Love my 2014 Sonic LT 1.4T - except the sticky knob on the shifter!!

[jb`]

I know this isn't a new problem. I can't get my key out half the time unless I pry the button unstuck and it's a major safety issue since it could be knocked into a different gear!

I just got a recall notice for the Mylink radio, so they're recalling because it doesn't beep correctly but not for this very common shifter issue? Wow


Well anyway I bought it used at 14k miles at a Honda Dealership, had been a trade-in. Was going to buy a 2013 LT w/ 30k mile 1.8L former rental, but it got sold as we were negotiating - so the salesman offered me a for the same price recently traded in Sonic LT that hadn't even been cleaned yet And it was an LT, 2014, 14k miles 1.4T, Mylink+backup cam, Chrome pedals, cargo net, Ashen gray metallic.

So I ended up getting a way better deal and I LOVE THIS CAR.

Never thought I'd say that about an American car.

It's currently at 27k miles, so I'm going to try get the shifter button fixed @ the 30k, and do the radio update at the same time. Probably won't wait until the 30k....cause I'm an idiot, tired (newborn premature twins), and got in an accident today!!! Breaks my heart.

Had I not just smashed my front left side, and had two new twins, I'd be running a tuning mod already. And new205/55/R15 or similar tires. And intake. And exhaust.

But I got a 72k/5yr extended bumper to bumper and I know how anal they can be about denying claims...so I'll have to wait a while until it's paid off and warranty done. Though I may put a BNR/Diablo tune on as I can flash stock back.

Can anyone tell me what the 15" rims are made of? Aluminum? Does it have a clear coat? I got some Mother's Mag & Aluminum Polish to make 'em shiny, and it didn't do a thing. Didn't even make the black residue it's supposed to.

And if anyone has cheap upgrades for now let me know! I got some $20 neoprene seat covers that happen to be perfect match two tone black and gray (Winplus brand, at Costco, they don't appear to have them anymore but ebay got 'em and they really do fit well). And just oredered a cheap black/gray steering wheel cover as the top is already showing wear. Any other little costmetic niceties would be appreciated!!! Like a cheap spoiler that doesn't require drilling...or a sway bar I could install myself...or a cheap way to lower suspension....I had to replace my side mirror (I couldn't find the mirror caps to save my life). But I know that there is chrome mirror caps available, thinking of doing those. I'm not very good with cars, about the best I can do is a brake job.

Oh and again talking about the extended warranty, I'd been doing all my oil changes/rotation etc Goodyear and having them sign and stamp documenting it in user's manual. If I start doing these things myself, how should I record it in the manual??

Thanks! I've already learned so much on this forum just lurking.

 

[RMinNJ]

I got one of those sew on steering wheel covers for my LT. It took me 3 hours to put on but it's been great.
For the automatic i tried a cheap leather cover for the cruze but it did not fit well. I then got the cheap 9 moon silicone shift cover and it fits well. Covers the automatic shifter buttons but they still work.
I made a dead pedal cover out of plastic using cardboard as a template.

Can you tell me more about the seat covers..I was going to spring for custom fit ones.

The wheels are painted and have a clear coat I believe. Your to scrub was the black dust off. They make tire stuff to get brake stuff off..I would wax them when done.

 

[jb`]

Thanks for reading my long post and the response!

So..I didn't want to hassle with the stitch on steering wheel covers. I found this one:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015N3NUQE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Only $18 and 4.5 stars on Amazon and matches the seat covers and paint. Hasn't arrived yet.

Think I'll just leave the shifter alone until I get the button fixed. Seems to be a common problem. Actually I didn't even know they make shifter covers, once I get things squared away I'll look into that silicon one, probably a good idea. (Ok just checked it out on amazon, they look pretty cheap & janky! Does it look good once installed?))

What's a dead pedal cover? I don't want to cover my pedals, I love the chrome racing style pedals. I have no idea if they are standard (not likely on LT), a dealer option, or something the original owner bought after. But they look cool . I also have floor mats that say "Spec-Z" on them but I threw black all weather mats over them, here in Hawaii it's kind of necessary.
(Ok just googled it I know what you're talking about, I need a chrome/aluminum one to match my pedals for sure - next on shopping list)


The seat covers are "Winplus wetsuit[neoprene] seat covers". On both Amazon & Ebay (no longer at Costco). Roughly $20. Fit quite well using various straps with velcro, of course nowhere near as good as custom. But they do accommodate the armrest and rear pocket, side impact airbags, are waterproof, SUPER easy to clean, match the Metallic Ashen Gray paint combo perfectly, and preserve your stock upholstery. They don't go over the seat adjusting handles well and need to be sat in a few times to get the back to settle in right but after that they're really sweet looking and seem custom made. Esp for the price...$20 vs $180. One nice little feature is a long cylinder attached to the butt that you shove in the seat crack and it pulls them down flush. They have headmount mesh that also fits perfect though the velcro on those is kind of odd. I've thought about finding rear ones to match but no luck so far.

So the wheels.... are aluminum or steel? My wife scraped a curb really bad at 60mph and the metal underneath is actually the exact same color.

I've had no trouble keeping them clean with standard spray on hose off cleaners. I got the Mother's Mag & Al cause I wanted them to glow. I compared one with Mother's & a drill bit buff ball vs spray cleaner and quick wipe and saw basically no difference. So much for making them glow.

Only wax I have is Turtle Carnuba and some spray on Maguiar's. Either of those are ok? Will they help 'em glow?

Thank you!!

I got one of those sew on steering wheel covers for my LT. It took me 3 hours to put on but it's been great.
For the automatic i tried a cheap leather cover for the cruze but it did not fit well. I then got the cheap 9 moon silicone shift cover and it fits well. Covers the automatic shifter buttons but they still work.
I made a dead pedal cover out of plastic using cardboard as a template.

Can you tell me more about the seat covers..I was going to spring for custom fit ones.

The wheels are painted and have a clear coat I believe. Your to scrub was the black dust off. They make tire stuff to get brake stuff off..I would wax them when done.