For $22K you can buy a V6 Mustang Premium package with afew options, or a reg cab ZQ8 Colorado with 3.5L I5 with lots of options (and still not hit $22K!), or a Cobalt SS or two nicely equipped Aveos.

 

1Colorado
2cobalt ss

I wouldnt consider any of the others.

 

Quality wise, it seems hard to beat the Cobalt SS. I've only heard good reviews on the interior and the build quality on them. 200ish HP at the ground on dynos of the redlines, which I'm assuming will transfer over to the SS. Aftermarket is starting to come around on the 2.0L with cams and other goodies on the way according the cobaltss.net's boards. Fun little car, good quality gets my 22k.

 

A rear wingless Cobalt SS all the way . Mustang can have it size advantage , Colorado can have its usefulness and I dont do cars like Aveo's . I'd much rather get around in a blown 5 speed Cobalt

 

Cobalt SS hands down. if for no other reason that it should have an insane aftermarket. the V6 pony cars never got much attention from the tuners. i should know. I own one.

 

Easy question. The aveos! YESSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!

 

For 22k, all the others are way overpriced, so I picked the Mustang...but even thats high for a fully loaded Mustang. The msrp for a loaded v6 is 20k.

The others from your list scream 'cheap' and thats not a problem...unless you wind up paying too much for it. I have a 2003 Ranger that I bought new for $10,000 out the door. Its cheap, but I bought it cheap so I'm fine with it. I couldn't imagine spending 22K on any of those fugly cars when I'd rather spend a little too much on a V6 Mustang for that much.

 

Give me the Cobalt. If I had the extra cash it would be my daily driver right now.

 

I voted Colorado but only because I really like it's aggressiveness. I feel that the sedan Cobalt looks better than the coupe. But it is really a close call. BTW I am also considering a HHR for my next vehicle for the wife, if that shows you my taste.

 

I voted Colorado because of it's usefulness.

I LOVE the Cobalt for what it is, but I just can't handle small cars (even though Colorado is a smaller truck).... obviously that rules out Aveo too.

Mustang would make me think for a bit, but if I was going to get a Mustang, it'd have to have a V8... plus I hate the hokey "M-U-S-T-A-N-G" sticker on the bottom of the V6 car. :blah:

 

That's a $295 option (includes rear spoiler).

 

Loaded for $20K? Where do you get that?

The MSRP for a base Mustang (no options), is $19,770.

 

That is good to know, though every V6 Mustang I have seen so far (all 3 of them) have had the sticker...

No biggy, even without it, I'd stick with the Colorado.... sounds liek more options can be had for the money, and the Mustang would need a V8 to draw my interest.

 

I went with the Cobalt because I"m not a truck fan and hate retro styling.

If I tied the two Aveo's together, is it possible to have as much power as the SS and more interior room?

 

22k is way too much for the Colorado. If it were a crew cab for 22k, I think that would be a good deal. Maybe pay 18K for the extra cab. 15K tops for a regular cab.

Just for comparison. My dad bought a brand new 2004 Tacoma regular cab for 12K about 8 months ago. Granted it had zero options(no CD player) except A/C and floor mats, but he's always driven stripper trucks(had an 88 Toyota reg cab, and an 85 extra cab with no p/s and rubber floors before that one), so he's spoiled rotten with a new truck.