Upgrade to RS vs. Upgrade Current Sonic

[Bogus]

There are many threads talking about the RS model, but none comparing the pros & cons of trading in your current Sonic for an RS vs. upgrading parts to match/exceed the RS.

Any info, knowledge, costs, etc. Any input related to this topic that will help those of us on the fence about upgrading is encouraged.


*Anything I missed please let me know and I will edit the original post.
Mods feel free to edit as needed (I'm sure you will anyways ).

 

[Bogus]

I started this thread because I am in this position. I'm 50/50 if I want to trade my Sonic in for the RS when it's released or if I should keep it and upgrade my parts.

Also it turns out I LOVE the silver color I have which is not available for the RS. It actually looks really good with my (unintentional) silver & black color scheme.

Those of you that know me on here will know appearance falls shortly below performance for me. So the added perf. benefits may outweigh the nice color.

 

[Preloader]

The only 2 desirable performance gains are:
Gearing on the manny tranny (barely improved)
Rear disc brakes

All the other stuff is appearance and stereo based.
I don't see it as trade-worthy. It may be worth holding out if you don't have a sonic yet. But otherwise just upgrade and run what you brung.

 

[laborsmith]

Good question and here is some food for thought. I suspect many already know what I plan to do.

I do not consider the gearing to be a minimal change and I would expect it would be $1500 plus installation.

I like the RS interior upgrades and I would expect changing the seats to cost as much as the tranny. There are some additional RS interior changes but none I consider as upgrades.

We already know the cost of the RS steering wheel (around 300-350 if memory serves) and that would be a must change for me. I would expect the shifter knob to be 75-100 dollars, and someone who knows will post the right number soon.

The only RS performance upgrade other than the tranny is lowering coils. Marginal improvement from my point of view and I will move my Pedders to the RS so the RS coils do not count.

The RS is a RS and not a SS. That being said, there are performance enhancements available to the LT that could easily be used on the RS, such as intake, exhaust, heat extracting hood - you get the picture.

Oh, the tires. No question the tires would have to come off instantaneously if not sooner. My ambivalence about the rims is not enough to keep them. I expect part of the deal will be my rims/tires transferred before I drive off the lot. Yes it can be done, I have done it. Dealer will act as if doing buyer a favor but in the end will do it.

Those are my specific thoughts with possible costs included.

Laborsmith

 

[Lovehanayo]

Any info, knowledge, costs, etc. Any input related to this topic that will help those of us on the fence about upgrading is encouraged.

Costs of turning a car into an RS or costs of just getting features like the RS?

 

[Bogus]

Costs of turning a car into an RS or costs of just getting features like the RS?

I should have clarified, not identical to the RS, just similar. Like laborsmith said, steering wheel, gearbox, blah blah.. haha

 

[Preloader]

Even if you replace everything with the RS equipment it won't BE an RS. I try to explain that to all these guys who put the SS emblems on their Chevelles.

My question next, is when will the RS parts become available?

 

[Lovehanayo]

I should have clarified, not identical to the RS, just similar. Like laborsmith said, steering wheel, gearbox, blah blah.. haha

I think it would be cheaper to just tweak minor things if you already have an LTZ as there wouldn't be too many big changes then.

More expensive if you have an LT as one would have to buy heated leather seats as well as do the suspension, brake, and radio changes.

 

[laborsmith]

Don't forget the differences between the LTZ seats and the RS seats with their Alacantara like inserts and looking at pictures the seats look different, not just the inserts and the embossed RS.

But when changing from a 2012 model year to a 2013 model year one takes the biggest hit in depreciation, so I suppose the question is what is important to the buyer. I like the enhanced performance some of my aftermarket changes have given but I even more like the RS interior, so I will unbolt the bolt ons and move them to the RS.

Upgrading an LTZ (either '12 or '13) will probably come to 3 or 4 thousand plus the rear discs.

But in the end, it is what the owner wants and is willing to pay for.

Laborsmith

 

[esymr2]

Bogus, for your case, you would ask yourself if you also wanted to upgrade to the 1.4 turbo. I would think that if you're happy with the 1.8, then better to pick up the bits and pieces of the RS as they become available.

 

[chrismonson]

I work for a chevy dealership here in utah, and although we haven't seen the RS in stock yet, people who have the present sonics are all wanting the RS just because it does look sportier, and the interior alone is a lot better looking. They also say the price of the RS won't be much more than the LTZ sonic.. I would imagine most that have the present sonic will be trading in for the RS

 

[Bogus]

I think it would be cheaper to just tweak minor things if you already have an LTZ as there wouldn't be too many big changes then.

More expensive if you have an LT as one would have to buy heated leather seats as well as do the suspension, brake, and radio changes.

I have an LS so it would be a lot more money for me to pick up the parts here and there.

Bogus, for your case, you would ask yourself if you also wanted to upgrade to the 1.4 turbo. I would think that if you're happy with the 1.8, then better to pick up the bits and pieces of the RS as they become available.

My response to this is, I WANT THE TURBO. lol

 

[Ridethesky84]

So what do you think the price will be?

I work for a chevy dealership here in utah, and although we haven't seen the RS in stock yet, people who have the present sonics are all wanting the RS just because it does look sportier, and the interior alone is a lot better looking. They also say the price of the RS won't be much more than the LTZ sonic.. I would imagine most that have the present sonic will be trading in for the RS

I've heard around 20k and i've heard around 22k. If it's around 20k I'm all in pending a test drive.

 

[laborsmith]

MSRP is $20,995 including destination for the MT version.

Sunroof is $850 for those who want it. (not me)

A couple of the paint options are also additional.

I calculated the difference between the LTZ and the RS but can not remember the exact amount but it was around $2,000, if memory serves.

Laborsmith

 

[chrismonson]

^^ yeah should be around 22k ^^ very worth it IMO. Can't wait for it! Summit White for me!

 

[Bogus]

^^ yeah should be around 22k ^^ very worth it IMO. Can't wait for it! Summit White for me!

same here

 

[runtz52]

i just want the rear discs and coils

 

[Bogus]

i just want the rear discs and coils

go for Pedders.

 

[RS Turbo]

I Ordered my RS on Thursday!!

Black Granite Metallic (same color as Cruze)
Manual Trans

Cant wait...

 

[bigmahlman]

I Ordered my RS on Thursday!!

Black Granite Metallic (same color as Cruze)
Manual Trans

Cant wait...

So we can order them now? Did I miss something?