Prospective Owner

[jmolinajr]

Greetings all, i'm currently in the market for a new car since I totaled my motorcycle last month. The first car I owned was a Chevy Cavalier that I used to get to school. I then got a Ford Focus hatchback and liked it a lot. I'm used to, and really like, small cars. Anyways, after my accident I went and test drove a Challenger and a Camaro but they didn't really seem to fit what I was looking for. My wife seemed to be pushing me to get one of these cars since she loves the look of them. But I have a 56 mile commute one way so I was looking for something a bit more economical (I've also owned 2 Priuses - we recentely traded in our 2011 Prius for a 2013 Equinox for my wife since I was using the motorcycle to get to work).

I later test drove the Cruz which I liked but was bummed that it didn't come in a hatchback. That's when the dealer showed me the Sonic. I had seen it but didn't pay attention to it. When we test drove it, I fell in love. It was a 2013 Sonic RS. I love the attention to detail on the seats and steering wheel, the feel of the drive, the technology (Pandora, etc), and the fact that the tachometer is inspired by a motorcycle is a pretty cool coincidence.

I've been lurking here for a couple weeks reading and trying to research this car. The more I read about it, the more I want one. So my question is... should I get a 2013 Sonic RS or wait for the 2014? Also, does anyone know when the 2014 will be available? The only thing I could find was some website saying it would be available "August".

Any suggestions / thoughts?

 

[Insanika]

I LOVE my RS, for starters.. But you said you originally did not want to look at the Sonic because of the previous run with Prius MPGs.

You should know that the RS has different gearing and does not get as good of gas mileage as an LT or LTZ equipped with the same 1.4t.

I know it's easy to fall for that RS package, and the less mileage is fine for me, but be aware that in the RS, you'll have to granny around to get 40mpg, and that'll be hard work. My average, allowing for plenty of fun, is 32-36MPG. You will get better MPG easier with an LT or LTZ with the turbo.

While you're deciding on the model year, I would recommend finding an LTZ hatch to compare to.

 

[Moxie]

I agree with Insanika. I originally fell in love with the style of the RS, but ended up going for the LTZ for the increase in MPG... In comparing the 2013 and 2014 there are some upgrades, but nothing too major. The safety locks have changed and the all door unlock/lock button is moving to the door instead of the center system. Additionally, a rear-back up camera is being added.

You can see more information here: 2014 Ordering Guide

Edit: I shouldn't say "nothing too major". That really depends on your taste! They also added forward collision alert and lane departure warnings.

 

[jmolinajr]

I don't mind the drop in MPGs from the RS to the LTZ. Its in between a Prius and a muscle car like the Challenger. The biggest selling point for me so far is the technology and the style of the RS. I like the sporty design. I've been using the Equinox to drive to work recently so even the RS would be a big jump in MPGs.

I also like the backup camera of the 2014 since its a great feature on the Equinox, but I don't know if it'll make that big of a difference in such a small car as the Sonic. And I don't know about the lane departure tech, seems too new and untested.

 

[Macehammer]

The only good feature coming to the 2014s IS the backup camera. With a small and restricted rear view window the camera could be useful for back up.

All the other "assist" features are in my wife's 2013 Equinox, and they are all annoying... and more weight.

 

[Insanika]

By all means then get your RS! That's a great comparison lol.

It DOES have a wicked blind spot when backing out.. Rear view camera upgrade is in my future for sure. If it were me, I would wait just for that.

Other factor: Cyber Gray Metallic is changing to a new gray color for 2014.

 

[laborsmith]

I have not been checking on production of the Sonic of late due to my preoccupation with the Stingray startup (hey, you can get one in yellow, as if that matters) but the scheduled start of 2014 Sonic production date was August 5 and as far as I know it is in production as I post.

If you can find an 2013 RS near you, that would be the best dollar for dollar deal but if I was looking now I would go for the 2014 w/ backup camera.

There is a mpg difference between the RS and the non-RS versions, but in my opinion negligible. I do like the RS interior where I found the LT interior acceptable but not necessarily likeable.


Laborsmith

 

[steve333]

Does the sedan have the same rear view problem as the hatch?

 

[poncho167]

Dealer delivery was said to be September. Order yours now the way you want it or save some money and buy the 2013. I ordered my 2013 and it helped that most of my car specifics with Silver, 1.4L, etc., were not available in my area. I like not having to pay for things I didn't need or want, but the heated seats would have been nice though not available in my LT.

The rear backup camera was likely incorporated in the Sonic because it will be another gov't mandated item in the near future for all new cars.

 

[Hypurr]

If you can wait then I would order a 2014 exactly the way you want it. I can never find a car on the lot that has everything I want in the color scheme I want. When I first looked at the Sonic I test drove a LTZ with a 1.8 auto and an RS, immediately knew I wanted the 1.4 6sp. But the RS wasn't a color I liked and I wanted a sunroof, so I ordered a LTZ with all the options and features I wanted since the RS didn't come in the color I wanted. It took about 2 months to come in but I got the exact car I wanted and didn't have to settle or compromise.

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

jmolinajr,

Glad to hear you are interested in the Sonic. If you would like us to help you locate the vehicle of your choice in your area, please let us know. We would like to assist you. You can private message us your name and zip code along with the features you are interested in having.

Erica Tiffany
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

[Calculon]

Any suggestions / thoughts?

It's a great commuter car, which sounds like how you'll be using it. It's quiet, handles nicely and gets good mileage, particularly with the 1.4L.

 

[jmolinajr]

Ok, so no I couldn't wait. I need it to get to work and the past couple weeks have been difficult with only 1 vehicle. I had to change my shift at work so that my wifey could take me to the subway (which is a 1 and a half hour train ride to work). That and bumming a ride off people which is embarrassing enough.

I ended up going to my local dealership which I love, they sold us the Equinox in May. I found the car I want with all the features I want and they will have it here tomorrow. Its a 2013 Sonic RS, black, with sunroof. Just like I wanted. Can't wait to drive this baby home!

 

[CyberGrayRS]

Ok, so no I couldn't wait. I need it to get to work and the past couple weeks have been difficult with only 1 vehicle. I had to change my shift at work so that my wifey could take me to the subway (which is a 1 and a half hour train ride to work). That and bumming a ride off people which is embarrassing enough.

I ended up going to my local dealership which I love, they sold us the Equinox in May. I found the car I want with all the features I want and they will have it here tomorrow. Its a 2013 Sonic RS, black, with sunroof. Just like I wanted. Can't wait to drive this baby home!

Awesome, congrats! I have the same car in gray and love it. Nice thing about tracking down an RS is that there are really only 3 options (paint, sunroof, AT/MT), and I suspect most are MT.

 

[Insanika]

You might be surprised with how many are AT.

Glad I found my MT

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

Originally Posted by jmolinajrOk, so no I couldn't wait. I need it to get to work and the past couple weeks have been difficult with only 1 vehicle. I had to change my shift at work so that my wifey could take me to the subway (which is a 1 and a half hour train ride to work). That and bumming a ride off people which is embarrassing enough.

I ended up going to my local dealership which I love, they sold us the Equinox in May. I found the car I want with all the features I want and they will have it here tomorrow. Its a 2013 Sonic RS, black, with sunroof. Just like I wanted. Can't wait to drive this baby home!

Hey!

Congrats on your future Sonic! Pleased that you're keeping the Chevy tradition alive! If there's anything you need let us know. We'll be looking forward to pics tomorrow!

Amber N. (assisting Jackie)
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

[fatboypup]

Not to hijack your thread but I'm really thinking of pulling the trigger on this 1.4 2LT sedan but it's $18,500 out the door how are prices around everyone else? http://www.autonationchevroletsuper...-Chevrolet-Sonic-Sedan_1SD-Mesa-AZ/1919124853

 

[jmolinajr]

Hey!

Congrats on your future Sonic! Pleased that you're keeping the Chevy tradition alive! If there's anything you need let us know. We'll be looking forward to pics tomorrow!

Amber N. (assisting Jackie)
Chevrolet Customer Care

Yeah, I do need help with something actually. The MyLink in this Sonic doesn't have the Pandora icon in it. I asked at the dealership and they recommended that I reset the radio to factory settings. I did and it made no difference. Its strange... it has TuneIn and Stitcher and Bringo for Brazil, China, and another country that I don't live in.

I also read some of the horror stories with MyLink in the MyLink Master thread...

What should I do? Ask for an update?

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

Originally Posted by jmolinajr

Originally Posted by Chevrolet Customer Servic
Hey!

Congrats on your future Sonic! Pleased that you're keeping the Chevy tradition alive! If there's anything you need let us know. We'll be looking forward to pics tomorrow!

Amber N. (assisting Jackie)
Chevrolet Customer Care

Yeah, I do need help with something actually. The MyLink in this Sonic doesn't have the Pandora icon in it. I asked at the dealership and they recommended that I reset the radio to factory settings. I did and it made no difference. Its strange... it has TuneIn and Stitcher and Bringo for Brazil, China, and another country that I don't live in.

I also read some of the horror stories with MyLink in the MyLink Master thread...

What should I do? Ask for an update?

Since you aren't seeing the Pandora icon appear on your screen you can also try to downloading the Pandora app to your smartphone, and restart the smartphone and sign in to Pandora. If that also doesn't help, you can call our Infotainment division at 1-855-428-3669. Your dealer would be also be able to tell you if there are any updates available for your Sonic.

Amber N.
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

[jmolinajr]

Since you aren't seeing the Pandora icon appear on your screen you can also try to downloading the Pandora app to your smartphone, and restart the smartphone and sign in to Pandora.

I have Pandora on my phone, I used it all the time in our Equinox.

If that also doesn't help, you can call our Infotainment division at 1-855-428-3669. Your dealer would be also be able to tell you if there are any updates available for your Sonic.

Amber N.
Chevrolet Customer Care

I guess i'll call tomorrow. I asked the dealer already and they didn't know...

Thanks.