Center Console Armrest Review

[THKPIC]

I thought I'd do a brief review of the aftermarket chinese center console.
As many of you know there is an aftermarket option for the drivers armrest that fits into the rear cupholder. It provides a lower armrest with inner storage for both the passenger and driver.

When I received the item it was in need of being assembled. Shipping was free at 63.00 dollars for the armrest and I recieved it within four days on ebay. With the armrest was three bags of fitting hardware (all screws.)

There are no instructions included and the product packaging is all in Chinese. I had to hire a chinese interpreter from a local chinese buffett to help unscramble the funky lettering on the box (just joking).

Anyhow, step one is screwing the base that sits into the armrest into the middle portion. After this was to screw the top portion into the middle section (pretty simple...three parts.) First thing I noticed that even though the top portion can be lifted 90degrees it leaves a space in the front with a hinge in the back. Important to note because it does add to the up and down movement you feel when you place your arm on it. Minor, but noticable.

 

[THKPIC]

Here is how it sits in the center armrest between the two chairs in first pic.

Second pic is what I call "the one finger wiggle." No pressure, this baby moves around easy. I really thought it would sit super tight in the rear drink holder. Nah. This baby needs to be screwed down if you want any kind of serious no nonsense feeling of a secure fit. Must be why they give you additional screws.

Third picture shows holes for additional screws. Better to do the screwing than to be screwed.

 

[THKPIC]

Here is a picture of the nub from the armrest removed and a picture of the original armrest so you can see what's going on here. Big screw, simple slide down lever.
Now after putting the armrest in you can replace the original- although it would look weird. Atleast it would save you face when someone asks what the hell is that metal nub sticking out of your seat.

 

[THKPIC]

Final thoughts:

1) This thing smells funky. Cheap plastic, questionable leather- to be expected.
2) Base of armrest will scratch and leave gashes in your cup holder. If you really want this bad boy then I suggest covering the armrest base or the rear cup holder in felt. It'll save you a few unsightly scratches down the road.
3) The screws provided strip very easily- they're garbage. You want to be careful putting them in as they turn slow, fit tightly and strip easily. I had metal shavings on the ground by the time I was done with all the screws.
4) If you are short like me and drive with the seat somewhat far up I think the advantage of this is even less so. It doesn't move forward enouph even when the top portion is pulled out.

Anyway, I didn't think it was worth it so I took it out. To much wiggle, didn't want to screw it down and not enouph arm spaceage going on for me. I didn't think the metal nub exposed was worth having and think they should've provided a plastic cover for it as part of the kit.

Hopefully we'll see some other armrest options out their for these sonics. If you REALLY need this just be realistic as to what your getting.
Stocker for me it is....

 

[dblackston]

I was thinking about one of these...hmm not sure now but still might give have to give it a go since I hate the stock arm rest as it is.

 

[ThatTmoGuy]

the only thing i dont like about the stock arm rest is that it makes hard to grab drinks from the back cup rest, and that there is not an armrest for the passenger. other than that the after market armrest is not a style i have ever liked in any car.

 

[dvn]

I was considering one of these as well. Now, probably not.

 

[sonic hotness]

I was gonna get one also but does not sound to good at all

 

[rdss]

Just the color being off was enough to push me away from one of these. It just doesn't look like it belongs and the functionality is pretty low on it as well as have to be screwed into the plastic with a couple of cheap screws.... Luckily I picked up the Sonic before deploying to Japan and drove a Toyota panel van without a console for a 2 1/2 months before coming back home so it doesn't bother me. I do love driving the truck and being able to use the console and cruise control though....... That and it crushes the Sonic in a straight line.

 

[423]

Ugggh... The driver seat hardware exposed after stock armrest removal alone was enough to put me off. I think I would T-can that "Chinee POS" and look at other options.

423

 

[Swordsmith]

the only thing i dont like about the stock arm rest is that it makes hard to grab drinks from the back cup rest, and that there is not an armrest for the passenger. other than that the after market armrest is not a style i have ever liked in any car.

Yeah, the armrest didn't look like it would suit me even before this review, now I"m definitely giving it a pass.

I don't like the original armrest either, for me it not only makes the drink holders harder to use (and they are already too far back) but it's up too high and doesn't come far enough forward.

On a recent long drive, though, I swapped into the passenger seat for a few hours. My passenger found the stock armrest fit her better, and used it... and I discovered that it has a secondary ledge, at the rear end, which sort of works as a passenger armrest. This use is very dependent on the relative positions of the two seats, and of the height of the passenger, but I thought it was worth mentioning.

 

[ungawd]

I received mine a few days ago as well. When this storm is over I'll put it in and give my thoughts. I've already decided to use the old gasket trick and cut up a cereal box to keep the surfaces flush and free of scratches. On mine, the only smell I noticed eminated from the piece of fabric that was included to line the bottom of the enclosure. Nothing else had an unpleasant smell, but that thing definitely does. I may toss it in the wash if I decide to use it. Did some come preglued? My liner was loose in the package on arrival.

 

[law242]

guys, i have been running this for months, how much can you take from a person who didnt even screw it down. it works just fine and that is with passengers leaning on it as well. as for the leather i had a cover made for it and that part is awesome too, also the fact it has a compartment for holding things is nice. that is my two cents as ive had it for a while now

 

[THKPIC]

I totally respect that- this is just an opinion. My problems with it where more than it moving around. I could have screwed it down, but the advertisement made it clear that no drilling was required. That in my book gave me the impression that it would've fit snug in the cup holder. Enouph not to have to drill. And it doesn't move forward enouph for me.
I posted the pics so others could decide for themselves. For me, it's still a pass.

 

[CoHPhasor]

You usually don't have to drill plastic when using sheet metal screws, generally why they would say "no drilling required".

The factory armrest sucks hose, it's way to stubby.
That said, there should be a cover that comes with it.

 

[NITRO]

Chevrovet Aveo T300

Here photos of HODY console boxes..


And some variants- it ASP Slider

 

[Sailurman]

Butt Ugly. That is my Two Cents on the product itself.

 

[jlslatton]

THKPIC, what camera did you use?

 

[HADES20]

Looks out of place

 

[mowcowbell]

I think the stock flip down armrest is about worthless. It totally doesn't fit me and just gets in the way. I wish there was a factory option (or maybe have it as part of the LTZ) that was just a plain center armrest that both the driver and passenger could use.

I knew this when I bought the Sonic, so in the big scheme of things, it wasn't a deal breaker.

Darin