I hear the crossfire is pretty good...

 

I tested the mx-5 when I was looking for another car. In the end, I prefered the rx-8. My folks had an NA and it was fun though it lack the power. The mx-5 fun too. But alas, the rx-8's total package was superior. I know lots of folks that drive the mx-5 in winter. With the PRHT model, just slap a set of winters and you're good to go.

 

OH BOY

 

get the solstice... mazda sucks!!!!

all jokes aside, the stock 8 suspension is very soft. but then again so was the MX5 that i test drove. another thing you want to remember is both cars share the same chasis just one is heavy but has more power.

i did test drive the solstice when it first came out (not the redline... yet). i remember it was sprung and dampened better then the mx5. didnt really push it though so i dont know how well it behaves under spirited driving.

 

Half the people in this thread jumped down the OP's throat for no other reason that to be negative. Give the guy a break, he posted a valid question looking for advice.

This forum's thread ettiquette is falling.

 

Solstice drives like a ford windstar.
It would take a lot of $$$$ to make it handle well.

THere is a reason they are not selling well, because they can not do what a roadster is supposed to do.


If you want a convertable, go back to your Miata, or make the wise choice and get a Toyota Spyder

 

Yes, you're absolutely right. There is simply no excuse for such personal slandering and thread derailing.

So let's get back on topic.

To answer the OP's question: No, there is clearly no more hope for you, so you might as well shoot yourself in the face right now.

 

Thanks for everyone’s time.

 

Don't mind the D bags man. Seriously though the RX8 and the Soltice are not that comparible. Personally if you like a roadster ger a used S2000 and save a ton of money. My friend just picked up an 06' S2000 for like 16k with super low miles. The depreciation on that Soltice will be huge (same as with the RX-8).

 

I test drove all three back in 06 before buying the 8. My thoughts after test driving the Solstice was this is a piece of ****. It is poorly designed in every way, the base engine is noisy and weak, reliability from what I have read has been so so, and a redesign is uncertain at this point.

It looks good from the outside but with the top down, there is zero storage space. I asked the saleswoman "What do I do if I'm going to the beach with another passenger and luggage?" She didn't answer me. There is no storage space inside either. Oh wait, there is an ashtray like storage compartment in the waterfall divider. It is the only car I have ever been in with a center console but no center console storage. Lastly, I'm 6'3 and for me the steering wheel lip covers the gas gauge. And yes I tried to adjust the wheel several ways but it wasn't much better. I intended to drive this car every day and the Solstice would never work.

I didn't find these problems on the MX5 and really liked the car but due to my height, it was uncomfortable. Now that the chassis is stretched, I would consider getting one. I guess I look at it as Mazda has been continually updating and improving the MX5 whereas GM has treated the Solstice like a lot of their cars, they gave up after the first run.

It seems like price is swaying you right now but consider resale value. I didn't do the numbers but I would guess the MX5 holds its value far better than the Solstice. Then consider if the model or the entire Pontiac division is discontinued. What is going to be the resale on that car if that happens? GM management changes like the wind but I thought the last I read, they wanted to concentrate on 4 core brands, Chev, Cad, GMC, and Buick.

Demand for the Solstice fell off a cliff after the first couple years and the plant here in DE is down to one shift. In comparison, the MX5 is the best selling and most popular small roadster. These are just my thoughts after test driving each car. It was just a test drive and nothing extensive. In the end you are the one making the payments and you are the one who has to live with it every day so buy what you want.