caddycruiser

For me AND the 'rents: 1. Parents, never. I just bought a loaded new '08 G6 GT coupe after a fun test drive, my first Pontiac AND my first new car. 2. Very possible, for either me or them. Now with the G6 I'm turned back on to the brand, and if more and better products keep coming, we very well could.

For me AND the 'rents: 1. Never any new, just mine and my father's Fleetwoods. 2. Probably not for the parents ever, but very possible again for me as I continue to change through cars over time. Something like a CTS.

For me AND the 'rents: 1. Mom had an '02 Avalanche, '04 Suburban (almost went GMC, but couldn't get the right one), and now an '08 Malibu. I've had none. 2. Mom very likely will, as Chevy is "her brand", and she loves most everything they have. With her Malibu, I almost just did get one until getting turned on by a G6 and it's better $ numbers--but definitely maybe for the next or the next after that.

Yeah, there's a lot to peel away. The door guards, the wheel lip moldings (barely noticeable...but weird), the front plate bracket, and the first dealer's emblem. I'm not a pinstripe person, either, and not on this car, but I didn't notice it until up close and really don't mind it. We'll see. I'll give it time, and if I eventually do dislike it, peel off it is. The plate bracket will come off and they'll plug the holes with the same little flat caps they used on mom's 'Bu, and paint them to match, I was told. Here's the addendum they had on the window. So stupid to do these kinds of things, but that's a phantom $2k no one ever asked for (gee...moldings, stripe, and wax...$20 max): And the regular sticker. Loaded to the hilt, like I said, just sans leather and power pedals. Perfect, IMHO: Dad and my brother were still out at a car show when I got back, but mom was around and I spilled the beans. Hopped in her Malibu and went down to see it again. Before so, I told her about the, uh, price and it didn't set in. Then when we got there and she really saw the sticker, "Holy crap, uh, what happened to not getting EVERYTHING?" From outside she peaked in and said eww to the black upper half of the dash and doors, and repeated the same inside--dark and window glare, to her. She wanted to drive and did so around the lot at 5 mph, continuing with the remarks about each of the options and all the other stuff, and then "and a V6, too, huh?". Said it drove nice, and I replied with yep, just like your Malibu really. Ah-ha. Then the priceless one: "Your first new car and you just had to one up me, didn't you?" I of course said I didn't and the Malibu is still more impressive in a lot of ways, and hers is more loaded still, aside from the V6 factor and a few other small things. But thinking that too, now, again. Also got the "now don't go buying rims and all sorts of other crap for this", and of course not, that's a big reason for it--something new and loaded to the hilt that I have not an inkling of desire to add anything to, like the Caddy always keeps me doing. Similar feel between each, too, just the longer and heavier doors of the coupe and the richer, lighter interior of our Malibu. The 3.5L definitely is spunkier, too, than the great Ecotec (hopefully still can eek out nice mileage, which it should be able to do), and the hydraulic steering did feel a touch stiffer than the electro in our 'Bu. I played around with some settings and so far the only thing that bugged me was the radio, one because of the red lighting but I'll get used to that, but also just because of the older controls (vs. our 'Bu) and that it's a Monsoon system...yet still didn't sound all that impressive to me. Of course, I wasn't fully sure what I was doing, but the base setup in the Malibu sounded crisper and cleaner on the way home. We'll see--it's probably just settings. Still not sure on delivery either, but figuring it out. A few more from this morning: My God...the Fleetwood looks like it could swallow this egg! Here's the rest of today's album: http://s26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/cad...ne%2028%202008/ I started thinking about the 0% thing again too, as I've yet to do paperwork, as for the whole own with no interest or turn in after 3 years and get another without resale care. The SmartBuy still wins, I think, for me.

Here's a quick one for you guys, from when I stopped by for a lunchtime look-see and spin around the lot. Suprises? Not much other than the Jersey dealer put a $1995 "Decor Package" on it consisting of a pinstripe, black door edge guards, black wheel lip opening, and a wax job. Hah! My saleslady didn't even notice that yet, and we had a good laugh, especially because they never mentioned it to her or charged her a dime. Like I told her, "Yeah, see how much that $2 grand ACTUALLY meant to them?" Pinstripe is fine with me, really, but all else is to be peeled away. Paperwork Monday and then physical delivery, well, sometime.

Hah, THERE you go...

Exactly. Because in truth, even about just a month or two ago, the same dealers had all their Prius's and other Hybrid models advertised for a few hundred over invoice. Then all of a sudden with the spike, BOOM, no more. It's sticker or above simply because they can get it and people will pay it. If the Malibu and Aura Hybrids could give much of any benefit over a standard 4-cyl, other than the badges, they'd sell similarly too, especially the Malibu which is a hot enough car on its own. It may seem crazy for a Camry...but when it's a roomy, comfortable, etc. car that people like anyway BUT also can get 40+ mpg real world at times, it's not hard to see why they want it.

We're working on it Roger...

We'll have to compare mileage notes, you with a 3.5L and 3:05 gears and mine with the same but 3:29 GT-spec gears. Also...what did you think of the car, so far, compared to the Aura (a-la Version 2/3 of the EP vs. the 1/2 G6)?

Good question...crickets...

I just stole these from CarDomain, but to whoever's car they are...thanks. I love these 2 pics of another twin:

Notice my posts are always so filled with quotes from my peeps? Yeah, more of that. Just after the Aveo mention and out of the blue my mother asked me "What the hell is a Fit? It's a doofy car and that's really a stupid name." I tried to defend it but just laughed thinking of this forum thread. Heck, she'd fit in here, now :AH-HA_wink:

Well, this could be a fun discussion. My mother has clued into me having at least decided on SOMETHING, but I won't say so or give any details, and was excited last night wanting me to go down with her "to look at cars". Going back to our discussion of 0% but also "not fancy", hah, I kinda diverged with a lease'ish thing and a $26k Pontiac. I don't think anyone has a clue yet, aside from her, and all she does know is that I've driven many things and "really liked the G6 most". I said something random about an Aveo today, too, only to get the response of "Hey, yeah, how about that--it'd be good on gas." Sure. Okay. Surprise! I didn't make it down tonight but she's heading to work and dad & bro are heading to a big car show, so I think I'll head down for a hair cut and to take some pre-prep sneak peaks at my new ride again and then probably some paperwork and a drive if my person is around. I kept seeing a black GT convertible around the community our office is in today and stared in awe. I think I might have to get a different license plate now too, as the DE blue/gold might be quite tacky next to WD.

Yeah. I've always loved it on Cadillacs...fits the luxury image well. I'm still going to have to get used to it, especially on a Pontiac. Still, very cool that Pontiac was able to offer it...then again, dating back to the last of the Bonnevilles as well. Roger's here is just really special with also having the rare (from what I've seen) Chrome package in conjunction.

Well, hence why they were GM brand specific. We could start a whole other thing about our non-GM purchases and why...maybe that's next.

It's HERE! I never got a call to come see it and it wasn't there at a later lunch time yet, but I buzzed down past on the highway at 5 after work...and bingo. Made a quick right and stopped in to stare. In the gray, hazy, hot, and then raining time that it was, the WD definitely takes on a more yellow shade. As I said before, the coupe looks a bit more bloated in white (or white-yellow-pearl), but I like it. As the other WD one they had and traded for it was a convertible with chrome wheels, the wheels are about the only thing I'd say might improve it--the silver ones are great, but don't stand out as much with the pearl. Well, that, and the black plastic mirrors. Kinda clash with the WD and shouldn't still be used--they paint them on the Street Package cars, but no others. REALLY like the interior...and am definitely glad about that vs. black coal bin. Looked like the Jersey dealer had it detailed, but some splashes and bugs from the trip down. Have to remove the front plate bracket and switch the dealer emblems, but otherwise a fresh car. I snapped it with my cell phone (to which, of course, I have no working cord to get the pics off...), only to drive away and remember my digicam was in the car. Oh well. Maybe I'll run down later again or just tomorrow. Oh, and for those of you who say ick to the G6...guess what's parked RIGHT next to it? The silver Solstice base with the matching MSRP. The 2 can become friends for the next few days :AH-HA_wink:

They don't have it anymore, only 2.4L models do. Any 3.5L or 3.6L G6 has the hydraulic setup, after the constant complaints and issues. The electric system is wonderful in the 2.4L Malibus and Auras at least now, but nada in V6's anymore. From my test drives, the hydraulic seems very tight and connected.

Yeah, this was a great idea! I need to go through them all and answer, both for me and the rest of the household. Would be great feedback for GM...at least from those who tend to be GM loyalists, that is.

Hey...let's make it 3, really That's probably one of the many I printed a sticker for in my search of ALL of the surrounding area for coupes that interested me. And even though I decided against dark...really liked that color on a coupe looking at it again, even not being a blue person. My concern, and probably a thought of Roger's too though he already has a 3.5L Aura with what should be the same setup as a base G6 3.5L, is how high you can eek out mpg wise. Believe it or not (I do, based on other Epsilons 4-cyl and V6), the intern with the new GXP 3.6L says hers will do 33 mpg in steady highway cruising when she does her 3 hour trips home and back. The 3.6L/6-speed has identical ratings to the 3.5L/4-speed coupe, so should be close. Roger...that clock is ticking until delivery :AH-HA_wink: You'll definitely beat me to it, with my situation.

Wow, that does stink. My EXACT SAME accident with the Fleetwood took longer than expected, but thankfully it was at the best shop anywhere near by, and my brother even works there. They had to rush right before leaving for Christmas and didn't get to mounting a new wheel & tire, but were so nice otherwise, not a problem at all. The funny part is the fit & finish of the side they worked on is a bit better than the untouched factory side. So...things will work out, but there's no excuse. Shops get loaded down to no end (my brother, sometimes, works from 7:30'ish to almost 8 at night once in a blue moon just to help), yet it should have no bearing on their work if they want that volume to continue. Wishing you luck, especially since my accident had glitches too, but worked out very well in the end.

Hee-hee. As much as I do think it's an awesome little car, it's a "weekend car" like I heard a lady say while looking at the one GXP they have inside last week. I find it intriguing one can be purchased (not leased, as the terms aren't good) for the same as my loaded G6, but couldn't do it. Only if I needed a fun spare. But with 0% for 72 OR $3000 in cash plus any discount laying on them at least for these few days, I think with few people realizing them, there are some Solstice deals to be had this weekend.

Unrelated, but hmm development. Guess what my dealer just got in? A base Solstice automatic in Silver with black cloth, a couple small options, and an MSRP EXACTLY the same as the 'ole G6 coupe. Heck, you can even do the 0% or considerable rebate cash on the little roadsters now too, like most GM's. I think that boat has sailed, but maybe I'll drive the little bugger for fun.

GREAT point and one I've pondered...the brand always talked about killing, yet look how many of us have gone for them. Well, actually, on that point it doesn't seem like loyal GM sales to Pontiac are hard, but conquests aren't overly common. Or maybe they are. I'm curious to ask at the dealer. When I stopped by yesterday to drop something, my saleslady was out with another young guy perusing the G6's. She told me he just graduated college TOO and was interested in the G6, probably a GT coupe as well...but also considering a 4-cyl sedan for gas mileage. Wasn't sure yet. If anything, Pontiac seems to get the youngest of buyers.

Yes, that was me, and it was actually my month with a last gen '07 Malibu 2.2L that sparked the whole Malibu interest, and teamed with the look and exciting commercials, made my mother want to trade her Suburban for the Dark Gray beauty you see above. GM really got this car so right in looks, ESPECIALLY the 2LT's and LTZ's, it's a knockout. I love mom's like my own and almost went for one, then I went loopy, and got a platform mate G6 coupe instead. The interior and overall sophisticated look aren't at the same level, but the coupe layout and tuning make it really fun. But yeah...Malibu, oh Malibu, I love you. Funny enough, yesterday out of the blue, I saw 5 and EACH one was a 2LT 4-cyl. Looks great in every color, and the wheels, of course, add to that ritzy aura.

Very true. LOTS of people who just had them because they liked them for daily drivers and such threw them to used lots like the plague, but there's a whole industry and business that NEEDS them. Definitely nowhere near as huge as the truck market used to be in general, but still worthy. Then again, with the coil rear thing, as well engineered as I bet it is, might scare some truck people. Hopefully it's better done than the new minivans that don't have a design problem as much as they seem to have far underspec'd coils out back making them look saggy too quickly and--according to some reviews--just as floppy in feel. I presume the truck won't have such issues, and is certainly more rigorously tested. That said...great power ratings and I still really like the Dodge look and even the interior. If a truck is what you need or you're just loaded and want, worth a look, like anything.