Trading up from the 2012 Sonic to 2013 Sonic RS? Thoughts and Concerns...

[SonicBoy24]

I am debating trying to go through the hassle of trading up from my 2012 to the 2013 Sonic RS when it becomes available.
With the 1.4T, revamped, sportier tranny, disc brakes all around.... is there anything else that may make all the paperwork and extra money worth it to trade up?

And information on the Sonic RS, the trading process, and anybody's 2cents is appreciated. Being 19 and this being my first new car, I am virtually clueless as to the process.

 

[TheTruth]

I've had the same thought honestly, but the RS isn't throwing anything really spectacular at us to really sway me. More aggressive gear ratios, sport suspension and the 4 wheel discs are the only notable performance upgrades, and the aesthetics aren't really a buying point as I plan on modding mine anyway. Now, if Chevy decides to unleash an SS beast in a few years, that might catch my attention.

 

[Gimpster]

I agree, I want one.... but the delta on how bad you'll get owned on trade-in vs. the things different is too steep IMO. I could likely buy most, if not all, of the OEM parts discounted for how hard I'd take it on a trade. If they had re-calibrated the car to say 500 Abarth power, it would be a REALLY hard decision for me :\ we know it can do it safely.

 

[esymr2]

You would likely be looking at another extra 5-7k to trade up. In my opinion, there's not enough of a difference between the RS and the LTZ to justify that price increase. But then I saw in your signature line that you have the 1.8 auto. That changes things a bit. If you feel like you just gotta have a turbo manual, then trade up. Better to take a hit now, pay about an extra 100 a month for the next 5-6 years instead of wishing you had a different/better car for the next 5-6 years and not enjoying what you already have.

 

[Sonic]

You will take the hit on the trade in and be upside down, but going from a 1.8 to a 1.4, especially an RS will be a night and day difference. You're only young once, I say go for it. You won't regret it.

 

[Gimpster]

No offense Sonic, but living the "you're only young once" mentality is why I didn't own anything or have any wealth until I was like 28. The amount of money I blew through age 18-28/29 is staggering, and until a couple years ago I had nothing to show for it really. I realize young people will do whatever they want anyway, but I felt compelled to post that.

I really mean no offense by that! I do hope other prospective owners who keep saying "oh the 1.8 is good enough" read this though. I know this is going to be a trend that continues, just like the Cobalt forum. People kicking themselves in the ass 6-12mo after purchase wondering why they didn't just buy the turbo. Hear me now, the 500-700 you pay for the 1.4T is a steal!

 

[Sonic]

No offense taken Gimpster. If he were talking about some larger expenditure on something lavish and unnecessary, I wouldn't have said that. But the relatively minor cost of upgrading to an RS over his 1.8 is something I think that won't "break the bank".

And the whole "I should have bought the turbo" thing is something I hope more members who haven't purchased yet read loud and clear. The amount of 1.8 owners wanting boost speaks volumes. The 1.4 is pretty readily available now. If you have any doubts, buy a 1.4.

 

[Alan]

Not a smart move unless the dealer really wants to work with you on the trade...and even then you will be rolling negative equity into that new car loan for the RS.

Say that new RS is $23k out the door. You owe $15k on your existing Sonic and the dealer gives you $9k for the trade. There is a $6k difference there between what you owe and what the dealer is giving you for the car. Either you have to cough up that $6k or the dealer shoves it into your RS loan...so before you even drive off the lot you owe $29k on a $23k car that is going to depreciate the second you take it off the lot further widening that gap.

Once you start on this path it is VERY hard to dig yourself out of that hole. You could try to soften the blow by selling your car private party but since it is so new you are still going to take a bit of a hit.

My vote would be to stick with what you have. Work towards paying it off and enjoy a newish car without car payments for a while.

 

[keto06]

Private Party Sell and then get the RS. Dont pay for a car you dont want to keep driving

 

[SonicBoy24]

Well just a little bit of info:
I only owe $10k and change on my Sonic, and I wouldn't be going for the top-of-the-line RS either, just something sportier than what I have now.
Thus, your numbers are off, Alan, but I realize what you were trying to say.

Sonic, I appreciate what you have had to say, it's defintely an influence.
I will have to do some talking with my dealer as the time gets closer.

 

[Sonic]

And if you do this, make sure you get gap insurance when you get the new loan.

 

[Gimpster]

Obviously if the OP only owes 10k, his blow is softer... but to Alan's point I got into the negative feedback loop of trading every 1-2 years. It took me a long time to dig back out. Even though the cars I was buying really wasn't that expensive, all that negative equity adds up.

I won't pretend to assume folks income on this site, but lets say he did owe 15-16k. Coming up with 5-6k to even make the LTV 100% is hard for some folks, and if rolled into the next loan they're just paying interest on it. Its a vicious cycle of loan poverty basically :banana: folks who trade in every 1-2 years to the dealer are the car company and dealers bread & butter.

I would agree that the sooner he makes this switch the better though, because when the RS hits he'll already be behind the model year 8 ball.

I would look at REALISTIC Cruze 2011 trade-in values (IMO, KBB is too high) vs. their original MSRP to get a rough idea on its going to be. Since you only owe 10k, doing a private party sale is a no brainer though... you will always get owned on the trade vs. private. Frankly I'd sell it now and roll in a $500 1990 Honda Accord or something until the RS drops and come in clean.

No offense taken Gimpster. If he were talking about some larger expenditure on something lavish and unnecessary, I wouldn't have said that. But the relatively minor cost of upgrading to an RS over his 1.8 is something I think that won't "break the bank".

 

[Alan]

Only $10k...nice! :banana:

It is a tough call. I see it both ways being a car fanatic who is also extremely thrifty. If you are comfortable with the higher car payment and insurance premium, go for it. I'd suggest going the private party route to minimize the hit.

Just keep in mind that at age 19 you are already ahead of the game. You have a nice car that you don't owe a ton on that you could have paid off in 1-3 years and be free of the car payment ball-and-chain (great feeling). That provides you additional freedom to pursue other hobbies, buy a house, pay for school/training/etc, or maybe even buy a second project car.

That brings up my other point...project cars are a great way to get your automotive fix on the cheap. Nothing better than having a rock solid reliable daily driver and having another car on the side you can modify/race/whatever yet not have to worry about getting to work the next day if it breaks. Just a thought.

 

[Alan]

And if you do this, make sure you get gap insurance when you get the new loan.

Many gap insurance policies do not cover negative equity rolled into loans. Fine print that should be looked into if someone is considering this route.

 

[SonicChris]

I would wait a couple of years. The RS will still be there and it will help your credit enormously. Building your credit is far more important and you'll end up getting a better rate on the RS. Not to mention it will give GM a chance to work the bugs out of the RS.

 

[EVOX_SPEED3]

How about getting a used 1.4 turbo Cruze instead? U will get the turbo, and disc brakes all around, still have warranty and ur actually moving up in class. Actually, thinking about getting a used 2011 1.4t also, but keep my Sonic as well.

 

[laborsmith]

If I were 19, I would definitely consider waiting a year or two. Although I would not have issues related to being upside down or needing to establish credit, I will likely still wait a year or two, assuming I like what the RS offers enough to make the change. Unless, of course, Chevy offers a Rally or Competition Yellow for the RS, which based on reports does not look likely.

Laborsmith

 

[LS1notFOUND]

money is nothing but a tool for happiness....however there is instant gratification and that later on. Not taking any of it to your next life.

Never hurts to go in and see what kind of options you have, My guess is you wont have negative equity because they are selling pretty well and since you owe 10 and sticker is 18+ you may find that your payments wont jump all that much. If your's is optioned out pretty good that will also allow them to sell it, the Sonic RS might be a bit pricey for the segment so I doubt dealers will want them sitting around. The used car market is hurting for affordable cars that are still "finance-able".

If you think you would keep the RS for some time to come, then I would try to go for it. Its not like your taking a 1.4T manual and just going for the factory goodies, your going from a 1.8 autotragic. (sorry couldn't resist the autotragic). Someone who has a 1.4T I would say start grabbing up aftermarket and OEM parts to piece together and learn how to wrench, use it as a opportunity to make it your own.

Not going to lie either, the 1.4T cruze are really nice cars though. Just helped a buddy into one the other day:

Remember there's always a sale at GM too.

 

[EVOX_SPEED3]

How about getting a used 1.4 turbo Cruze instead? U will get the turbo, and disc brakes all around, still have warranty and ur actually moving up in class. Actually, thinking about getting a used 2011 1.4t also, but keep my Sonic as well.

 

[SonicBoy24]

I would wait a couple of years. The RS will still be there and it will help your credit enormously. Building your credit is far more important and you'll end up getting a better rate on the RS. Not to mention it will give GM a chance to work the bugs out of the RS.

As I decipher and think about the posts from other members, I like your car. You got what I wanted, black except its a hatch,, 1.4turbo w 6speed manual. Same name for our cars BTW
Wanna trade? XD