Photo: Mecum
If you're in the market for a new used car, you're probably looking for a crossover. We don't say it, the statistics do, as high riders are now more popular than they have ever been. But do you really need the extra ground clearance often wrapped in an ugly design?
You're the only one who can answer that question, though you're probably doubting about it, as you are reading about the Saturn Sky, after all. More particularly, a 2007 copy with a black paint finish, a set of five-spoke alloys on its feet, and a dual-tone interior with leather upholstery and a layout that was considered modern back then.
To us, the Sky has aged quite fine, just like its overseas sibling, the Opel GT. In fact, the only complaint we have about this car – actually, there are two – is the soft top, which is a bit wrinkled. The second is the apparent need to polish the headlights and fog lamps. Other than that, it's a nicely preserved example with unknown mileage, as the vendor hasn't released any extra details about it.
Chances are it hasn't seen much action over the last 16 years, so the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine should retain most of the original horses. The output was rated at 177 hp (180 ps/132 kW) back then, and it had 173 pound-feet (235 Nm) of torque. At 260 hp (264 ps/194 kW) and 260 lb-ft (353 Nm), the 2.0L turbo'd unit was punchier, improving the 0-60 mph (0-97 kph) sprint from 6.9 seconds in the base flavor to 5.2 seconds. The lesser model's top speed was 123 mph (198 kph) and 141 mph (227 kph) in the upper spec.
Production of the Saturn Sky took place at the Wilmington factory in Delaware from 2006 to 2009, and it is estimated that roughly 35,000 copies saw the light of day. Nowadays, you could land one for as little as $13,000 if you don't mind the high mileage, whereas some of the most expensive examples change hands for approximately $20,000. Due to the good driving credentials and the fact that not many were made, this model is believed to become a future collectible. If it does, now's your chance to land one for cheap, but keep in mind that there's no guarantee that its value will increase.
Now, back to the pictured copy, it is advertised for the Kansas City auction. Mecum's event will take place between November 30 and December 2 and comprises many other vehicles. Unfortunately, the auction house hasn't provided an estimated selling price, though since it looks very good overall, we think it might go for close to $20,000. Would that make it a steal in your book?
To us, the Sky has aged quite fine, just like its overseas sibling, the Opel GT. In fact, the only complaint we have about this car – actually, there are two – is the soft top, which is a bit wrinkled. The second is the apparent need to polish the headlights and fog lamps. Other than that, it's a nicely preserved example with unknown mileage, as the vendor hasn't released any extra details about it.
Chances are it hasn't seen much action over the last 16 years, so the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine should retain most of the original horses. The output was rated at 177 hp (180 ps/132 kW) back then, and it had 173 pound-feet (235 Nm) of torque. At 260 hp (264 ps/194 kW) and 260 lb-ft (353 Nm), the 2.0L turbo'd unit was punchier, improving the 0-60 mph (0-97 kph) sprint from 6.9 seconds in the base flavor to 5.2 seconds. The lesser model's top speed was 123 mph (198 kph) and 141 mph (227 kph) in the upper spec.
Production of the Saturn Sky took place at the Wilmington factory in Delaware from 2006 to 2009, and it is estimated that roughly 35,000 copies saw the light of day. Nowadays, you could land one for as little as $13,000 if you don't mind the high mileage, whereas some of the most expensive examples change hands for approximately $20,000. Due to the good driving credentials and the fact that not many were made, this model is believed to become a future collectible. If it does, now's your chance to land one for cheap, but keep in mind that there's no guarantee that its value will increase.
Now, back to the pictured copy, it is advertised for the Kansas City auction. Mecum's event will take place between November 30 and December 2 and comprises many other vehicles. Unfortunately, the auction house hasn't provided an estimated selling price, though since it looks very good overall, we think it might go for close to $20,000. Would that make it a steal in your book?
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