Pricing comparisons

[parlokin]

Can we talk about pricing? I am a college student (grad in December!) This car is squarely aimed at me -- along with most in its class. But -- I am a college student. A car is expensive, so when I spend this much I want to get the most for the price.

For me it comes down to Sonic or Fiesta. Now I am disappointed the Sonic's base entry has no power windows or CD player! What in the world? I don't require a lot -- beggars can't choose, etc -- but I will not spend 16 thousand on a car without power windows, cruise, and a CD player... It's a decent amount of money and you should get these basics, right..? Anyway, building with those necessities:

For the Sonic, the Build and Price comes to $18,090. That is a Sonic 5-Dr, 2LT auto, with "connectivity cruise package" (for cruise control).

For the Fiesta, the Build and Prices comes to $17,685. That is a Fiesta 5-Dr, SE auto, with Sport Appearance package (cruise control).

Obviously I'm not going to pay MSRP. But how negotiable are the Sonic's numbers? Did anyone get a car around that trim, for 16-17? I'd been set on the Fiesta for a while, and I'm still saving for a big downpayment so I have low notes. But this Sonic has really intrigued me, and I'd like to give it a try too. I'm just not sure why the numbers are that much higher for an entry-level, first-year model. Were any of the buyers able to negotiate down to a reasonable point?

Thanks in advance.

P.S. I have been lurking in the forums for a couple days, and I like what I see. Though the MPG threads have thrown me a bit (some posting less than stickered numbers)..

 

[SonicQueen]

Consider the content you get on the Sonic 2LT hatch with Connectivity package that is not on the Fiesta: More power, remote start, hill start assist,10 airbags (vs. 7), USB port, XM, 6-speakers vs 4, more interior space and cargo space, rear floor mats, driver armrest. The content more than covers the $400 MSRP difference.

As for purchase price, cars in this segment don't have a lot of dealer margin, so I am doubtful you'd come close to a $16K deal on either car. Figure $500-$750 off a good deal.

 

[Sonic]

The 40 mpg number you are seeing is going to be attained with the 1.4 equipped models. Although on paper it costs more, the 1.4 Sonic has more performance potential than the Fiesta. And no offense, but the Fiesta looks like a woman's car. If I were a man, I wouldn't be caught driving a Fiesta.

 

[parlokin]

Thanks for the reply, I didn't really dig into the details of the connectivity package but those additions are nice. The 2012 Fiesta does include an armrest now. But you are right, those additions are worth the $400. Still I would like to get this car around 17K at least.

Another concern I had was incentives. Ford offers $500 for college students, plus I have a $500 private coupon. Those are factory rebates, so it would be on top of any negotiation down from dealer MSRP. Do we anticipate better incentives from Chevrolet? Is there a college student cashback deal? I looked online but the only incentives I saw were APR, which I probably wouldn't qualify for anyway (lack of credit history)

And Sonic, I don't think the Fiesta looks like a woman's car. But I am a gay young man, and I believe in hybridity, wouldn't really bother me in the least for someone to think that. To your point about the MPG, when I go to build and price, I only see 1.8L engines. Where is the 1.4 with turbo?

 

[Sonic]

If you are doing the build on Chevy.com, you have the opportunity to select the 1.4 engine and the 6 speed manual transmission (the turbo engine won't be available with an auto transmission until mid 2012). It is only available on the LT and LTZ models though, so if you are locked in on an LS model it won't be available.

And if your situation makes the looks of the Fiesta suitable for you, then go with it if it's the better deal.

 

[parlokin]

If you are doing the build on Chevy.com, you have the opportunity to select the 1.4 engine and the 6 speed manual transmission (the turbo engine won't be available with an auto transmission until mid 2012). It is only available on the LT and LTZ models though, so if you are locked in on an LS model it won't be available.

And if your situation makes the looks of the Fiesta suitable for you, then go with it if it's the better deal.

Ah ok. It's for the manual. I'd love to get the LTZ, it's just out of my price range. Basically I just need to think about this some more. Fiesta and Sonic are both nice to me. It's a bit of a tradeoff either way I go.

 

[Sonic]

You can get the LT model with the 1.4 engine. That's the configuration I ordered.

 

[parlokin]

You can get the LT model with the 1.4 engine. That's the configuration I ordered.

But I need an auto. So it'd be late spring before delivery, if they're rolling those out next year?

 

[Sonic]

Late spring, if not longer. If you need an auto and need it now, then you will have to go with the 1.8. The hwy mpg for the 1.8 drops to 35. I think city remains 29 so your comined should be 32ish under ideal conditions.

 

[Sonny@bnr]

yes they can be had for less then 16 here are 2 brand new sonics in my area 15,395, and 14,488
Cars for Sale: 2012 Chevrolet Sonic LS Hatchback in Lauderhill, FL 33313: Hatchback Details - 309559951 - AutoTrader.com


Cars for Sale: 2012 Chevrolet Sonic LS in Miami Lakes, FL 33014: Sedan Details - 308521518 - AutoTrader.com

 

[parlokin]

yes they can be had for less then 16 here are 2 brand new sonics in my area 15,395, and 14,488
Cars for Sale: 2012 Chevrolet Sonic LS Hatchback in Lauderhill, FL 33313: Hatchback Details - 309559951 - AutoTrader.com


Cars for Sale: 2012 Chevrolet Sonic LS in Miami Lakes, FL 33014: Sedan Details - 308521518 - AutoTrader.com

Thanks Sonny, that's encouraging; but I am shopping the LT model, with the cruise upgrade. So it does push the price up some. I am thinking, if I can't get it for around 17k out the door, I simply won't be able to get it. The competition is too .. competitive. I hope Chevy releases some incentives the end of the year. Anyone know if GM has a college student/recent grad incentive?

 

[parlokin]

Consider the content you get on the Sonic 2LT hatch with Connectivity package that is not on the Fiesta: More power, remote start, hill start assist,10 airbags (vs. 7), USB port, XM, 6-speakers vs 4, more interior space and cargo space, rear floor mats, driver armrest. The content more than covers the $400 MSRP difference.

As for purchase price, cars in this segment don't have a lot of dealer margin, so I am doubtful you'd come close to a $16K deal on either car. Figure $500-$750 off a good deal.

Well I went in Ford and added the equivalent features that come with Sonic's connectivity package. (This is with Fiesta's Sync+Sound+Sport Appearance combo.) The final prices are $5 off: $18,085 Fiesta vs. $18,090 Sonic. Lol. So I guess it comes down to preference. And which dealer will give me a lower price

 

[buddy97]

maybe the style doesnt suit you, but when i shopped all the subcompacts, the '12 accent came out on top (fiesta a distant third), and the SE model is very nice. mileage, room, price, power, warranty, interior, reliability.... i consider the sonic (only with the 1.4 engine) to be the only close competitior.

 

[2>4]

Sonic vs Fiesta is apples and oranges, IMHO. The Fiesta is significantly smaller- you have to move the driver's seat forward to fold down the rear seats, and at that they don't fold completely flat. The Sonic is absolutely cavernous by comparison- much better rear seat leg and head room, which also equates to better cargo capacity for those Home Depot runs.

The Fiesta shares its platform with the Mazda2. Makes for a nimble handling car, but also a bit of a tin box. The Sonic's extra heft doesn't do you any good at the gas pump, but pays dividends in over-the-road ride quality.

For the extra $400 the Sonic is a MUCH better buy. And if that $400 is going to break the bank, might I suggest you look into buying something used and drive that until you can get squared away financially? My first car was a '63 Falcon that I bought in 1980 for $1 (which was probably too much). Manual steering, manual brakes, manual transmission, manual windows, and an AM radio that took a minute to warm up bacause it had VACUUM TUBES in it... and you're whining about cruise control?

 

[parlokin]

Sonic vs Fiesta is apples and oranges, IMHO. The Fiesta is significantly smaller- you have to move the driver's seat forward to fold down the rear seats, and at that they don't fold completely flat. The Sonic is absolutely cavernous by comparison- much better rear seat leg and head room, which also equates to better cargo capacity for those Home Depot runs.

The Fiesta shares its platform with the Mazda2. Makes for a nimble handling car, but also a bit of a tin box. The Sonic's extra heft doesn't do you any good at the gas pump, but pays dividends in over-the-road ride quality.

For the extra $400 the Sonic is a MUCH better buy. And if that $400 is going to break the bank, might I suggest you look into buying something used and drive that until you can get squared away financially? My first car was a '63 Falcon that I bought in 1980 for $1 (which was probably too much). Manual steering, manual brakes, manual transmission, manual windows, and an AM radio that took a minute to warm up bacause it had VACUUM TUBES in it... and you're whining about cruise control?

Well my friend it's not really apples and oranges; they are the same class (subcompact) and the same price. I was just asking about price differences when actually buying. I'm not whining about cruise control; it's something that the car must have if I'm paying $16,000+ for it. It's not, for instance, a $1, 1963 model

I see your point about the roominess. It was a concern for the Fiesta. I am still trying to compare all my options. I've also read recently that the Mexican auto workers assembling the Fiesta make very little pay, so that is a consideration for me too.

Right now I drive a 6 year old car with manual windows. But it has cruise lol. It's giving me issues so I'm ready to trade it in and get my first new car. I am financially able, I just want to get the best bang for the buck. I'm sure you understand.

Buddy97 -- I am just very weary of Hyundais. And again there's the issues with (bad) globalization when buying that import. I am going to look into it though. I am comparing all the cars within the class. So far it's between Fiesta and Sonic, but maybe this one is worth a look too.

 

[buddy97]

Buddy97 -- I am just very weary of Hyundais. And again there's the issues with (bad) globalization when buying that import. I am going to look into it though. I am comparing all the cars within the class. So far it's between Fiesta and Sonic, but maybe this one is worth a look too.

if you are leery of hyundai, it would be easy to argue you should be even more so of any domestic makes. if you look up the most recent long term dependability studies, you will see hyundai ahead of even honda along with all the domestics.

it sounds like you really want something that is mostly american and american built. if so, the sonic would fit that bill more than anything else in this class.

 

[parlokin]

if you are leery of hyundai, it would be easy to argue you should be even more so of any domestic makes. if you look up the most recent long term dependability studies, you will see hyundai ahead of even honda along with all the domestics.

it sounds like you really want something that is mostly american and american built. if so, the sonic would fit that bill more than anything else in this class.

I was just thinking how I meant leery instead of weary, lol. Thanks for seeing that

Do you have a link to good reliability comparisons? Mostly what I've seen is US News and just random consumer reviews where they exist. The problem with finding reliability of Sonic and Fiesta is they are completely new models. And you're right, I would like to buy American. But that is just one consideration among many. I find the longer I consider my first car, the more things to consider I have.

 

[buddy97]

I was just thinking how I meant leery instead of weary, lol. Thanks for seeing that

Do you have a link to good reliability comparisons? Mostly what I've seen is US News and just random consumer reviews where they exist. The problem with finding reliability of Sonic and Fiesta is they are completely new models. And you're right, I would like to buy American. But that is just one consideration among many. I find the longer I consider my first car, the more things to consider I have.

i like this because it measures problems after 3 years of ownership (rather than their more useless 90 day survey)

J.D. Power and Associates

all studies are flawed in some way, and there are definite risks in any new model....bugs that need to get worked out. but, these annoyances should show themselves well before the warranty is up.

like you said, these are all new models (sonic, fiesta, even the accent), so one could only hope to predict reliability.

 

[RockTheShazbot]

For pricing i am getting mine for 17400. I ordered an ltz sedan in victory red with turbo engine and sunroof. Gm has a college discount which is basically employee pricing which knocked off about 1200 and i am a member of USAA which took off another 750. Out the door i am at 19000 even. Was actually like 19150 but made the comment i would rather deal with nice round numbers and they knocked off the extra $150

 

[parlokin]

For pricing i am getting mine for 17400. I ordered an ltz sedan in victory red with turbo engine and sunroof. Gm has a college discount which is basically employee pricing which knocked off about 1200 and i am a member of USAA which took off another 750. Out the door i am at 19000 even. Was actually like 19150 but made the comment i would rather deal with nice round numbers and they knocked off the extra $150

hey rock, that sounds like a great deal. when i went to the GM college discount site and built my car, it didn't give me a discount? if the discount is $1200 that pretty much sells me right there. $1200 factory rebate plus any negotiation with the dealer, that would be phenomenal and definitely put the sonic at the front of my shortlist. but wondering if the college discount is regional, or maybe the site is just not updated...?