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Coupes & Convertibles Pontiac Solstice Pontiac Solstice vs 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
376 messages, Last post on Jan 17, 2008 at 3:20 PM
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Thanks to Pao's information regarding the trunk (and the helpful link to the pictures) I decided to re-investigate the Solstice. As I mentioned in an earlier post, there are plenty of Solstices sitting around on local dealer lots now (more than two dozen available in the LA area per the search tool on the Pontiac website). After my visit to the Cerritos Auto Square I came to a couple of conclusions. 1) The Solstice is a great-looking car that looks particularly good in silver (IMHO)and; 2) The Solstice drives more like a Mustang than a Miata. The second conclusion got me curious and I started a little research (very little) and it turns out that the 2 seat, 4 cylinder Solstice gets exactly the same estimated mileage (actually 1MPG more in city driving) as the 4 seat, 6 cylinder Mustang Convertible (with the 5 speed manual). Of the three, the Miata is by far the best to drive.(gotta agree with Edmunds here that the Solstice cannot touch the MX-5 for driving pleasure). The Solstice easily the best looking of the three. The Mustang is handsome, but looks better as a coupe (but I want a droptop). I am now considering the Mustang because I have a couple of young sons that I need to carry around sometimes. Plus, the V6 Mustang droptop costs about what the Solstice or the MX-5 costs (give or take a grand or two). Maybe I'll need to get an MX-5 and a Honda Fit!
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Replying to: zonads (Mar 30, 2006 4:35 am) Bobby L. |
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Replying to: zonads (Mar 30, 2006 4:35 am) |
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Replying to: ttbuyer (Apr 01, 2006 8:41 am) but hey...you will certainly get more thumbs up, questions, stares etc in the solstice.....we love ours....test drove the MX-5...and went with the Solstice.....but again personal choice..and we are empty nesters....and this is our third car..... |
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Replying to: aviboy97 (Jan 31, 2006 1:48 pm) 
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Replying to: pao (Mar 27, 2006 4:54 am)
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Replying to: missilemax (Apr 24, 2006 8:04 am) again..this isnt your family car......I wouldnt even consider this a primary car for most people..but rather a cruiser or weekender.......we have packed for a long weekend without in problems in our solstice.....you learn how to pack.....and enjoy the car...as you have your miata...... |
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OK, I have read through this post, and I must comment. I even signed up on the Edmunds site to get my two cents in, since I will probably not be posting here very much. I am a nutty car owner. I have owned in the past an 86 Fiero GT, still miss it, best shot that GM ever had of producing a sports car. Killed after they started to get it right around 88. I also have owned an R package Miata. Miss it horribly to this day. Gave it up due to marriage and a baby on the way. Between the two, as much as I loved the Fiero, the Miata was a better proposition. Better engineering, better quality. The Fiero had almost 100K miles when I reluctantly let it go, and the Miata over 120K miles when it was traded in. Between the two, working on the Miata as an owner was much easier. Brake components, suspension, even spark plug and oil changes much easier. Let's not forget coolant flushes either. But, I still have in my garage a 1970 Triumph TR6, and a 74 MGB-GT. And, comparing the driving experience between the newer cars, and the old ones, I must say that the Mazda people got it closer. The old girls require time and effort, attention to details in servicing, and many gifts in terms of parts. Comparing the Fiero the the Miata, the Miata got much closer in terms of fun to drive while eliminating most of the ownership hassles. So, will the Solstice break the Miata's reigning championship of being the heir to the British invasion? I think not. Too many of GM's internal management/QC issues will eventually relegate it to a second cousin of the Miata Mk III. There may be some tuning going on out there for it, and the GXP will bolster sales for a bit, but having driven 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gen Miata's, and the Solstice, Pontiac is getting close, but still hasn't taken the cigar. And, yes, I would choose my old grease puddling girls in the garage any day over the two newer cars out there. But, when it comes time to get my next new two seater, the Miata will beat out the Solstice. |
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We all know that Pontiac hit the proverbial "home run" with the Solstice, and that they are hard to get. The Pontiac dealer in my town has one left, and they have placed a dealer addendum on it for $3,500 and no test drive! I can't see paying $3,500 over sticker for a car I can't even drive! I am a Mazda dealer, and I can't hide the fact that the Solstice has out sold the MX-5 to date. Well, the good news for us Mazda dealers is that the MX-5 is now becoming tough to get. I sold a MX-5 today to someone who traveled very far because the two dealerships closest to him had none! Needless to say I made some money  My dealership only has 6 left, not many more coming in, and spring is here with lot's of interest in this vehicle. I suggest if you are interested in the MX-5, buy it now while you can still get the one you want and don't have to settle on a color or package you don't really love. Yes, you MX-5 buyers are very finicky, so get what you want while they are still out there.
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Replying to: jhershey (Sep 23, 2005 8:22 am) Cheers, Steve |
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