cloth, no sunroof, etc. are actually priced pretty well. the automatic in that car i would not buy but the manual is a different story. its a much better car than the cobalt etc. and the cobalt is not bad. if you want an automatic then perhaps the cobalt / G5 is a better powertrain.

I really want an astra but by the time i get cash flow again there may be better options out there for me. Something like a cheap lease on a 2010 fusion manual might be all the car i need.

[regfootball]

010 equinox starts at 23 and change BTW

[Intrepidation]

GMTruckGuy74, I'm sure someone will come up with a Firebird package for the Camaro, just like how there is a `Cuda package being made for the Challenger.

[GMTruckGuy74]

currently astra is 0/72. incentives will vary. models with cloth, no sunroof, etc. are actually priced pretty well. the automatic in that car i would not buy but the manual is a different story. its a much better car than the cobalt etc. and the cobalt is not bad. if you want an automatic then perhaps the cobalt / G5 is a better powertrain.

I really want an astra but by the time i get cash flow again there may be better options out there for me. Something like a cheap lease on a 2010 fusion manual might be all the car i need.

Well an automatic is the only way to go for us (wife refuses/has no desire to learn and I have a medical condition with my left foot that prevents me from putting too much pressure on it <it sucks when I have to use the emergency brake on the AURA - foot pedal vs. the G6's brake handle>). Plus I'm the guy that likes to put the car in DRIVE and go from there

We did look at the ASTRAs last Saturday night. The dealership had an XE 5-door & an XR 3-door unlocked on the lot and the wife was still not liking the car (I think she doesn't like the styling for some reason, and I know the radio/hvac controls turn her off). I think the 3-door is hot and would definitely be up for a test-drive, but I'm holding off for now. Well see her reaction again when we visit the NYIAS.

I like the design of the G5 in GT form (I think the non-GT models look too plain). I liked the Cobalt when they came out, buit again I'm one of those guys that prefers Pontiacs over Chevies (just like GMC trucks too). Plus the fact I'd have an all-Pontiac garage, and hopefully things on the employment side get better after July 1 so that I could look into getting the '87 Grand Prix LE I've been wanting, would make for a nice photo layout for the Reader's Rides section of Pontiac Enthusiast magazine :AH-HA_wink: But I'm thinking way too far ahead at this time. I'll be patient and continue to wait until GMAC does something with November leases.

[David]

for me at 6'6" tall 275lbs I have tried both and do not fit into them comfortably. They are made for smaller people. My cousin has the Vibe, nice auto but not for me.

I would have to go with a CUV from Pontiac, but if I could choose any, I would go full size SUV.

[gm4life]

Well an automatic is the only way to go for us (wife refuses/has no desire to learn and I have a medical condition with my left foot that prevents me from putting too much pressure on it <it sucks when I have to use the emergency brake on the AURA - foot pedal vs. the G6's brake handle>). Plus I'm the guy that likes to put the car in DRIVE and go from there

We did look at the ASTRAs last Saturday night. The dealership had an XE 5-door & an XR 3-door unlocked on the lot and the wife was still not liking the car (I think she doesn't like the styling for some reason, and I know the radio/hvac controls turn her off). I think the 3-door is hot and would definitely be up for a test-drive, but I'm holding off for now. Well see her reaction again when we visit the NYIAS.

I like the design of the G5 in GT form (I think the non-GT models look too plain). I liked the Cobalt when they came out, buit again I'm one of those guys that prefers Pontiacs over Chevies (just like GMC trucks too). Plus the fact I'd have an all-Pontiac garage, and hopefully things on the employment side get better after July 1 so that I could look into getting the '87 Grand Prix LE I've been wanting, would make for a nice photo layout for the Reader's Rides section of Pontiac Enthusiast magazine :AH-HA_wink: But I'm thinking way too far ahead at this time. I'll be patient and continue to wait until GMAC does something with November leases.

Roger it is clear you want a Pontiac, so get one. Even if it isn't perfect driving excitement! As for the Astra I like the look but I sat in one and wasn't real impressed, the center stack is odd. Hell I am even thinking about a G3 or Aveo5 new myself, 5spd of course!

[Cory Wolfe]

I wonder how much better the Toyota Vibe drives than the last gen. I drove a last gen Matrix yesterday and it was terrible. The car felt very nervous and frigidity during hard stops. ABS made a lot of noise too. Hell, the old first gen Stratus I test drove yesterday as well stopped with more control.

I've driven a first gen Vibe to NYC and back in the past and it wasn't all that bad. It was just entirely gutless and the automatic seemed overly eager to downshift if you were on the brakes. It felt weird to me. It's been a while, but I'd say it's on par with my Cobalt otherwise. I'd say the braking issue with the Matrix you drove wasn't relative to all Vibes/Matrix's.

The Aveo5 and G3 are decent cars?

I'll let you know when I stop laughing about that one, it may be a day or two.

Seriously Roger, the Aveo and G3 are crummy, unsafe, inefficient boxes of crap compared to just about every other vehicle on the road. Hell, I'd take a 5 year old Hyundai or Kia over an Aveo. I'd take a "mechanic's special" Escort off of Craigslist before I bought an Aveo or G3. I would paralyze myself from the waist down and use an electric wheelchair to get around before I would buy an Aveo or G3. I would pay for a chauffeured Town Car to take my loved ones anywhere they needed to go before I would allow one of them to drive an Aveo or G3.

[Justin Bimmer]

The Aveo5 and G3 are decent cars?

I'll let you know when I stop laughing about that one, it may be a day or two.

Seriously Roger, the Aveo and G3 are crummy, unsafe, inefficient boxes of crap compared to just about every other vehicle on the road. Hell, I'd take a 5 year old Hyundai or Kia over an Aveo. I'd take a "mechanic's special" Escort off of Craigslist before I bought an Aveo or G3. I would paralyze myself from the waist down and use an electric wheelchair to get around before I would buy an Aveo or G3. I would pay for a chauffeured Town Car to take my loved ones anywhere they needed to go before I would allow one of them to drive an Aveo or G3.

This reminds me of the time I heard Click and Clack say the Ford Fiesta should come with a funeral wreath standard! LOL

[Johnny Quest]

Last summer when I moved to the US I needed to buy a new car... I was seriously looking at a new Vibe GT. I agree, the non-GT is a jelly bean. The GT has the nice rims and overall is not a bad looking little vehicle. The G5 was not on my list, partly because of the kids and partly because the Vibe is much more modern looking. The G5 is very dated style-wise. In the end, I compromised...I bought a black G8. No regrets. The price difference wasn't that significant, and there's no comparison. Having said that, the rear wheel drive can be a winter issue, not too mention the very low front end (aka snow plow).

The G5, like the G6, is what I'd call medium-old GM design / quality - pre-new Malibu - not bad, but not great. Vibe GT will give you significantly greater resale.

[Intrepidation]

RWD is no issue at all in the winter.

G8 all the way!

[GMTruckGuy74]

Oh the Pontiac G8 GT is the ultimate Pontiac that I desire. If I had $32k to spend on a new car, I'd go with the G8 GT Sedan in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, I'm about $9-$10k too short for the G8 GT, and why even consider the G8 V6 for a measly $1-$2k in savings??? Now I really should start playing the lottery each week, even if I won enough just to buy a G8 GT in cash!!

[turbo200]

if you're really interested in G8, do some homework. call all the pontiac dealers in a 600 mile radius, rent a car, go with the wife, compare quotes. you will find one close if not right at your price range. i know for a fact there was a dealer in michigan offering gt's for 25k. brand new. the g8 is the kind of car you don't pass up when it can be made affordable for you, and the v6 is just as good just not as exhilirating, but v6 is better than what i've got, and many many others too [most of the times I find 'V8 or nothing' fans unreasonable and spoiled]

try asking for internet departments, or fleet department, as they will deal in the cheapest numbers. tell them the other low quotes from dealers you've found, and see who will give you the lowest price. the dealer that hasn't moved volume and just needs to clear metal to get rid of the liability will budge.

Edited April 8, 2009 by turbo200

[regfootball]

Well an automatic is the only way to go for us (wife refuses/has no desire to learn and I have a medical condition with my left foot that prevents me from putting too much pressure on it <it sucks when I have to use the emergency brake on the AURA - foot pedal vs. the G6's brake handle>). Plus I'm the guy that likes to put the car in DRIVE and go from there

We did look at the ASTRAs last Saturday night. The dealership had an XE 5-door & an XR 3-door unlocked on the lot and the wife was still not liking the car (I think she doesn't like the styling for some reason, and I know the radio/hvac controls turn her off). I think the 3-door is hot and would definitely be up for a test-drive, but I'm holding off for now. Well see her reaction again when we visit the NYIAS.

I like the design of the G5 in GT form (I think the non-GT models look too plain). I liked the Cobalt when they came out, buit again I'm one of those guys that prefers Pontiacs over Chevies (just like GMC trucks too). Plus the fact I'd have an all-Pontiac garage, and hopefully things on the employment side get better after July 1 so that I could look into getting the '87 Grand Prix LE I've been wanting, would make for a nice photo layout for the Reader's Rides section of Pontiac Enthusiast magazine :AH-HA_wink: But I'm thinking way too far ahead at this time. I'll be patient and continue to wait until GMAC does something with November leases.

definitely pass on the astra if you want the automatic. its not BAD, its just that the drive is way better in the manual. also the climate controls take a bit to figure out, so if that bothers you then yeah, just pass. g5 is fine!

i would rule out the base g8 with the v6. 2010 gets the DI v6 and 6 speed that would be well worth the wait. base g8 is not refined, compared to an LTZ malibu. the 5 speed shifts hard and the car doesn't feel quick.

[regfootball]

Last summer when I moved to the US I needed to buy a new car... I was seriously looking at a new Vibe GT. I agree, the non-GT is a jelly bean. The GT has the nice rims and overall is not a bad looking little vehicle. The G5 was not on my list, partly because of the kids and partly because the Vibe is much more modern looking. The G5 is very dated style-wise. In the end, I compromised...I bought a black G8. No regrets. The price difference wasn't that significant, and there's no comparison. Having said that, the rear wheel drive can be a winter issue, not too mention the very low front end (aka snow plow).

The G5, like the G6, is what I'd call medium-old GM design / quality - pre-new Malibu - not bad, but not great. Vibe GT will give you significantly greater resale.

Vibe GT is nice.

[regfootball]

Oh the Pontiac G8 GT is the ultimate Pontiac that I desire. If I had $32k to spend on a new car, I'd go with the G8 GT Sedan in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, I'm about $9-$10k too short for the G8 GT, and why even consider the G8 V6 for a measly $1-$2k in savings??? Now I really should start playing the lottery each week, even if I won enough just to buy a G8 GT in cash!!

you would regret not getting the G8 GT. or not waiting for the DI v6 in 2010.

[Johnny Quest]

There's a good G8 website... do a search for G8board. I'm not endorsing it in any way shape or form. It's not a commercial website - more of a user's group. In any event, there's also a dealer there who's selling low-mileage exec vehicles.)

[GMTruckGuy74]

Well, I figured I could easily get approved for a new car loan while I was still employed, so getting a new car before the end of June is/was the plan (assuming GMAC includes November leases in a pull-ahead program during that timeframe). But if I'm lucky and have a new job for September, then I can hold out until the lease is due (November 17th)... this may allow me to get a leftover '09 G8 GT. I haven't given up on the G8 just yet... at least not until I know I can't afford one when teh dealer tells me the bad news!

[daves87rs]

In May of 1994, my cousin sold me her '92 Cavalier Z24 that had less than 8k miles on it (it was practically a new car still, as she bought it in September of '92 as a leftover model). I had that car from May '94 until I gave it to my wife (then fiancee) in April of '98. She then had the car as her daily driver until August of 2000 (so essentially I still had the Cavalier). I, and then me & the wife, went everywhere in that car. I see the G5 GT Coupe as reliving those days of past. Of course now though I need to haul more than just 2 people on a regular basis! I guess the love for my old Cavalier Z24 is one of the reasons I am considering the G5 GT.

Interesting...my first car was a Cav coupe...wife (girlfriend at time) had a 2dr Sunbird. We also we everywhere in ours...

Guess that's why I can't seem to give up my Cobalt coupe for something with 4 doors...

It might just be fun to do it anyways....

[daves87rs]

Well, I figured I could easily get approved for a new car loan while I was still employed, so getting a new car before the end of June is/was the plan (assuming GMAC includes November leases in a pull-ahead program during that timeframe). But if I'm lucky and have a new job for September, then I can hold out until the lease is due (November 17th)... this may allow me to get a leftover '09 G8 GT. I haven't given up on the G8 just yet... at least not until I know I can't afford one when teh dealer tells me the bad news!

What about a gently used G5 GT or Cobalt SS? Still fun, but at a cheaper price....you could pay it off sooner...

I saw a 07 GT with 15k for right around ten grand....

[GMTruckGuy74]

daves87rs, in order to get out of my SmartLease early I'd have to buy a NEW GM vehicle. The fact that GMAC didn't include November leases in April is making me wait another month. I figure GMAC may include November in May, especially come Memorial Day sales.

I took the day off on Wednesday and took the little guy on a trip to Allentown, PA to check out the Mack Truck Historical Museum (a very small museum, at that!) and a side trip over to the Mack Truck World Headquarters to vist the Mack Shop (in case you're not aware, Mack Trucks is moving their HQ to North Carolina in July and the gift shop will no longer be located there, so this was one last visit). On the NJ & PA turnpikes, and in parking lots almost everywhere we went, there were a ton of HHRs. I've always liked their look anyway, but it got my mind thinking about them more. I decided to do a new GM.com search of what's available and I found one equiiped 98% of the way I'd want it (it didn't have a sunroof, leather & heated seats, but those are options I don't need to have but the wife likes). It does have the 2LT Preferred Equipment Package (2.4L 4cyl, remote start, sport suspension, bluetooth, chrome pkg, etc), chrome roof rails, and the USB Port Radio (a must have feature on either the HHR or G5). It's Quicksilver Metallic with Ebony Cloth interior. Though silver is the leading color for the HHR, I like the Imperial Blue Metallic too (the one at the nearby Chevy dealer I posted previously - it's missing the USB Port Radio option though). So I just have to wait to GMAC includes my lease in the pull-ahead program and then I will start doing some test drives.