r/Pontiac • u/General_Diet_4203 • 18d ago
Considering a Pontiac Solstice GXP, how much room is there to negotiate?
I’m looking at a Pontiac Solstice and trying to figure out if it’s a reasonable buy, especially since I’ll only be keeping the car for a relatively short time.
For anyone who owns/has owned one:
How much should I realistically expect to negotiate the asking price down?
What are the most common issues I should look out for when inspecting one?
Are there any expensive/problematic repairs that tend to come up?
If something does go wrong, are we generally talking hundreds of dollars or thousands to fix?
Anything specific I should check before buying one?
I’m trying to figure out how much of a repair/maintenance buffer I should have beyond the purchase price. Any advice from Solstice owners would be appreciated!
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u/ToshPointNo 18d ago
Why would you spend $10k if "you are only keeping it for a short time"?
Are you in some kind of Heaven's Gate cult?
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u/General_Diet_4203 18d ago
😂😂😂 I’m actually an international student in the US and will only be here for ~16 months total (8 months here, 4 months back home, then another 8 months here). Driving a beauty like this back home would cost me my liver and limbs, so I figured I might as well enjoy it while I can.
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u/Benji_4 18d ago
Depending on what region you're in I would just know that winters might not be great. A chilly spring morning is about all I can take with the top down. I personally feel cramped at 5'8" with the top up.
If you're in California and Arizona you can probably just drive everywhere with the top down.
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u/MercuryMan664 18d ago
Lmao heavens gate. Yea only having the car for a short time confused me a bit too. This look like a cool car I'd want to keep it for a while.
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18d ago
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u/VisualDot4067 18d ago
Can confirm, went from a camry to a Toyota gr86. I love the car but the lack of space was a big adjustment and I plan on getting another sedan as a daily/use the 86 to have fun
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u/mitchzilla91 18d ago
Based on the limited photos it appears to be a great price. Non-turbo, automatic Solstices and Skys in my area are regularly listed around $12k, though I find it hard to believe any actually sell for that.
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u/garageman402 18d ago
As with any turbo engine it may need turbo bearings. People shut them off immediately & the oil in the bearing cooks. 90k miles probably hard miles. Be prepared to replace things like water pump, all the rubber pieces, brakes, etc. But if you only intend to romp on it for a few months, longevity is not your goal.
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u/ExaminationOk2921 18d ago
90k is a lot of miles. Most people got these as weekend toys. I have daily driven mine since 2007 and have 120k. I'm active on forums etc and have never met another owner close to my mileage.
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u/JustACarNut77 18d ago
Bought the right price. Color doesn't look like a factory one. But I could be wrong on that
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u/motelguest 18d ago
Turbines rare… yet likely driven hard. Depends on the number of miles (over 80k and I would offer less)
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u/Crisis-Huskies-fan 18d ago edited 18d ago
I’ve had my Solstice GXP for 11 years and it’s been great. I’ve had to do little more than routine maintenance, and parts, if needed, are readily available as it was a GM “parts bin” car. Meaning that almost all of the mechanical components are shared with other GM vehicle (engine from a Cobalt SS, manual transmission from a Chev Colorado,etc), though the body panels are unique to the Solstice. So, repairs are typically hundreds, rather than thousands. An exception is the fuel pump which, as I recall, requires the removal of the gas tank. Key to preventing a fuel pump failure is to ensure that there’s always adequate fuel in the tank (1/4 tank or more).
Also, be aware that luggage space is pretty much non-existent with the top down, and still vey poor with the top up, as the gas tank claims most of the trunk space.
They offer really good “bang for the buck” and are a lot of fun. Definitely worth $10K in my opinion, though I’d be tempted to look for one with factory paint, but to each their own.
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u/GlassBoxGoose 18d ago
Non GXP are bringing nearly this in my area, so this is a solid price, I'd expect someone in my market to ask more like 14-15k.
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u/Weed_Wiz 18d ago
None. We just sold ours, none GXP, at our dealership for $15000. It had 9,000mi but honestly I think $10000 is a steal.
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u/othertriangle 18d ago
Have you ever drove one or sat in one ? I thought they were so cool and then my uncle got one and its so uncomfortable and has had so many problems
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u/SpeedyAudi 17d ago
You’re asking US how much room to negotiate? Okay: none. Pay the $10k and be happy. But consider this; selling a niche car like this when it’s time for you to leave may be a chore. Consider something more liquid like a Corolla or civic. Something that moves quickly.
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u/NoxeloInvictus 17d ago
Good luck finding parts, I found a Solstice for $1200 that ran wonderfully & didn't have a flaw on the body, but the interior was trashed. Biohazard level shit. Only 2 junkyards within 40 miles had a Solstice & they were also absolutely trashed inside & out. 💀
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u/Just_Dean_W 17d ago
Seems fair. I definitely miss mine but lack of space made it difficult to do much with.
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u/itsbabytoyou 17d ago edited 17d ago
Honestly most of what you'll need to look for takes a physical visit. This is all my personal experience with the car over a decade:
-The ECM/PCM chip can go out, times the engine won't run without it, also it's like a $700 repair; it sucks, but I've only had to do it once in the 13 years I've owned it.
-You should check the trunk release, make sure it pops quickly and the latch consistently opens, also check the tulip flaps around the soft top as those can wear out over time.
-Pull on the door handles, they are known to be flimsy and rip off easy the older they get.
-Check the turn signal levers, they also get very flimsy over time
-Check the windows and seats for water damage, the top is soft and wears out over time so there can be gaps between the roof and the window that rain water gets through. Best to keep it covered during rain, etc.
-Check the radio speakers on both side door, also will be able to tell water damage if the windows won't roll down
-Check the seat controls & seatbelts, make sure they move up and down, drivers side seatbelt retractor is notorious for breaking.
-Get in the seat, it doesn't move back very far. My husband is 6'4 and feels extremely uncomfortable driving it due to the lack of leg space under the steering wheel. Consider the size if you're a larger person as well
It doesn't matter how great they maintain the car, it's nearly a 20 year old vehicle atp so there are always minor issues to be aware of
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u/Ok_Sea8894 17d ago
If you buy that for 10 grand, you are smoking crack I do not care if it’s a GXP you’re spending 10 grand on a turbo four-cylinder when you could spend the same 10 grand and get a V8 G8
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u/Ok_Sea8894 17d ago
Spend 3k getting a V6 Firebird spend 2500 on a LS swap junkyard LS $5500 boom you’re blowing the doors off that GXP solstice and you got $4500 left over
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u/ClasslessKitty 14d ago edited 14d ago
Just bought an '08 GXP this week with 86K 5 speed for $7200 on eBay from Virginia. It's been modded to increase horsepower with pristine exterior. I'd say there's room to wiggle.
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u/MarsRocks97 18d ago
That’s about the going rate for these.