All my (car) friends think I've gone insane...

"Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)" (roadsterzach)
12/10/2013 at 12:23 • Filed to: Saturn, Sky, Obsession

... because I really, really want to buy a Saturn Sky Redline as my next car. Of course, all my non-car friends think it's one of the coolest looking cars they've ever seen and want me to get one. Anyone have any personal experience with these or the engines?

Really need a second car, and I have the money to be able to afford it no problem now. My Dad owned a Sky for awhile when they first came out, but promptly sold it in '09 when the ZR1 rolled around. Never got much experience behind the wheel, but I did borrow one from a family friend (2.4L non-turbo standard version) for five days earlier this year.

I know the car doesn't have a power top which "could be a pain in the ass", even though I don't think it's that hard to get out and change it. I also know that it has zero, and I mean zero, storage space with the top down. Useless trunk (even with the top up), useless center console storage and a useless glove box.

But I don't need storage space. This would be my daily commuter / weekend canyon carver. I sold my Supra but we still have the Focus Sportback, so functionality is covered by that. I want something fun, RWD, manual and unique to throw around for fun and just cruise in for the hell of it.

I don't know why but this past year I've really wanted one more and more to the point of obsession.

So does anyone have any experience or insight on owning one of these? Anything I should look out for?

(Also feel free to snicker at my like my fellow car friends and tell me how I should buy a Miata, S2000, Z4, 335is Coupe, Mustang, BR-Z, Genesis or any other "true" sports car than this)

DISCUSSION (43)

oldirtybootz > Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)
12/10/2013 at 12:26

260hp and good looks, what's there to laugh about? Not everyone wants a Miata, S2K, Toyobaru, etc, and it's not as if the Kappas were junk.

I would turn it into an Opel GT though.

Kinja'd!!!

CalzoneGolem > Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)
12/10/2013 at 12:26

I think your "car friends" might need to do some more research.

AW46M3 > Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)
12/10/2013 at 12:27

S2000 > the Sky.

KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb > Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)
12/10/2013 at 12:27

I think it would be super fun. I was a huge fan of them when I was first getting into cars, and still like them, but I would personally prefer a Solstice.

HammerheadFistpunch > Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)
12/10/2013 at 12:28

Nothing crazy about it. Very good, underaprechiated cars those. Plus with the software upgrade, plenty powerful. The prices haven't come down enough for me, or I would be in one. Well not NOW, cause its winter...but yeah.

vdub_nut: scooter snob > Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)
12/10/2013 at 12:29

I would rock the parsnips off one of those. Nothing I can see wrong with this plan, aside from finding one.

Joe_Limon > Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)
12/10/2013 at 12:30

I like the sky better than any similarily priced rwd convertible.

RotaryLover > Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)
12/10/2013 at 12:47

Do it! You don't buy a car for your friends, you buy it for yourself! If I thought about what my friends wants me to buy, I would had never bought a Miata and would get a 4 door BMW or something else that is sedan and probably be not as happy as I am. The engine is the same as a Cobalt SS (correct me if I'm wrong) and I never heard bad things about it. Like the others said, moar power if you get an ECU remap. Drive one though and if you keep thinking about it each week, then you have a winner.

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)
12/10/2013 at 12:52

I rather like these, although my experience with them is limited to seeing an Opel version in a petrol station once.

If you're worried about engine issues, this is one of the few prime examples for an LS swap...

I wonder what a Camaro based on this chassis would have been like.

Hooker > Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)
12/10/2013 at 13:04

The 2 litre is a sweet motor. 6 speed manual only. The chassis is OK but a little harsh. Do NOT settle for a 2.4 no matter what. Better than the Solstice in quality but only slightly. I say do it. I know I would. Without hesitation.

Chteelers > Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)
12/10/2013 at 13:27

Go for it. I think the only downside for me personally would be the zero storage space, which is basically a non-starter since I would dd it. But if it's no biggie to you, then sounds like you've made your decision.

cluelessk > Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)
12/10/2013 at 14:33

Do it.

I would of bought a Solstice/ Sky if they were in my price range.

I ended up with a Cobalt SS. Same engine and I love it. They're unique and you probably won't see many other ones around. They also responded to minor mods and bolt-ons really well.

Intake, downpipe and tune and you should be over 300whp and even more torque.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)
12/10/2013 at 15:04

Is the S2K better? Most likely. But it and the Miata are too common. THese are cool looking and rare... people don't know what they are capable of.. get one

The Real Dacia Sandero > Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)
12/10/2013 at 15:27

Just get a Miata and put a Flyin Miata turbo/supercharger on it. While the Saturn may be cool, the Miata is as popular as it is for good reason. There's also a huge awesome Miata community that really makes owning the car just that much more enjoyable as well.

911e46z06 > Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)
12/10/2013 at 16:19

I dig it man. Other than the fact that I can't fit in them, I've always been fond of the Solstice/Sky, and I think the Sky is the better looking of the two. Also, you get lots of hipster points. I almost drove a Solstice once, but couldn't work the clutch because my knee was jammed solidly against the bottom of the dash.

No Prius Needed > AW46M3
12/10/2013 at 16:50

Herpes> the Sky

The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123 > Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)
12/10/2013 at 17:05

I considered one. I still want one. If you have the opportunity to pick one up, I would very strongly consider it.

Union of Smog Techs of CA > Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)
12/10/2013 at 17:40

Interior made of recycled childrens toys and silver spray paint, but otherwise as long as Turbo go for it.

Frank Grimes > oldirtybootz
12/10/2013 at 18:33

This, I would do this.

Z (ND + Cancer Fighter) > oldirtybootz
12/10/2013 at 23:38

260 hp or 290 with 340 lb-ft torque with a factory-backed tune! I don't think there's anything to laugh about. My friend that's opposed the most drives a stock 944 that makes a mere 158 hp stock, let alone what it makes this many years later.

Plus I love the looks. The Kappa platform was a nicely engineered chassis from what I've been able to read, just some interior bits and such were recycled from other cars to bring down the price.

Personally, I'd just de-badge and de-chrome it, rather than re-badge it. Would still bring as many questions and looks plus imo would look far superior. Especially the silver around the windshield.

Z (ND + Cancer Fighter) > No Prius Needed
12/10/2013 at 23:40

Haha, thanks for the laughs!

And the S2000 is a serious contender. I considered one of those a few years ago, brilliant cars. I even had a friend who wrapped a S2k around a tree. Love the F20C but they're just not my thing anymore.

Z (ND + Cancer Fighter) > 911e46z06
12/10/2013 at 23:43

How tall are you?

I didn't originally think I'd fit in a stock one. I'm 6' 2" but managed to find just this perfect seating position.

My Dad owned a RL at one point, and had to have my Mom drive it home from the dealership because his 6' 4" frame couldn't fit in it. Within the first day of owning it the seats had been replaced with lower, thinner seats on modified seat rails that pushed them as far back as they could go. It was always entertaining to watch him get in and out, especially if the top was up.

As far as looks go, the Solstice has never appealed to me. I'd much rather have the aggressive edges of the Sky over the curve bland shape of the Solstice. Much for the same reason I prefer the MK3 Supra over the MK4.

Z (ND + Cancer Fighter) > BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires
12/10/2013 at 23:51

Glad I'm not the only one who likes these. As for the Opel, I actually before their badge to the Saturn badge, the "z" shape is much cooler.

As far as engine swaps, not in the near future plans. I'd much rather stick with the turbo four pot than swap an LS. Actually, if I were to do a V8 swap, I'd probably take the odd hard route and swap in a Ford Coyote/Roadrunner.

Also, screw a Kappa-based Camaro, I wish Chevy would have built a production version of the 130R concept. Sub-Camaro RWD four-cylinder sports coupe. Priced in the low 20s, it would be a serious Toyobaru competitor and a great use of the chassis.

Kinja'd!!!

When the 130R concept came out I was almost sure it was even built on a Kappa-platform just from it's proportions and such. Never actually looked into whether it was or not.

Z (ND + Cancer Fighter) > The Real Dacia Sandero
12/10/2013 at 23:56

I actually like Miatas, and would love a Flyin' Miata turbocharged NA. Specifically a 1.8L.

The problem is I'd much rather have the Sky. It's newer, slightly nicer, has more modern options (Bluetooth and satellite radio) that I'd use on my daily drive and is just as capable. If not moreso.

Plus finding a non-rice, non-ghetto-modified or non-salvage title Miata in SoCal is hard and expensive. I don't feel like overpaying for a clean, well maintained non-wrecked Miata.

The main reason though is my girlfriend loves Miatas, especially NAs, to death. If I bought one, I'd never drive it or anything. It'd be hers and I wouldn't see those keys again, ever. :P

Z (ND + Cancer Fighter) > CalzoneGolem
12/11/2013 at 00:00

I think so too. I keep telling them the facts but it's like talking to a brick wall.

The majority of them prefer nothing but German cars. It's BMW, Porsche and Mercedes or nothing.

They used to always scoff at my RX-7. Always called my VR-4 fat and slow. It wasn't until after I rebuilt and built up my Supra (which destroyed them and put them in their place) that they even started to respect my choice in Japanese cars.

Then I bought a Ford Focus and the endless snickering began all over again. In their minds, American is the lowest of the brands.

Personally, I don't care where a car is from or who makes it. The platform and car will speak for itself.

Z (ND + Cancer Fighter) > Union of Smog Techs of CA
12/11/2013 at 00:04

Turbo would be the only way I would go for it. The 2.4L was nice but lacked the refinement and power I would want.

Thanks for the laugh about the interior quality! I felt it was a little cheap when I drove them, but it is liveable. Plus I could redo the interior.

I hate the silver paint everywhere, especially around the windshield. It will be very high on my priority list to correct if I bought one.

Z (ND + Cancer Fighter) > vdub_nut: scooter snob
12/11/2013 at 00:11

Finding one will be the hard/interesting part. I'm looking for a very specific kind of Sky, and they didn't make too many.

Plus it looks like GM only made 4,054 manual Red Lines. I want a Black Onyx (black), techno gray (dark gray), silver graphite (also dark gray) or carbon flash (limited black color) colored one, which were some of the not-so-popular colors.

Z (ND + Cancer Fighter) > KillerRaccoon - Group J's Sébastien Loeb
12/11/2013 at 00:13

The Solstice's curves just don't do it for me. The Sky has a more aggressive look to it. To each their own though! :)

The Solstice would probably be easier to find, plus came in a kickass coupe!

Glad to not see a lot of Kappa-hate here on Oppo.

vdub_nut: scooter snob > Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)
12/11/2013 at 00:17

Best of luck, sir.

Z (ND + Cancer Fighter) > Hooker
12/11/2013 at 00:27

From what I remember, the 2.0 liter is a fun little motor. Lots of torque. My Dad owned a RL that I got to drive maybe two or three times. I remember it being sweet.

Pretty sure they only came with 5-speeds (auto and manual) only?

I did borrow a family friend's 2.4 liter Sky earlier this year for 5 days. I loved it. Great little motor, trying as hard as it could. Was a bit sluggish to rev and didn't make much power once it got going, but it wasn't bad.

That said, I'd only take the turbo.

Looks like I'm going to do it, I just have to find one.

Z (ND + Cancer Fighter) > RotaryLover
12/11/2013 at 00:33

I don't buy a car from my friends but I do value their opinion. Even if I ignore it later and do what I want. Funny enough, they also wanted me to get a 4-door BMW, like a E46 M3.

The engine is indeed the same as a Cobalt SS. I've only heard of premature water pump failure, and a few with bad ECUs or battery problems. One batch also had bad intercooler piping that failed and created boost leaks.

The main engine feedback I was hoping to get was more towards mods and how well they respond to them. I guess I should have specified that.

Also, from your username I see we share a love of spinning triangles! Long live the rotary! :D I'd buy you a beer just for that.

EDIT: Should also say I have driven two. One Redline that my Dad owned and one non-turbo that a family friend owned. I never really got them out of my head and this past year it's been a at-least-every-other-day thing. I feel like it's inevitable that I'll get one.

Z (ND + Cancer Fighter) > Chteelers
12/11/2013 at 00:41

Yep, space is not an issue. If I fit in the car with a occasional passenger, that's all I need. For everything else, I have a Focus MK3 hatchback. :)

I'm glad the people Oppo are so supportive of my habits! Seems like I've sold myself on getting one of these.

Z (ND + Cancer Fighter) > The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123
12/11/2013 at 00:44

I have the means to afford one, and there's been a few for sale that I've seen slip by in the past.

I think I could find one relatively quickly, considering how OCD/focused I get on tasks like these. Found a friend a MR-2 Spyder in less than 2 days; so finding a rarer Sky shouldn't take more more than a few months?

Just have to be on top of it constantly, and not let any slip by.

Z (ND + Cancer Fighter) > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder!
12/11/2013 at 00:45

I like both the S2000 and the Miata (NA & NB), but agree completely with what you said. The Sky is just as cool and just as capable.

Z (ND + Cancer Fighter) > HammerheadFistpunch
12/11/2013 at 00:48

I'm lucky enough to live in San Diego, where "winter" just means it doesn't hit the 90s and there is an occasional cloud. Our 3-4 days of "rain" don't worry me.

RotaryLover > Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)
12/11/2013 at 03:02

Hahaha definitely will get a beer and a few shots with you!

But yeah, you should get it then. You do the work on your car yourself?

911e46z06 > Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)
12/11/2013 at 04:27

I agree. The Sky looks way meaner. Definitely the best-looking of the Satiac brothers.

I'm only 6'3'', but I have freakishly long legs. Kind of limits my car choices. I was thinking about a Cayenne a couple years back, and I couldn't fit in the thing. I'm pretty much limited to Bimmers and American stuff.

CalzoneGolem > Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)
12/11/2013 at 06:30

Your car friends sound like real assholes.

Personally I prefer this body style.

Kinja'd!!!

Hooker > Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)
12/11/2013 at 08:18

Dammit I think you're right about the transmission. That car deserved a 6-speed though.

No Prius Needed > Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)
12/11/2013 at 16:44

Well if you really want herpes (the sky) then just make sure you fit in it first since that was my main problem with it... EDIT: I meant one of the many problems with it.

911e46z06 > Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)
12/20/2013 at 02:22

Not sure where you're at dude, but I just found this on Craigs

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/425153…

Z (ND + Cancer Fighter) > 911e46z06
12/20/2013 at 10:51

Already checked that one out but it's an automatic, which sadly is not what I am looking for.

Thanks for the help though! :)

911e46z06 > Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)
12/20/2013 at 14:14

Ah. That's a problem.