Q. I think the “cash for clunkers” program is a great idea, but with one flaw: Why didn’t the government restrict new-vehicle purchases to American manufacturers? Wouldn’t this have given those companies the sales they need, as well as force those interested in the rebate to take a look at American makes they may not have otherwise?
T.D., Naperville
A. Just because the U.S. government implements cash for clunkers to buoy the ailing U.S. auto industry that was slashing thousands of jobs and just because the money to fund the program is coming out of the U.S. Treasury and just because plants and workers who build and sell European, South Korean or Japanese cars could get healthier depending on how much of the $1 billion ends up with the European, South Korean and Japanese automakers, doesn’t mean the system is flawed. Cash for clunkers is a boon to domestic automakers in that it helps get a bunch of Pontiacs off the road sooner than the government had planned.
Q. Is the Pontiac Solstice GXP coupe really hard to find? I contacted a couple local dealers, and they don’t seem too interested in locating one.
S.N., Addison
A. Only 1,200 were built to distribute among 2,600 dealers, so they’ll be very difficult to locate — especially if you’re looking for a particular color or particular equipment. If you contacted a couple dealers who won’t run a search, contact a few more.
Q. I can buy a 2007 Pontiac Solstice with 3,750 miles from a reputable dealer. It has a 2.4-liter, 5-cylinder engine and 5-speed manual. Isn’t there a continuing warranty after it’s discontinued?
R.D., Milwaukee
A. First, it’s a 4-cylinder, not 5, and the manual limits potential resale because few can drive a stick. But, the car won’t be built again, so if you like it, go for it. The warranty on a new Pontiac is three years/36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper and five years/100,000 miles on the powertrain. What’s left of the warranty time and mileage limits is transferable to the next owner, so you’ll be covered.
Q. Is Pontiac selling 2010 models? GM has said that Pontiac will be around through 2010. That would lead me to believe that Pontiac will sell new cars at least until dealers start receiving 2011 cars next year. I have the G8 on my list of potential new cars, but wasn’t planning to buy a new car until next spring. If what the dealers tell me is true, the G8s in inventory are all dealers have left to sell, and I would have to rethink my buying schedule.
K.F., Downers Grove
A. Wow, a G8 is on your consideration list! If only General Motors had known. The G8 is no longer in production so what you see is all that’s left. Pontiac says the only 2010 models to be built are the Vibe, which will be sold at dealerships, and the G6 sedan, which will be sold to fleets.
Q. Regarding your review of the Pontiac G8 GXP (Rides, July 26), sad that just as Pontiac gets it right, the car is going away. I love it. But your review stated that top speed is 108 m.p.h. I’m gonna go out on a limb and say that’s a typo and should be 180 m.p.h.
K.C., Chicago
A. Hold tight to that limb. The quarter-mile speed is 108 m.p.h. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 m.p.h. While the car could go faster, the speed-rated tires can’t handle it, Pontiac said.
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Send questions about cars and trucks to Jim Mateja, Chicago Tribune, 435 N. Michigan Ave., 4th Floor, Chicago IL 60611, or send e-mail with name and hometown to transportation@tribune.com.
