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Used Chevy Cobalt Overview And How To Buy At The Best Price
With its introduction in 2005, the Chevy Cobalt was quick to raise some eyebrows with its impressive reviews and the unmistakable conclusion that an economical four-cylinder compact car doesn't have to come from Japan to be good.
The Cobalt was produced for the 2005 to 2010 model years before being succeeded by the Chevy Cruze in 2011. While this segment was still dominated by the Japanese, the Cobalt was an important development for GM which saw them committed to ramping up both quality and performance when it came to compact cars. And the Cobalt still makes a solid value choice in the used car market today.
For those possibly interested in buying a used Cobalt, here's a general overview of the vehicle:
The Cobalt is available as either a sedan or coupe, and with its four trim levels, there are models that are quiet and easygoing as well as those that will please the more sport-inclined driver.
The LS model is the moderately featured base model but still comes with filtered air conditioning, XM radio, a CD player and a tilt steering wheel. Additional features such as power accessories, cruise control, keyless entry, OnStar, leather upholstery and an upgraded Pioneer stereo are featured on the LT, LTZ and the supercharged, performance-oriented Cobalt SS.
The Cobalt is equipped with a quite capable and lively 2.2 liter, 4-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower that's also very good on gas (24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway). These used Cobalts can be found with either the standard 5-speed manual transmission or the optional 4-speed automatic.
The Supercharged SS models have a 2.0 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that pumps out a robust 260 horsepower with just a minimal loss to gas mileage, and are available with a 5-speed manual only.
In addition, the Cobalt SS comes with a sport-tuned suspension, 18 inch wheels, sport seats, Brembo front brakes, unique inside and outside styling accents, a turbo boost gauge and Bluetooth. Some used Cobalt SS models can also be found with the optional limited-slip front differential.
Other optional items that can be found, depending on the model year, include the 2LT Package which adds an automatic transmission, remote vehicle start, traction control, four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), cruise control, body-color side moldings and 16 inch aluminum wheels.
There's also a Sport Appearance package for the LT that adds a rear spoiler, unique front and rear fascias, foglamps, 17 inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth, white-faced sport gauges and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise and audio controls.
Stand alone options to be found on some used models also include remote start, a sunroof, a Pioneer stereo system and a USB port.
There haven't been very many changes in the base and mid-trim Cobalt models since inception. Used Chevy Cobalt shoppers, however, should be aware that these non-SS Cobalts got standard side curtain airbags starting with the 2008 model year (had been optional). There was also a power boost from 145 horsepower to 155 for the 2.2 liter in 2009.
There have been more changes in the SS Cobalts, however. Initially (2005), the SS came with a sport-tuned suspension and a supercharged engine good for 205 horsepower. For 2006, a lower priced 171 horsepower SS was introduced, while the original was renamed the SS Supercharged. In 2008, this base SS was discontinued but the 171-hp engine was used in the new Cobalt Sport (short-lived, lasting just one year).
Also in 2008, the SS Supercharged was replaced by a turbocharged 260 horsepower SS (and again just called the SS). Then for 2009, an SS sedan version was added to the lineup. The Cobalt was discontinued in 2010.
How To Get The Best Price
There are actually several different ways to buy a used Cobalt at the lowest price, and even at wholesale, although we are seeing less and less of them. You can click on the links to each of the following methods to get the specific instructions.
First of all, here's a Lowest Price Used Car Buying Guide that details a super effective method, one that often beats down prices even to wholesale levels. And somewhat related to this, here's another excellent method that identifies Price-Distressed Cars Right On Dealer Lots. These are vehicles they are so desperate to unload they would welcome your wholesale offer.
In addition, you can also try the Public Auto Auctions in your own geographic area. While there can be a lot of junk vehicles at these auctions, there are often absolute gems sprinkled in as well. This article reviews what to expect at open-to-the-public car auctions and how to locate them in your own area.
Also ... for those of you who might be interested in a brand new Chevy, if the price was crazy good, here's info on exactly How To Get The Best Price On A New Chevrolet. This works just phenomenally well.
