2013 vs. 2014... any opinions on which would be better?

[CreativeWriterNSpace]

Hi! So, I fell i love with the Sonic when I test drove it back in April. I currently am looking for something to replace my 1993 Mercury Cougar...

Options I want:

• 
  Cruise Control

• MyLink

• Backup Camera

• 1.4L Turbo A/T

All in the sedan (need trunk space) in either Blue Topaz Metallic or Silver Ice Metallic.

I know that the backup camera isn't supposed to be something that the Sonic's come with, but when I test drove the salesman said something about being careful of a backup camera when I wanted to open the trunk. My step-dad also has a friend who has the 2013 with a backup camera that was on the car in the lot. Him and his wife both have one, and while he was working, she went to the dealership and literally said "I want that one" -points- "and that one" -points-. And it is hooked up to MyLink. They've had the cars since March.

In any case, I like the idea of the Forward Collision and Lane Departure Alert, backup camera and the Fun-and-Sun package with the Sunroof, but don't know if it's really worth the wait (or the money). As it is, I'm thinking I may wait until Thanksgiving or Christmas to buy the car, and get a discounted 2013 because they're trying to get rid of the '13s to make room for the '14s.

Does anyone know anything that might be able to help sway me?

Thank you!

 

[13TurboLTZ]

Sonics are teeny, you dont need a backup camera/lane departure/collision warning if your a half competent driver (and coming out of a big car like a Cougar as well). Personally I think all those options are a waste but some people know their limits and spring for them. Other than that, a large portion of 2013 models come with everything else you want. Get an LT or LTZ to get cruise, turbo, MyLink, and sunroof, as most of them LT and above have those options.

 

[Swordsmith]

If you want all those options, then I would imagine the 2014 is the way to go, unless they really are installing them all willy nilly on midyear 2013s, not just some crazed dealer doing his own aftermarket work.

Personally, I'd pick up a 2012 LT 1.4T, figuring they are still on the lots right now, and you should be able to get a great deal on one. But I don't see anything about Mylink that makes me want it over Connectivity (the 2012 equivalent), and I don't have any interest in lane avoidance or collision attraction or electronic replacement for swiveling my head backwards.

 

[CreativeWriterNSpace]

If you want all those options, then I would imagine the 2014 is the way to go, unless they really are installing them all willy nilly on midyear 2013s, not just some crazed dealer doing his own aftermarket work.

Personally, I'd pick up a 2012 LT 1.4T, figuring they are still on the lots right now, and you should be able to get a great deal on one. But I don't see anything about Mylink that makes me want it over Connectivity (the 2012 equivalent), and I don't have any interest in lane avoidance or collision attraction or electronic replacement for swiveling my head backwards.

My dad's friend got his sonic(s) at a different dealership tha where I test drove, so I can't imagine it's something aftermarket that one dealor is doing.

The my only reason for wanting the camera (not too worried about the collision alert, as I am sensitive to repeating noises. Not to mention that I live in the "country" and drive on old, narrow, 1 lane roads with no shoulder or white line markings an tend to drive on or over the yellow line when no one is coming the other way.) Is that the Sonic actually gives me less visibility than I am used to, so it would be nice to have some kind of visual in the back... plus my stepdad talked abou how awesome it it on his friend's...

 

[CreativeWriterNSpace]

But I don't see anything about Mylink that makes me want it over Connectivity (the 2012 equivalent), and I don't have any interest in lane avoidance or collision attraction or electronic replacement for swiveling my head backwards.

Also, I like Siri Eyes Free, being able to use BringGo for Nav... and MyLink honestly just looks better than the regular radio system.

 

[poncho167]

Also, I like Siri Eyes Free, being able to use BringGo for Nav... and MyLink honestly just looks better than the regular radio system.

Mylink is the way to go if you have a smart phone. Keep in mind that you lose the cd player if you chose Mylink.

 

[Sailurman]

Sonics are teeny, you dont need a backup camera/lane departure/collision warning if your a half competent driver (and coming out of a big car like a Cougar as well). Personally I think all those options are a waste but some people know their limits and spring for them. Other than that, a large portion of 2013 models come with everything else you want. Get an LT or LTZ to get cruise, turbo, MyLink, and sunroof, as most of them LT and above have those options.

You have obviously never tried backing the hatch out of a parking space in a busy lot LOL. Hatch will definitely benefit from the cam, and I only hope that MyLink can be compatible with a retrofit.

 

[Stew]

Losing the CD player was a real problem for me but I wanted the sunroof more than a CD player, meaning I had to get the LTZ which came with the MyLink. Glad I did, I don't miss the CD player at all which surprised me. Everything I have fits on my 16GB flash drive with room to spare, like all of my old time Mercury Theater On The Air broadcasts. I am actually pretty fond of the MyLink system.

The Sonic (sedan at least) does not have real good rear visibility due partly to the rear headrests, so I can appreciate the appeal of a rear camera but I would not want any of the other crap like lane departure warning and such. Cruise control was a must have for me because I do a lot of freeway driving and the WSP patrol I-5 like stink on poop so it's nice to set it and relax.

 

[qwed94]

Well we all have our opinions as to "what options are vital" and which ones should be "done away with".

My only advice to you is. --- Seriously have a good idea of the options you really want. (Whether you NEED them or not). This is going to be a major purchase. Every "brand new car" is. If you dont get the options you want, you will NEVER be satisfied.

In simple words. PLEASE --- buy the car YOU want, then give all the praise to Jesus that he allowed you to have this car. You will be much happier if you buy the car you want.

 

[SonicQueen]

Factory installed rear view camera and Advanced Safety Package (lane departure warning & forward crash alert) will be available on the 2014 models. They are not currently available on the '13s. Both require MyLink.

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

Just letting you know the changes and highlights of the 2014:


Changes

*Center-stack decorative trim changes for Chevrolet MyLink radio-equipped vehicles; hydrographic film is replaced with: Dark Argent Metallic paint on LS and LT; High-gloss Dark Argent Metallic paint on LTZ; and High-gloss Piano Black paint on RS
*"Power" rear door child safety locks replaced by "manual" rear door child safety locks on all models
*Remote trunk release now standard on Sedans only (Switch is located in same location as previous power child safety lock button)
*Power door lock switch added to driver's door near window controls

Highlights

*(PDQ) LT Promotional Package, includes (UF7) Chevrolet MyLink radio, (CF5) power sunroof and (T3U) front fog lamps; Requires (G7F) Deep Magenta Metallic exterior color; Limited promotional package available August 2013-October 2013
* (PDH) Fun and Sun Package, includes (LUV) 1.4L 4-cylinder turbo-charged engine and (CF5) power sunroof; available on LT and LTZ 5-Door models only
Click on the blue links to change image


Erica Tiffany
Chevrolet Customer Service

 

[laborsmith]

I am thinking Deep Magenta is another name for blood red. Am I close?

Laborsmith

 

[CreativeWriterNSpace]

I am thinking Deep Magenta is another name for blood red. Am I close?

Laborsmith

That's what i'd like to know. What does the color look like?

 

[CreativeWriterNSpace]

Mylink is the way to go if you have a smart phone. Keep in mind that you lose the cd player if you chose Mylink.

Yeah... I'm 20. The last time I bought an actual CD was back in... probably 2008. I use iTunes for most of my music purchases now.

 

[CreativeWriterNSpace]

Thank you all!

I still don't know what I'll choose, as it'll probably come down to price. My mom is the one who is going to be "buying" the car, and she can't really afford much more than $210 a month... which is about $15,000 at a 5% interest rate with a $2000 down payment and $500 trade-in (fees & taxes included).

I know that backup cameras that are compatible with the MyLink on the 2013 are out there, so that's not a huge issue... even if it is a dealer install and not a factory one.

My only concern at this point would be the trunk release button that is on the '14 and not the '13.

The LT promo package for the '14 sounded promising until "requires Deep Magenta"... I'm not a fan of pink or red (though if it turns out that it's more of a redish purple, it may actually become the color I want. I would love a sunroof, but can do without... though I do agree that purchasing a car (slightly used or new) is a big decision and that you should definitely get what you want. As long as you can afford it.

 

[Fyre]

I am thinking Deep Magenta is another name for blood red. Am I close?

Laborsmith

Sorry -- new here. I searched for 2014 Chevrolet colors and found a link to a color sheet marked "CamaroScotty". Its posted on "gminsidenews.com" - which seems to be another forum.

Anyway -- I'd personally call their color, G7F -- deep magenta metallic something close to "Aubergine" - which is the fancy color name for "eggplant". It has a lot more purple in it (rather than straight up pink, which is what a lot of people think Magenta is). My husband was surprised by how dark/deep it looks.

A quick google of "Deep Magenta" gives some color swatches at the top of the page that are pretty close to the color chip from "camaroscotty".

Anyway - I'm thinking about a 2014 sonic. I like that color, but I want an LTZ with a turbo, or - alternatively - a RS. I don't know enough about the options packages to know if that PDQ package will be available with those higher trim levels.

 

[ColonelPanic]

Personally if I were buying right now, I would go for the 2014. It's worth it for the interior trunk release button alone. :banana: The special edition LT does sound interesting to us, color and all. That's always how it goes though. We like our 2013 and don't plan on foolishly trading it in for a new model that has a few nice to haves.

I read around here that they're discontinuing Blue Topaz sometime this year. They are replacing it with some other type of blue. So if you're set on that color, maybe you'll have to get a 2013 or early 2014 if it is still available.

No matter what year Sonic you may end up with, they're great cars.

 

[SuperFudd]

By December the 2013 selection will be minimal.
The days between Christmas and New Years are tipicaly the best days to buy a current (2014) model car.

 

[qwed94]

By December the 2013 selection will be minimal.
The days between Christmas and New Years are tipicaly the best days to buy a current (2014) model car.

That simply depends on if you live in a State that requires you pay a "personal property tax" on motor vehicles. In Missouri, we do. The best time to buy a new car is Jan 2. Because you have to pay personal property taxes on the property that you owned on JAN 1. Buy it on Jan 2, you have one more full year before you have to pay that tax.

 

[atx_sonic]

I had this same discussion with myself.., get a 2013 or wait for 2014. I went 2013 since I wanted to act now for purposes of optimizing my trade in value and handle a lower interest rate which is more likely this time of year and on a 2013 vs a fresh model year 2014 in sep.

However, if you can wait and current finances don't demand a new car, then the 2014 is likely a better choice if nothing more than higher resale value 5 years down the road.

The features of a 2014 like backup camera are nice but I don't feel enough to justify a wait on their own. Know that in Sep when the 2014s hit showrooms they will not have any deals or low interest promos for a while. If any 2013s remain near you then they should.