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The New Chevy Cobalt Turbo

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I'm thinking of getting a new daily driver, I really dig turbos and think that all cars should be turbocharged. I like the Saturn sky, but it only has two seats, it has RWD which is cool, but I need more room. So I'm looking at the Chevy Cobalt. 260hp and I think the torque is around 280-300. Would be fun. I found a yellow pic and put a 96 aniv. GS Vette paint scheme on it. I don;t dig the ricer wing so I put a older style Z28 wing on it. Check em' out.
Maybe when the price comes down next year.
ss-cobalt.jpg

gs-cobalt.jpg
 
elaborate genius.
competivaley priced alternatives maybe?
That's New, warrranty, 0 apr for 72 months under $19,500. 30 mpg hwy. 24 city.

This wouldn't be new but how about a used 2007 Grand Prix GT. MPG wouldn't be quite as good but at least it's SC, 260hp. There's a ton of them out there right now coming off rentals and such and you can pick up a nice one loaded with leather, heated seats, etc. for under $15k. Still has drivetrain warranty for 100k, 3/36k on the rest. Should be able to get decent financing being only a year old. GM was offering 2.9% on GM certified used cars but don't think they're offering that anymore. Just my $.02 as I've been looking at them to replace my SSEi daily driver.
 
This wouldn't be new but how about a used 2007 Grand Prix GT. MPG wouldn't be quite as good but at least it's SC, 260hp. There's a ton of them out there right now coming off rentals and such and you can pick up a nice one loaded with leather, heated seats, etc. for under $15k. Still has drivetrain warranty for 100k, 3/36k on the rest. Should be able to get decent financing being only a year old. GM was offering 2.9% on GM certified used cars but don't think they're offering that anymore. Just my $.02 as I've been looking at them to replace my SSEi daily driver.

Yeah, those are cool, funny you mention that one, my brother has one. He's dabbled in the motor a bit and got it to run 13.50's @ 105mph. It was his daily driver, but now he has a boring old Corolla.

The Chevy HHR SS, has the intercooled turbo ecotec. It's cooler than the Neon's replacement the Caliber. It may not be gay enough for Quicky, but it would haul the groceries from A to B. I got have something that I can give the ricers a fair run, park and not be afraid to leave it at a mall and get good mileage. The GTP's are nice, but I think the ecotec would respond better to simple mods better that the 3.8 supercharged.
 
For what it is worth, I drove a 2007 Lincoln MKZ. I loved it. By the end of the summer I am sure you could find a 2007 for around the price of the new Colbalt. Yes, interest is no included but you are getting more car. It's a wash! Very CLASSY and good mpg too. :cheers:
 

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For what it is worth, I drove a 2007 Lincoln MKZ. I loved it. By the end of the summer I am sure you could find a 2007 for around the price of the new Colbalt. Yes, interest is no included but you are getting more car. It's a wash! Very CLASSY and good mpg too. :cheers:

Damn, that is a beautiful car!! That's gotta cost more than what I'm looking for. Are those wheels pictured factory? That is way cool. I want something with a turbo. Shorten the wastegate rod, electric cutout, raise the fuel pressure, maybe alky and go fast and get some good mileage. That is a really nice car though!:headbang:
 
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2004 GTO's are about 17k now.

200-2006 are still around 22k.

Shitty gas mileage though. I want something with a turbo too.
I'm thinking a white cobalt, take the wing off. It wouldn't draw attention in the city, but would still be fun and cheap. GM owns Saab. it hink they offer a turbocharged car, but I think they cost more than I want to spend on a daily driver.
 
Have you driven an HHR? if not go drive one before you buy one.

If you do a lot of highway driving you might regret getting one.
 
With the price of fuel the colbalt might be a good idea. It looks nice, and the turbo motor is great. I would be a little to small for my needs. But good louck, and hope to see some pics when you get it.
 
You can make the Cobalts look pretty good, here's a buddy of mine's Cobalt SS
2sig.jpg


they're pretty fun little cars and with a couple mods they're even more fun.
 
elaborate genius.
competivaley priced alternatives maybe?
That's New, warrranty, 0 apr for 72 months under $19,500. 30 mpg hwy. 24 city.

According to the auto calculator your monthly obligation would be about $295 a month after taxes and .... Not as bad as I thought. That 0% percent is a brilliant marketing scam. Car is probably worth 17500 to start, then they add $2000 (19500) . Then they turn around and advertise 0% :read: .

In 4 years, after you are bored w/ it. You will still owe 2 more years on it.
That is the way I see it. But on the flip side 300 a month is not bad I guess.


There is a lot more for your money out there. Buy a used Lexus (2001-2003) for around 17000 grand and finance it. Better resale too!

Turbo cars are hard to pass on. They are to fun as you mentioned.
 
According to the auto calculator your monthly obligation would be about $295 a month after taxes and .... Not as bad as I thought. That 0% percent is a brilliant marketing scam. Car is probably worth 17500 to start, then they add $2000 (19500) . Then they turn around and advertise 0% :read: .

In 4 years, after you are bored w/ it. You will still owe 2 more years on it.
That is the way I see it. But on the flip side 300 a month is not bad I guess.


There is a lot more for your money out there. Buy a used Lexus (2001-2003) for around 17000 grand and finance it. Better resale too!

Turbo cars are hard to pass on. They are to fun as you mentioned.

Ahh, some good info. Well, I'm just throwing the $19,500 price out there. I haven't actually priced one. Who knows how low they could go, with the market in the shitter, some good deals may be had. A moderately used one next year may go for 12K. Ebay is showing the supercharged ones with the same miles as my TTA going for 10 to 15K, but the turbo I think will add to the value and desire for the cars. Maybe I'll just NOS my Toyota Camry, buy a lobster dinner and forget about it! Keep your suggestions coming

:NOS:
 
You can make the Cobalts look pretty good, here's a buddy of mine's Cobalt SS
2sig.jpg


they're pretty fun little cars and with a couple mods they're even more fun.

I like the wheels. The lights are ok. I kinda like stock appearing vehicles better than the add on attachments.
 
FWIW, my 07 GXP grand prix, with the LS4 rated at 303 HP netted us 32 MPG on I-80 at 70 MPH. Granted that's pure highway miles with no stopping, but hey! Heated seats, leather,nav and on and on. GM's active fuel management is winner in my book. I never noticed when it shut down 4 cylinders or turned them back on. It's truly a seamless transition. And it's a brute on the street. I've stoplight raced an IROC and a 4.6 GT mustang and smoked both of them. Maybe that's not saying much, but I don't fear too much behind the wheel of that car.

I see a couple of these on lots in the low 20's and they fit 4 comfortably with a real trunk too.
 
FWIW, my 07 GXP grand prix, with the LS4 rated at 303 HP netted us 32 MPG on I-80 at 70 MPH. Granted that's pure highway miles with no stopping, but hey! Heated seats, leather,nav and on and on. GM's active fuel management is winner in my book. I never noticed when it shut down 4 cylinders or turned them back on. It's truly a seamless transition. And it's a brute on the street. I've stoplight raced an IROC and a 4.6 GT mustang and smoked both of them. Maybe that's not saying much, but I don't fear too much behind the wheel of that car.

I see a couple of these on lots in the low 20's and they fit 4 comfortably with a real trunk too.


Sounds like a cool ride!
IROC's are easy to beat! haha!
Post some pics if you have em'!
 
This is a file photo, but mine is the same color.
GXP.jpg


And here's the LS4;
53.jpg



The IROC was tougher to run for some reason, I think it's because he was pinnin' it when he honked(cheater).

The Mustang was easy. I couldn't tell you what color it was because it went behind me so fast.:cheers:
 
The GXP is cool and I thought about looking into those until I drove one. Granted it was winter in Denver but the ride was as bad or worse than a TTA, way too rough for a daily driver IMO. Maybe it was just the roads or maybe I'm just getting cranky in my old age. :wheelchair: I regretting picking the car about 5 minutes after I left the airport. Plus it's hard to find one WITHOUT a moonroof. I'm around 6'4" and the moonroof cuts out what little headroom was left. The GXPs are also coming off of rentals, that's how I drove mine. They can easily be had for <$20k.

National is now renting the G8 GT but try as I may I haven't gotten my hands on one yet. '09 G8s are already on lots with about a $1,300 increase over the '08 GT. But some dealers are advertising a G8 GT with sticker of $31.8k for $28.1k. No other deals or incentives right now and the 0% financing doesn't apply. Later this year will be the G8 GXP with the LS3, 402hp, 14" 4-piston Brembos, etc. etc. Sticker will probably be around $38k.
 
I agree that Cobalt turbos are fun to drive but much like the SRT neons but I'd never want to be seen in one.

I don't know your driving habits or needs so I'll start with my favorites,

1. 2004 GTO - awsome bang for the buck, downfall is limited trunk space, If you get a 6 spd they get great MPG! RWD bad in snow but in Nashville shouldn't be a problem.

2. 2007ish Grand Prix GXP - I like the V8, pleanty of room, headroom is limited like mentioned earlier

3. 2005 Bonneville GXP- Ride is awsome, bigger car less manoverable in city, getting hard to find low miles

4. 2007ish Buick Lacrosse CXS - short 2 cylinders for no turbo but the 3.6 is quick. Nothing beats the comfort of a Buick.

5. 2007ish Chev Monte Carlo SS- almost a 2 door version of the Grand Prix GXP

Good Luck and let us know what you end up with. My concern with SRT neons and the new Cobalt SS is that even though they are american they are just too much like ricers.

My $.02

Eric
 
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