Thinking about getting a Solstice or Sky (Page 1/2)
railshot JUN 26, 08:24 AM
I have had my 88GT now for about 6 weeks after an 8 year absence, and may be coming to the reality that my wifes and my old bodies just cannot handle a Fiero anymore.
I do know for sure, what used to take me 1 hour to do on the GT, now takes 3, and the extra 2 hours is just getting up and down.

Getting in and out is taking a lot of effort, and my wife (who used to love our Fiero's) does not have the strength she had back then, is almost refusing to ride in it.
Last year she was diagnosed with breast cancer and went through some very nasty surgery and chemo treatments that have left her with neuropathy in her hands and feet.
Thankfully she is testing negative for cancer every time, but her strength and the feeling in her hands and feet may never return.

Yes, I am contemplating selling my 88 GT, and getting a Solstice or Sky.

Having never been in one, or driven one, I was wondering how they compare to a Fiero for getting in and out of, and ride quality etc.
I have always liked the looks of the Solstice, and the interiors look fairly comfortable.

Before I even go to look at one, I would love some real world feedback.

Anyone own one and drive one?
css9450 JUN 28, 01:03 PM
I find the Solstice/Sky to be considerably tighter inside than the Fiero and harder to get in and out of, but not as difficult as, say, a C4 Corvette which I find really awkward due to the high side sills on it.

But otherwise, the Solstice is one car I'll probably someday be kicking myself for not buying when I had a chance. All that's stopping me is lack of garage space.
tebailey JUN 28, 04:47 PM
Solstice has always been on my favorites list.
railshot JUN 28, 07:07 PM
Thanks for both of the responses.

My wife and I talked, and she said I should keep the GT for myself to do what I intended to do originally.
It was, and now is, a retirement project, so who cares if it takes me 2 extra hours getting up and down.... I will have nothing but time in 1.5 years, so.....

I am still considering getting a Solstice or Sky, and judging by the getting in and out issues posted above by css9450, I better hurry and "try one on". LOL.
tebailey JUN 28, 08:08 PM
If you think the Fiero is hard to get in and out of, mine has a Kelmark GT body on it. I don't get in, I put it on
PS. I still love the Solstice.

[This message has been edited by tebailey (edited 06-28-2016).]

thesameguy JUL 01, 06:44 PM
There is another thread somewhere around here with this exact discussion.

I had a Solstice GXP for a while, and maybe interestingly got rid of it shortly after getting the Fiero.

I think both of the Kappa cars are pretty darned good looking, and the turbos are pretty quick in a straight line. The LNF has a lot to offer, for sure. I was attracted to the GXP primarily for those reasons - nice to look at, great motor.

After a few years of ownership, I lost interest. It's not a very engaging drive. The cabin isn't particularly comfortable. The cargo space is far worse than the Fiero. The equipment level is a little lackluster. The materials aren't that nice.

If all you care about is a nice looking car and highway cruising, it's a solid car. If all you car about is fast in a straight line the turbo delivers. Beyond that? I think there are better options. I was looking for an S2000 with a better drivetrain, but while the GXP is definitely more responsive and less buzzy on the freeway than an S2000, it not even in the same ballpark in terms of the driving experience. I was never mad at the car, but it was a disappointing ownership experience. Its probably the only car I've ever owned that I absolutely in no way miss. It's best attribute was how it looked in the driveway, but from the driver's seat it was a big blah.

[This message has been edited by thesameguy (edited 07-01-2016).]

railshot JUL 01, 08:06 PM

quote
Originally posted by thesameguy:

There is another thread somewhere around here with this exact discussion.

I had a Solstice GXP for a while, and maybe interestingly got rid of it shortly after getting the Fiero.

I think both of the Kappa cars are pretty darned good looking, and the turbos are pretty quick in a straight line. The LNF has a lot to offer, for sure. I was attracted to the GXP primarily for those reasons - nice to look at, great motor.

After a few years of ownership, I lost interest. It's not a very engaging drive. The cabin isn't particularly comfortable. The cargo space is far worse than the Fiero. The equipment level is a little lackluster. The materials aren't that nice.

If all you care about is a nice looking car and highway cruising, it's a solid car. If all you car about is fast in a straight line the turbo delivers. Beyond that? I think there are better options. I was looking for an S2000 with a better drivetrain, but while the GXP is definitely more responsive and less buzzy on the freeway than an S2000, it not even in the same ballpark in terms of the driving experience. I was never mad at the car, but it was a disappointing ownership experience. Its probably the only car I've ever owned that I absolutely in no way miss. It's best attribute was how it looked in the driveway, but from the driver's seat it was a big blah.




OK, you guys are slowly convincing me to stick with the GT.
I have always found the Fiero to be a fine vehicle, and much more than people give it credit for.
thesameguy JUL 02, 06:48 PM
I would definitely recommend driving one or two. I think everything you need to know is apparent after about 30 minutes. The first few minutes you're thinking that it's nicely quiet, then you're thinking the power (even on the non-turbos) and the transmission (at least, the manuals) is pretty solid. It feels really nice at this point, and if you admired them from afar like I did you're happy to be in the pilot seat. Once you feel comfortable, go find some curves and get into the drive a little and you'll start to see how it breaks down. If you never get to that point you'll never be disappointed, but the better you know the car and the harder you push it the more lackluster it feels. :|

I bought my Fiero on a lark - I wanted one as a kid, as I saw it on Craigslist and decided to live the dream. After about three months with the Fiero I was done with the Solstice. It's not as nice and not as competent, but it's a much more engaging drive.
RayOtton JUL 03, 06:43 AM
I raised the seats in my Formula using longer studs. Made a big difference getting out.

I'm 6'3" and I still have a couple of inches of headroom.
jaskispyder JUL 08, 11:17 AM
I would say, what others have said, you need to test drive one. Also, test drive similar cars, like the BMW Z3/Z4.

I like the idea of the sky, but it I think it could be better. No storage, to lower/raise top, you need to get out of car. I believe you can get more bang for your buck with something from another manufacturer. HOWEVER, you may enjoy it, so test drive one!