Sonic RS deal?

Kinja'd!!! "BadMotorScooter" (badmotorscooter)
05/03/2014 at 09:55 • Filed to: None

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Hey Opponuts, I'm considering a Sonic RS manual as a commuter car. I drive a lot of miles and I'm looking for a decent but relatively inexpensive commuter car. I have a quote on a leftover 2013 RS manual for $16,600 after every incentive I can throw at it.

I can't think of an alternative that would be a better choice for not much more money. Abarth is too small and I need four doors. I have other cars for go fast purposes, so I don't need this to be a real performance car, but want something that is reasonably fun to drive, gets great mileage, has a warranty and low maintenance needs, to burn up highway commuting miles. What do you think?

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DISCUSSION (21)


Kinja'd!!! quirt > BadMotorScooter
05/03/2014 at 09:58

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I actually like the Spark and think it drives great. Probably the best choice in that segment for the money. The engine is a little coarse sounding, but that's about the worst insult I can throw at the Spark, it's a charming car.


Kinja'd!!! bpands > BadMotorScooter
05/03/2014 at 10:20

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Only if it's the turbo 1.4 engine. The 1.8 would sour the deal for me.


Kinja'd!!! fiestast1 > bpands
05/03/2014 at 10:33

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give the fiesta st a try


Kinja'd!!! RW53104 > BadMotorScooter
05/03/2014 at 10:34

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Not the same in terms of performance, but I think you can get one around $16k new (for a 2014, 2013 probably less). I would go with the RS while in warranty, but this will probably cost less to run once it expires. I rode in one and was impressed (and by impressed I mean not disappointed), but I haven't experienced the RS for comparison.


Kinja'd!!! Logansteno: Bought a VW? > BadMotorScooter
05/03/2014 at 10:38

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If you wanted to ask anyone anything about it, ask Jayhawk Jake. He has one and could tell you all you need to know.


Kinja'd!!! dogisbadob > BadMotorScooter
05/03/2014 at 10:56

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Too bad GM won't let you get white wheels on the RS though, and the sunroof doesn't seem to be available on the 14 RS, so that means you have to get the leftover car for that.


Kinja'd!!! Jay Lauer > BadMotorScooter
05/03/2014 at 10:58

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for $16k, you can get one hell of an S2000......


Kinja'd!!! BadMotorScooter > fiestast1
05/03/2014 at 13:56

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Fiesta ST is closest, but even a bare bones model seems to be around $22k or so. The Sonic RS is $16.6. That's a big difference!


Kinja'd!!! BadMotorScooter > Jay Lauer
05/03/2014 at 13:58

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True, but this is for commuter duty and I wouldn't want to rack up the miles on an S2000, plus they are not very good highway cars. Oh, and also I already have an S2000 - an 03 with <30k miles!


Kinja'd!!! BadMotorScooter > bpands
05/03/2014 at 13:59

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Definitely the 1.4T. The RS only comes with the 1.4. There is quite a bit of aftermarket support for it should I want to add a little power.


Kinja'd!!! BadMotorScooter > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/03/2014 at 14:00

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I've been checking out his posts. He seems to really like the car.


Kinja'd!!! BadMotorScooter > dogisbadob
05/03/2014 at 14:01

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I think the sunroof is an option on the 14s. The 13s have bigger incentives though, and essentially the same car so that's they way I'd go. I actually kinda like the gun-metal gray wheels.


Kinja'd!!! BadMotorScooter > quirt
05/03/2014 at 14:02

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I should probably look at the Spark, but wow it seems so small. I do need to be able to carry 4 people on rare occasions.


Kinja'd!!! BadMotorScooter > RW53104
05/03/2014 at 14:03

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I hadn't considered that. I'll check it out.


Kinja'd!!! PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > BadMotorScooter
05/03/2014 at 14:07

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There's a guy here on oppo who has one, and he says it rocks!
I say go for it! they look great, and the tech in them is awesome


Kinja'd!!! RW53104 > BadMotorScooter
05/03/2014 at 14:44

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Woohoo! I helped (potentially)! I actually support your initial RS choice, but based on my experience with Chevy economy cars of the past (Aveos, Cavaliers, etc), it's hard to accept a Sonic as having the quality and longevity (not to mention resale value) of a Toyota or Honda.


Kinja'd!!! Garrett Davis > BadMotorScooter
05/03/2014 at 15:05

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I agree it is quite a bit more money, but I think you should at least test drive it. I can't remember who it was, but one publication named it their second favorite driver's car the year. For reference, the next cheapest car was over $70k, and most were over $100k. It's seriously that good of a car.


Kinja'd!!! midengineer > BadMotorScooter
05/03/2014 at 16:48

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Looks like Jayhawk hasn't replied to you so I'll recall my experience from getting to ride in his car. In short I like the overall look/feel of the car. Power-wise it can get going stock but if you do go with the sonic get whatever tune he has because it is ridiculous. If I had to get a hatch for practicality beyond my MR2 and could get the sonic at your price I'd take it.


Kinja'd!!! quirt > BadMotorScooter
05/03/2014 at 20:07

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Ugh I meant Sonic. Fuck I always do this with the Spark and the Sonic. Fuck. I'll not get them mixed up one of these days.


Kinja'd!!! JDMatt > BadMotorScooter
05/04/2014 at 04:16

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do it


Kinja'd!!! cluelessk > BadMotorScooter
05/05/2014 at 00:16

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Only thing is that the sedan looks better.