Cobalt SS, Impala SS, Pontiac G8. major problems?

Sevs753 · September 24th, 2009, 5:28 PM

in the next few month (a year at most) my father will be buying a new car and giving me his '06 Impala LT. Instead of keeping that, i plan on selling it and buying a different car. for these 3 cars, it would be a daily driver and if i can, i'd like to get a manual transmission and it would be an '06 to '08 model year car.

the 3 cars i have in mind are these:
-Chevrolet Impala SS
-Chevrolet Cobalt SS
-Pontiac G8

the Chevrolet cars would only be the SS trim, no other trim levels.

My question is, from experiences you've had, are there any major problems people have? also, how is the performance of each compared to the Impala LT?

i realize that i could just look up recall info (and i have) but i'm wondering if theres any problems that wouldn't cause a recall.

argatoga · September 24th, 2009, 5:36 PM

Only the G8 GXP comes with a stick all the others are autotragics. What year Impala SS?

Sevs753 · September 24th, 2009, 5:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by argatoga

Only the G8 GXP comes with a stick all the others are autotragics. What year Impala SS?

i saw that the GXP is the only one with a manual. that's why i said, "if possible". the impala SS doesn't even have a manual option. it really depends on whats in my price range. and that depends on how much i can get for the Impala LT + (about) $4500.

The Impala SS would probably be an '06 or '07 model year. same with the cobalt SS. they didn't make the G8 til the '08 model year which is why i put the range at '06-'08

thevictor390 · September 24th, 2009, 5:42 PM

Front wheel drive with a 5.3L V8?

Lupin_IV · September 24th, 2009, 5:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thevictor390

Front wheel drive with a 5.3L V8?

It's downright small compared to the FWD Cadillacs of the early '70s with the 500cid (8.2 L) V8.

argatoga · September 24th, 2009, 5:55 PM

There is no way you will find any G8 that isn't bashed up in your price range. What are you looking in general?

Sevs753 · September 24th, 2009, 6:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by argatoga

There is no way you will find any G8 that isn't bashed up in your price range. What are you looking in general?

theres a few important things
-its gotta look relatively cool. it can't look like crap but not "cool" enough that cops will stereotype me and pull me over for 1-2mph over the limit. i know the impala is a bit meh, but it grows on you.
-its gotta have decent performance. like, 0-60mp in under 8sec.
-gotta be sedan or coupe. preferably sedan.
-manual trasmission is not required (or else i wouldn't even consider the impala or the G8) but its a big plus.
-i'd like a convertible if avalible (i know these cars dont have convertible versions but for any other suggestions you guys might have)
- and a very big point is that it needs to have a combined mpg of at least 25mpg seeing as this would be my daily driver for college.

BlaRo · September 24th, 2009, 6:30 PM

The Impala SS is a hilarious car to drive. It's such a laugh riot: you stomp on the pedal and instead of moving forward the front wheels make a lot of screeching noises and twist every which way, which you have to manhandle with the steering wheel like you're wrestling a 12-foot long Alaskan salmon with a serious case of 'roid rage. It's very empowering. And then when you get up to speed, it's like sitting on a giant leather sofa and driving your entire living room. It's as if it was never meant to be taken seriously as a performance car, but nonetheless it's a barrel of monkeys.

And no, the Impala SS does not look cool. By any stretch of the imagination.

Symbotic · September 24th, 2009, 6:39 PM

What about a Eclipse Gt or a Mustang Gt. Both can be found for around 20k. Both are sporty and can be found with a manual. The Mustang comes in a convertible, too. Both get around 20mpg.

Sevs753 · September 24th, 2009, 6:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Symbotic

What about a Eclipse Gt or a Mustang Gt. Both can be found for around 20k. Both are sporty and can be found with a manual. The Mustang comes in a convertible, too. Both get around 20mpg.

i used to like Mustangs but they're just way to common, IMO. also, i've never been a fan of the live real axle that the mustangs have. the cars i listed may be common but i rarely see the SS versions. also, i'd like at least 25mpg.

also, i looked at the eclipse, and there is no way i'd be able to convince my parents to get that. (and i have to get their approval because they;re paying for insurance on it. also, they're gonna pull the American cars only card and since they no nothing about cars, they'll defiantly say no to anything that stands out alot. which is the reason im looking at the SS versions of chevy cars. normal looking but higher performance than they look like they should have.

and yes, i know i'm being picky and shooting down most, if not all suggestions. its just that i'm exactly that. very picky. lol

Steve Levin · September 24th, 2009, 7:50 PM

Get a GTO. You don't really need 4 doors.

But the question is...what are you going to do with it? Just drive on the street? Want something that handles a bit better for a weekend drive?

If the latter, just spend some money upgrading the suspension and tires on the LT. Save the rest for a racing school images/smilies/smile.gif

Steve

Der Stig · September 24th, 2009, 8:08 PM

Seconded on GTO. Or you might be able to find a C5 Z06 for around that price.

Sevs753 · September 24th, 2009, 8:21 PM

the corvette looks nice. only problem being is that i'm not even 20 and my parents would be paying the insurance. they definatly wouldn't go for that or the GTO. hence why im looking at things like the cobalt and the impala

Der Stig · September 24th, 2009, 8:53 PM

GTO's are much cheaper nowadays- that should make up for the insurance costs.

Steve Levin · September 25th, 2009, 3:30 AM

Or go with Korean reasonableness... the Genesis Coupe 2.0 turbo!

Steve

argatoga · September 25th, 2009, 4:04 AM

I guess I should recomend these:

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/cto/1373524796.html

If they look good, spend a grand on maintenance. If it has been parked awhile the hoses will need replaced, carb cleaned out, new battery, etc.

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/cto/1350753565.html

I would kill for one of these. Be careful as it does have a swing axel.

thevictor390 · September 25th, 2009, 4:28 AM

New Camaro starts at like $22k but that's not exactly subtle.

freeferrarisdonotexist · September 25th, 2009, 4:42 AM

Well, if you narrow it down to the three you started with just do no get the Impala- drove the LT model in 2004 on a trip to Texas and it was shit. Transmission was a crappy little automatic that didn't like to rev, torque steer was pathetic, even on the base model. In your situation (I can't believe I'm saying this) but I'd get the Cobalt. Decent power but not insane like the Impala SS (considering torque-steer), nice six-speed manual, you can get it as a saloon (I think), good performance and handling overall, and cheap (probably cheap to insure as well).

Outside of your original three choices, the Genesis would probably be good, or the Camaro thevictor390 suggested. If it were me, it would just be a Miata, stripped down and with a turbo... images/smilies/mrgreen.gif

Sevs753 · September 25th, 2009, 6:09 AM

thanks for the suggestions. my budget would be around $10k-$12k, $15k tops. so a new car really isn't possible.
and also, i don't like any cars before 1995 or so, so the triumph may be a good car but doesn't fit me. lol. though i do quite like the original Mustangs but again, the insurance issue comes to mind.

good news though, my current car started to have major problems today (had trouble getting into drive and engine was making funny noises when revving down.) so getting a new car may be coming sooner than i thought.

NAIDANAC A · September 25th, 2009, 6:33 AM

I don't know how you expect to get a G8 for $15K, if you do, awesome job.

Also...the Cobalt seems like the only reasonable option between the 3, as the Impala is a joke (no-offense).

Why not a Mazdaspeed 3? Or Mazdaspeed 6 for that matter?

September 24th, 2009, 5:28 PM	#1
Sevs753 Joined: Jul 16th, 2009 Last Online: 6:14 AM Location: Metro Detroit Posts: 140 Car: 1991 Eagle Summit ES D: Rep Power: 4	Cobalt SS, Impala SS, Pontiac G8. major problems? in the next few month (a year at most) my father will be buying a new car and giving me his '06 Impala LT. Instead of keeping that, i plan on selling it and buying a different car. for these 3 cars, it would be a daily driver and if i can, i'd like to get a manual transmission and it would be an '06 to '08 model year car. the 3 cars i have in mind are these: -Chevrolet Impala SS -Chevrolet Cobalt SS -Pontiac G8 the Chevrolet cars would only be the SS trim, no other trim levels. My question is, from experiences you've had, are there any major problems people have? also, how is the performance of each compared to the Impala LT? i realize that i could just look up recall info (and i have) but i'm wondering if theres any problems that wouldn't cause a recall. __________________

September 24th, 2009, 5:36 PM	#2
argatoga Can't Start His Wank Joined: Oct 4th, 2005 Last Online: 4:22 PM Location: Washington State, USA Age: 26 Posts: 4,793 Car: '78 MG Midget, '78 Honda CB400t Rep Power: 164	Only the G8 GXP comes with a stick all the others are autotragics. What year Impala SS? __________________ "If you think about it breast implants aren't much different than braces. Their main purpose is to improve one's appearance, at least that's how it was in my case." - KaJun "Anyway, I'm off to eat my dick" - Austere

September 24th, 2009, 5:55 PM	#6
argatoga Can't Start His Wank Joined: Oct 4th, 2005 Last Online: 4:22 PM Location: Washington State, USA Age: 26 Posts: 4,793 Car: '78 MG Midget, '78 Honda CB400t Rep Power: 164	There is no way you will find any G8 that isn't bashed up in your price range. What are you looking in general? __________________ "If you think about it breast implants aren't much different than braces. Their main purpose is to improve one's appearance, at least that's how it was in my case." - KaJun "Anyway, I'm off to eat my dick" - Austere

September 24th, 2009, 6:30 PM	#8
BlaRo Lady GaGa's #1 Fan Joined: Aug 18th, 2005 Last Online: 12:35 AM Location: Assachusetts Age: 21 Posts: 11,259 Car: 1997 Yamaha Seca II, 1976 Honda CB550F Rep Power: 372	The Impala SS is a hilarious car to drive. It's such a laugh riot: you stomp on the pedal and instead of moving forward the front wheels make a lot of screeching noises and twist every which way, which you have to manhandle with the steering wheel like you're wrestling a 12-foot long Alaskan salmon with a serious case of 'roid rage. It's very empowering. And then when you get up to speed, it's like sitting on a giant leather sofa and driving your entire living room. It's as if it was never meant to be taken seriously as a performance car, but nonetheless it's a barrel of monkeys. And no, the Impala SS does not look cool. By any stretch of the imagination. __________________ "It is impossible to describe this kind of performance to the uninitiated. Telling a traffic officer or a safety crusader like Ralph Nader that 100 mph can be safe is like reading the Constitution to a Maoist; it is a strange and hostile concept." -Brock Yates. The body was accidentally unearthed from a shallow grave by construction workers. Because of Parkinson's. Last edited by BlaRo; September 24th, 2009 at 6:31 PM.

September 24th, 2009, 6:39 PM	#9
Symbotic Joined: Mar 19th, 2007 Last Online: 2:12 PM Location: Cleveland, OH Age: 24 Posts: 160 Car: 95 Nissan 200sx Rep Power: 18	What about a Eclipse Gt or a Mustang Gt. Both can be found for around 20k. Both are sporty and can be found with a manual. The Mustang comes in a convertible, too. Both get around 20mpg. __________________ "Government big enough to supply everything you need, is big enough to take everything you have" ~ Thomas Jefferson

September 24th, 2009, 5:42 PM	#4
thevictor390 Joined: Mar 9th, 2007 Last Online: 4:02 PM Location: Massachusetts Age: 19 Posts: 1,999 Car: 2006 RX-8 Rep Power: 65	Front wheel drive with a 5.3L V8?

September 24th, 2009, 7:50 PM	#11
Steve Levin Master of Disaster Joined: Jun 7th, 2006 Last Online: 5:16 AM Location: Sunnyvale, California Posts: 1,077 Car: Spec Racer Ford! Rep Power: 52	Get a GTO. You don't really need 4 doors. But the question is...what are you going to do with it? Just drive on the street? Want something that handles a bit better for a weekend drive? If the latter, just spend some money upgrading the suspension and tires on the LT. Save the rest for a racing school Steve

September 24th, 2009, 8:08 PM	#12
Der Stig Joined: Dec 19th, 2008 Last Online: November 20th, 2009 Location: College Station/The Woodlands, Texas Age: 20 Posts: 703 Car: 2004 BMW 330i Rep Power: 15	Seconded on GTO. Or you might be able to find a C5 Z06 for around that price. __________________ Vehicles: 2004 E46 BMW 330i 6-speed Looking for W116, W123, W126, R107...cheapo project

September 24th, 2009, 8:21 PM	#13
Sevs753 Joined: Jul 16th, 2009 Last Online: 6:14 AM Location: Metro Detroit Posts: 140 Car: 1991 Eagle Summit ES D: Rep Power: 4	the corvette looks nice. only problem being is that i'm not even 20 and my parents would be paying the insurance. they definatly wouldn't go for that or the GTO. hence why im looking at things like the cobalt and the impala __________________

September 24th, 2009, 8:53 PM	#14
Der Stig Joined: Dec 19th, 2008 Last Online: November 20th, 2009 Location: College Station/The Woodlands, Texas Age: 20 Posts: 703 Car: 2004 BMW 330i Rep Power: 15	GTO's are much cheaper nowadays- that should make up for the insurance costs. __________________ Vehicles: 2004 E46 BMW 330i 6-speed Looking for W116, W123, W126, R107...cheapo project

September 25th, 2009, 3:30 AM	#15
Steve Levin Master of Disaster Joined: Jun 7th, 2006 Last Online: 5:16 AM Location: Sunnyvale, California Posts: 1,077 Car: Spec Racer Ford! Rep Power: 52	Or go with Korean reasonableness... the Genesis Coupe 2.0 turbo! Steve

September 25th, 2009, 4:04 AM	#16
argatoga Can't Start His Wank Joined: Oct 4th, 2005 Last Online: 4:22 PM Location: Washington State, USA Age: 26 Posts: 4,793 Car: '78 MG Midget, '78 Honda CB400t Rep Power: 164	I guess I should recomend these: http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/cto/1373524796.html If they look good, spend a grand on maintenance. If it has been parked awhile the hoses will need replaced, carb cleaned out, new battery, etc. http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/cto/1350753565.html I would kill for one of these. Be careful as it does have a swing axel. __________________ "If you think about it breast implants aren't much different than braces. Their main purpose is to improve one's appearance, at least that's how it was in my case." - KaJun "Anyway, I'm off to eat my dick" - Austere

September 25th, 2009, 4:28 AM	#17
thevictor390 Joined: Mar 9th, 2007 Last Online: 4:02 PM Location: Massachusetts Age: 19 Posts: 1,999 Car: 2006 RX-8 Rep Power: 65	New Camaro starts at like $22k but that's not exactly subtle.

September 25th, 2009, 4:42 AM	#18
freeferrarisdonotexist I'm not stupid - I'm British! Joined: Nov 4th, 2008 Last Online: 5:38 AM Location: Somewhere in the South of England, UK. Age: 26 Posts: 1,007 Car: Yamaha YBR125 (lightly modified) Rep Power: 23	Well, if you narrow it down to the three you started with just do no get the Impala- drove the LT model in 2004 on a trip to Texas and it was shit. Transmission was a crappy little automatic that didn't like to rev, torque steer was pathetic, even on the base model. In your situation (I can't believe I'm saying this) but I'd get the Cobalt. Decent power but not insane like the Impala SS (considering torque-steer), nice six-speed manual, you can get it as a saloon (I think), good performance and handling overall, and cheap (probably cheap to insure as well). Outside of your original three choices, the Genesis would probably be good, or the Camaro thevictor390 suggested. If it were me, it would just be a Miata, stripped down and with a turbo... __________________ Proud to Defend: Miatas, Motorcycles, Rotaries and Manual Transmissions. My other car (in storage ) Black 1990 Miata 1st Gen. Restored and partially weight-stripped w/6-Speed transmission, CD stereo, short-throw shifter and billet knob, HID headlights, Hydra Nemesis ECU, tuned exhaust pipe, toolkit and vinyl top. The only difference between me and a madman is that I am not mad. I listen to: Within Temptation, Amon Tobin, Karl Jenkins, Lux Aeterna, Ludovico Einaudi, Lupe Fiasco, Papa Roach, Gnarls Barkley, J. Ralph (Spy), Elbow, Snow Patrol, The White Stripes, Breaking Benjamin, Massive Attack, The Black Heart Procession, UNKLE, Craig Armstrong, Corner Stone Cues, Wolf's Rain OST, Cage the Elephant, and Lily Allen.

September 25th, 2009, 6:09 AM	#19
Sevs753 Joined: Jul 16th, 2009 Last Online: 6:14 AM Location: Metro Detroit Posts: 140 Car: 1991 Eagle Summit ES D: Rep Power: 4	thanks for the suggestions. my budget would be around $10k-$12k, $15k tops. so a new car really isn't possible. and also, i don't like any cars before 1995 or so, so the triumph may be a good car but doesn't fit me. lol. though i do quite like the original Mustangs but again, the insurance issue comes to mind. good news though, my current car started to have major problems today (had trouble getting into drive and engine was making funny noises when revving down.) so getting a new car may be coming sooner than i thought. __________________

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September 25th, 2009, 6:33 AM	#20
NAIDANAC A Joined: May 30th, 2006 Last Online: 8:28 AM Location: Ontario, Canada Age: 19 Posts: 3,677 Car: 300E Rep Power: 70	I don't know how you expect to get a G8 for $15K, if you do, awesome job. Also...the Cobalt seems like the only reasonable option between the 3, as the Impala is a joke (no-offense). Why not a Mazdaspeed 3? Or Mazdaspeed 6 for that matter? __________________

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