LT vs LTZ

[attrapereves]

Can someone inform me of the difference between the LT and LTZ? I am looking at a car that is marked LTZ on the hatch, but LT on the sticker. It does not have the Turbo engine, leather steering wheel, sunroof, or heated seats. I believe these features are commonly on the LTZ.

I wonder why this car is marked LTZ?

2013 Chevrolet Sonic for sale in Columbia - 1G1JD6SH4D4206959 - Bob McCosh Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac

 

[darkness]

I googled the VIN, and this came up

Details of New 2013 Chevrolet Sonic LT, Columbia, MO - Yahoo! Autos

It looks like it's definitely an LT.

 

[darkness]

Where did you see that it's marked as an LTZ?

 

[Stew]

Those look like stock photos, not of the actual car. The LTZ will have fog lights, heated leatherette seats and a leather steering wheel for sure. The sunroof in 2013 was optional as was the 1.4L turbo.

Sounds like it's an LT.

 

[sprchik]

In the link you provided, I didn't see any pictures of the actual vehicle that is on that dealership's lot. There are 61 manufacturer photos (of an LT Turbo)... and a brief 'video test drive' from "Wheels TV".

Maybe I'm not seeing the pictures you're referring to...

 

[laborsmith]

In the VIN the fifth and sixth characters define the vehicle, in this VIN D=LT and 6=five door hatchback. The fourth character defines the vehicle line, and in this case J=Sonic.


Laborsmith

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

I just looked up the VIN. This car is definitely showing up as an LT in our system. Send me a private message if you want the build sheet for it.

Jackie
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

[attrapereves]

I looked at the car in person. The back is marked LTZ. However, everything about it is LT.

 

[Swordsmith]

Sounds like someone either replaced the badge, or perhaps the body work itself where the badge is. Since the former suggests fraud and the latter suggests an attempt to cover up some sort of accident (which again, fraud) I'd be pretty interested in getting more details before making the purchase.

I mean, there is the chance it was a mistake at the factory, or that someone just liked the name "LTZ" and swapped badges, or some other innocent explanation... but I wouldn't be betting that way.

 

[attrapereves]

I think it was a mistake at the factory. I'm actually thinking about buying it. The only thing I wish it had is the foglights.

The dealer agreed to come down to $15,905 + tax out the door. That's basically $3000 off sticker price.

What do you think?

 

[laborsmith]

The fog lights can be installed; if done by the dealer the cost will include reflashing the body control module. I would not let that stand in my way. In fact, I did not when I bought my 2012 Sonic LT part of the deal included their installing the fog lamps.


Laborsmith

 

[attrapereves]

The fog lights can be installed; if done by the dealer the cost will include reflashing the body control module. I would not let that stand in my way. In fact, I did not when I bought my 2012 Sonic LT part of the deal included their installing the fog lamps.


Laborsmith

How much is it?

 

[laborsmith]

When I did it, the retail price including install was $320, I think.

The fog lamps were part of the original deal, which was at Friends & Family pricing so I am not sure what the price for that specific upgrade was.


Laborsmith

 

[ChrisJ]

It sounds like he was able to work that into the deal so it didn't cost him anything.

Wish I had done that.

 

[laborsmith]

It cost me something. I am not sure exactly what as there were three dealer installed options added, the fog lamps, the "SONIC" vinyls, and the splash guards.

Laborsmith

 

[Larry]

I actually prefer the look of no fogs, plus every car I've had with fog lights just ends up getting hit by rocks and cracked. Sucks...

 

[laborsmith]

Family and life long friends live in north Oakland county, an area where there may be a street light every half mile, if that, so I use the fog lamps for driving out there (think boondocks) much more often than for driving in inclement weather.

Laborsmith

 

[ChrisJ]

We get a lot of fog here and I wish I had fog lights.
One thing I will say about fog is I absolutely HATE street lights in fog. They do nothing but make a wall of blinding fog.


How many times can you say fog in one sentence?

 

[attrapereves]

Ended up buying the car. I am giving the granite black 1.8L auto to my wife and I will drive the new white 7.8L 5spd.

I'm still learning the 5spd transmission.

 

[Stew]

Ended up buying the car. I am giving the granite black 1.8L auto to my wife and I will drive the new white 7.8L 5spd.

I'm still learning the 5spd transmission.

Mother of God, a 7.8L Sonic? I'm coming over to take it for a spin!