My New Sonic LTZ

[fletch]

New to Sonic

here's the scoop, I don't have it yet but maybe Friday, 2013 RS Black on Black, I'm coming from a full size chevy truck, main reason is to save on gas and monthly cost, I have a rental sedan and I liked it (HA! liked the rental) anyway I like how it drives and the looks, what are the do' don'ts I love to mod everything i drive, here's what I plain or thinking also should I get the RS or a LTZ,

K&N drop in, window tint, lime green or red accents, led's, HID in stock housing but not sure if it would effect the DRL's anp and small sub, any other subtle mod ides would be great,
what should I expect, this one has leather heated seats, the whole nine yards no rear camera, dark wheels but would love black wheels, like I said im new to sonic so you'll hear the dumb questions, but not dumb to cars,

Thanks, David

 

[Blackhartredcar]

Get the RS. I came from a 2011 Mini Cooper S and while the stock sonic 1.4 is not as quick initially it comes around soon with some relatively easy mods. Tune (Trifecta or Vtune), intake (I have MPFab), exhaust (I have a ZZP). Lots of fun simple things you can do to get started and a great supportive community based around the car. Either way I think you would be happy with either choice of the LTZ or RS. Have fun, and good luck!

 

[Swordsmith]

Are you getting a manual or an automatic? The manual RS may have a more reliable manual transmission, on the other hand, many have reported they are less happy with the actual ratios in the RS manual.

On the gripping hand, I'd look closely at getting a 2014 if you're getting a manual, since it appears they have redesigned the clutch for 2014, making it able to hold more power. If you're considering power mods, you may end up wanting a $1000 upgrade to a 2014 clutch if you buy that 2013. That probably eliminates any savings you would have made going with the older model.

 

[fletch]

it is an auto, don't plain on too many mods, cosmetic and minor performance, 1.4T and 1.8 not much difference didn't really punch it though, RS has very nice looks, I have seen round fogs in some cars, not liking the fogs on this one

 

[ahtoxa]

Don't be that guy. Don't do HID drop-ins into stock reflectors.

 

[sx sonic]

Welcome to the forum. You'vr got a good list of mods BUT you should also consider a Trifecta or VTuners tune, it makes a world of difference power wise; also be careful with HIDs, spec a good kit or deal with poor light quality and pissing off other drivers .

 

[fletch]

i know its a pretty big housing, was thinking 6k 35w,now that you said it and I haven't got it yet, i might just go with the kohen (Spelling ?) halogen, can you change out the fogs to a round one?

 

[sx sonic]

Here's a few links that might help.

http://www.sonicownersforum.com/forum/classifieds-selling/9844-feeler-hid-retrofit-pro
http://www.sonicownersforum.com/for...install-hid-kit.htmljector-headlights-md.html
http://www.sonicownersforum.com/for...s/8151-bkamp613s-trs-chrome-hid-retrofit.html

 

[Swordsmith]

it is an auto, don't plain on too many mods, cosmetic and minor performance

The older autos are fine, you're in good shape there, it's just the older manual tranny and clutch that are potential issues if you add power (or even if you don't)

1.4T and 1.8 not much difference didn't really punch it though, RS has very nice looks, I have seen round fogs in some cars, not liking the fogs on this one

you should also consider a Trifecta or VTuners tune, it makes a world of difference power wise

So there isn't really a ton of difference between the 1.4T and the 1.8, stock. The 1.4T will get better mpg, but it costs $700 up front, so you have to question whether that will really pay off. BUT if you get a tune, the 1.4T's power stops being dumbed down by the stock tune, and the 1.4 ends up being not only still the more economical choice, but also significantly more powerful and zippy. And since you'll want a tune to deal with the stock auto transmission programming even if you go with the 1.8 (where you'll see little extra power from the tune) you might as well go with the 1.4, where you'll get your money's worth.

The RS, if you decide to go that way, has the 1.4T regardless, so you're stuck with it... and get the tune.

 

[fletch]

good points, it all depends on how much the stealership wants to get me, I'm also looking at a LTZ 1.4t auto silver Ice color as #2 choice for 2.5k less

 

[fletch]

Just got it this morning not the RS like I wanted but it works for me, 2013 LTZ 1.4t Gears are turning fast in my head "Mods" I just need to know some basic mods for now, led's in the interior aka map,dome light, and accent lights thinking blue, and thought "just a thought" of moving the back-up light to the turn and the turn to the back-up socket,

 

[fletch]

No RS, got a LTZ

 

[sx sonic]

Congrats!

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

Congrats on picking up the new Sonic David! If you have any questions at all concerning your Sonic just send me a private message! Have fun!

Jackie
Chevrolet Customer Care