what i did when i got the pilot was to get email quotes from dealerships up in northern virginia. for some reason they have better prices than down here.

I then took the better of those quotes to places down here to see what they could do for me.

got my pilot for $31k (taxes, title and tags) out the door. sticker on it was $36k just for the car. So i did good i think.
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As I recall the Cobalt is what used to be the Cavalier. They're junk, they are slow, ugly, and the interior are really janky. I don't recommend them. :-)
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Keep the opinions rolling in - I'm liking all input.
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what kind of car does she need? Something similar to a fit or toyota matrix? a 2 door or 4 door? suv or car? what about trucks? Give us some more insight to what she'll be using it for and what she likes, and we could prolly help more also.
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Just a little dependable 4 banger. She likes a smaller car and one she can trust. Could go for a more pricier car but i just bought a new motorcycle and still haven't sold the old one yet... Otherwise the budget would be better. She really needs a car kinda fast though. If I trade the bike in I take a beating on it.
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If you're looking at the Colbalt, you might consider the Pontiac G5. Basically the same car but rebadged. Since Pontiac will be no more,they're really blowing them out the door. We have a large local GM dealer here that always has good stock of program cars. For example...A 2009 Pontiac G5 GT loaded with every option including leather for 14k. The car has 57 miles on it. Retail sticker was nearly 22k. Maybe GM doesn't make the best small cars, but to get from point A to B, they represent a pretty good value if you buy one right.

Larry
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I have a smaller sized car :-) but out of the Chevy and Mazda I would stick with Mazda.
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We loved Pontiacs.... Din't realize they had any left out there though. Might be worth hitting the local stealer and seeing what they may be blowing out. Thanks.
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Also check cars direct:

http://www.carsdirect.com/pontiac/g5...lnk=pontiac/g5

Just enter your zip code. A new G5 here showed for 13.2K
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Youi guys are great with the tips... never had so much help in spending money :-)

But cars are a major purchase, the hope is the right car is bought and will last.
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Just wait till you want help buying cigars. LOL
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My parents have a Cobalt that is a couple of years old and they love it. We rented a Cobalt over the 4th of July weekend and our daughter put a 1000 miles on it and said it drove pretty well. She really enjoyed the mp3 player jack that was built into the radio. Her only complaint was that it didn't have cruise control.
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With all the time I spend in chat, I get more help there than I can stand. The want to try list gets bigger every day. Every time I think I am starting to get a smattering of knowledge more stuff pops up. All fun though. :-)
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If your going to get a cobalt get the ss modle if you want the options but out of the two I would take the mazda 3 in the speed3 option, if you don't mind that you can only get it in a wagon. Both get about the same MPG and you get a car that you want to drive at the end of the day. Or IMO go out and get a 06 GTO with the LS2 and a 6 speed. Its the fat man veet and fun as hell to drive.
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My daughters got a G5 and loves it, I've driven it and seems nice.:-)
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I would say no to the cobalt....the Mazda is a much better car in my opinion!
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