Cobalt LT: My Review.

[fisetdavid26]

Ferrer again asked for a review, so here it is.

It's recommended to watch and/or having previously viewed TG 12x06 beforehand. Or read my Aveo5 review.

As I stated a few times now I bought an Aveo5 in April 2009 that my parents ended up loving more than I did, and they offered me to take over their lease of their '07 Cobalt LT if I'd pay 50% of the Cobalt monthly payments. I am no idiot so I accepted. The only thing is, I can't drive it during weekdays, my dad uses it. I've got it when it matters though, every nights and Saturday to Monday all day long. Good deal I think.

The odometer of my car is reading 25 860 km as I write this.

So here we go, here's my review. *enters JC's Fiesta review segments*

Is it practical?

It's got a big boot, but its opening is rather small, so I can't fit my 72-packs of beer easily. Once they're in though, it's all good. It's also got plenty of legroom in the back when the front seats are in my driving/sitting position (I'm 5'11) so you can shove a lot of stuff in there. Like 72-packs, for example. I can fit a bicycle too.

Is it economical?

No. Even with careful driving I can't seem to get better gas mileage than 10.9-litre/100 km (22 mpg) city driving. Theorical range is about 415 km.

Is it fun to drive?

For what it is, yes. I drove the Civic and the Lancer, and they were better IMO, but the Slo isn't bad at all. It's also quite fast. 0-100 in 8.3 seconds, 0-160 in 16.8. Tried.

Will it break down all the time?

It's under warranty so it doesn't bother me too much, but so far the main problem is its brakes. I have read the front rotors (it's got drum brakes in the back) are rather prone to warp, and they did. And they're still warped as I write this. Also I've been through 2 sets of pads so far. Otherwise nothing to mention.

Is it easy to park?

I have got a sick (I mean sick) spoiler pulling mad downforce that doesn't hide my rearview and tells me where the rear end of car is, so yes. Piece of cake.

What if I go to a Shopping Centre and get chased by baddies in a Corvette?

Getting chased by baddies in a Corvette happens once in a lifetime, and it happened with the Aveo. And as I stated in its review we forgot to remove the cap on the lens. No footage.

Is it green?

As I mentionned earlier, not quite.

Can I afford it?

Yes.

What If I'm asked to take part in a beach assault with the Royal Marines?

It would probably work but I can't be f***ed to bring it to the UK.

[Ferrer]

Haha. Thanks.

Ouch about the fuel cosnumption though...

[cargirl1990]

22mpg is your fuel econmoy with the Colbalt? that sucks. but you did an awesome job with your written part thats or sure!

[LeonOfTheDead]

2 sets of pads after 25.000 km scare me more than the fuel consumption.

[Ferrer]

Originally Posted by LeonOfTheDead

2 sets of pads after 25.000 km scare me more than the fuel consumption.

Indeed that's worrying too.

[LeonOfTheDead]

I changed the front ones in my scooter after about 15.000 km.
Considering those things are dead after 20.000 km usually, I thought it was ok, also because the rear brake was rarely used (or either the tire was blocked SBK style trying to kill myself).
I don't think we changed any pad on the two Phedras, which both cracked the 120.000 km mark. The Stilo and Croma are still on the OEM ones, after 96.000 and 80.000 km respectively, and breaking is still strong and reliable. The Stilo probably needs new one though, as they fade faster than before.

[Ferrer]

Originally Posted by LeonOfTheDead

I changed the front ones in my scooter after about 15.000 km.
Considering those things are dead after 20.000 km usually, I thought it was ok, also because the rear brake was rarely used (or either the tire was blocked SBK style trying to kill myself).
I don't think we changed any pad on the two Phedras, which both cracked the 120.000 km mark. The Stilo and Croma are still on the OEM ones, after 96.000 and 80.000 km respectively, and breaking is still strong and reliable. The Stilo probably needs new one though, as they fade faster than before.

Maybe it has something to do with the problems with front disks?

I'm sure we haven't changed them in the BMW in 45.000km, and I don't think they've been changed in the Mini either in 90.000km. And both brake perfectly with good fade resistance.

[LeonOfTheDead]

I don't even know how many time I mess between "braking" and "breaking".

Originally Posted by Ferrer

Maybe it has something to do with the problems with front disks?

Probably, or at least, I hope. I'd fix them rather then keep changing the pads, even if I'm sure the problems doesn't come from bad OEM discs but rather because of the whole system design.
Pads are cheap, if the braking is safe and strong, keep changing them.

[blingbling]

copied idea, not funny

[fisetdavid26]

Originally Posted by blingbling

copied idea, not funny

If you don't have anything to say to contribute to this thread please stay away.

Other people liked my idea.

[Rasmus]

Originally Posted by fisetdavid26

What if I go to a Shopping Centre and get chased by baddies in a Corvette?

Screw the Vette, what if you got chased by RPG wielding Libyans in an old VW Transporter?

[DesmoRob]

I'm surprised at your gas mileage. They are advertised as better than that aren't they? You're average mileage isn't far from my C-class, and thats heavier with a V6.

[Zytek_Fan]

Originally Posted by RobPorsche

I'm surprised at your gas mileage. They are advertised as better than that aren't they? You're average mileage isn't far from my C-class, and thats heavier with a V6.

My E-class gets 20mpg

[wwgkd]

Well, remember how big a difference driving style makes in mileage, and if he's burning up pads that quickly he must be making the most of that 2.2L...

[DesmoRob]

I've heard many people comment on their premature clutch and brake wear in various reviews of different cars, but I find it hard to grasp that its actually the car's fault as opposed to the driver's.