[Aardvark]

Hi,
I'm considering a G6. I have a GM Card rebate, so I'm leaning toward a GM vehicle. The G6 seems like one of the more attractive GM vehicles. I haven't driven one yet, as I'm basically just researching cars at this point.

A few questions...

(1) As I understand it, all except the high-end models use electric rather than hydraulic steering. What's the electric steering like? Do y'all like it?
Forgive me if this is a dumb question, but if the electrical system is off and the car is in neutral, can you still steer?

(2) I notice that base models come with steel wheels and wheel covers. Are the wheel covers metal or plastic?

(3) Ignoring rebates, what sort of discount off the recently-adjusted MSRP should a buyer expect?

Thanks.

 

[bigbengt67]

1.) Electric steering has been fine for me, but others have had problems, do a quick search and you'll find all about it. Yes, you can still steer if the car stops running, it just loses the assist in the same way that a conventional hydraulic assisted system would.
2.) Base wheel covers are plastic. The Chrome Tech option on the GT models is just a plactic cover over a rough aluminum wheel as well.
3.) With the recent price cuts dealers won't be as willing to make a deal. The pricing on the G6 currently is very fair, there is also a $500 rebate across the board right now.

Happy shopping!

 

[Aardvark]

Thank you!

It seems that the rebate has been cut to $0 for the G6 w/ Ecotec, but raised to $750 for the V6 models.
http://www.gm.com/automotive/vehicle_shopping/currentoffers/WE_Consumer_IOU.html

 

[sixspeedsix]

Original sticker was 27900 I got mine for ~ 25800 + tax, tags etc.. Check edmunds.com they show what other people in the area are paying for new cars. It was very accurate compared to my price

 

[built4drivers]

Hey Sixspeed,

I love the electric power steering, I like the feel and precision of it a lot more than any other hydraulic system I have driven. Some people don't like it but I think it's great. Some early 2005 model G6's had some trouble with the electric power steering (as well as some 2004 Malibu's) but it doesn't seem to affect later build 2005's and all 2006's. My 2006 has been flawless. I had electric power steering on my 2005 Pursuit also and it was great.

 

[S8ER99]

As said above by built4drivers...

I personally like tighter steering a lower speeds...but the steering changes with speed so I have to say it could use a little tweaking (I have an 05..so the 06+ models may have been tweaked already)

 

[italian ice]

Aardvark,

"Ignoring Rebates" is a big mistake. The biggest price break comes on all 4cyl. G6 models. It is called the SmartBuy, "Mfr. Consumer Cash" rebate of $3,700. Check out the GMAC Payment Estimator. After GM card points and incentives, I paid about $11,500 (before Illinois Sales Tax) for our G6 last December.

Oh yea, the car has been a dream to drive so far w/3,100 miles.

Good Luck!

 

[italian ice]

One more thing. For that price I have no problem with the plastic wheel covers.

 

[Aardvark]

"Ignoring Rebates" is a big mistake. The biggest price break comes on all 4cyl. G6 models. It is called the SmartBuy, "Mfr. Consumer Cash" rebate of $3,700. Check out the GMAC Payment Estimator. After GM card points and incentives, I paid about $11,500 (before Illinois Sales Tax) for our G6 last December.

Thanks! I don't think the $3,700 in "consumer cash" is still available. Needless to say, though, I'll be sure to take advantage of any and all rebates that are available if I buy a G6.

 

[italian ice]

It was still available yesterday when I checked the website.

 

[Aardvark]

Do you have a link?

 

[italian ice]

Pontiac.com Select G6 sedan. you should see a link "Estimate Payment" If you click on the link you will identify the G6 Sedan, 1SA or 1SV which are both 4cyl. models and fill in your Zip Code.

It will show the GMAC Payment Estimator page with different options like traditional finance, lease and SmartBuy. You may also see the same rebate for the Chev. Malibu tool.

Good Luck!

 

[branderson]

Pontiac.com Select G6 sedan. you should see a link "Estimate Payment" If you click on the link you will identify the G6 Sedan, 1SA or 1SV which are both 4cyl. models and fill in your Zip Code.

It will show the GMAC Payment Estimator page with different options like traditional finance, lease and SmartBuy. You may also see the same rebate for the Chev. Malibu tool.

Good Luck!

I've done this a couple of times just playing around and the estimations seem to be higher than what the dealers are offering.

 

[italian ice]

Are you looking at the monthly payment or the "Mfr. consumer cash" rebate reference.

Strategy: You buy the car under the SmartBuy program. Make a couple of payments and then refinance it at a lower rate, or pay it off. All I was trying to show is how to purchase the car at the lowest possible price.

 

[Aardvark]

Pontiac.com Select G6 sedan. you should see a link "Estimate Payment" If you click on the link you will identify the G6 Sedan, 1SA or 1SV which are both 4cyl. models and fill in your Zip Code.

Well, you're absolutely right. I tried an Illinois zip code, and it showed $3700 in Mfr. consumer cash. I tried my California zip codes, and it showed $750.

 

[italian ice]

sorry about that. Hope you end up with something you'll enjoy. I do like the G6 and feel it will be in our family for a while.

 

[RKH]

I tried an Illinois zip code, and it showed $3700 in Mfr. consumer cash. I tried my California zip codes, and it showed $750.

The rebates and various incentives vary by area. We live close to the MD and VA lines and there was $1000 more rebate to be had on a VA car than here in MD when we bought our 05 last year but it was based on buyers address. That means it wasn't a simple matter of crossing the line, buying the car and coming home.

 

[Explr1]

One more thing. For that price I have no problem with the plastic wheel covers.

You forgot to mention the 4 banger version doesn't come with ABS or traction control!!! It's just bare bones! Theres a reason it's so cheap. Having owned a G6 for almost a year before dumping it, I can say that there are better vehicles for the same or less money. The Mitsu Gallant is one. Can't beat a 10 year warranty!

 

[bigbengt67]

The Mitsu Gallant is one. Can't beat a 10 year warranty!

If you don't mind driving an ugly POS from a company with quality cover-ups.