I am on the verge of buying a Cobalt SS/SC: sunroof, limited slip-diff, curtain airbags, and the optional sport paint (the dark red, a $380 option). I plan on putting in the Stage 2 upgrade immediately before i take delivery.

My question/concern deals with the quality of this car. I have read many threads on here to investigate, but Im looking for a consensus of what to look out for or consider before I make the buy. Ive seen concerns over clutches, poor paint jobs that chip/scratch easy, and weak steering knuckles that break premature, just to name a few. How frequent/widespread are these problems? What else do I need to look out for? Especially problems with the driveline?!

I have it narrowed down to the Cobalt SS/SC, Civic SI, and a 'new' but 2006 Acura RSX type-S. I know firsthand that the RSX-type S is bulletproof, cause i know one that's been beat on incredibly and kicks likes new. Am I making the right choice by goin for the cobalt, or am I gonna be hating myself for saving a couple thousand now, only to be blowing it on service in 3 years time? I wanna hear big time problems/concerns basically anything you can give me....

Any help would be appreciated!

 

I've had my LS just about a year now, no probs except typical new car bugs that came from the dealership... every new car will have some probs. Mine was cosemetic with the misaligned bumper, but so far no engine probs or anything of that sort

 

ive had my car since september 2005, the only problem ive had with it is the sunroof trim kept falling out, i bitched enough and now it doesnt. There are problems with any car, i personally think its luck of the draw, and how hard you beat your car.

 

the ss/sc likes to snap axles because of wheel hop...if i was you, its get the ss/sc..the stage 2

then look into motor and tranny mounts..it helps to reduce wheel hop, j ust think of it as an investment into the car