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Author Topic: New Chap No Car  (Read 9300 times)

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Offline catandsplat

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New Chap No Car
« on: June 26, 2012, 07:27:37 PM »
Hi,
Glad to be here. Am currently looking for a Solstice GXP (very few Redlines around here), have seen a few locally but still in process of trying to workout if I should get a mechanic (or a local kappa owner who knows his stuff) to check any over. Am in Freehold NJ and there are 2 just up the road, totally varied in price etc. How on earth do you make a decision, lol !!
Any suggestions appreciated
Chris.  :banghead:

Offline elff

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Re: New Chap No Car
« Reply #1 on: June 26, 2012, 07:44:39 PM »
Do you have listings so we could take a look and help out?
There are a couple  of us in the area who could help out.

Offline catandsplat

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Re: New Chap No Car
« Reply #2 on: June 26, 2012, 08:11:47 PM »
These are the nearest ones to me: https://usedcars.truecar.com/cars/used-for-sale-Pontiac.Solstice/trim-GXP/location-07728/range-50/transmission-Automatic
I've looked at 3 of these and a couple which don't show up truecar search. Most search sites bring up the same few but there are exceptions of course. The bottom 2 are just up route 9. The cheaper one has an accident on carfax but drove nicely (firm suspension and good kick from turbo), the one from the GMC dealer is price much higher at the garage but they're showing it as 'certified', 2 year bumper2bumper etc. The one at the top isn't an automatic as illustrated. Because we want to take trips away in it, I want the option of my wife driving, so need an auto!
There are some very nice non-GXP's around and I did wonder if they can be modded to include a turbo as I want that extra performance.
I havn't run the vins past the insurance company yet, that might shed light on the 'accidents'. Obviously carfax doesn't show all things, so whether to steer clear of any accident related (or auctioned) ones, I don't know. I'm new to the USA, so lots of what I expect from home doesn't apply here, so I'm a bit lost at the moment  :gaah:

Offline Kelu

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Re: New Chap No Car
« Reply #3 on: June 26, 2012, 08:27:25 PM »
Go for GXP, is cheaper on long run than blowing a NA.
Dragula  ;) Opel GT  from Romania
Arabas: take fotos, videos and keep all girls locked inside the house. Kelu's charm is irresistible !!!!

Offline elff

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Re: New Chap No Car
« Reply #4 on: June 26, 2012, 08:27:28 PM »
There are Turbo and SuperCharger options for non GXP models so you don't have to worry about not getting a GXP initially.

DDMworks is a site sponsor and can help out.

Even if you don't have one by the end of August, DeepBlueGXP holds a once a year event at his place in MD.  It's less than 4hrs from you.  There will be a full range of Kappa's so you can see just about everything you can do to one.  It would be well worth the drive for you to go. 

I would suggest going for one of the 2008's.  Someone else can chime in on the differences [Im a 2008 sky Owner] but there were improvements made that year.  I think both have wiggle room on the price.   You should be able to get at least a grand off. 

Offline elff

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Re: New Chap No Car
« Reply #5 on: June 26, 2012, 09:02:23 PM »
Kelu does speak the truth, and with a simple Tune, you can get more power than most people need.
The stock K04 is a pretty darn good turbo

Offline miller11386

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Re: New Chap No Car
« Reply #6 on: June 26, 2012, 09:05:35 PM »
08 or 09 are the only years I would buy. and I think the turbo cars are much more suting to most people. 2.0T with a tune usually satisfies most peoples need for speed! I must say im enjoying mine with the stock turbo on it agian... instant spool!
Check out Miller's Youtube Channel HERE

Offline DeepBlueGXP

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Re: New Chap No Car
« Reply #7 on: June 26, 2012, 09:23:08 PM »
There isn't anything wrong with 07's either ;)

See the event pages for Southern Maryland Mod Meet (SMMM9)
http://www.kappaperformance.com/forum/index.php/topic,8428.0.html

Offline elff

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Re: New Chap No Car
« Reply #8 on: June 26, 2012, 09:26:23 PM »
Didn't they add some stuff to the 08s that did not come in the 07s?

Offline miller11386

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Re: New Chap No Car
« Reply #9 on: June 26, 2012, 09:31:52 PM »
The Diff recall was in the 06-07's... the only recall on the 08-09's was the vent tube for  the diff.

I will take the vent tube issue over convincing GM to replace the diff on a 6 year old car lol.. similarly the assembly line was working much better... i just notice a lot of the little querks of the 06-07's appear more in the earlier years compared to the 08-09.. my 08 has been flawless... vent tube recall and a purge solenoid... both covered under warranty.
Check out Miller's Youtube Channel HERE

Offline Critterman

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Re: New Chap No Car
« Reply #10 on: June 26, 2012, 09:36:06 PM »
Or a blown 06.  You can do almost anything you want with these cars including adding a V8
GONE: (but not forgotten) 2006 Cool named BIXABEL (BISH-AH-BEL) Mayan for "Good Roads"

DDM
StageIII intercooled Supercharger, Wisco ceramic coated pistons, Carrillo rods, superTech valves and Springs
Ported and polished head
Exedy Stage II Clutch
big brake kit, slotted/drilled Rotors w/Porterfield pads & blue juice
Backbone, Probeam, Cross Strut Brace
Underhood, trunk, & door Lights
ZOK suspension

JPM
Center console, door inserts, & dash
Seat bolster & lumbar support

Focuztech Tri-Y Header & hi-flow cat
Solo Performance SQR-2
Norm's Rear facia
Heated Seats
Black Cat inserts

Offline Sol Asylum

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Re: New Chap No Car
« Reply #11 on: June 26, 2012, 09:48:28 PM »

my 08 has been flawless

How did you not burst into flames for that lie?

The diff recall isn't even an issue as long as it was complied with.  I would be more worried about the brake issue the 08's had.
« Last Edit: June 26, 2012, 09:53:33 PM by Sol Asylum »
2007 Aggressive GXP

Offline Critterman

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Re: New Chap No Car
« Reply #12 on: June 26, 2012, 09:50:36 PM »
I would quote you SA but you didn't say anything.  You cannot include owner inducted problems
GONE: (but not forgotten) 2006 Cool named BIXABEL (BISH-AH-BEL) Mayan for "Good Roads"

DDM
StageIII intercooled Supercharger, Wisco ceramic coated pistons, Carrillo rods, superTech valves and Springs
Ported and polished head
Exedy Stage II Clutch
big brake kit, slotted/drilled Rotors w/Porterfield pads & blue juice
Backbone, Probeam, Cross Strut Brace
Underhood, trunk, & door Lights
ZOK suspension

JPM
Center console, door inserts, & dash
Seat bolster & lumbar support

Focuztech Tri-Y Header & hi-flow cat
Solo Performance SQR-2
Norm's Rear facia
Heated Seats
Black Cat inserts

Offline Sol Asylum

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Re: New Chap No Car
« Reply #13 on: June 26, 2012, 09:55:47 PM »
Yeah stupid tablet decided to post before I got a chance to add anything besides the quote.
2007 Aggressive GXP

Offline elff

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Re: New Chap No Car
« Reply #14 on: June 26, 2012, 09:57:31 PM »
The issue miller had was not a stock part and wasn't his fault.
The aluminum O2 extender melted in mine as well.
But that is a non issue if you don't add a hi Flo cat

Offline TomatoSoup

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Re: New Chap No Car
« Reply #15 on: June 26, 2012, 10:27:08 PM »
I would be more worried about the brake issue the 08's had.
Overblown.  I have an early 08 and never had ANY issue with the brakes (well, apart from the handbrake before it was adjusted, but that's all years).
"That is my theory, it is mine, and belongs to me and I own it, and what it is too." (Monty Python)

Offline TomatoSoup

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Re: New Chap No Car
« Reply #16 on: June 26, 2012, 10:33:30 PM »
Oh... and you need to teach the wife to drive a stick.  This would be your chance!

I made sure my two girls learnt - despite all the protestations.  Now they're proud of the ability.
"That is my theory, it is mine, and belongs to me and I own it, and what it is too." (Monty Python)

Offline Gentleman Jack

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New Chap No Car
« Reply #17 on: June 27, 2012, 02:02:38 AM »
cat and splat,

please check your PMs. 
Make the right choices now

Offline miller11386

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Re: New Chap No Car
« Reply #18 on: June 27, 2012, 05:31:08 AM »
How did you not burst into flames for that lie?

I always keep a fire extinguisher near by. ;)

Apologies.. if spikey wasn't handing out junk o2 extenders with the hf cat, my issue would have never occurred :poke:

Even with that issue that leaves me with:

Vent tube recall
Purge Solenoid
Leaking/melted O2 Extender.

All are pretty minor compared to something like differentials grinding/ needing replaced or perhaps the broken tulip panel flaps, broken cup holders, pulled out door handles, bad door strikers, hood/cowl rattle etc.
Check out Miller's Youtube Channel HERE

Offline Sol Asylum

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Re: New Chap No Car
« Reply #19 on: June 27, 2012, 01:45:48 PM »
Truthfully even with some people having the problems that you list the cars are pretty good and the issues have only affected a small percentage of owners compaired to some other cars that are out there.
2007 Aggressive GXP

Offline elff

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Re: New Chap No Car
« Reply #20 on: June 27, 2012, 01:51:34 PM »
That is very true
and most cars are no where near as fun as a kappa
or
get anywhere near the attention in a crowd

Offline Kelu

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Re: New Chap No Car
« Reply #21 on: June 27, 2012, 02:58:37 PM »
cat and splat,

please check your PMs. 
He is brand new and you already take him on private? Don't forget about pics ;)
Dragula  ;) Opel GT  from Romania
Arabas: take fotos, videos and keep all girls locked inside the house. Kelu's charm is irresistible !!!!

Offline catandsplat

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Re: New Chap No Car
« Reply #22 on: June 28, 2012, 08:17:08 PM »
Hi All,

So, does that mean I should not consider either of those I mentioned above. I still havn't run the vin numbers past the insurance company yet, assuming they'll say if they notice anything dodgy. Although it'd be in their interest to do so!
Thanks for all your witty comments, keep em' coming, lol. I'll keep you upated on my endeavours...

Chris.

Offline Sly Bob

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Re: New Chap No Car
« Reply #23 on: June 28, 2012, 08:26:38 PM »
Good luck in your search Chris!
Just trying to do my part...

Mods: Lose the chicklets, VentureShield, Dual horns, AfterShock spoiler, Weathershield cover, Lil Chromies, Red calipers with black Solstice stickers, Opel GT antenna and Solo GXP-RCD exhaust with a Solo hi-flow cat!

Offline Sol Asylum

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Re: New Chap No Car
« Reply #24 on: June 28, 2012, 09:54:11 PM »
The early 07's had a recall on the differential due to an input shaft seal that could leak.  If enough fluid leaked out then the gears could weld themselves together and lock up, which is nothing special because any diff that is run without fluid will do that.  The thing to look for is if the recall was complied with.  If you take the VIN to a GM dealer they should be able to tell you if the recall even applies to that car and if it did was it complied with.   

In 08 GM changed how the power brakes worked and there was a software issue which could result in loss of brakes if you started the car and immediately started to move and then apply the brakes.  The car needed time for the system to build up the vacuum for the brakes.  There was also some sort of issue where having cruise control on could also result in a brake failure but I am not 100% sure about that issue since it didn't apply to my car I didn't follow it.

In short don't rule out a car simply because of the model year.  However I wouldn't buy a Sky no matter what year simply because Miller has one :poke:, that and I like the looks of the Sol better.
2007 Aggressive GXP

 

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