Sonic sales taking a dive

[Gimpster]

TBH, when I bought this second Sonic used, I was kinda hunting for a M6 Cruze but couldn't find anything remotely close w/o 100k+ the odometer. People seem to drive the used Cruze's into the dirt as commuter cars or something. Not to mention all the local dealers had a 4-6k premium on a Cruze vs. Sonic on the used lot.

That's really where the pricing shines on the Sonics, in the second hand market. Which I realize is not where a lot of people shop for cars. These cars hold value like an old shoe.

Since I do my own mechanical work, I would appreciate the extra few inches in front of the turbocharger to work on things now that I've had this Sonic all apart vs. the Cruze

 

[JTee2017]

Not much of a deal if you must pay msrp and finance thrugh gmac.

What the deal offers, the fine print takes away.

The prices at this dealer I do not believe require GM Financing. . .

New Chevrolet Inventory in McHenry, IL | Gary Lang Chevrolet

BTW, there is no more "GMAC" . There is GM Financial now, but GMAC went away and was absorbed by Ally Bank.

New 2018 Chevrolet Sonic For Sale | Gary Lang Chevrolet | Serving Crystal Lake, Fox Lake, Spring Grove, and Richmond | C180131

 

[RSRick]

There is a super, super easy fix for the lack of CD. Buy a flash drive for $5, plug it into your PC and use Windows Media Player (or whatever you prefer better) to sync your ripped CDs to it. In ten minutes you can have a dozen CDs (or more if the flash drive is high capacity) worth of tunes on it.

Just plug that into your Sonic USB and voila you are jamming without having to lug CDs around..."

That's EXACTLY what I did!

The lack of a CD player briefly disappointed me, too, but the USB stick solution was easy and perfect. I had a bunch of CDs stuck in a holder that clipped to the sun visor of my Colorado, and it held only around 15 CDs plus getting them out and identifying them while driving was actually dangerously distracting.

Now I leave the CDs in the Colorado, and I already have over 25 of my favorite CDs on the USB stick which lives permanently in the Sonic's USP port (with room for probably 25 more). Now, I didn't have pre-ripped CDs on my PC, so I had to go through the extra step of ripping them, but it was a small price to pay. Plus the CD user interface on the touchscreen is very convenient; MUCH easier and better than swapping CDs.

DEFINITELY an upgrade...I don't miss the CD player at ALL!

 

[RSRick]

Glad to hear there's a dealer with decent stock! Plus, I'm liking it in green:

Yeah, I like that green. It's the only thing that makes me wish I'd waited for a 2018. But the price on my Cajun Red RS was so close to my committing Grand Theft Auto thast I'll live with the red.

My 2003 S-10 was a green very similar to the Sonic's "Ivy Metallic"...I think it was called simply "Dark Green Metallic". That S-10 was my favorite pickup.

 

[mja]

With the Fiesta gone the Sonic isn't going anywhere. We know this because of all GM's terrible past decisions. GM's gamble to keep it around will pay off if oil prices hike and concerned crossover drivers want to trade in on something shorter than their trax to help the environment. Not to mention its critical roll in CAFE standards to offset slow selling Impalas. Since thats the game, it makes no sense to have an upmarket hot hatch Sonic. This is partly what killed the Fiesta. It's why the RS is now an appearance package. Volume > exclusivity. In the eyes of the average consumer... what's more is more reliable. It does make sense however to offer a lighter new model with a smaller motor, even if power or mpg doesn't increase substantially.

 

[mendoza_juan]

Sorry I didn't red the whole thread, so excuse me if this was mentioned already.
The drop in sonic sales, imo, consist of a few factors.
Price. In my area I can only get what I'm looking for, a 1.4 stick, for just over 20k. This doesn't include the leather with stiches rs seats which I'm not sure if they got rid of those. Just over 18 months ago I did negotiate a new 2016 rs down to 18400 but went with a cheaper used car cuz money was tight atm. You can still get a loaded fiesta st for 19 and a base st1 focus for the same. Similarly equipped st2 2017 are running about 23,400 and the 18s are about 900 more.
Cosmetics. The new Sonics are hideous imo, the back end is fine, but the new headlights........
Now I did just check out the rs seats and it does look like they still have them, unfortunately if I want a sonic similarly equipped to that's of a focus st, I'm paying more.
So unless you can find a deal on a slightly used sonic, pricing drives you to another car which technically is in a higher class.

Sent from my SM-G955U1 using Tapatalk

 

[JTee2017]

Just over 18 months ago I did negotiate a new 2016 rs down to 18400 but went with a cheaper used car cuz money was tight atm. You can still get a loaded fiesta st for 19 and a base st1 focus for the same. Similarly equipped st2 2017 are running about 23,400 and the 18s are about 900 more.

Now I did just check out the rs seats and it does look like they still have them, unfortunately if I want a sonic similarly equipped to that's of a focus st, I'm paying more.
So unless you can find a deal on a slightly used sonic, pricing drives you to another car which technically is in a higher class.

Where do you see a Ford Focus ST for $23,000 to $24,000? I see $29,000 minus $1,000 to 1,500 rebates or dealer pricing. Maybe $26,000. What area of the country are you in? Perhaps with XT or program pricing?

Here are just 2 1.4L with 6 speed Manual . . . other dealers within 75 miles of here also have quite a few. Spring ic coming and inventory is starting to just build up.

New Pre-owned Certified cars in Fox Lake, IL | Ray Chevrolet

 

[mendoza_juan]

Where do you see a Ford Focus ST for $23,000 to $24,000? I see $29,000 minus $1,000 to 1,500 rebates or dealer pricing. Maybe $26,000. What area of the country are you in? Perhaps with XT or program pricing?

Okay, so late last year I was at different Ford dealers. I got them down to 25,400 on a 17 st2. There are 3 levels for options. St1 being basic, st2 has nav, dual climate, recaro seats and sounds, st3 has other upgrades. Now not even a week ago I was at a dealer again test driving a new 2018 st2, got $50 just to do a test drive, and talking to him he said he could get me into it for under 25k. In the picture is the exact car i drove and their online price. I'm saying all this because I know someone is going to say these online prices are just to get you in, but based on what I was told and what I looked up, yes you can get it for under 25k, and the 2017 being under 24k.
You can often find better deals at volume dealerships because they get incentives for moving so many vehicles that selling some at a loss can actually net them more profit.
The dealership is golf mill Ford near Chicago.

Sent from my SM-G955U1 using Tapatalk

 

[JTee2017]

I see they are all base models. The prices on the Sonics are at least LT trim and 2018 with much more in options. . . even a power heated driver seat for under $19,000.

6-Way Power Driver Seat Adjuster, Carpeted Front & Rear Deluxe Floor Mats, Compass Display, Convenience Package, Enhanced Driver Information Center, Front Fog Lamps, Heated Driver & Front Passenger Seats, Instrument Panel w/Piano Black Accents, Integrated Rear Decklid Spoiler, Keyless Open, Keyless Start, Leather Sport Shift Knob, Preferred Equipment Group 1SC, RS Lettering Ornamentation, RS Package, Sport Body Kit, Sporty Rocker Moldings.

The ones you show are Focus ST base models for $3,000 to +$5,000 more.

Not saying the Focus isn't a decent car . . . but comparing apples and oranges. So. . Focus is more money like 20% to 25% more.

So. . not really that closely priced to a Sonic.

 

[dannyg]

These guys have a few under $19K (asking price, I assume you could talk them down a bit) and one stick RS at $16.5K:

Sonic Vehicles for Sale in Gaithersburg, MD - Criswell Chevrolet

(I don’t know them, just saw them online.)

As an LS guy, I have to point out I’ve seen 2017 stick LSs advertised around $12K. That’s about what I paid back in 2015.

 

[mendoza_juan]

I see they are all base models. The prices on the Sonics are at least LT trim and 2018 with much more in options. . . even a power heated driver seat for under $19,000.

6-Way Power Driver Seat Adjuster, Carpeted Front & Rear Deluxe Floor Mats, Compass Display, Convenience Package, Enhanced Driver Information Center, Front Fog Lamps, Heated Driver & Front Passenger Seats, Instrument Panel w/Piano Black Accents, Integrated Rear Decklid Spoiler, Keyless Open, Keyless Start, Leather Sport Shift Knob, Preferred Equipment Group 1SC, RS Lettering Ornamentation, RS Package, Sport Body Kit, Sporty Rocker Moldings.

The ones you show are Focus ST base models for $3,000 to +$5,000 more.

Not saying the Focus isn't a decent car . . . but comparing apples and oranges. So. . Focus is more money like 20% to 25% more.

So. . not really that closely priced to a Sonic.

They all say base, but if you look at the msrp, that actually reflects the trim level. There are 2 st1's priced at just over 19k, the others are st2's which are just over 23k. Even if you search the focus rs, they all come back saying base. Idk what the reason is, but if you like you can verify what I'm saying by going to cars.com and use my zip 60634. You'll see you have nav, recaro seats, upgraded stereo with factory sub (sony), dual climate control, and these ones even have the optional wheel upgrade. Not to mention the focus is a larger, imo, more practical car. Don't get me wrong, I loved my sonic up until the point I totaled my second one. (First was a 2013 1.8, second was a 2013 1.4) I miss the car, but I would need to see a sonic rs at 19 to make me overlook the other. I did have a good deal of money into my sonic to the point if I had not totaled it I would have had the BNR turbo upgrade. But I had to roll it on the way to a car meet. Perhaps if I hadn't put so much money into that sonic I would have been able to pick up the 2015 rs I negotiated down to 18,400. But the fact that they told me over the phone it was 17,600 kinda turned me off. The bad taste that left literally made me turn my car around and call the deal off, that and it was red...... the color of my first totaled sonic lol. Again, the sonic was fun! My tires would spin in first (I had an auto) when boost came on.
I guess my point is that I'd like people to know the options out there if your looking for power and a warranty.
That said, if I find a sonic for the right price ima build the he'll out of it.

Sent from my SM-G955U1 using Tapatalk

 

[JTee2017]

They all say base, but if you look at the msrp, that actually reflects the trim level. There are 2 st1's priced at just over 19k, the others are st2's which are just over 23k.k

Going in circles. It helps much more if you post actual links to the dealer(s) like i did. Especially if the phone pics show wrong base level info. Cna't make sense of it.

Not buying one anyway, but in the Milwaukee area just north of you I don't see prices like you've stated. Just sayin' . . .
So it depends the area I suppose. And pictures on a website screen grab are one thing and actually getting a price is another for either a Sonic or Focus.

If I ever went with a Focus, yes, it would have to be an ST with the Ecoboost and some options . .. certainly not the ridiculous 3 cylinder. Are they kidding? I suspect that could be the demise of the Focus in a couple years when the complaints of lack of power and problems start to arise. The low cost models are what always sell the most and once the bad rep happens . .

 

[dannyg]

It’s back, 20% off MSRP on 2018s. Plus there’s a $2500 Competitor Cash thing, but my guess is they can’t be combined (“check with your dealer for details”):

Current Deals & Offers: Incentives and Specials | Chevrolet

I’m not in the market right now, but I’m almost tempted...

 

[JTee2017]

It’s back, 20% off MSRP on 2018s. Plus there’s a $2500 Competitor Cash thing, but my guess is they can’t be combined (“check with your dealer for details”):

Current Deals & Offers: Incentives and Specials | Chevrolet

I’m not in the market right now, but I’m almost tempted...

Thanks for posting . . . now I'm faced with buyers remorse. .. LOL
Not actually. I see a few hatchbacks in my area (withing 75 miles) that I would buy it I needed one. Actually picked up our 2017 last Fall for about the same deal. . except now I see the "Standard Price" went up $220 from last year, but option prices are the same.

The bottom line is. . these are year end prices and this time of year. 20% off is about all you will see on Sonics. They have low margin. But if you also have some GM Card CAsh would be a steal.

Wondering if the Auto Show Cash, GM Supplier/Employee, or other discounts could be stacked? It does state - - -

" - *Not available with special finance, lease or some other offers. Take delivery by 03/12/2018. See dealer for details - "

 

[Gimpster]

Unknown on this deal, but I have tried to stack my employers GM fleet discount on deals like this and got denied. Ford was the same story.

 

[dannyg]

Pretty sure GM Card discounts can be added to the 20% deal, but not sure about the others...

 

[JTee2017]

Pretty sure GM Card discounts can be added to the 20% deal, but not sure about the others...

Exactly . . that was my experience. One other thing. The past few years I always got a GM CArd "Bonus Cash" top off offer in the mail.
This year. . . . nothing. That falls into the category of "Private Offers".
I did buy two 2017 vehicles last year. Maybe that is why?

Anyone else get any GM Card Top Off Bonus Cash?

 

[dannyg]

Yes, $500 bonus cash (valid through 2/28) that I used to buy the Cruze. Not as good as the $750 one I received last Fall. The quality has been slipping. On my 2012 Sonic I had $3000 total GM Card Cash (about $1300 bonus) and with the 2015 Sonic $2000 (around $800 added). I've found once I buy a car, the offers stop for about a year.

I got a $1K offer in January, just before my car was three years old and the warranty expired. I didn’t jump...but if prices get ridiculous there’s a chance I’d pick up another 2018 LS just for the touchscreen and new warranty...transfer my snows and alum wheels to the new car and I’m all set.

 

[Gimpster]

Wow, a couple things in that report stick out to me:

1.) The Gen2 Volt has absolutely tanked! As a previous Gen1 owner, I am pretty shocked how rough its been. I thought for sure they'd sell a bunch with the more refined ICE, a back seat without buckets and more/less "normal" styling. I'd say the Bolt put the hurt on it, but even its sales don't offset that delta.

2.) The Spark is holding on. I will be honest, the refreshed Spark looks a lot less derpy to me, but still not something I'd want to drive daily. Anecdotally, I see a lot of the refreshed Sparks around town here in Des Moines lately.

I agree though, I don't see how GM can justify this car much longer.

With these kinda sales, I can't imagine Sonic is gonna be around much longer, unless gas prices spike. Of course, I never thought I'd see the day when $2.50/gal was considered 'cheap gas'. I still remember 1978 when it reached $.50/gal for the first time and my parents headed to the dealership to buy a new Dodge Omni because they couldn't afford to feed their 13-14mpg guzzlers anymore.

GM Sales Numbers February 2018 United States | GM Authority

 

[dannyg]

I’m going to be an optimist and say it’s going to stick around. (We’ll have a better idea of sales after this months 20% special). Sonic is on same platform as Bolt and Trax, which are selling well, so there’s hope.