The vendor of as we speak’s Good Worth or No Cube Solstice describes themselves as ‘motivated and responsive.’ Let’s examine if they’ve priced their Pontiac to make us really feel the identical manner about its potential sale.
Linguistic variations apart, it is difficult to tell apart between the phrases “going the additional mile” and “taking issues too far.” One has a optimistic connotation, whereas the opposite is, as a rule, provided as a condemnation. Each, nonetheless, keep related sufficient contexts, which might confuse these unfamiliar with English language constructs.
It might be stated that the creator of the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Marilyn Monroe tribute automotive we checked out yesterday went the additional mile in modifying the automotive. Likewise, the automotive’s audacious and over-the-top presentation is also seen as having gone too far. See? It really works each methods. What did not work was the outcome. At the least, that was the takeaway from the feedback. At $6,500, the Pinup PT was slacking within the worth division as nicely, as evidenced by the 65% ‘No Cube’ loss it suffered.
Going to extremes
The Solstice happens twice a yr, marking the northernmost and southernmost declination of the solar from the celestial equator. Pagan traditions in historical Europe celebrated the Winter Solstice, generally known as Yuletide, as a day of rebirth following the longest evening of the yr. It appears becoming then that Basic Motors’ Pontiac model used the title for its two-seat roadster, launched for the 2006 mannequin yr, because it had beforehand used the names Firebird and Phoenix, each derived from historic legends about rebirth and renewal.
Sadly, the Pontiac Solstice would show to be one of many final fashions Pontiac ever launched, because the financial downturn that occurred two years into its quick mannequin run led GM out of business, in the end killing off the Pontiac model and, consequently, the Solstice.
That was unlucky, as a result of regardless of its apparent flaws (nearly zero trunk house, not a Miata), the Solstice was, and nonetheless is, a fairly neat little automotive. It is most unlikely, nonetheless, that it or its Pontiac dad or mum will ever rise from the ashes in phoenix-like trend.
First 1000
The Solstice, together with its Saturn Sky, Opel GT, and Daewoo G2X manufacturing line siblings (all additionally R.I.P.), was constructed on a model new platform, which GM designated Kappa. It was meant to underpin a complete slew of various automobiles, however the economic system and the market’s basic penchant for crossovers over small automobiles quashed that plan.
That was much less of a consideration in late 2005 as GM was having sufficient bother simply getting the Kappa manufacturing line up and working to crank out what was arguably probably the most attention-grabbing new automobiles the corporate had produced in a very long time.
This 2006 Pontiac Solstice is likely one of the first 1,000 to roll off that meeting line, as evidenced by the placard it wears on its dashboard. As that is an preliminary run automotive, it isn’t the later GXP version, and due to this fact options the naturally aspirated 2.4-liter 16-valve Ecotec four-cylinder engine somewhat than the smaller 2.0 turbo unit. Which means 177 horsepower somewhat than 260, and fewer torque as nicely. On the plus aspect, the Ecotec is paired with a five-speed handbook transmission on this automotive, somewhat than a fun-sapping automated.
100% turnkey
Different elements on this Solstice’s favor embrace its “Sly” Metal grey paint that appears to be in nice form, a two-tone grey and beige inside with leather-based seating, and a high that seems to be in as-new situation. The automotive’s nice total form is reflective of its low 48,500 mileage, and what the advert claims is a historical past of being “superbly maintained.” Because of this, the vendor classifies the automotive as being in glorious situation, claiming it to be a 100% turnkey driver.
Not like yesterday’s closely modded Chrysler, every thing about this Solstice seems to be manufacturing facility. The alloy wheels are un-curbed and put on rubber that has loads of tread. Befitting a automotive of its age and stature, the cabin is considerably naked bones, missing a middle stack display screen in favor of a CD stereo. The home windows and locks are powered, however the seats and the highest are each operated by hand, with the latter requiring the driving force to get out of the automotive and open the trunk lid for its elevating and decreasing.
Simply get a Miata?
There are variety of Solstices (Solsti?) available on the market, and there is a fairly strong fan base supporting it, as nicely. One other issue is that GM raided the components bin for lots of the mannequin’s options and drivetrain, so replacements are each cheap and available.
At $8,450, this one can also be obtainable. The query, although, is whether or not that is a logical expenditure, or if a equally priced and spec’d Mazda MX-5 won’t be a greater discount.
What do you assume? Is that this Solstice the proper selection? And is that $8,450 the proper worth? Or does the automotive and the asking point out darkish days forward?
You determine!
Good Worth or No Cube:
Seattle, Washington, Craigslist, or go right here if the advert disappears.
H/T to Fauxshizzle for the hookup!
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