Audi tt roadster or Pontiac Solstice

[gerritm]

I am looking for a used sporty convertible. I saw one of each of these at a Car Max. Just wondered if anyone has any experience with them. They seemed reasonably priced and in good condition but what about reliability and maintenance? I put a lot of miles on a week, roughly 500 per week.

 

[RLJ676]

I'm quite biased, but I say Solstice GXP. The LNF motor in it is awesome.

 

[Perlmudder]

Boss has a 2000 TT and loves it...

 

[Slandrew]

Thay opened another Audi dealer here looks like they have one on the lot?My sister inlaw had a 60k Audi my son took it on a trade could not get 25k whole saled out@18k Pontiac is the better choice:USA:

 

[Bradz]

My Father has the Pontiac and it is a blast to drive and I think is a very good looking car.

 

[gerritm]

What about maintenance costs on both? I have heard the TT has some issues and most maintenance needs to be done at the dealer.

 

[jhenrie]

I've wanted to get the solstice since before it came out. RK sport makes a nice body kit and really makes it look aggressive.

http://www.rksport.com/main/catalog.asp?mdid=21

 

[Trim'd Up]

We had a solstice for about 25,000 miles. It was a fun car to drive, but I really didn't fit in it comfortably, and it was about useless as far as trips etc. due to lack of storage. IT didn't do near as well on gas as the Mustang GT I have now either. It never was in the shop for more than an oil change in the entire time we had it though.

 

[Slandrew]

I also rear ended one it held up pretty good for a Pontiac:willy_nilly:

 

[htrdlncn]

Pontiac Solstice = Saturn Sky
both use the reliable toyota 4cyl
the boosted version of which is damn powerful and being a toyota parts are relatively
easy to get.

 

[sledge]

both use the reliable toyota 4cyl

Can you share where this info can be confirmed? That Ecotec = Toyota?

I'm wondering when the last time Toyota offered a turbo powerplant (MR2/Supra?) and where one could get toyota turbo parts for their Solstice/Sky?

 

[htrdlncn]

turbo kits for sky/solstice:
http://www.turbo-kits.com/sky_turbo_kits.html
http://www.turbo-kits.com/solstice_turbo_kits.html


and as the engine I had a brain fart and fugged up royally,
I was thinking Lotus Elise/EXIGE which does use a toyota engine
available both naturally aspirated and supercharged but not turbocharged..

The Elise uses a Toyota engine, in order to pass strict U.S. emissions laws. The 1ZZ & 2ZZ Toyota engines used have a Lotus ECU with their own fuel mapping. The supercharged Lotus SC and limited edition Jim Clark Type 25 Elise editions add a new performance dimension to the Elise range.

 

[RLJ676]

turbo kits for sky/solstice:
http://www.turbo-kits.com/sky_turbo_kits.html
http://www.turbo-kits.com/solstice_turbo_kits.html


and as the engine I had a brain fart and fugged up royally,
I was thinking Lotus Elise/EXIGE which does use a toyota engine
available both naturally aspirated and supercharged but not turbocharged..

The Elise uses a Toyota engine, in order to pass strict U.S. emissions laws. The 1ZZ & 2ZZ Toyota engines used have a Lotus ECU with their own fuel mapping. The supercharged Lotus SC and limited edition Jim Clark Type 25 Elise editions add a new performance dimension to the Elise range.

Correct, that Toyota engine makes the Lotus at least somewhat "ownable" from a maintenance perspective, or so says my neighbor who has one!

As for the LNF 2.0 turbo in the GXP, it is awesome. With a "stage 1" upgrade from GM performance it makes around 290 hp and is still under warranty! It is also in the newer Cobalt SS and is a heavily praised motor in there as well (that car whoops some much more expensive vehicles). On a fun per dollar the GXP has to kill the TT (couldn't imagine the repair costs on that thing).

 

[DAREDEVIL]

Pontiac Solstice = Saturn Sky
both use the reliable toyota 4cyl
the boosted version of which is damn powerful and being a toyota parts are relatively
easy to get.

I actually think the SKY looks better ! IMO:driving:

 

[htrdlncn]

Correct, that Toyota engine makes the Lotus at least somewhat "ownable" from a maintenance perspective, or so says my neighbor who has one! (couldn't imagine the repair costs on that thing).

I know where you are coming from.
I owned a Turbo Espirit back in the early 80s, between the finicky drivetrain and the Lucas "prince of darkness" electrics it was a horror as far as reliability.
Gorgeous looking car though..
:driving:

 

[gerritm]

I finally got a chance to sit in the Solstice. Didn't fit too well. Not enough head room. Nobody had the Audi. We went to the local Carmax and I was looking around when my wife said to come and take a look at this Mercedes c230k Sport. It is a 2005 with 40K and loaded with everything. Small supercharged 1.8l, 189hp motor, but good mpg, about 30. Funny I wasn't looking for a Mercedes, but my wife fell in love with it. So now she gets her "Benz" and I get her Charger. I still don't know how that happened.

 

[poncho]

Good choice. I usually buy older European cars, mostly Porsche, even 944 turbos. More for fun beaters. I'm not an Audi fan. Friends when trying to find less expensive kid first cars or wife, always recommend Mercs. Free life of car transferred to every new owner excellent run road side assistance! Plus usually can pile on lots of miles on them and they still can look good with basic service cleaning/detailing for years. Seen 20 year old Mercedes over 200K on the clock, still look shinning and very little if any wear on the inside. They hold up the best!