SiC

Hello everyone!

New to the forums and I had a few general questions. I owned a cobalt 2006 SS about 7 years ago. I ended up expanding my family and needed something bigger so I sold the car. Since my son has grown up, I am in the market for something "fun" again.

I recently came across a 2009 (58k miles for 7k)
And a 2010 (67k miles for 11k) that I am intrested in. They seem really cheap imo.

I have been debating between these cars and a golf r. The golf R would be about 12k more.

I'm wonder what the average lifespan of these cars are. Are any of these deals worth it? Also what should I look into for future repairs etc.

Thank you for your advice.

Snail_SS

iTrader: (3)

Well the 2009 seems low for the miles the 2010 seems a bit high to me, the cars are really reliable to be honest, what tends to fail are the intercooler endtanks but other than that you would need to check the cars out.

exninja

iTrader: (1)

The cobalts will be more reliable than the golf, and this is coming from someone that replaced his engine in the Cobalt

63 Nova SS

iTrader: (3)

I'm with Snail here. You should be able to get a 2010 for 10 or a little under. Honestly if the car hasn't been beat, which sadly most are, they are good little cars, with fairly cheap replacement parts, except the trans can be a little expensive.
Some 09's suffered from porous block, and you really don't know if or when it can happen.

CudaJoe

iTrader: (1)

I like my 09 cobalt. Really havent seen a reason to get a new car in the last almost 9 years. Car makes great power and is pretty reliable for full bolt on and tuned. Like there hasnt been a car that responsive to modifications at such a cheap price since the neon. I watched a friend of mine sink 7-8 grand into a wrx (turbo swap, trans swap to 6 speed, built engine) and lose to me in a highway pull. That shouldnt happen. granted his car only made 360whp/360trq with a 20g turbo but thats guaranteed more power than my fbo and tuned cobalt is doing.

As for which cobalt to buy (09 or 10) get the one thats in better shape. check for dings/ dents, scratches, cleanliness, test drive to see if the clutch is done or any funny sounds, etc. dont worry about bartering. the 09 is cheap, but if the 10 is mint, its worth 11k.

ThePanduuh

iTrader: (3)

Reasons to grab the 10 vs the 09, RPD is standard though it can be added to the 09, and injector seals are e85 compatible vs the 08-09 which need to be replaced before running e85. I agree with cuda, if one is by far better than the other as far as mechanical and visual health, choose based on your best judgement. I have one at 112k miles (purchased at 96) and I've only had to do maintenance to it. New plugs, trans fluid, oil, coil packs. Nothing major. Though I do need a clutch because it's slipping a little.

zeeky420

Also check for LSD on both

thesubfloor

I've got a 2008 with a 134K miles that I'll be posting up for sale shortly and it's been a reliable and fun car. Other than brakes and tires I haven't had to replace any parts.