caddycruiser

Yes, it has turned into a great thread. Lots of my too long writing and debating, but a really good discussion of real-world nice to drive, nice looking, and efficient daily vehicles. I agree on the interiors too. Nothing stood out badly to me in the G6 that afternoon, other than maybe the flat and bare plastic starkness of the center console and armrest. Well, and the older radio and climate controls, but I kind of liked those back to my '07 Malibu rental days. If anything, the G6 has the best domestic Epsilon door panels, as on the cloth models in particular, large portions of the sculpted panels are trimmed in the same cloth and the overall layout and feel are better than either the all plastic Aura or Malibu. All are solid and comfortable, but another unexpected finding. Climbing in mom's '08 Malibu afterwards, I still really am enthralled by the look and feel of this interior most of all the E's, but I like the G6 coupes as much but in a different way. Red lighting has been another thing I've never been hot on, but no biggie, and it fits with the Pontiac theme.

Fine with me! :AH-HA_wink: On that 4-cyl front...after being so dead set on 4-cyl being a requirement, especially an Ecotec if GM, I'm a bit at odds still with my probability of going V6. Should have known driving such a fun and shockingly powerful car would have me flipped, but it could be worse. I think a 3.5L should do quite well, or at least tends to. I still wonder too what, if any, difference in that great power there is between a G6 and an Aura with the engine...or even an Impala. Oh, and with the Fleetwood...I drive it to work and back and then out and around at lunch 5 days a week. It's a 13 mile each way drive, in the 45-60 range depending on traffic. First week I actually averaged 19.1, then last dropped to about 16.7, and I think I've gone back up this last time. Friends with the same cars in freshly tuned up mode honestly get 23-27 on the highway, and most all average around that 17-19'ish around town.

Yes...tell me about it. I've never been one to complain there weren't incentives, but now that I'm actually shopping...more could help. There's little "standout" with the 2008 GM's yet, aside from the 0% on the Cobalts, HHRs, etc. and big cash on the trucks. It would be SO great if there had been a GM Card earnings bonus right about now and I got it...would be a really nice free chunk to knock some money off a SmartBuy. There's something I never thought I'd say, still--anything to do with a SmartBuy, hah! Sounds like you're really shopping! I was thinking of trying some Fords Friday, especially as the Ford dealer is even closer to work (next door), but didn't. Nothing I could think of that really made me want to, other than curiosity with the Fusion. On that note...I agree with the Sport edition ones! I was just Fusion inventory browsing this morning, and if one interested me, it would be a Sport: On the Fleetwood...nothing outwardly wrong with it, and yes, runs happily on REGULAR. I'm pretty sure it needs new front calipers to cure a noise & grabbing issue, but that's small, and it's also due for it's full or partial tune up. For 133k, it's had next to nothing I think, and this LT1 has impressed me overall more than any other engine we've had--a powerful beast that can be efficient and also much smoother and quieter than even our newer 5.3L Vortec trucks. Idles like a Lexus, too, which even freaked my mother out once she drove it ("I thought it died, but it was just silent when I stopped"). I think I could have sold it by now if I actually got it listed and didn't only talk about it, or would actually put the For Sale signs in it, but haven't. Friday alone--in its always cleaned and wiped down daily state--I stopped to get coffee, and coming back out, a guy in a last gen Accord waiting for his wife rolled his window down and said "That's a really nice car, what year is it?" I told him and he said it looked incredible, which I followed with "Yeah, and I'm selling it." "REALLY? How many miles?" I said 133k and he just complimented me on it again and back up with the window. Few cars, especially for how little I paid 2.5 years ago, could get the attention it does. The car as bought was helped immensely by being a garaged and well cared for Caddy, but further detailing and the wheel setup are what has taken it to a new level of wow. That's how I get the mixed feelings looking at it, but it's time to go, as I've said before, to another caring home where it doesn't have to be a daily--but definitely could still be. I will be contacting a few people who had expressed interest before and even talked with me about it, hopefully tonight, and finally getting some ads up in the next couple of days. Based on the daily reactions, I think the window For Sale signs would have it gone very quickly...but I'm so caring with it, I can't get over having people coming up and gawking more to read signs. Weird, huh? But yes, it's still up for grabs, and still my faithful daily commuter. When my father mentioned today "What are you going to do in the meantime?" which I took to mean the time between it selling (which apparently he thought would be quickly...or something) and getting something to replace it, I think that's figured out. We have a spare, and aside from that, I can take a company truck whenever, wherever I want. So even if it sells tomorrow before I've figured out the replacement 100%...not a biggie.

Here's an interesting G6 touch, which apparently comes in chrome or black: Basically, recessed vs. flush. Actually, one of a few choices. Stock flush/flat, the elongated (okay, "bugs bunny" GXP and Street Edition) iteration, and this accessory recessed. Same for the back end with no spoiler just the hump (a hump that people at work thought WAS a spoiler from a distance), the Hammerhead bigness, and again an accessory small hump lip spoiler choice. Front and back, there's a lot to specialize a G6 via GM. EDIT: Well, I add to that. Also a legged spoiler choice that is either aftermarket or GM, I think aftermarket. EDIT: Oh, and again. The regular GT chrome wheels also come in a "black" variety for $150. These wheels, bright chrome or black chrome, I'm ehh on with the swoopy coupe.

Yeah...color is my biggest thing, along with wheels and special trimmings. So many with the G6, it's hard to decide. And then I started wondering about '09s, with the small revisions and that showing of a changed face and whatever else that wasn't spelled out in the GM order guide. Probably not, but curious.

They don't have Granite anymore, which was REALLY dark charcoal/gray, but the gray is now Dark Steel Gray which is the same as our Malibu's Dark Gray...and that I really like. Not that I'm still 100% definite on the G6 (okay, well, am close), but I've been playing with Cars.com and other sites to find and save pictures of different color and wheel combos. Really like Dark Steel Gray, White Diamond, Black Granite, and I guess also Liquid Silver in the right setup. It's hard for me to be definitive yet, as each is quite different. The 18" wheels are a must (like the chromes...but not as much so as the 18's on a coupe), as is the Light Taupe cloth interior (unless it's silver) which limits choices as far as what's on lots. That's sort of the other thing, seeing what's actually out there and what actually my dealer could get me (as I never take what's on the lot...though I did like the white/taupe GT before), and figure pricing with those. Some GT's also have the Street Package like a member here has on a sedan, which I like in some ways, but don't in others--like price. Trying to nail down a few for sure combos so I can continue to figure things out. I haven't made it anywhere today to try out the Fords, Mazdas, Hondas, etc. I wanted to, or even just Saturns, as expected. I'm wondering, for instance, how much or how different an Aura XE 3.5L might feel from a G6 GT 3.5L. Actually, I guess even a lot of base Aura XR's with the screamer 3.6L are in the same price territory, but the Aura alone opens up a whole new can. I just REALLY like the Epsilon as a coupe, more and more so. Same wheelbase, but just longer doors, cooler lines, and that focused for 2 people mainly feel--but still with a real back seat. Day 3 and still on the G6, so that's saying something. I'd probably have gone further already didn't live at home right now and have to do the cajoling as far as that swap and what I've "spent". Still thinking of trying an Aura, some kind of a Mazda, a Fusion, and an Accord coupe, among others. The Accord coupe is probably the only one that gives a similar package, if I continue to like that as much.

This is a good one for interesting reactions, an official Mary Kay '08 CTS. Posted it in another thread before, but perfect here...as Mary Kay is legendary for their Cadillac use, and in the trademark pink that is occasionally refreshed. Builds on the line of the many current DTS's out and about, a loaded STS V8 I saw once, and a random few SRX's. All then coming to a used GM lot near you before long, thoroughly repainted basic white.

Yeah, seriously! Another great review--that sounds exactly like my take on the Pontiac. Almost feel bad I've been so averse to it for so long, especially compared to the 'Bu and Aura cousins. Fit like a glove, looks great, love the interior (yes, really), and the 3.5L--let alone the 3.6L screamer--is just holy whoa. Loved how tight it was, but also solid, smooth, and quiet like our 'Bu when I closed the windows and roof. I have to say, I've had another day to think about it, and I still can't get my mind off the G6 coupe. It just feels like "me", which is something I've never settled on to this day. I'd get one tomorrow, but have to get the Fleetwood rolling with a new home (and finally start advertising or just throwing the For Sale signs in the windows, and not only talking about it), and sort out more details. We'll see. Dark Steel Gray or White Diamond I think, with the upgraded 18's vs. the chrome 17's and Taupe cloth. I think it looks best darker, but White Diamond is just special...

Yeah. And as great as many can be leased--and even as great as I like the looks and how many drive--that and some other brands I just don't know. I've always been a huge proponent of not limiting yourself to one company, but when it comes to me, it seems like I'm just most comfortable with GM--and a lot of that has to do with a great dealer, for sure. That was something the intern with the new red '08 G6 GXP coupe (graduation gift...oh, i wish!) said yesterday when I went with her for a ride in the black GXP, and she's been throwing out ideas to see what else I might like. I said we've just always had GM's, and I'm open to anything, but just really like so many of them. Her response was classic "Yeah, you can't really go wrong with GM"...for a non-car person (but with an awesome car), I enjoyed hearing that. Then I get to work again and have another friend with Ford's ask what I did yesterday, and scrunched his face up again. "Really? Why not a Ford? You don't want a crappy Chevy or Pontiac or anything like that...too many problems and a lot of cheap, foreign parts." I was so dumbfounded, it was hard to reply. This, coming from someone with Fords, and an Explorer and Expedition to boot. Hah. At least he agreed the G6 is cool in looks and power. That "reaction" thing is the most amusing thing to talk about with people, I've found.

reg...dead on. There's so many choices, and I've been open and even wanting to go somewhere else, to something different, and an import. But then I take drives like I did yesterday and just go, why? Sure a Pontiac--just as one example--isn't the most alluring "name", but big whoop. It was very right for me, and I'm still smiling. The kicker is just pricing. Typical buy, great. Lease/SmartBuy not bad either, until you look at what various VW's and such with even higher prices and more stuff run for with the same terms. But then again, that alone isn't the best decision basis, especially compared to dealer location, service, and more. Still don't know. But of what I've tried...only GM, still...the G6 coupes were the special ones--like I was ready to sign, good. Maybe Ford today, for something, if I can bring myself to it. Don't know. Otherwise, not much to pick from in the immediate vicinity aside from Chrysler. Maybe squeeze some travel time in to hit some imports over the weekend. Or not.

I do, I do. To get into one--if I wanted--it would have to be slightly used. But I liked the one I sat in...takes the lack of room to a new level, but fun. Just not sure about convertible. Wish the Targa was out from the start. Until then, the G6 coupe is a front runner. Now even more so, I can't believe I went from extreme economy and such to a typical mid-size V6 car. Hah.

Now, if there were any new dough thrown on certain things by GM for 4th of July. Hate to ask for or beg incentives, but you know. Another dealer farther north has a really old Silver/Ebony '07 G6 GTP (pre GXP) coupe they're trying to sell for $22k, and there's a ton used already, all of which I'm playing with for numbers, to see. Oh, well, that and getting rid of the Fleetwood. I have to stay away from the car lot tomorrow...that's for sure.

Oh and so now do I. The sedans I'm still ehh on, but the coupes are something really cool...and they just feel so RIGHT to me, in size, seating, visibility, etc. First one I took was a Ivory White/Light Taupe GT coupe with just the Sunroof & 6-CD, for $24,270. I knew from closing the door, it was right, with the windows and sunroof open. The cloth seats were ideal, too, and in the right color--I have leather now, and don't want it for the next thing, luxury feature or not. From there, it was just the drive, pure and simple, that sold me. Wow. For one, I've never driven a 3.5L, and was shocked at the smoothness and very refined GM V6 growl, nothing like a lot of past ones--and more so, darn, does it have torque. For such low power ratings, once it was me alone, this car would just grab and roar like an ungodly beast and is dead on with the 4-speed. I actually didn't get a full aural effect with the windows and roof all open, but just incredible power I thought, with torque to spare. Took this one back to work and everyone really liked the look and interior, but was ehh on the white...as was I. Next up, the batmobile! Hah, or at least what I called it. These were the only 2 coupes they've had, and both have been sitting for a long time. I get to drive anything and everything I want, so why not? Perfect time to try a 3.6L/6-speed car...and holy $h!es again. This Black Granite/Ebony GXP was loaded to the gills to $29,730. Instantly, even with the start sound, the 3.6L sounds like a sophisticated piece. None of the typical growly GM start, but a smooth, quiet, chirpy fire. Overall ride and handling felt essentially identical...but this car had even more grunt, but in a different way. The GT felt like it was ripping at the pavement to roar forward as strongly as possible, from the start. The GXP felt smoother and not as instantly torquey but had a similar aggressive throttle and just screamed...and I made it do so a LOT. Wow, what a drivetrain. I thought it was great in the Lambdas, but throw it in an Epsilon and I can certainly see where it is often "too much" unless you enjoy it. A beast, and a silky smooth, banshee screaming, rubber tearing at the pavement one. Again at work, they liked the color better...but few liked the big spoiler or aggressive nose. Needless to say, I've found a contender, and a very likely one. Looking back, I keep trying to think I was too overly wowed for "just a G6" but they really were just much more than I was expecting. As my friend/sales person said, it was the first thing I clearly looked fully comfortable and smiled in. And it's a G6, hah. It was not a productive afternoon at work, to say the least. And then with the black one I went out with an intern--an intern who, by the way, has a Red/Black '08 G6 GXP herself....--to get some Rita's Ice for the office, before returning the batmobile. I dropped it off with the keys and only heard "So..." and then in a joking manner, "what do I have to do..." hah. Honestly? Not much. In passing I said a Dark Steel Gray or White Diamond (ooh...) GT coupe. Again, not a great lease, but doable. Still to try some Mazdas, Hondas, VWs (especially with their typically great leases), and such. The pull with GM, of course, being my familiarity and extreme ease of service. Now with my experience with the 3.5L and 3.6L...I'm more inclined to try an Aura, too. Wonder if I'd get the same feel in either. Amazing, too, how power can make one forget economy (i.e. such as Ecotec). Well, a 3.5L driven mostly gently should still be better than an LT1 in a 20ft long car, slightly. And it continues... :AH-HA_wink:

OH...and today. WHAT an afternoon. I was trying to stay away from the dealer, but I just called on a whim again and said "Hmm...can you give me another lease price on that one G6 GT coupe you have". She did, and it was of course lower than either of the loaded Chevy's yesterday...but I just wanted to drive. And DRIVE I did. Took a white G6 GT coupe for a short spin with her and liked it, and was offered (as usual) "Take it to work and see what they think." Don't have to ask me twice. I did. WOW. Never did I expect to be so impressed by a 3.5L so much, let alone in a G6. Let's just say, this was one car--and still weird to me--that I not only fit in like a glove, but was told it was the first of my test drives that I smiled on. Like with the Impy yesterday, my opinion of the G6 is so different now, only really so with a drive. Took it to work and everyone liked it, except for the color...same for me. Then I decided to call again and ask if I could bring it back and take the Black Granite G6 GXP coupe in it's place. Let's just say for both, but I really was most of all impressed by the GT. And definitely an aural difference between a 3.5L OHV and the screamer 3.6L...my first time with each. So today was a G6 day. And was it a good one. Remember that car I've poo-poo'd for a few years? Yeah, not anymore. I'm getting closer to finding the "one". Well, at least until tomorrow ...maybe...then I'll think the G6 was crazy, again, hah.

Yet again, yep, you're on a line similar to me with all of those. I want to try some Aura's now, too, as I've done Malibus, G6s, and the like.

Very good reminder. There's a lot I "really like" with GM, but when it comes to the money...there are some REALLY nice things from VW, Honda, Mazda, etc. for the same dough and especially that lease out much better.

Well, the Accord comparo is just based on reading through Edmunds.com forums with the various model specific leasing threads and seeing what people are really getting--Malibu included. For my purposes, again just to see what they were, we ran 36/36 SmartBuy numbers on both the Malibu LTZ-4 and Impala 50th yesterday, based on Supplier pricing minus whatever cash was available (little bit on Impala, nada on Malibu). This was my first time figuring anything lease related, and she did SmartBuys because--she also doubles as one of their F&I people--she said it's "much cleaner" than a lease but with the same terms, essentially, a lot less paperwork, and still can get turned in at the end just with the disposal fee. I ran a comparo on a GM site last night, and they work out similarly payment wise--I believe her as far as paperwork and such. Just assuming so, she ran them with nothing down. Of course, I never asked what other fees there might be to start with something like a SmartBuy, if any, but we were going for as close to a sign & drive kind of a thing as possible. The Impy worked out to $399 and the Malibu was actually in the $425 range. Both quite high, I thought. Loaded cars, yes, but nothing THAT special. Then again, maybe that's typical...the terms and pricing were pretty clear. They'd go down more if there were more incentive on leasing either, I think. Again, just playing with numbers. I'm friends with the sales person (same one who just prints me invoices and says "you know what all those numbers are without me telling you"), and another thing she said when I was leasing was "Cars in general (GM) are pretty good, aside from cheaper things like Cobalts and HHR's which stink--you just buy those."

What do you mean? There's a New Tab button in Mozilla...always has been. Right click on any of the existing buttons on top (Home, Back, Stop, etc.), click Customize, and then just drag the "New Tab" one from there onto your bar, wherever you want it. I never knew that existed until a friend showed me...and New Tab is my most used button. IE is just a mess to use in comparison, and I only do for weird sites that don't 100% load or print correctly with Mozilla.

Yes...that's my review of all 3, in a pinch. The Ecotec in a 'Bu is just so "right", the 3.6L--no matter how great--just can come off as too much. And having driven a 6-speed Ecotec now too, really no question. Awesome package. For the Impala, it's still an old'ish car and with that terrible back seat I always comment on, but I love it in 50th trim. $26-27k sticker, yes, but a lot of car for that dough. My best reaction yesterday is it has the look of an SS with an even better 2-tone interior...and then the wonderful sipping 3.5L underhood. Great combo. Nothing really has that great of a deal package on it now, except for trucks, but I like others am curious what might change in the next couple of weeks. Boy do I wish I could get a $2k or such GM Card bonus now like we so luckily did in January with the 'Bu!

Exactly. Maybe more today, we'll see. It's great to have a friend in sales that I will ONLY go to, and not only knows the product, but knows what will be changing with it, what models and equipment is what, AND will spend as much time touring the lot with me and grabbing handfuls of keys to drive several things. And she's a lady, so even more respectful given what some might think I REALLY liked the Malibu 2.4L/6-speed combo, for sure, but still wouldn't be averse to an existing 4-speed one. Enjoyed the LTZ interior too, though it's a tossup between it and mom's 2LT with suede. It was kind of fun to drive something with 1 mile, too, just off the truck pre-prep. And from there, as much as I've been averse to the Impala and still largely am...that Black Granite 50th Anniversary car definitely changed my grasp a bit, as far as it was concerned. Amazing what the right colors, wheels, and equipment can do to a car. I only really looked at these 2 yesterday, and both clearly above my theoretical buy limit, that was where the play with leasing came in. Did a comparo of 0 down 36/36 leases on each, as I was curious what such GM sedans could lease out for, and they weren't bad...but were high. Well, at least compared to what you can lease even more loaded Accords and such for. That said, I was tempted today to see what a G6 coupe (oddly, like them) and/or a Malibu 1LT for several thousand less might run. The idea of a few year, 0 down thing is quite attractive, as yeah there's no equity, etc., but if you'll always have a car payment anyway (trading before or the day when one is paid off, for instance), it can work out better. Who knows. Lots still to try. And then today, even with the "boo" talk on the HHR, I started this morning thinking how much I really still liked them and could swing one of those right now for sure. Time to even go to the dark side with Honda, Mazda, VW, etc. if I ever make it to one. That's another thing...I've been completely open to any brand (well, except for Chrysler...ugh), but realized yesterday how much of a help it is with GM to have such a great place a stone's throw away for service, sales, etc. Similar with Ford and such too. And, if and when I moved, not that there wouldn't be even more closer, but it's a consideration to think about. We'll see. Stay tuned, hah.

Me too...time to download the official :AH-HA_wink:

Well, things change, hah. At work, so this will be brief. Drove a fresh Malibu LTZ 2.4L with 2 miles, played in a new Black Granite Impala 50th Anniversary and really liked it, and may have changed my mind on the "hatch" thing. Even more shocking, I even changed my mind on the Impala thanks to the 50th Anniversary...an SS in looks and suspension but with the thrifty 3.5L, which all is quite hmm, in a good way. And from that...on with (what I had been thinking of for a long time), we briefly chatted on zero down leases and the like. Really still no firm idea of what I might really want, but a worthwhile hour. I'll expand later.

Yeah. I at least want to drive one, including a 1LT with the 2.4L a dealer has, to see. Funny thing is, the car discussion just came up at work again with me. "Have you thought of anything yet?" I mentioned the few things, and then my excursion yesterday. Of the 3 people, all turned their nose up at the HHR and said "No, you don't want that." "Not different enough." "Not original anymore." And, of course, then "Ooh, not a Chevy." Funny, but I said I liked it a lot and why I did. Too "in the box" for me, as I was told. Then it was 15 minutes of, for someone who drives a standout Fleetwood daily, WHAT would be right for me. The group consisted of one with a brand new G6 GXP coupe (good opinion to listen to, I thought, of the 3), one with an older Explorer, and another with both a newer Explorer and an Expedition. G6 girl said why not another Cadillac, just newer. Other girl said Jeep. Guy threw out "Hey, a Magnum!", aside from my also want better mileage. Their agreements so far? Scion XB (guy threw that out, and all agreed after we Google'd pics) and then one said "Saab!", which shockingly was a good one. Too bad a lot are above where I'd spend, I think, except for used which the same person then said. Fun discussion. Odd, but fun to get other's reactions and ideas. Hopefully will make it back to the GM dealer today and try some other things for fun.

To me they are. Not that they aren't pleasant looking or solid, but dull as could be, fleeted to death, mushy seats, a horrible back seat, etc. Nice old people car--no offense to anyone here with one, but this is ALL I see around here--but no thanks. If I'm going to spend that much, I want something with a little zing as far as looks, drive, features, etc. As for the HHR or Malibu, agreed. But still need to look into the Honda (you know, the fragile little clown mobile one), some Mazdas, and other things. We'll see. Hopefully today will be more drives and looking.

Some developments, FINALLY! First, to clear a few up. Impala. NEVER. Respectable for business fleets and Enterprise, but an antique W-body pleasant enough but a negative on the special scale, on every street corner, unimpressive rear space and comfort for the size, etc. No thanks. That said, today I finally drove something AND sat in and tried out several things. Only at my favorite local GM store and with my favorite sales lady friend--one who not only gets my "car thing" but talks to me like I'm a fellow salesman--at lunchtime for some trials. She knew I might be coming around soon, as I said I may back in January while buying my mother's Malibu from her, and said she was expecting me. I just said I wanted to try out a few things, and was shopping in general, but not for specifics yet. I showed up and the first words were "Oh, do I have something for you. Come with me." She wouldn't tell me what, but I sort of knew, and over to the Chevy building we headed and "There..." was the Dark Gray and Brick/Black Malibu LTZ. Sure, and she was right, but of course slightly (okay, a lot) over the theoretical price range...but I had not given her any idea of that yet. The Malibu chat continued and she kept smiling only to tell me tomorrow she'll have something even more perfect coming in, finally their last Malibus, two LTZ 4-cylinders they ordered--she knows my like of the Ecotec from buying mom's car. Apparently, too, she has a couple of people on a list to call who have been waiting to see and drive these--all of a sudden, compared to what I've seen in a few places, people are calling and coming in SPECIFICALLY aware of the LTZ-4 ("32 mpg" was quoted), and over the V6 now. As if I already didn't know I picked the perfect combo for mom with the 2.4L :AH-HA_wink: I was then invited down to essentially be the first to see and drive them, as I'm 2 minutes away, tomorrow--they were supposed to be dropped tonight. Boy, do I enjoy salespeople who know what's going on...and can even say more than the name of the products they sell Vibe That said, I did bring up my general idea of price and that I was thinking hatch. She led me to the Vibes "What about something like this?" before I even said hatch yet, and that was awesome. They had 3, 2 new base'ish 2009's with hubcaps and very little, and 1 leftover 2008 that I thought was loaded...only to find out a shocker. I joked about it being a lonely little black sheep now, and she said "Yeah, the one with an upgraded stereo and sunroof...but no power windows or locks. It will be here for a while." Apparently--and I didn't notice this while browsing before--the sales manager ordered this last 2008 Vibe some time back, and did so quite nicely, in black with the upgraded wheels, ABS, Sun/Sound, etc. but forgot that power windows, locks, and keyless entry were actually still an option (dumb). Hence, this weird car. "Oh, we could give you a GREAT deal on this if you don't mind the windows or locks, hah." I tried the Vibes out and actually liked them. I liked the '08 quite a bit, both outside and in, and though the layout and size were great, especially the seating height and legroom. The '08 interior wasn't exactly high end, particularly the wobbly center armrest/console, but overall solid and nice looking. Then tried out the '09s and the interior is definitely a step up, but still cheaper, with a more modern look and layout--but the same kind of wobbly center armrest/console. The outside is fatter and blobbier--at least in base hubcap form--but again, she read my mind. "I think the GT would be right for you." Al-la, GMTruckGuy moment, hah. Didn't drive either--wanted to, but not at the top of the list for today--but really did like the overall package, size, feel, seating, space, etc. If that black '08 wasn't weird with the lack of power features aside from roof, I'd be even more interested in it for the price. Solstice In the showroom, there lie the beautiful black Solstice GXP, in top down glory. I said I had to try it, as it was an interest, "if I fit". And boy do I. It's no SUV or typical sedan, but I slid right in and was immediately comfortable with the layout and especially the legroom and pedals. I got the "feeling" for sure, only to say "maybe a used one". HHR The one I've been chatting a lot about here and looking into daily--FINALLY did more than peak at one. They had two, a Dark Gray/Gray 1LT with roof, auto, and boards and the 16" hubcaps from the Malibu LS. Colors were perfect, options not bad, and a 2.2L so anxious to drive. They actually just sold the 2LT with a stick, to an older guy with the 0%. That became a topic of discussion, starting from her saying it was largely old people who looked at and bought HHR's there. Not everyone, but most. She said she's been trying to convince her daughter to get one to finally replace a raggedy Blazer. "For a small and efficient little car, you sit high enough and have nice SUV space, and a cool look." I agreed, and off we went. First, it was a bit odd getting comfortable in the driver's seat as far as my foot on the pedals, but I got it right. Just like the other night I sat in it while unlocked on the lot. The 2.2L buzzed to life without any bad vibes or sounds, instantly like my Malibu rental of yore. Felt EXACTLY the same to me as far as response and in sound moving too. Not a road burner, but spunky for what it is, and moved the little wagon very well and without revving out a whole heck of a lot. Steering was pleasant, smooth and easy, and overall this 1LT with the 16" wheels and base suspension did feel a bit soft. Wasn't a fast test drive, but absorbed things very well and silently, and only felt a bit soft to me. More so, it was the brake pedal I wasn't sure about. It stopped well, but the pedal was mushier than I was used to or expected. Not objectionable, but odd. As far as that interior, I really like the styling and the layout (window switches included) and it's very solid, but yes, largely hard and shiny materials. But nice textures and layout that still make it nice for the price. Liked the seats as well, but also a touch soft at least in cloth form, but my butt liked them still after a bit of driving. I could see out well too, and the combination of that, the straight across entry/exit, and compactness made it a great fit (no pun intended) for me, post Fleetwood driving. After this, I've determined that the 2.2L is fine, but I still want to try a 2.4L model. Just a bit more grunt but similar feel and economy would be great. That, and as far as suspension, I had no problems with the base ride, but am MUCH more inclined now to try a 2LT or Shadow Edition 1LT with the Sport suspension and larger 17" wheels to see how much they firm up a bit of the softness. Have a feeling they might be dead on. Could definitely see one of these working, but have to do more thinking on options and coloring for a full effect. Others Funny enough, right after leaving the dealer in the HHR with my sales lady, I saw an Astra coming--only the second I've seen, and a stunning white 3-door with the great 18" wheels. Very, very nice, and I loved the look on the road in white and with big wheels. I thought of it as a sign that I see such a beautiful one while test driving one of the first on my list. While waiting inside for brochures, I wanted yet another VERY old guy come in and be shown the gray LTZ Malibu. Not the first, as last weekend, I saw 2 quite elderly people being shown the same car outside. What was interesting? The sales guy was trying to explain the interior, but the guy was just too preoccupied by the center shifter. "That's just wasted space to me, the console, and I don't like them. Doesn't it come with a bench and column shifter too?" Funny, becase another sales person here mentioned recently hearing the same thing. Oy, old people and their tastes. Thankfully, the repeated and very nice suggestion was "You can on the Lacrosse, let's go look at one" a few times. So, I REALLY liked the HHR but would want a more ideal setup of course with one, and also really liked the Vibe. Definitely need to try an Astra too, after my vision of that white coupe on road. And the Malibu continues to draw me in. Sales lady extraordinaire knows as much...and would love to see me take an LTZ home with me. Oh would I. But at the same time, I'm now also really liking both of these little wagons for real dailies. Not the zest of a loaded 'Bu, but realistic prices and practical. Like Reg had said...an HHR SS might really get my gander. Well, if the price weren't a bit over my supposed line. Back tomorrow I go for more looking, driving things, and getting mentally convinced "A Malibu LTZ is perfect...". Hah. Anyone want to donate to the "Derek needs a new Malibu LTZ fund"? Then again, I think I'd be as turned on by an HHR or Vibe with the right equipment...options and coloring make ALL the difference, even as with the 'Bu. And still to hit Honda, Mazda, etc. Again like the Astra, all of a sudden I saw 2 Mazda 5's in traffic yesterday, and was intrigued. And still am by the Fit, among others--even still the Smart, which I ALSO saw the first of today. It was like everything on my mental list was out and about in my view all of a sudden.