Signed up to research the cars. Looking at the tc models as a new daily for my 100 mile commute

No stranger to fast cars, or sports cars.

Past dailies include a 2005 ctsv, 2013 wrx, 2013 s4, couple of focus svts, 450rwhp f250, and others.

I currently have a few lightnings, few mustangs, and a new Tahoe and Hyundai for the wife.

 

100 mile commute? Just buy a civic. Don't put mileage on a cobalt.

 

Meh thats what I do ^ at the end of the day its still not a corvette or something, and at least this puts a smile on my face after a long shitty day in an office

 

I've been driving a saturn. I'd prefer something fun. The little cobalt is cheap enough and gets good enough mileage, it's a good fit.

And when my kids go to daycare it's 130 miles.

 

Exactly.

 

Post some pics of the past cars if you have any.

 

Cts-v


S4


WRX


The truck


One of my lightnings and mustang

 

The first gen ctsv has to be one of my favorite sleepers; great looking cars (and excars)!

 

A Cobalt SS is an awesome daily driver. Cheap to own and operate. I personally would look for a low mileage supercharged model. Not only are they cheaper but the LSJ engine is virtually bulletproof as long as it hasn't been modded improperly, and the transmissions aren't as prone to failure since they don't make as much torque and haven't been no-lift-shifted to death by the previous owner. The LNF has a known porous block problem in certain years and the direct injection is known to coke up intake valves causing all sorts of problems, but they make a lot of transmission destroying power with a simple tune if that's your thing.

Bottom line: look for a completely stock and unmolested car and then post pics of the whole thing before you buy it. Probably your best bet!

 

That saddens me to hear as I wasn't looking to get something that old.

 

I'd honestly get another V if the mileage didn't suck so bad.

 

Look for a late 09 or 10 ss that's stock and in good shape.

 

The block issue is a 2009 build date issue, correct?

 

makes sense.. did you ever have any problems with the rear diff?

 

I didn't. But I bought a car with 22k on the clock. I know people who have.

 

you just referred him to get an lsj, then say get an 09-10? lol...

getting a 08 is the same as an 09-01 body wise, so just get the 08 lsj since you don't want anything too old

 

I thought the lsj was sc? But didn't the tc start in 08?

 

He was responding after Dusten said that he didn't want anything older. The later builds (late 09-10) are supposedly less prone to the porous block.

Absolutely right.

The intake valve coking is not unique to the Cobalt. All DI engines have the same issue to some extent. The cam timing may contribute to it, but it's pretty well known that other cars such as BMW's are also prone. Just factor in a good (manual) cleaning every 50-75k miles.

Other than my engine failing (see porous block) it's actually been a pretty reliable car. Like others have said it's no Corvette so it's fine to DD. Some may be worried about it becoming a "collector" but I really doubt that. More like "obscure" or "rare gem" but it will never be valuable. It's nice to have something that you can pass most people with and still get 30mpg.

 

Initially. Then he said he didn't want one that old, so an LNF is the only option. the 08's and early 09's had the porous block issue and I wouldn't risk buying one if it were me.

There wasn't even an LSJ offered in 2008.

 

Of course an LNF is the only option

 

this is a stupid answer. I dd an lnf with a 100 mile round trip commute. Thats just 2 and from work not counting the in between stuff.

To me the lnf is a better all around car and its newer and will be easier to find with less wear and tear. The lsj is a good option too but i prefer the lnf any day. Btw i dd it with a fully modded suspension and turbo setup.

 

I don't know that you can really say the LSJ is bulletproof. Granted I'm newish on this forum but I bought my 06 S/C in December stock and I'm getting ready to do a timing chain job because the front guide bolt sheared off. After looking around it seemed to be fairly common.

 

That's good to hear you're doing the same kind of commute.

 

I find this the most common if someone's been in there before and didn't buy a new bolt or didn't loctite the old bolt and it backs out.

 

I'm willing to bet it still had the old style tensioner in the block.