nzarnow

Never thought I would be considering a Saturn, but here goes nothing.

My current RX-8 has been a ton of fun. I just wish I was not a dumbshit when I bought it and got the six speed instead of my current 4sp auto. Please don't say that I am an idiot for getting the auto. It is a great car, but at the same time I am looking for a stick shift after I have been infected with learning how to drive manual. I can't stop thinking about shifting. Mind you, this was only after learning on my friends 5 speed 1983 Chevy Blazer peice of crap.

I do not need more than a two seater as I am only going to be a college student. Also, a convertible sounds pretty awesome due to living in Southern California and going to school in Classy San Diego. Trunk space does not really matter either because, well, I own nothing to lug around except a computer and books...

I realize the Redline does not come out for a few more months, but I don't really want the current weak engine. Granted my 8 now only has 197hp and a gerbel for torque. 260hp and 260tq in a five speed stick with the top down going down PCH in a little car like that really sounds great.

My Rx-8 is equiped as follows:

2004 Automatic 4 Speed
Touring Package
Appearance Package
Bose Speakers
Navigation System
Chrome 18in Stock Wheels
Sun Roof

I will be getting a Redline with basically ever option there is. I built a normal Sky on the Saturn website and it comes to about 27k. Add a few K for the Redline and its about 30k. Now the good news: My father is part of the GM family so he could get me 16% off MSRP along with whatever deals they get. Not sure exactly on all the details.

Now, I really really really just want a manual transmission car! If any of you know of a car (That is NEW not used) that can be had for around 27k feel free to post it up. I don't really want to look at another RX-8 because the only way to do that would be to sacrfice all those extra options I have. Another solution that I have been kicking around (albeit very hypothetically) is to get a non-redline version and in a year or two, drop an LS1 into it. I know that sounds great, but it may cost too much money and the whole warrenty issue. Keep in mind this will be my daily driver and ONLY car.

Thanks for any advice you can give.

lesper4

iTrader: (3)

Cant give you any advice but i thought the signup list for that car is out the door. In other words you may not get it for a year. Then again i may be wrong. It looks like a great car especially for cali. Good luck!

khtm

I would definitely do the trade if I was you! Convertible in San Diego + M/T + nice power/weight ratio...drool.

NgoRX8

iTrader: (1)

doesn't sound like a bad idea. although i do not know anything about saturn. just dont get the current one.

StealthTL

iTrader: (1)

Nice car.

Designed to be the new Opel sportscar, the design was tweaked by the same design team that did the Elise and the VX220 (check the pointy front bumper)

Opel actually import the US model.

Lots of power, lots of (engine) mods available, and no trunk. Seriously, the trunk is handbag size. The show models always have the trunk locked.

Good choice, given your circumstances!

S

DOMINION

Dont get the NA. Wait for the Turbo one

StealthTL

iTrader: (1)

The Redline IS the turbo version, that's Saturns' "performance" label.

S

mysql101

It is a good looking car. But it's going to be as common as mustangs on the streets before long.

I assume that's at the crank, not what it puts down to the wheels.

If you had the manual, I'd suggest getting the greddy kit. For what you'd lose on the trade in, you could get the upgrade and end up with a faster car than the sky. Unfortunately that doesn't apply for the auto...

I say go for it.

ZoomZoomH

iTrader: (1)

saturn sky redline eh

for a moment i thought you meant the saturn ION redline, and was gonna smack you upside the head

i'd have no problem getting in that car, especially if you're getting rid of your 4spd auto 8

good luck and have fun

Red_X8

Peope don't go UP to a Saturn, they go DOWN to a Saturn. If anything, trade your AT RX-8 for a fully loaded manual RX-8, but coming from someone who traded in their Saturn for the RX-8, I would have nothing but bad things to say about Saturn, hence the change. But the Sky does look good, maybe if it were under a different brand I would say otherwise, but seriously, Saturn is a GM brand, your getting their top of the line car, but you still have to look at what other cars they sell to really get a grasp on the kind of things you can come to expect. I think the Sky is a really good car though, I just don't think its in the ballpark of the rest of the Saturn lineup.

Hightshoe

Agreed, I would get an MX-5 before ever considering the Sky, even the Redline version.

Ike

You had me at "2004 Automatic 4 Speed"

silverwolf

however from your first post it looks as though you have already made up your mind

saturn

What the hell did I ever do to you?!?!?

Red_X8

Change your name to Mazda and you'll have alot more friends.

therm8

He stated in his first post that trading "up" to a MT Rx-8 is not an option. Besides, why trade from one shitty resale car to another? At least give yourself a shot with the Sky.

The rest of your post...I can't make heads or tails of it. Although I gather you don't like Saturn. Given the choice, myself, I'd take the Sky over the MT 8 as well. But then after 3 years, I'd rather buy a different car than the same one with a different transmission.

To the OP. Another option is the S2000. You should be able to get one of the '06's under $30k after model year end. Probably slower than the Sky RL, and definately less potential, but you do get a trunk...sort of...and the JDM Yo! ™ fan club will leave you alone.

alfy28

dude if you get the s2k , you will be so jdm dude.

flomulgator

The saturn is less Saturn and more Opel/Pontiac/GM. Meaning GM gifted this variant of the Solstice to Saturn to help out that brand; it has nothing in common w/ every other saturn you've ever seen. Ever considered th solstice GTP? same as Sky Redline just curvier. Some say the interior of the Saturn is marginally better, but honestly just go on what looks the best to you.

Please please don't buy into any of this branding trade up/down crap. After all everyone here is driving a Ford (albiet the RX-8 is one of the only Mazda's to be made entirely in Japan). Car companies are multinational, brand perception can be entirely altered with just one good or bad model. Most importantly, buy what you thinks looks good to you and to others, not based upon what badge it wears. Unless of course that badge looks like a prancing horse or a raging bull.

sunilseru

I considered the Sky redline. I went to the dealer and checked out the regular Sky in person. It looks nice on the outside, but the interior is not for me. And after driving the S2000 a couple of times, I decided that I am going back to VTEC.

Detrich

i think the sky looks great and hopefully GM's improved things even more w/ the redline.

that said, i've been a college student b4, and i don't really see how a 2 seater would ever work. whether i lived on-campus in the dorms or off-campus in an apt, i had lots of stuff to move- clothes, computers, sports equipment, books, housewares etc. plus, there's usually no covered parking- so break-ins & vandalism for a convertible would also be a concern. unless u hook up a uhaul to it, a 2-seater would be the least practical car, in my opinion. <shrugs>

Aero8

Just to clarify, it is the Solstice GXP. I was going to suggest the same thing. I haven't seen the Sky in person, but I know the Solstices look sharp. and I am assuming prices are close to each other.

Clavius

Find the Hotrod (or was it CarCraft) magazines that did the feature on this. Doing the Ls1 swap isnt just a normal swap they modified the hell out of that car. Though the end product is a badass looking car unless your somewhat loaded or have alot of great friends in the autobody and mechanical field avoid this swap. Though if I remember I vaguely believe they stated that all parts would/could be ordered in the near future. Find those mag's (believe this "build up" took 3 issues) and read up if this swap is something you seriously want to consider.

GotBass

I got this nice little car called an RX-8, from Mazda. 27,600.

JeRKy 8 Owner

The Sky is already out...I've seen one in gray on the highway and yes it was nice. But there is a waiting list for the Sky right now just like there was a wait for the Solstice.

While you may be "downgrading" by brand name, a manual Saturn Sky will be a lot more fun to own than the old 4spd automatic RX-8, and you can quote me on that.

If it takes forever to get a Sky though, check on the Solstice GXP. That will be a beast.

VikingDJ

I'm partial, but I'd take an S2000 over a Sky Redline any day, and I'd never even remotely consider a trade for one. Not as fast naturally, but likely way more reliable, and a top 5 car in holding it's value. I'd wait for that Redline to be out for a while, check some reviews, and wait for the deals to be better. If you rush it, you are gonna have to pay big bucks. Since the resale value of an RX8 is just not very good period, you certainly avoid the fear of massive depreciation no matter what roadster you choose. The bottom line is that although a smart swap, and a nice upgrade, you can wipe out the deal if you try and get one while eveyrone else wants one. Paying anywhere near msrp is never an option for me, no matter what the car, or how much I like it. Good luck in your future car change.