Need your advice

[firedoghfd]

After looking at every car in the same class we have decided to buy a Sonic. Now we are just trying to pick the fine details.

Right now we are looking at the 2013 LT Hatchback

1.8L Engine
Auto
Fog/Wheel upgrade
Mylink system


The big question is should we get the 1.4T Auto (wife can't drive a manual and doesn't want to learn :sadbanana

Besides chain vs belt, improved MPG, and more torque tell me why I should get the turbo. If it was a manual it seems like the 1.4T would be an easy choice.

Any extra maintenance with the 1.4T?
Most of my driving will be in large city and normal street driving and i'm not into modding all that much.
Is it true the 1.4T does not come with a spare tire as it states on the chevy webpage?

any other features I should look at from the dealer. I'm torn between the all weather mats from chevy or an after market set.

 

[Obviously Tyler]

If by spare tire you mean the doughnut, no that's not true. I have one in my 1.4T. Only extra maintenance for the 1.4 might be more frequent oil changes with better quality oil, of course this isn't required it's just what most people would do. If you're doing city driving I'd just get the 1.4 just for the extra fuel economy. But there isn't a huge difference. Be prepared for every on here saying get the 1.4 lol.

 

[AndrewGS]

The questions are, do you want to spend more than the extra cost of the Turbo to replace the timing belt in the 1.8L down the road? Do you also want to save a few bucks a year in fuel costs?

 

[Goneau]

If im not mistaken replacing a timing belt BEFORE it breaks is a whopping $300 fix with labor and parts. I can't imagine swapping a turbo being done for under $800?
I have the 1.8 and I have no complaints whatsoever, yes it's a belt but for a daily driver you have between 80-100k miles before you have to get it replaced. to me N/A daily means less possible failure. I know i'm probably going to catch some flak for this and i know i may be wrong so please do correct me but the only thing you're saving money oin with the 1.4t is gas wise?

EDIT:and as far as all weather floor mats go, my dealer gave me the sonic ones for free and i really can't complain, i always end up buying them for any car i've had (which isn't many i know) but if the weathertech's are in the same ballpark for price you're probably better off seeing as they cover almost the whole damn carpet up to the dash haha.

 

[laborsmith]

Maybe timing belt manufacturing has improved but my personal experience is the belt is good for 50,000 miles and not very many miles more.

Laborsmith

 

[AndrewGS]

If im not mistaken replacing a timing belt BEFORE it breaks is a whopping $300 fix with labor and parts.

Where the hell did you get that price? It's usually a $700-$900 job.

 

[firedoghfd]

Where the hell did you get that price? It's usually a $700-$900 job.

I called one dealership in Tomball and they quoted $380 parts and labor.

 

[Sonic]

I don't know what all is included with MyLink, but I do know that several members are kicking themselves in the rear for not getting cruise control and the technology package that includes the Ipod and usb flash drive connectivity.

 

[Sonic]

I called one dealership in Tomball and they quoted $380 parts and labor.

I'm sure they meant:
$380 = the parts
& labor = several hundred more

 

[firedoghfd]

I don't know what all is included with MyLink, but I do know that several members are kicking themselves in the rear for not getting cruise control and the technology package that includes the Ipod and usb flash drive connectivity.

The LT comes with cruise, USB, Aux, blue tooth, controls on wheel, etc

 

[firedoghfd]

I'm sure they meant:
$380 = the parts
& labor = several hundred more

Nope it was 380 parts and Labor. Belt was $140 and there was a few bolts that need to replaced at a cost of $8 each.

Can't call other dealers because everyone else in Houston closed at 2pm.

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

After looking at every car in the same class we have decided to buy a Sonic. Now we are just trying to pick the fine details.

Right now we are looking at the 2013 LT Hatchback

1.8L Engine
Auto
Fog/Wheel upgrade
Mylink system


The big question is should we get the 1.4T Auto (wife can't drive a manual and doesn't want to learn :sadbanana

Besides chain vs belt, improved MPG, and more torque tell me why I should get the turbo. If it was a manual it seems like the 1.4T would be an easy choice.

Any extra maintenance with the 1.4T?
Most of my driving will be in large city and normal street driving and i'm not into modding all that much.
Is it true the 1.4T does not come with a spare tire as it states on the chevy webpage?

any other features I should look at from the dealer. I'm torn between the all weather mats from chevy or an after market set.

I think we are all excited to see what you choose. Please post pictures after you make your final decision. Let me know if you need anything!

Jackie
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

[firedoghfd]

Bad news. The only 1.4 in 1000 miles is the RS. The wife hates the leather seats so i guess it will be a 1.8

 

[JohnT]

Yeah finding a 1.4t can be difficult. But really the mileage difference is nearly negligible in cost savings, and maintenance is probably a draw.

The only reason to get the 1.4 is the difference in power delivery, there is just a bit more at lower rpm than with the 1.8. You'd have to drive back to back to appreciate. The 1.4 is easier to gain speed without as much rpm, so it feels smoother. Depends on what is important to you.

 

[wingman]

Is the turbo still a $700 upgrade over the 1.8? I haven't priced them lately but probably more with an auto, but I think the additional premium over what you have picked out will pay for itself as well as not leave you ever saying "this thing needs a little more balls." It took me a year to figure out I had a "spare" under the false floor. It will only be a matter of a few bucks to your monthly stroke to get the 1.4T.

 

[HADES20]

Honestly it's preference I was going to buy the turbo but got the 1.8 instead do I regret it no because if I want can average the turbos mpg figures sure it may take a tad more effort but it still is good the timing belt is something that doesn't even worry me the least bit I don't see the one in hades breaking or whatever till I pass 100k miles and at that poit I plan to be getting my jeep

 

[Kuntryboy865]

Damn, seems like people are having a hard time finding the 1.4's my dealer has several.

 

[AndrewGS]

Bad news. The only 1.4 in 1000 miles is the RS. The wife hates the leather seats so i guess it will be a 1.8

What dealer are you dealing with? If it's Munday they will lie to you to sell their on-hand stock. Go see Mike Schuck at Buckalew in Conroe and tell him Andrew Sommers sent you. I bought their first Turbo Sonic from Mike and they have a bunch of Turbo LT hatches in stock right now.

 

[RobbyS]

Surprised nobody has said this before, but get the 1.4T...

because racecar

 

[firedoghfd]

What dealer are you dealing with? If it's Munday they will lie to you to sell their on-hand stock. Go see Mike Schuck at Buckalew in Conroe and tell him Andrew Sommers sent you. I bought their first Turbo Sonic from Mike and they have a bunch of Turbo LT hatches in stock right now.

I'm working with 5-6 via email including buckalew. Everyone has told me they can't get the 1.4 in the LT trim right now. LTZ and RS is not a problem. The issue is we want cloth seats so that rules out the LTZ and RS.