Hi from St. Louis

[MPA]

Been lurking the forum for a week or so and figured I would sign up. Thinking of replacing my '08 Focus w/ a Sonic (Turbo, 6 spd, orange hatch). I finally went to check them out at the dealership today since it was closed, and I really like how it looked.

I don't hate the Focus - it handles my favorite cloverleaf near work pretty good - but it's an automatic, doesn't have cruise control and in all honestly the gas mileage isn't too good (avg just under 27mpg over 21,500 miles) . I bought it in Dec '09 and it's the first automatic I've owned in probably 13 years at the time, but I just miss banging gears on a daily basis.

I also own an '03 Miata - definitely one of my favorite cars ever. It's stock for now but it's getting shocks/spings/swaybars once it warms back up.

 

[Sonic]

Welcome to the forum. I replaced an '08 WRX with my Sonic 1.4 and haven't regretted getting rid of the larger engine and all wheel drive of my WRX one single time. Each time I get in my Sonic, I enjoy it that much more. And I'm getting 36.X mpg city to boot. You will like the Sonic better than your Focus for sure if you do get the Sonic. Good luck with your selection process.

 

[wingman]

Welcome. Its always nice to be able to at least look without being swarmed like a piece of carrion. My experience with GM though, was unexpectedly pleasant. I also have the orange hatch w/ turbo 6M, and it is a blast to drive just as it is. You can break the tires loose from a roll, just stabbing the throttle, and even get a little bark in 3rd! The looks are great, but the drive is even better. You really need to drive one! Best of luck!

 

[AndrewGS]

Welcome!

 

[MPA]

I'm sure I'll pop in for a test drive this week We'll see how it goes.

Thanks for the welcome.

 

[MPA]

Well I test drove one and while the car felt solid, handled good, and seemed pretty roomie, I just didn't like the 6 spd/turbo combo. Oh well.

I will still pop in from time to time to see what mods have been done

 

[Sonic]

I think you are the first person who has posted that they didn't like the 1.4 and 6 speed combo. Another thing is that a test drive isn't really enough of a sample to get a feel for any car. It's a shame that your short test drive didn't work for you. Anyways, good luck with your car search.

 

[MGDavis]

Well I test drove one and while the car felt solid, handled good, and seemed pretty roomie, I just didn't like the 6 spd/turbo combo. Oh well.

I will still pop in from time to time to see what mods have been done

seriously, what is there *not* to like about the turbo/manual combo? Turbo lag is nonexistent, better gas mileage, etc...