Hello from KS

[JJP]

I'm looking at buying a new car and haven't been able to drive a Sonic hatch yet...wanted a manual with the turbo engine but they don't make the manual option any more for 2020 and I don't think I want to purchase used based on the condition of what I've seen locally.

With the experience you've had with your turbo sonics; would you purchase another in the future (and would you buy new or used spending extra time trying to find a good used vehicle)?

If I don't get the sonic, I may end up with a new Mazda3 but really don't want that big a car payment (but the redesign for 2019 was pretty nice).

For comparison, I'd be getting out of a 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe 3.5L v6 AWD limited which has served me well in the northern winters the last 5 years but KS just doesn't get the snowfall to keep an SUV with 17-24 MPG.

Thoughts?

 

[orangeltz13]

santa fe owner

I don't have any real advice for you but here are my thoughts. If you are used to the Santa Fe with the v6 engine, I think you would be disappointed with the Sonic. It won't be as comfortable to drive over long distances and does not have the power. It's not a family car but there have been times where I have used mine for two hour one way trips (mostly because of the great gas mileage). I have a 2013 1.4 6-speed manual transmission and I really like driving it, but I like driving my 06 gran prix more. I have a couple of issues. One, the turbo lag really sucks and two the car only has 138 hp and 148 foot/lbs of torque so it's not going to out-run a festiva st. I have to admit that it's better than a versa, accent, or sentra. There is plenty of front leg room and the seats are comfortable. With the right tires the car handles very well. The turbo, once it kicks in and if you get the 6 mt, will get you to hwy speeds pretty quick (which is cool when the CATback exhaust is installed because it's loud and gets attention). Hope this helps.

 

[dannyg]

There aren’t a ton around, but you might find a Certified Pre Owned 2019 with stick shift (last year with manual). Personally I’d certainly consider a 2018/2019 CPO with low miles to get the manual, you get warranty etc. Try a search on autotrader or cargurus.

I’ve got a 2015 with the 1.8L/5sp, to me the power is fine at highway speeds. The 1.4T has more torque. Depends on what you’re used to I guess.

 

[JJP]

Thanks for the info (both of you)!

I was stationed in Japan for ~20 years and have that small hatchback "bug" from all the time there (even though they aren't popular in the states)...I guess I really just need to drag myself into a dealer and see if I can drive both (6M and AT)?