GMTruckGuy74

Okay, that's not a pic of the actual Envoy, but it is that color and has those great looking chrome rims. Now, having leased a 2005 GMC Envoy SLT, I know first hand about this type of vehicle. I know how much gas it uses, what it feels like to fill up the gas tank when gas reaches $4.00/gallon (don't miss that at all), and that it is a heavy vehicle. But, I also remember how comfortable it was on long trips, how much cargo space it offers (especially with a baby on the way), three people can fit across the rear bench seat, and how much I enjoyed driving it on a daily basis (minus the gas costs, especially in 2008). Now a FWD, 2.4L 4cyl GMC Terrain may be a more practical and economical choice, and I definitely love them, so do I want to sacrifice the Terrain for an Envoy? This is what has been going through my head. Finance wizards, is that right Derek?

You know, my automotive ADD is in high gear right now. If I knew I could afford that Envoy, andcould get the financing for it, I'd be very tempted to make the leap. The financials plus my desire for a GMC Terrain are applying the brakes right now. But I'm really, really, really thinking about that Envoy (and I know it would fit in the garage ).

Yes, it's part of the "Larry's Garage" REAL RIDERS series. A little pricey compared to the regular line, but a very nice diecast:

A fun new car would definitely be the Solstice, roadster or coupe. A fun used/CPO car would be a G6 Convertible, preferably the GT or GTP model. Seeing as how you liked your '08 Pontiac G6 Coupe, a G6 Convertible would be larger & roomier than a Solstice, has a more usable trunk than a Solstice, and for those incelement weather days, you have the benefits of the hard-top rather than a soft-top. Plenty of aftermarket parts to keep you busy like you were with the G8, and you know the Epsilon cars have had little issues over the years (the Kappas used the Gen1 CTS rear which is prone to issues). Yes, I agree with your thoughts on the SUV - too similar to the sedan you already have, minus the performance factor (unless "Denali" or "Escalade" were part of the name ). Of course a nearby Chevy dealer has something I wish I could buy that offers moderate performance from it's 5.3L V8, some luxury options, and with a hard-top convertible to boot (no pun intended) - a silver 2004 Chevrolet SSR As much as I want it, it's yours if you want a performance pickup truck! You want something that is reliable, not too common, and most importantly offers you fun in a different way than the G8 GT. The Solstice and G6 Convertible would both accomplish that goal. And don't fret, the 2.4L 4 cyl in the Solstice roadster (or even in a coupe) has plenty of aftermarket support to whet your appetite!!

Well, that Envoy has defintely caught my eye, but $25k would probably be a little out of the affordable range for me right now (especially with the caddy loan). Though it is exactly how I want an Envoy - fully loaded in that color with those awesome chrome rims. Even if they lowered it to $20k it may be a stretch, but then I'd have to sell the Caddy quickly and make some cash off of it to use as a downpayment on the Envoy loan. Between this '08 GMC and the '86 GP in the AUCTION thread, my mind is doing some 'window shopping' right now!! Well, that Envoy has defintely caught my eye, but $25k would probably be a little out of the affordable range for me right now (especially with the caddy loan). Though it is exactly how I want an Envoy - fully loaded in that color with those awesome chrome rims. Even if they lowered it to $20k it may be a stretch, but then I'd have to sell the Caddy quickly and make some cash off of it to use as a downpayment on the Envoy loan. Between this '08 GMC and the '86 GP in the AUCTION thread, my mind is doing some 'window shopping' right now!!

So, who's going to check it out and post a report with pictures for those of us with inquiring minds?

Go with the one at Pointe and see if they can make us both a deal: I really like this 2008 GMC Envoy SLT, and it's in my favorite color - dark steel gray metallic (I wish it only had the black interior instead, but could deal with the "gray") http://www.pointenj.com/VehicleDetails/592064253 Or if I can't geta deal on that one, this 2001 GMC Yukon SLT would be nice too, and is cheaper! http://www.pointenj.com/VehicleDetails/582715233

Oh, and i really like the white. I know the targa you've found is black, and unless you get your dealer to search for another color targa at another dealer, you really don't have a choice. My SKY was Silver Graphite Metallic, the dark gray that was offered only in calendar year 2006 (used on other GM vehicles, like the HHR). When I ordered it, I was stuck between that color and white - I had selected the black & red leather interior which would have gone with either exterior color - but when I saw how the chrome went really well with the dark gray on a HHR, I knew that was the color I wanted (with all the orders at the time, the supplier ran out of the black & red leather so I went with the all black). At the first Kappa gathering at the Delaware plant, when I saw several SKYs in white, and started to second guess my decision (I still loved that dark gray). The Kappas in white with chrome or polished rims look great. I know I said the targa, but you can't go wrong with either model. Since you already have a sedan, you really don't need your 2nd car to be too similar. The roadster would still be a great Solstice to have, and even in that tiny dealership picture it looks great in white. If it saves you some money, how can you go wrong? And next time we meet, you'll have to bring the Solstice... and this time I will ask to take your car for a spin

The 2.4L 4cyl in my '07 SKY roadster (base) was decent enough for the car to move, but being a V6/V8 guy it was a change for me. Plenty of times I wished the SKY had a V6 instead. Some of the SKY Redline owners I got to know said that the turbocharged 2.0L 4cyl was quite the powerplant over the 2.4L and felt more like how a V6 would act. Going from a 6.0L V8 to a 2.4L 4cyl will likely be a big change! You'll have to adapt to different driving styles for each car. Again, the Solstice Targa will be more collectible in the long run due to its one-year limited production run. After personally owning the SKY, I really like the targa over the roadster - from what I can tell from just seat time in my dealer's showroom, the open-airness is the same between the roadster and the coupe. It's basically what's behind you - with the roadster it's openess, with the targa its a roof & rear glass. I actually think you may have more cargo room with the roadster (top up of course), but the targa will give you the ability to carry larger items due to the glass hatch. Oh how I envy you... getting to own that awesome G8 GT and now looking to add a Solstice!! Go ahead and just kill me - get a Terrain too!!

Yeah, that '51 LeSabre is one sharp model! I picked one up today at a yearly toy show I attend. Very nice detail.

And as for Terrains, yes I'd love a fully loaded SLT-2 AWD V6, but I'm thinking that a well-optioned SLE-2 might be doable in the near future. Right now dealers are selling every single one they can order/get delivered, so I'm holding off primarily on that fact (okay, my credit & financial status really are the primary reason!). But yesterday I went to look at a used 2003 GMC Sonoma SLS Crew Cab 4WD @ a Toyota dealership and instead ended up at the nearby GMC dealership looking at a base Terrain SLE-1 (no options, FWD, 2.4L 4 cyl - $24,995e). I need to drive a SLE-1 or SLE-2 FWD 2.4L 4 cyl to see exactly how liveable it is for me. Snow is moderate here in southern NJ, and my work usually closes when there's more than 2" and plowing can't be done at all district buildings in time (about 15, including schools, district offices, bus garage, etc). So AWD would be nice, but not a required feature. I'd love to say with confidence the 2.4L 4 cyl would be good enough for me, but my '07 SKY had that engine and I always wished it had a V6 instead. The V6 adds $1500 to the cost, so well-optioned, FWD, 3.0L V6 would run me approximately $29,500 MSRP, whereas a well-optioned, FWD, 2.4L 4 cyl would run me $27,900 MSRP (the one option I'd like, the flip-up DVD player, is NOT included in that price due to being $1,295). Anyway, in time I hope to saveup some cash for a down payment, and sell the Cadillac and use what I can from that to assist me. I'd like to order a Terrain instead of finding one on a dealer's lot, and have always wanted to get a new car for Christmas, so that's my goal for this year.

Hahaha! I called it, well not here but in my e-mail to you after this post!! I knew back in November when you came over to fix the Caddy's windows and you were telling me about the white Solstice GXP at your dealership that you'd eventually start pursuing it. While the convertible is nice, and probably cheaper, the GXP targa will be the most collectible of all the Solstices because of the limted, one year run. Just my $0.02 there, but that's what I'd consider if I were in your place. My BPG dealership sold their last '09 Solstice Targa GXP (yellow) at the beginning of this month to a guy in Florida. If you want a new one, better act quick; used there are plenty around, including Saturn SKYs

While I like Lady Gaga's songs, I'm really into Ke$ha right now: I like the song "Tik Tok" and recently heard "Blah Blah Blah" and like that too. I haven't purchased a CD in a long time, but I may just buy hers soon.

I guess the winds shifted enough late Saturday that in my part of southern NJ we got about an inch of the puffy white stuff. We were at the Sun Trust Arena in Trenton (formerly Sovereign Bank Arena) for the "Disny on Ice" show with the little guy - went in at 3:00 PM and nothing (just gray clouds as called for) and coming out at 5:00 PM was a different story (light snow flakes sticking to the ground, cars, road, etc - well it was 19 degrees!). After a couple of errands and visiting the mother-in-law, the trip home was slow but uneventful. After the 16" snowstorm in December, I'm done with snow for this winter!! The crappy 17" Hankooks on the wife's G6 (25k) are starting to show their true side - non-grippy in the snow, like to slide whenever possible. The wife said "to take it easy", as if she's been aware of their crappy wet-weather handling. I told her she should have helped me find the money in October for the Cooper CS4 tires!!

If you want to check it out and give a report, that would be great ( ). Not saying I CAN buy it, but it has defintely caught my interest ( ) . I am curious as to the story on the frontend, and am wondering what other problems exist with this car. If I were to buy it, it would serve as a summer driver and cruise show car. Of course I'd have to find money for the car AND the missing parts, and attempting to match the paint could be quite a PITA. But I'd love to save this GP though.

Wow, that is a nice looking '86 Pontiac Grand Prix!! I wish I had the extra cash to buy it and slowly work on it. I wonder how hard it would be to find all that is needed for the frontend? Did he say why the frontend is missing? Blue being my favorite color (though dark blue), this would be a great GP for me to have as a collector car (okay, well collector to me). Anyone care to loan me some money? balthazar, care to donate your time with trailering this home for me? j/k

And a point I forgot to make... I just need to take a deep breathe and work on repairing my credit once I climb out of the hole (debt) we're in and focus on saving some cash at some point for a new GMC Terrain when the dealers start carrying more inventory and deals start being made on them (so, about a year from now maybe?). That's the vehicle I like & want, and I'd consider leasing again if the price is right too. Patience, young grasshopper...

Since I've had the car, three times it has decided not to start for me (two of the times happened in the morning before heading to work). It has its moments, being an older car, and of all the leased/financed vehicles I've had May '99 - June '08, none of them have ever left me stranded. If you know me, I'm not the "bright and cheery" morning person. I am the type of person that leaves in "just enough of time" to make it to work. If the car doesn't start, I'm in trouble!! I've adjusted a bit since I began using the Caddy as my DD in November, but I still appreciate just getting into a vehicle and getting on my way. Yes, the FWB is not a horrible car. It's unique and has character. But at the same time having nothing but new vehicles for 10 years, it is a change for me, and one I'm slowly adjusting too. I'm the type of person that keeps new car dealerships in business, but in this economy and with my bank account, I had to drop that role for now. :smilies-38096: but I do miss the smell of a "new" car

Yes, inquiring minds want to know!

Well, a quick call to my credit union was not as prosperous as I had hoped. Of course they told me if the loan on the Caddy was repaid, I could have some more (LOL!!). So for the time being I will continue truckin' on with the presidential-esque Caddy and hope & pray that nothing major happens. There are a few small problems that need my attention, and hopefully they don't turn out to be expensive fixes, but as a daily driver it fits the bill for now. I just hate the thought that when I go to start it it won't work, or as I'm driving something will go wrong. That's the risk you take with buying an older vehicle though. Glad to see there's interest in the car from people here though!! (except you caddycruiser, I know you've liked the car from day one)

Well, I don't know about you, but I don't consider a car from the '90s a "NEW" car!! A new car is one that you purchase with 'new' miles (usually under 20), and you're the first owner. Buying a "newer" car than what you've been buying, or a "new-to-you" car is still not a new car. I miss having a new car and hope that sometime soon I can get a new vehicle to replace my "old" used car purchase.

Thanks everyone for your insight, input, and opinions. I will definitely find the time to park my butt in one for a test drive to rule out whether or not I could live with one on a day-to-day basis. I love the Caddy, as presidential as it is, but one thing that has continuously irked me is that it is not a new car. It's not even from this decade!! Hahaha!! An older used car is exactly what it is, and not being mechanical I am always worried what is going to happen "next" (caddycruiser knows exactly what I'm talking about - he's my 'phone-a-friend', a'la Who Wants to be a Millionaire). Money is tight right now, so even if I like the H3 it doesn't mean I will buy one right away. I'm just considering the options that are available should the time come. I really want a new GMC Terrain, however the one I want (SLT-2, AWD, V6) is so far from reality it isn't funny (even a SLE-2, FWD, 4cyl would be hard to come by). The Canyon is nice, but not worth the money and so far the used ones I've found haven't impressed me. And I've found some nice used Sierra's, but between the cost of a monthly payment and cost of gas, it's not doable. If I'm going to buy CPO, it has to be something I will want to drive for a long time. Like I said, I truly miss driving my '01 GMC Sonoma Highrider (see the attached picture) and the H3 reminds me so much of my Sonoma that the gears started spinning. As for the battle for the Caddy - bring on your best offers

A co-worker of mine, who is beginning the "new car buying" process and has owned nothing but Toyotas for the past 20 years, is now not considering solely a Toyota for her new purchase (she takes up to a year to research and select her new car). She has had several Corolla's and a couple of Camry's with "near perfection" reliability and dependability (though she takes care of the cars, age shows through on the paint and body of the 10 year old Corolla she drives to work and is planning to replace). In October she said it will "be another new Toyota, likely a Camry or Avalon". Last week she asked me what new Buick I was telling her about last fall (LaCrosse). Today she comments, "I'm not buying a new Toyota now!". However, she does go on to say that ever since Toyota stopped making their cars in Japan is when the problems started. Can you believe that? Oh sure, it wasn't designed in Japan, right? Cost-cutting didn't take place in Toyota's HQ in Japan, right? No, it's just when the cars come to North America for assembly by American workers!! However, if that means a sale for Buick (trust me, I'm pushin' it!) then let her comment all she wants about Toyota's failure

You do realize that I am currently driving a 1996 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham as a daily driver, right? But you do make some valid points about the H3. Thanks!!

I once owned (leased) a 2001 GMC Sonoma SLS Extended Cab 4wd "Highrider" (ZR2) from May, 2001 until November, 2003 (I took advantage of a GMAC pull-ahead offer for a 2004 all-new Malibu - D'oH!!). Out of all the vehicles I've owned/leased, that is the one I miss the most. As impractical as it was - thankfully my step-son was small enough at the time to fit in the back area somewhat okay - it's the one vehicle I really enjoyed driving and going places with (it was my first GMC too). While a used Sonoma is out of the question, I was out looking at a few certified '09 GMC Canyon Crew Cab pickups this past weekend. I stumbled upon a '07 Hummer H3 in red and it got me thinking about how much the Hummer reminds me of my old Sonoma Highrider and the H3 does have a nicer interior over theCanyon/Colorado (IMO). Anyway, I was just eliciting some comments/opinions on the H3. Feel free to comment or not!