[00 SS]

I was looking around at potential daily drivers when I came across the new Cobalt SS. It looks like it might be a fun comuter and be a decent AX car for DS.

Here are some of the pro's
1. 30 MPG HWY
2. 5 speed manual is good for fun and AX
3. 260 hp
4. Under 2700 pounds and could probably be closer to 2600
5. Brembos
6. FWD for winter
7. Small and manuverable
8. $23,000

Cons
1. FWD for AX
2. Small for the family
3. 5 speed manual in stop and go traffic
4. Big dorky wing (but I think it's an option)
5. 18" wheels and good snow tires don't mix well. (I don't know if 16's would fit over the brakes)
6. G8 is $31,000

I'd much rather have havce a G8, but the mileage, cost and AX potential are pushing me toward smaller cars.

[sgarnett]

Well, I just bought a 99 Miata Sport as an economical commuter. Miata owners may not think so, but even the most expensive tires are dirt cheap. I've been getting around 33mpg on the interstate, 27~28 mpg commuting, and have never dropped below 26mpg even when tossing it around a bit and keeping the revs up. It also uses regular gas (2001 is the first year requiring premium). I'm still keeping the Silverado for rural property maintenance and its seating for six (in a pinch), but won't be putting as many miles on it (already has a lot for it's age).

The Miata is set up for C-Stock, except the previous owner kept the race wheels for his other Miata. I'm kinda torn on that, though. While there's just a little bit of mild cone rash, the car is in pretty good shape. It will be due for its 60K timing belt replacement soon, but other than that the maintenance is all caught up. Part of me wants to just retire it to street use and confine the competition wear and tear to the ferocious Camaro. Part of me is drawn to cheap race tires on the oh-so-nimble little Miata. My build is better sorted to a car with torque, but the 99 1.8 DOHC solid-lifter motor (pre-99 had hydraulic lifters) has a fairly wide power band for what it is. I'll probably at least take the Miata out on street tires for a few events.

I don't have a car payment, and it only takes a few tanks to pay for the insurance. I still have other options when I need to haul the whole family. It works for me (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

This post has been edited by sgarnett: Jun 7 2008, 02:57 AM