cobalt as a first car

I am looking at the cobalt to be my first car. A 2005 coupe one with about 40,000 miles on it. Would this be a good car? Is it reliable? Does the motor last long? What kinda problems do they have? How is insurance on one for a 16 year old? Thanks

[Red07SSNA]

The Cobalt is an excellent first car -- a little more power then most 4-bangers so a 16 year old might be tempted to "race" a little.....like any used car you need to have a reliable mechanic look at it. What condition is the body and interior and how clean is it under the hood? Manual or auto and are there any signs of fluid leaks? Do the tires look good -- new tires could be normal for 40K miles or a sign of spinning them too much? Can the seller provide proof of regular servicing -- oil changed often enough? You can take it to a Chevy dealer and ask to see a history on the car by using the VIN to check on whether or not it had warranty problems. Call your insurance agent and ask that question -- where you live can have a big difference in rates so all we could provide you would be a wild quess.

[gibsonj4]

I had an 89' Cavy Z24...I'm partial to kids starting off with shitty cars lol but yes it would be a good car if u respect it.

[BlackBaltSS]

Invest in CARFAX vehicle reports for awhile and use it on every car you look at. Its a very helpful tool not only in picking a vehicle to start with but also helpful in negotiations when you get with the private seller or into the dealer's office. Insurance is a *****, take it from me. For the love of god dont wreck or get a ticket, it makes it so high its almost not worth driving anymore. Not to down the balt any, its a great car. But older trucks make great first drivers, and its way more helpful with insurance since it doesnt cost as much to replace it and in alot of ways its safer.

[tinkerbell]

the cobalt was my second car...i love it. my parents didnt think id get in too much trouble with it but it still goes fast. although i would invest in a REALLY good radar if you want to go fast. i had one installed and it has saved my ass so many times. and if you back into something it wont completly mess up your bumper. cobalt are alot safer than cougars...which i wrecked but be careful because cobalts arent that great in the rain...or it could just be my tires..but i have hydroplaned about 5 times.

If its not good in rain i guess its a bad think that i live in Washington where it rains 10 months a year, o well i will risk it. I passed my written test today, and take my drive in about 2 weeks when i turn 16. Has anyone had problems with this car? What are some common problems that occur with this car, and how many miles till major problems start to happen?

What do you think about this one? Its about 400mi away from where i live( and in a different state. Are there any extra think i would have to do to import this car from a different state (ID to WA). Thanks

cars.com: 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt

[BlackBaltSS]

Originally Posted by mppaintball

What do you think about this one? Its about 400mi away from where i live( and in a different state. Are there any extra think i would have to do to import this car from a different state (ID to WA). Thanks

Yea you have to do extra, like pay an assload extra money. Try to find one within your own state, and preferably within 50 miles of your house. If you go online you can look at all the dealers used inventory in your area, and thats the best place to start.

[Chester]

i think the cobalt is a good car to start off with...motor is pretty strong and smart....gets good gas mileage and reliable ...just make sure you get an extended warranty if offered

[znew]

Whats up buddy welcome to the site. The Cobalt is a very good first car. I am 16 and I got an 06 LS In Ultra Silver. Insurance is good because it is only a 4 cylinder, but the ecotec engine has pretty good torque. Plus there are lots of mods available for it if ur into that.