Interesting article in the Wall Street Journal. Solstice made the "Hottest car List" with average days on the lot- 15, avg selling price $25,194. They delivered 7435 since Aug 05. Top of the list was the Lexus IS at 10 days.

But here is the interesting part.

Top Model Traded in - Pontiac Firebird
Most popular color- Black

Buyer Age range
16-35 15.8%
36-55 59.4
56+ 24.8

Male 71.5%
Female 28.5

They have to be concerned that about 84% of their sales are to people over 35. And that people over 55 are buying 50% more cars than those under 36.

This looks a lot like the market is older guys who always wanted a Corvette but still can't afford one.

Reminds me of what happened to the new Tbird. After the nostalgia market was served there wasn't much more market for the car.

 

They are selling well, my neighbor can't find one to test drive.

 

how many people under 35 can afford a brand new car? And of them, how many can afford the second or third car that the Solstice is designed as? Obviously, there are going to be more people over 35 that can afford a new car, and more of them that can afford a new impractical two-seat roadster as a toy. I can't think of one person I know under 35 who has a brand new "toy" car. I know of many over 35 who do, however. Those stats don't surprise me.

 

LOL there are some hard-core pontiac fans. I can't see ppl who own a Firebird as the same who would buy a Solstice. I'd assume that an auto-tranny Vette would be more up their alley.

 

I would be curious what percent traded in Firebirds. 50% would indicate something much different than say 2% with all other models each being less than 2% trade in.

 

[QUOTE=no_really,Feb 12 2006, 03:19 PM] how many people under 35 can afford a brand new car?

 

Some of this data, although interesting, may be skewed due to the relative scarecity of the product. I think a full year or two might be more relavent.

Just imagine how many firebirds and old cameros will be on the market if they move ahead with that new camero....

 

[QUOTE=Jonesy,Feb 12 2006, 05:03 PM]Some of this data, although interesting, may be skewed due to the relative scarecity of the product.

 

the solstice to me, suffers rom poor styling to appeal to a younger group.

now the saturn, with its "baby viper" looks, will probably start chipping a way at the miata's base just a bit, well at least more than the solstice has been able to.

 

I plan on buying a Solstice GXP, and I never wanted a Vette (I'm 47). I would consider a modern version of a 1967 coupe. I can afford a Vette but they are too serious for me and I don't care for the modern looks.

My 1st choice for a sports car is a BoxsterS, but I just don't want to pay for the eventual costs to maintain and repair a Porsche.

I think the Solstice GXP with it's 260 ft-lbs of torque meets my needs and my wallet. If the Solstice didn't exist, I would be in the market for an S2000. So in my case, the Solstice GXP and S2000 are the only 2 cars I really considered.