The new Pontiac Solstice is a great addition to the roadster choices out there. However, there's been lots of buzz that this is a '$20,000 sports car". Looking at the latest Car &Driver mag, a Solstice optioned up at all is $25 grand. Surprise? No, because the Solstice is a $25,000 sports car. And a great deal on a new S2000 gets you close to $30 grand (before tax). Looking at these two cars, it's hard for me to see the value in the Solstice at only $5,000 less: way, way down in power, crappy top, and GM build quality and materials. Also, I'll take Honda depreciation any day vs the hit that GM vehicles take the second thy're driven off the dealer lot.
The new Miata (after Mazda starts discounting the hell out of them) is the real vlaue competitor out there: Japanese build quality and performance equal or better than the Solstice.

 

a great deal on a solstice will be less than 25g, they are in different price markets

 

Wait for the Saturn,Sky,Redline tubo version.

 

Many Pontiac dealers are marking the Solstice price up, not down, right now.

 

also, if you want a Solstice that is at least respectaby equipped, it is at least $23-24K, not including gouging.

The AC alone is $1000. ABS like another $500. Don't forget with dealer gouging, the base is really like $25K. So, for $27K, you have a Solstice with ABS and AC.

Not a good value at all.

 

Yes...and when S2000's first became available EVERYBODY could find a dealer charging sticker.

From what I can tell, the Solstice costs 20k even, and AC and ABS adds $1,500. The Miata costs $21,995 with AC. The Solstice has (slightly) more power, and if I had to guess who is more likely to discount a car within the next year or so, I'm guessing Pontiac. Both cars would be under warranty, so reliability is less important than if you were buying used, and used Miata's aren't worth very much, so depreciation should be not so hot either way. Personally I fail to see how the Miata is much more compelling to the buyer than can wait a few months for all of the initial gouging to wear off, unless you love the (exact same as the previous generation) styling that much more.

As for the Sky: now try paying 3-4k more for the exact same hardware, and another 3-4k more for the Redline that will still be slower than an S2000. I will be happy to join in bashing it when that car launches.

 

Warranty work still means your car is in the shop, with all the hassles that go along with it. Reliability is worth at least a couple grand, warranty or no. Mazda and Honda have both earned their reputations with decades of reliable cars. Pontiac and GM, not so much.

As for resale, I'll bet you $1000 that the '06 $21K solstice will be worth less than an '06 $21K MX-5 in 3-4 years time. Example: A 2001 Firebird (MSRP: $32K) with about 30K miles goes for about $13.5K. A MY01 Miata LS or SE with more miles and a lower MSRP goes for $15-16K+. (Source: Carmax)

 

let me understand you: you fail to see how Miata is a better buy?
how about: NC is 300 lbs lighter thus negating any hp advantage of the solstice, lower cg, top that's easier to maneuver, better balanced f/r (p'bly l/r as well), more cargo stowage w/ top down. did u see the clampshell engine bay cover of the solstice? wtf are they doing? paying homage to the vette?

 

A lot of people are going to choose the Sky/Solstice because their "American physique" is not suited for the S2000 or the Miata. I haven't actually seen a Solstice in person yet, so I can't comment on the interior space, but I'm sure GM made it adequate for most Americans.

I have several friends that bought Z3s or Z4s because the interiors are roomy, they are easy to get in and out of and they are available with an automatic transmission. Lots of folks just don't want a car that makes demands on its owner like the S2000. I think a lot of those people will be attracted to the Solstice.