well his 2003 passat needs like 1700 in repairs including turbo work.... he wants a manual and not german car under 9k. I've been looking around and we've seen some good priced cobalt SS' around. I'm thinking he should get the supercharged motor just because i know the GM supercharged motors are reliable.
Experience with cars is requested I am going on test drives with him when I'm back at school this upcoming week.


2007 Chevrolet Cobalt SS, $7,995 - Cars.com


2008 Chevrolet Cobalt Sport Sedan, $9,000 - Cars.com

 

Cobalts have terrible resell value. If he wants to keep it till it dies then yeah, but I'd go with a turbo charged one. Otherwise look for something like a grand prix, they hold value a lot better.

 

x2 the turbo charged Cobalt has a better aftermarket

 

Cobalts have a good aftermarket, and I haven't heard too much negativity towards them, with the exception as mentioned by dbaldwin, they do not hold their value unless you plan on getting your value by driving it. You can also get a Mazda 3 in that price range, and they seem to be everywhere you look, so parts should be cheap and they seem reliable enough.

 

he really likes the cobalt its in perfect shape back seats are still brand new (basically felt like they'd never been used) and it comes with 2 years free scheduled maintenace as well as free inspections for life at the dealer. clean car fax the works his parents want under 70k on the clock and i don't think he wants another turbo car because he's having bad luck with the one he has now. but we are going to test drive a few one or 2 SS in his price range but they are supercharged cars

 

Super charged ones are still fun. And its a Chevy, I like to think they are better quality than other cars in the same class (srt neon, ion redline, ford focus, pontiac sunfire)