Chevrolet is targeting frugal first car owners with vehicles like the $13,865 Sonic and the smaller, cheaper $12,245 Spark when it launches later this summer. For that amount of greenbacks, drivers can get 40 mpg, 10 airbags, the assurance of a warranty, and modern amenities like Chevy MyLink. And unlike other vehicles this small and affordable, air conditioning is standard.
On the flip side, buyers could own a used vehicle for that kind of money. Perhaps a car from a more premium brand such as an Audi A4 (if it’s old enough), or something bigger and more cozy like a used Chevy Malibu. But if you had to pull the sales trigger, what would be your aim? The economical new Chevys? Or something else?
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I’d have to take a look at the used market. It’s simply too big a stone to leave unturned.
But I’d sooner the Sonic over the Spark if I couldn’t find a used car of interest.
I would probably purchase a used car. I think Chevy has done a nice job with the Sonic and Spark but I am not a big fan of compact cars.
If they ever make a real hot hatch Sonic, I would buy that instead of a used car. Between the RS and a used car, it would be close but I would probably take a C4 Corvette.
The Spark is far too slow and the Sonic to me is a very big disappointment compared to the concept. I’d look to the used market, probably a 2002 Trans Am WS6 for $16,000, top of the line, leather, t-tops, Hurst shifter, collector’s edition… oh I guess I did take that path.
You’re not looking at Sonics and Sparks if you’re considering a used performance car: You’re looking for cheap transportation, good fuel economy, safety and want it with a full manufacturer’s warranty. Apples to oranges.
I certainly know if I was looking for a new econobox car and money was tight – I’d certainly look at the Sonic & Spark before anything else. Happily, I’m not forced to do that – but I have to admit that the 2.0L DI turbo would be a nice retrofit to a Sonic RS. 😀
I would never get a spark, but most likely if I had the money a new Sonic if I could find a fully loaded one at a good deal, but then again I can get 2008 Cadillac cts’s at this price
The Sonic ( Aveo in Europe) – looks hot, that`s my choice.
Depends on how the Sonic and Spark hold up. We bought a 2007 Aveo LT sedan for “cheap” commuting transportation after I had to give up a work car, and that was a serious mistake! The Aveo was truly dreadful and we got rid of that in trade for a very nice Cruze Eco last September. We’re lucky the Aveo had a solid warranty, but having a car in the shop frequently and performing poorly all the time didn’t make the low purchase price worthwhile.
More and more I think that I may never purchase a new car again. With prices as they are, the used market offers much more bang for the buck, plus those cars have already dumped a lot of the depreciation hit cars take when new. I can’t afford the type of car that I want (performance-oriented and big enough for my 6’4″ frame) new. So, used it is.
Maybe this should be a Weekly Poll guys 🙂
I’d love if my next car was a new one. I’ve had enough of the used car blues. I’d probably go with the Sonic even though I DESPISE the name. I’d go for the RS. But I could have a Cruze for the same money, albeit with a bit less fuel economy. Another thing in favour of the Cruze is the upcoming diesel option. DEFINITE deal closer for me.
I always buy new. I don’t like the feeling of driving something used. Would feel like a rental to me. Plus, I would always wonder about its former care, how it was driven, etc.
I was really excited about the Sonic when it first was announced. Drove across half of Texas just to see one at an Auto Show. I thought finally, a hatch, something economical for commuting that could transport my kayak. American made. But then I got in one and tried out the armrest, something I would definitely use. It was awful. I was uncomfortable. It made me wonder about the design team. Are they that dysfunctional? Then we saw it in the Encore. Yikes.
But the bottom line is that, if I could get an American made car with the same dimensions, I would pay twice the price of a Sonic. For that I want roof rails like they put on SUVs, better brakes, more efficient engine/transmission, and of course for the money, extreme comfort. No need to complicate that comfort with the stress of gadgets. What I’m really looking for is a HIGH QUALITY hatch or wagon (not quite Cadillac, but maybe Buick territory). I don’t want or need a big car. I want something that handles. 3000 pounds is on the heavy side. I could even do without a rear seat. Just takes away cargo space.
So guys, what’s the American made car for me? Would like to help the U.S. economy with a big ticket purchase within the next two years. Any suggestions?
I think that what you really need is, sadly, a Chevy Trax. But I think that something actually sold in the US like a new upcoming Chevy Colorado or small truck like that would probably fit with you. Other than that, I’d say wait for a refreshed or redone Sonic or maybe a diesel Cruze.
The diesel Cruze is a possibility, but it’s a sedan, so the roof rails won’t work. The Jetta sedan and some others have a way of attaching a rack without door clips. It looks nice and is sturdy, so I wish Chevy would do likewise with its sedans. But really, a sedan is a waste because it’s designed to haul rear passengers, not cargo.
A truck, especially the Colorado, isn’t going to get the gas mileage or handle like I want, so it won’t be fun to drive. I want something that gets at least mid-30s highway for commuting and long driving vacations. I don’t mind spending a lot up front for a car but it is not in my appetite to waste fuel. Its not really an economic thing. If the Volt got down to about 35K and came with a nice rack that looks good and is sturdy it would be my next car. Wife won’t want me to spend more than that (though we could) given our buying history. It’s just a little bit out of range, and not quite the body style.
There are cars that fit this description, quite well in fact, but they are not American. If they lowered the Encore to be more like a hatch and fixed a few things it would be the perfect commuter car that has a bit of weekend utility (though it is still not “American”). I have to believe there is a huge market for that. Not every buyer is buying for a family, but most people work, or play.
I always prefer a larger car, and currently drive an Impala. If there was a larger sedan (or coupe) available, I would be driving it. While I purchased my current car new, I have previously owned used cars and wouldn’t consider it beneath me to do so again if cost is limiting factor when I go shopping for a replacement. However, I just finished helping my girlfriend’s dad purchase a Sonic LT Turbo sedan as replacement to his Toyota Echo. He had no desire for a larger car, and was drawn to the interior storage (upper and lower glove box, dash bins etc.) of the Sonic as well as the higher seating position. He loathes hatchbacks (as do I, and my girlfriend), so the Spark would never be an option. I have seen the Spark in person at NAIAS, where it was roped off. I have concerns that it will feel very flimsy and disposable though. The Sonic has impressed me by not giving that feeling.
If I could buy a used American vehicle that gives excellent economy, I would buy a used 2011 Chevy Volt. But I doubt any Volt owner will give it up so soon!
Meanwhile, I will keep my 1995 Buick Regal running, which may not be economic (I can get 20 MPG) but it is strong, safe (held up against a Ford Econoline van crashing into the trunk), comfortable, and sporty.
This is a fantastic question, new or used. Dealers will push you into a used car over the Sonic, because the sales man or woman will make bank on the used sale… Also the used car market is wide open, there is so much available, so much good stuff available as well. I like both of these cars and would consider used Sonics or Sparks down the road…
There is one design feature that has me baffled about the Spark and Sonic. Why does the Spark have that dated roof rack that is good for nothing but rope? Why would they not use a rack that can readily fit cross ribs so it could be used for something? Why does the Spark even have a rack but then GM forces Sonic and Cruze customers to buy it as (a rather ugly) clip-on accessory. Did they forget what a Pontiac Vibe looks like, and that part of the appeal of a hatch is use of the roof? Why can’t GM give us a high quality Vibe? Instead, they go on the cheap. When the car doesn’t sell, well, then it’s back to sedans, SUVs, and trucks.
I bought used for years. Cheaper in the short run, but even inspected you don’t know what you are getting. Over time, I spent a lot of money to maintain and the hassle going to the shop quite frequently. Generally, that was what I could afford with several kids driving. I have recently switched to buying cheap new cars. Easier to budget, and actually saves money (at least in my experience). I have purchased several Aveos new, around $12,000. I have 150,000 miles on one, daughter wrecked twice, other than that no major expense yet, just maintenance. Others had 120,000 before I totalled, same thing no major expenses. 50,000 on 2010 model, no problems. Auto critics bashed them unmercifully, we have been nothing but pleased with them. I love cars, and would love a Cadillac CTS, but it isn’t practical or affordable to by one. I need cheap, reliable, transportation, and I like the way they look and drive. Just recently bought a Spark, while accelleration with automatic is mediocre, no other complaints at all. Very fuel efficient. Out the door at $14,000. Silly for me to tie up more money than that in a car. Wife loves it, I will get a manual version for myself at some point.
Spark definitely and did. The Sonic is deceptive in its pricing most models end up around $17 k for an LS. Spark offers a lot for $13k and honestly everything a first time car buyer or commuter would want. Get the manual you’ll enjoy it more! We purchased an LS manual just for commuting and saving wear and tear on our truck and suv. The little weirdo grew on us and now we often choose to drive over both.
I have a newer Tacoma 4×4 4-dr truck, and just purchased a 2016 sonic hatchback for my wife. That was a big mistake. Should have got her something bigger- and boring. After I drove it a couple of times, discovered she won’t get to drive it much…it is a blast to drive. : )
I bought a new 2013 Chevy Spark LS in Denim Blue four years ago. I haven’t had any problems whatsoever. It runs as well today as it did four years ago. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I love my Spark.