New member, not yet an owner...

[turbojon]

My name in Jon and I am in the market for a Sonic (or other sub-compact), so I have been browsing this site for a while...

First of all, this site is great. I am impressed with the knowledge already obtained on these cars and also the modifications that the vendors provide. I wasn't expecting all of this. I just liked the hatchback looks, mpg and the 6 speed manual transmission.

I come from a list of over 30 cars (mainly Neon's - turbo and N/A, supercharged GM 3800, Ion Redline, F-Body's, Hemi truck, etc.) and I rarely keep them stock for long, so an aftermarket is an attractive pull for me. I am familiar with ZZP, so I was happy to see they jumped on the 1.4t mods. I always had great service and parts from them.

I finally drove a Sonic since we were looking at trading my wife's SUV for a minivan :sadbanana: at CarMax. Unfortunately, the only one they had was a base model (manual windows-wow!), but at least it was a 5-speed. I have to say, I really enjoyed driving that car. I was not expecting for the engine to be so smooth and responsive. Granted I am currently driving a 2003 Neon ATX daily, so I am not coming from much. But still, I have driven many cars and this one impressed me for the price.

Anyhow, enough rambling - just thought I will come say hello and I hope to be sharing some pics of my Sonic HB turbo soon!

 

[Maddog2020]

Welcome, and good luck on finding your Sonic!

 

[Yosemite Sam]

Welcome to the forum and good luck with your future purchase! I've had my 1.4t hatchback for just over a year amd I'm looking to add an RS to my garage. I just need someone to buy my Vibe GT so I have room and $$!! :banana:

 

[blahblahokgotit]

Welcome, and good luck finding your car.



//

Sam

- Life is too short to drive an automatic.

2013 Sonic RS
Black Granite
6-speed manual
April 2013

 

[Swordsmith]

Advice you didn't ask for and probably don't need, but it's something I've seen several on the forum complain about; take the time to get the model you want. Many dealers, it seems, don't stock all the models, and try to maneuver you into buying something they have. It doesn't really take that long to get a car shipped in from another dealer, even if it's out of state, or, in the long run, to get one custom ordered to your exact specs.

Turbo manual is probably the most popular combo here on this forum, and it sounds like that's what you've picked already, but I think it is the least well stocked.

You still have to choose between LT, LTZ, and RS, and each has something to offer depending on what you want. I say get the LT and save the money to spend on aftermarket, but if you really want a sunroof or... whatever it is the RS offers (I know, I know, just kidding the RS owners) then make sure you get that.

And for FSM's sake don't take one in Inferno Orange if you hate that color. What sort of idiot... oh, hi Smit, didn't see you come in.

 

[turbojon]

Thanks Swordsmith...that sounds like good advice. Funny that you mention Inferno Orange. That is my favorite color for these and the color of the one I am most interested in. There is apparently an inside joke about the color...oh well...I like it and in case you can't tell by my previous cars I am not too worried about what others think about my car. Neons aren't the most respected car out there and I actually drove a purple Neon for a while!

I have been looking around and found a used one that I might get. I know it is silly, but I wanted all the options (leatherette, sunroof, 17", etc) but don't want to get into that high of a payment with a brand new LTZ. So, I am trying to get into a '12 LTZ that has 24k on it. A little over priced but will come with a 60 month/60k mile bumper to bumper. But who knows what I will end up with.

Thanks again everyone. This site seems great.

 

[sarahsideways]

One thing only: If you plan on hanging around the forums, GET THE TURBO.

If not, you will be forever doomed to a constant joke about the 1.8s


Anyhoo, WELCOME !

Don't forget to add pictures to the "what do you look like" thread...

.... I like to troll new men opcorn:

 

[blahblahokgotit]

Advice you didn't ask for and probably don't need, but it's something I've seen several on the forum complain about; take the time to get the model you want. Many dealers, it seems, don't stock all the models, and try to maneuver you into buying something they have. It doesn't really take that long to get a car shipped in from another dealer, even if it's out of state, or, in the long run, to get one custom ordered to your exact specs.

Turbo manual is probably the most popular combo here on this forum, and it sounds like that's what you've picked already, but I think it is the least well stocked.

You still have to choose between LT, LTZ, and RS, and each has something to offer depending on what you want. I say get the LT and save the money to spend on aftermarket, but if you really want a sunroof or... whatever it is the RS offers (I know, I know, just kidding the RS owners) then make sure you get that.

And for FSM's sake don't take one in Inferno Orange if you hate that color. What sort of idiot... oh, hi Smit, didn't see you come in.

This made me laugh twice; I fully agree with it. Get the model and color you want. You can get things like tint and all weather mats ahead of time if they order it for you.

Don't settle (for an automatic).


//

Sam

- Life is too short to drive an automatic.

2013 Sonic RS
Black Granite
6-speed manual
April 2013

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

Thanks Swordsmith...that sounds like good advice. Funny that you mention Inferno Orange. That is my favorite color for these and the color of the one I am most interested in. There is apparently an inside joke about the color...oh well...I like it and in case you can't tell by my previous cars I am not too worried about what others think about my car. Neons aren't the most respected car out there and I actually drove a purple Neon for a while!

I have been looking around and found a used one that I might get. I know it is silly, but I wanted all the options (leatherette, sunroof, 17", etc) but don't want to get into that high of a payment with a brand new LTZ. So, I am trying to get into a '12 LTZ that has 24k on it. A little over priced but will come with a 60 month/60k mile bumper to bumper. But who knows what I will end up with.

Thanks again everyone. This site seems great.

Hi there,

If you need help finding your dream vehicle just let us know and we can search around for you as well.

Good Luck!

Amber N.
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

[turbojon]

After NOT enough thought and consideration....here it is in the garage.



I kind of rushed into buying this car and might have paid a little too much, but I freaking love it. 24k miles, but drives like new as far as I could tell in my 15 miles I just put on it....tint is a little darker than I thought it would be, but looks great. The Inferno Orange really looks great up close.

I blame everyone on this forum that spoke highly of their car for my split decision purchase

 

[Yosemite Sam]

Excellent!! :banana:

 

[BlootyBlootBLoot]

After NOT enough thought and consideration....here it is in the garage.



I kind of rushed into buying this car and might have paid a little too much, but I freaking love it. 24k miles, but drives like new as far as I could tell in my 15 miles I just put on it....tint is a little darker than I thought it would be, but looks great. The Inferno Orange really looks great up close.

I blame everyone on this forum that spoke highly of their car for my split decision purchase

Excellent choice. If I could have gotten my RS in that color I would have. I do also love the victory red though.

They're a blast to drive. Best car I've ever owned.

 

[turbojon]

The RS looks sweet. Red was really the only other color I would have considered.

 

[Swordsmith]

The first Sonic I drove (and fell in love with instantly) was Inferno Orange, and I'll always have a little regret over not getting that color, it's great looking and as I say, my first. But my company colors are red and black, and Victory Red worked well for that, plus I do like the color and it was cheaper and available only a state away in the trim and engine I wanted.

I also sort of wish I'd plunked down for LTZ for the sunroof, although I don't care about any of the other options, and in the end decided it wasn't worth it to me. My daughter's car has one though (on her ancient Altima), and it's really great for letting the hot air not collect while it's sitting in the parking lot in the summer.

You didn't say whether you got the turbo, the manual... I mean it was implied in your initial post but we don't know what you ended up with!

 

[turbojon]

Sorry about not being clear. Yes it is the turbo/manual. No offense to anyone on here, but I never even considered buying a different combo.

I looked for a red LTZ but couldn't find one with the gray leatherette like I wanted. I sound really anal, I know. GA summers are hot and the color of your paint and interior really do make a difference.