Sell me on a 1.4T.

[thebook92]

I've been looking at a Sonic for a while now, and I'm at the point where I'm saving up for a down payment. While looking, I've noticed that the price difference between the LS with the upgraded audio and the LT with the Connectivity Plus Cruise package and 1.4T is about $2,700. This equates (for me) to about another $50 a month payment, and could push it beyond financing availability. I would still like one, but is it really worth that much extra?

 

[Sugardaddy2885]

It all depends on what you want in the car. More performance options or a just a affordable daily driver.

 

[BrianJ88]

I wasn't sure either, i drove a 1.8 cruze 6MT and I liked it fine. But when I drove the 1.4 sonic, I was blown away. The midrange in it is phenomenal plus there is almost a 5 mpg difference on the highway. So far the only thing I dont like is the late clutch engagement, but thats probably on both cars. If you dont see it being worth it then dont but for a more exciting drive and better mpg's then its totally worth it

 

[ErikBEggs]

Turbocharged engines are just flat out more fun to drive than N/A engines. More midrange and low end grunt. Push you to the back of your seat quicker!

 

[mcdee]

1.4 6mt hatch

I have been interested in driving before buying one of these, but they appear to be 'vapor-ware' in my area (60 miles from Lake O). Patiently waiting for availability. Maybe after production is up at the Flint engine plant?

mcdee

 

[AndrewGS]

The thing that sold it for me was the fact that the 1.8L uses a timing belt that will have to be replaced down the road while the 1.4L uses a timing chain. The 4-5MPG difference would take years for me to recoop the $700 option price, but then again, I was already planning on buying a manual LT with Connectivity Plus Cruise. If you can't afford the LT then a 1.8L LS is still a great car.

 

[BrianJ88]

The thing that sold it for me was the fact that the 1.8L uses a timing belt that will have to be replaced down the road while the 1.4L uses a timing chain. The 4-5MPG difference would take years for me to recoop the $700 option price, but then again, I was already planning on buying a manual LT with Connectivity Plus Cruise. If you can't afford the LT then a 1.8L LS is still a great car.

Almost forgot about the timing chain. Thats a big thing. And I read someone got a quote to change the belt on the 1.8 Cruze and it
Was like 1200 bucks. worth it the 700 now?

 

[keto06]

MPGs + Fun to Drive Factor + Driver Comforts (LS model is manual everything) = Makes it worth it

I know personally I am saving for a 1.4T LTZ (Fogs, Heated Seats, 17s). EASILY worth the extra money to me for enjoying driving it EVERY DAY.

Plus the 1.8 is designed around mid 90s technology. :/

 

[SciroccoTDI]

Do you live at high altitude, or regularly travel to high altitude? If so, don't even LOOK at the NA engine...altitude loss is a killer...check out this auto 1.8 NA video that was shot here in Colorado...the 0-60 time is horrible!


2012 Chevrolet Sonic Review and 0-60 MPH Drive - YouTube

 

[thebook92]

Do you live at high altitude, or regularly travel to high altitude? If so, don't even LOOK at the NA engine...altitude loss is a killer...check out this auto 1.8 NA video that was shot here in Colorado...the 0-60 time is horrible!


2012 Chevrolet Sonic Review and 0-60 MPH Drive - YouTube

I live in southern Michigan, Sturgis to be exact. I think the airport is 908 feet ASL, so high altitudes aren't a problem here.

 

[Danny5]

I think the LS is an amazing car for the money. It is faster than most of it's competitors, and drives/feels great! The 1.8 is no slouch, and there is an emerging aftermarket. I am pretty sure the tune that Trifecta makes will bump you to stock 1.4L levels too.

Now, having said that, how much does gas/range mean to you? To be seriously considering the 1.8 means you aren't interested in the performance aspect of the 1.4, but have you thought about the mileage aspect?

1.8 owners struggle to get 30mpg in the city. They average low 30s on the highway. 1.4 owners struggle to get DOWN to 30mpg in the city, and they average 40+ on the highway.

Just to be nice, lets say you average 6mpg MORE with the turbo. Thats a $225 savings per year in fuel costs. It would take you 132k miles to make up the price difference with the turbo. Throw in a timing belt, you can reduce that number to 96k miles (all based on avg 12k a year)

For some people, the premium isn't worth it. Stick with what you can afford, I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

 

[thebook92]

I think the LS is an amazing car for the money. It is faster than most of it's competitors, and drives/feels great! The 1.8 is no slouch, and there is an emerging aftermarket. I am pretty sure the tune that Trifecta makes will bump you to stock 1.4L levels too.

Now, having said that, how much does gas/range mean to you? To be seriously considering the 1.8 means you aren't interested in the performance aspect of the 1.4, but have you thought about the mileage aspect?

I am interested in the performance aspect of the 1.4 (and quite probable Trifecta tune either way), but I was debating over whether or not, if I was denied financing on an LT for whatever reason, I could strip a couple grand off the price and still be happy.

While I'm thinking about it, that's another thing I wanted to ask. Since this is the first car I'm going to finance and have no credit history, how hard would it be to get a loan, preferrably without a cosigner?

1.8 owners struggle to get 30mpg in the city. They average low 30s on the highway. 1.4 owners struggle to get DOWN to 30mpg in the city, and they average 40+ on the highway.

Just to be nice, lets say you average 6mpg MORE with the turbo. Thats a $225 savings per year in fuel costs. It would take you 132k miles to make up the price difference with the turbo. Throw in a timing belt, you can reduce that number to 96k miles (all based on avg 12k a year)

For some people, the premium isn't worth it. Stick with what you can afford, I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

Thanks for the reassurance that I'm getting a decent car either way. I didn't know about the timing belt v. chain until you and AndrewGS mentioned it, but is that the only difference maintenance-wise between the two engines?

 

[classrc]

EDIT: Doh, I just saw the previous post re belt vs. chain...

Don't forget that the 1.8 has belt driven cams. That timing belt will need to be replaced every 95k miles or so. NOT CHEAP

The 1.4 Turbo has chain driven cams. The chain should be good for the life of the engine.

For me, that alone is worth the $700 price of admission... Let alone all of the other benefits listed above.

 

[wingman]

The car sells itself. No matter what trim you get, no one here is unhappy with it, especially those with the 1.4.