I own a 2016 sonic 1.5l,purchased with 2 mi on it(new)I am working on 400,000 miles on it,runs great,my plan is at least 500,000 love the car.i plan on makeing a full video when it gets there.I kills me when people bad mouth the ecotech engine,very little repairs so far,excellent power plant,changing oil when the car tells me is critical,the same as your blood,the one actual problem I have ran into was getting the tool kit for the timing belt replacement,took me about 3 months to find one,all good now.
I have 65k on my Sonic and hoping to get to 200. I've done (and will continue to do) all the maintenance by the books severe schedule. Hope it holds up as well as yours!!
My first car was a 2014 Chevrolet Sonic 1.8L Sedan w/ Automatic. I purchased it with 15k miles for $15k. I took such good care of that car. Changed its oil every 5k miles, and Gas from Costco. I drove it everywhere. I lived in Northeast Indiana in Fort Wayne. Drove to New York, Orlando FL, San Diego CA, and back. Once I learned how to use the gear selectors, I averaged 33.8mpg. There was a time in Texas where I filled up at Texaco. My Fuel Range meter said '727mi'. Believe it or not, I actually did drive 670mi on one tank of gas. I upgraded the wheels from 15" to 17". I washed and waxed the vehicle every week. It looked brand new 5yrs after ownership. About 6-7mos before I traded the vehicle in, the transmission failed while driving on the 163-S in San Diego CA. I drove this car about 100k miles. I had the fluid in the transmission changed before I drove across the country to San Diego. The Service technician said that he'd never seen a retransmission with as many miles on it, have as little shavings in it's fluid. Told me with confidence that it should easily last another 150-200k miles. LOL (that was a lie) Here's a list of everything I had to repair/replace on the vehicle during length of ownership: Catalytic Converter (Under Warranty) Brake Calipers Rotors and Brake Pads Water Pump Alternator Engine Fan Wheel Bearings (Bad Roads) 12V Battery Transmission
Same here have a 1.8 and just about did everything you did except, knock on wood transmission problems, and need to change wheel bearings on it asap I'm gonna do the entire front suspension!!! In abouts weeks time overall I'm content with the piece of shit lol could of been a better car like the cobalt/cavalier/aveo, the cavalier and aveo Being the better of the 3
I have a 2013 LTZ 1.4T 6 SPS manual with 205,000 miles and the car has been bulletproof! Still has the original clutch and water pump. I always use Mobil 1. I still have the original turbo. Just changed the purge valve, which only cost me $19.00. Followed regular maintenance recommendations since I purchased new.
2013 LT with Man Trans here, in NJ and NY traffic for hours, as well as highway. I get about 40 MPG with 1.8L original clutch and 265k miles. very few repairs! Brakes changed, only fronts, at 165k miles "still had meat on them". (I'm a great efficient driver!) A few timing belts - water pump not driven by timing belt, but I changed that when it was going bad, maybe 170k miles? A thermostat, I did myself, Ball joints a couple years ago. Radiator got hit by a stone, replaced. Way back under warranty the radiator fan died-replaced free, no problem since. I wish I bought three of these things! I used to think I liked "big analog gauges!", but now I love the small compact info display...wish it had a Temp gauge though. Way underrated car!
@@shidfard um, yeah I'm aware of that. You're aware not everyone on the planet uses miles so a conversion to metric is in order? My country stopped using miles in the 1970s, for example.
It’s not that impressive. If he’s taken care of it, you should expect it to make it to that mileage. It doesn’t matter what care you buy you will eventually need to replace something
Vote for Pedro..😂😂😂. No seriously though, I learned a lot and this was a good video my guy. You basically answered all my questions. I will say 300k without a new clutch is amazing...Im assuming you replaced the clutch. All in all a great little car. Thumbs up.
@Ivan Moreno I thought about getting the Sonic in 2014 but ended up with a Mitsubishi Mirage. After 130k miles and not CEL ever, I think I did ok. The Sonic was superior in every other aspect when I test drove it, power, comfort, interior, seats, over the Mirage. Quite frankly the only thing my Mirage has over the Sonic is general reliability (I think) and mpg (I know). I hope Chevy still continues to make the Spark though, with gas prices rising fast, you subcompacts could make a small comback?
@@kylemas2005 I hear the mirage has pretty shoddy reliability. Malfunctioning Airbags. Screeching Brakes. No Cold Air From the A/C Unit. Premature Brake Wear. Premature Tire Wear. No-start Condition. Stuck Ignition Key. Defective Door Hinge. Are the first things that show up when I look the issues up.
@IcyPlaysGames Owners' reviews are overwhelmingly really good. MirageForum has hundreds of owners from around the world that can attest to this, including a Canadian fleet mechanic who takes care of over 30 Mirages from 2015 to 2017. These cars are parts delivery cars and run in rough Albertan winters. The 3A92 engine has been in continuous production since 2003, so it's very proven. The Mirage is well known for reliability. I'm curious about where you found all your info? Link?
Nice to see a car runs so long.....but remember that the 1.4L is a timing chain, and the non-turbo 1.8L is a timing chain, so that one would need the timing belt changed a few times.
That's encouraging! I have a 2014 with 55k miles and it's nice to see what you have had to do over time. I've got 40mpg overall for my driving as I'm pretty light on the throttle. Do you do oil changes more often than the oil meter recommends?
@@jonesingjalopies5457 Mostly yes, 65 mph and under highway driving.I have the 1.4 L with the 6 speed manual which is the highest rated MPG combination for this car.
@@jjswoosh7029 What engine and transmission combination? I feel that the 1.4 Manual has the best ratios for efficient driving because of the double overdrive. 60mph will be around 1500 RPM.
Also, I have a large scratch on my front right above the wheel. Where did you find parts and how did the replacement go? I'm concerned it will be difficult and costly.
Hey, thanks for watching, since the beginning I tried to do the oil change when it would be around 10%. I always used 3 qts penzoil 5w20 and 1 qt Lucas oil. Working on this car was easy, nothing tricky or special tools at all. What color is yours?
@@thumpersal1 color is the crystal red coat. Ended up making an insurance claim and got it all fixed for the $500 deductible. They replaced the front bumper and the quarter panel. Good as new now
I have 2015 97000 fix the water thermostat . Power Bar. Gas Sensor. But things U can do it yourself.Change your sparkplugs every year because of cheap gas that's my advice.
@@thumpersal1 I have a 2020 what would you say is the key thing to keeping that vehicle sharp? I remember you were saying something about the cooling system
@@alsmith646 I'm not sure if they redesigned the cooling system but on those early year ones the whole cooling system was really bad plastic. Also i would do 3 quarts oil 1 quart Lucas oil stabilizer every oil change. That's just what I did.
I just changed mine at 182K. The service schedule calls for timing belt service at 100K, I believe. Do your water pump, idle pulley, and tensioner pulley at the same time. Get the recommended Gates kit-don't go cheap. Also, buy the shorter water pump pulley on Amazon. You'll see why when you try to get the original wide one off. There's not enough space to get it out of the car without lifting the motor significantly out of the engine bay. At least mine was like that.
@@thumpersal1 i wonder how that is, the 2012 and 2013 sonics were known for having premature failure with both engine and transmission. I think youve been very very lucky!
@@RexenPrime well the cooling system did suck hoses and plastic parts were always breaking and leaking so I can see many overheating cars would easily suffer from busted head gaskets and such. I guess I did get lucky that I would change em soon after they busted I guess that helped. It hit 312k when I sold it. The guy said he had another engine for it but idk what happened he took it to mexico
@@thumpersal1 for sure, im still surprised that engine didnt need replacing at any time but im really glad to see one that made it to 300k. It gives me some hope that my 2015 with 45k on it will make it a good long time at least
Don't remember the name of the valve but the one on top I changed also 3 times the bulletin said it was part of the maintenance. But it was only about 20 bucks
Have you had to use the extended warranty? I have never bought an extended warranty because the first time I bought one on a cert. pre owned and stealership gave me alot of bs and have never ever got one after that
Yeah depending on the engine and transmission it's okay you have to do a major tune up around 60k to 90k, I would recommend 1.8 engine and standard transmission mine is starting to give me major problems at 170k I need to change the entire suspension
My air conditioner fan is working but my 2012 sonic ltz 1.4 fan isn't working. Have a po 304 showing at AutoZone who checked for engine light on. Hey guys any help before I take to mechanic and gives me a quote. 😣
300,000 miles is not "nothing". It's still in the top .1% of cars most likely. Congrats on your Camry btw, that's crazy. My friend had two Camrys die on the highway under 200k so I guess it's all about the owners.
I own a 2016 sonic 1.5l,purchased with 2 mi on it(new)I am working on 400,000 miles on it,runs great,my plan is at least 500,000 love the car.i plan on makeing a full video when it gets there.I kills me when people bad mouth the ecotech engine,very little repairs so far,excellent power plant,changing oil when the car tells me is critical,the same as your blood,the one actual problem I have ran into was getting the tool kit for the timing belt replacement,took me about 3 months to find one,all good now.
What repairs have you made?
The screen makes this car look way better than the ones without
I have 65k on my Sonic and hoping to get to 200. I've done (and will continue to do) all the maintenance by the books severe schedule. Hope it holds up as well as yours!!
My first car was a 2014 Chevrolet Sonic 1.8L Sedan w/ Automatic. I purchased it with 15k miles for $15k. I took such good care of that car. Changed its oil every 5k miles, and Gas from Costco. I drove it everywhere. I lived in Northeast Indiana in Fort Wayne. Drove to New York, Orlando FL, San Diego CA, and back. Once I learned how to use the gear selectors, I averaged 33.8mpg. There was a time in Texas where I filled up at Texaco. My Fuel Range meter said '727mi'. Believe it or not, I actually did drive 670mi on one tank of gas. I upgraded the wheels from 15" to 17". I washed and waxed the vehicle every week. It looked brand new 5yrs after ownership. About 6-7mos before I traded the vehicle in, the transmission failed while driving on the 163-S in San Diego CA. I drove this car about 100k miles. I had the fluid in the transmission changed before I drove across the country to San Diego. The Service technician said that he'd never seen a retransmission with as many miles on it, have as little shavings in it's fluid. Told me with confidence that it should easily last another 150-200k miles. LOL (that was a lie)
Here's a list of everything I had to repair/replace on the vehicle during length of ownership:
Catalytic Converter (Under Warranty)
Brake Calipers
Rotors and Brake Pads
Water Pump
Alternator
Engine Fan
Wheel Bearings (Bad Roads)
12V Battery
Transmission
Would this be a good first car. I’m thinking about purchasing a 2012 for 5,000 with 80,000 miles what do you think
@@alia640 is it Turbocharged?
Same here have a 1.8 and just about did everything you did except, knock on wood transmission problems, and need to change wheel bearings on it asap I'm gonna do the entire front suspension!!! In abouts weeks time overall I'm content with the piece of shit lol could of been a better car like the cobalt/cavalier/aveo, the cavalier and aveo Being the better of the 3
The automatic is Garbage
@@luisvilla799 if it runs it's not a pos. I rather have a little car that runs than a 100k car that fails on me. THAT would be a pos.
I have a 2013 LTZ 1.4T 6 SPS manual with 205,000 miles and the car has been bulletproof! Still has the original clutch and water pump. I always use Mobil 1. I still have the original turbo. Just changed the purge valve, which only cost me $19.00. Followed regular maintenance recommendations since I purchased new.
Yeah I changed the purge valve I think 3 times total. I miss that car.
What was the reason you needed a new purge valve?
@@thumpersal1 What was the reason you needed a new purge valve?
Just bought a 2015 sonic ltz with the 1.4l and 6 speed manual. Only 58k miles for $6400.
I love my 6sp manual RS hatch Dragon Green just hit 70,000
you wouldn't get 300,000 miles on an automatic😄
@@goqwertygo agreed 300k is crazy
Good price
2013 LT with Man Trans here, in NJ and NY traffic for hours, as well as highway. I get about 40 MPG with 1.8L original clutch and 265k miles. very few repairs! Brakes changed, only fronts, at 165k miles "still had meat on them". (I'm a great efficient driver!)
A few timing belts - water pump not driven by timing belt, but I changed that when it was going bad, maybe 170k miles? A thermostat, I did myself, Ball joints a couple years ago. Radiator got hit by a stone, replaced. Way back under warranty the radiator fan died-replaced free, no problem since.
I wish I bought three of these things!
I used to think I liked "big analog gauges!", but now I love the small compact info display...wish it had a Temp gauge though.
Way underrated car!
Sounds like you've replaced everything at least once
Love my 12 Sonic just passed 221000k! North Ontario Canada! She keeps going😊!
Do you still have it? What's the mileage now?
pioneer7777777 he sold it at 310k
300K, impressive
That's miles in the video, not km. I'm impressed at that. Would be 482,803km.
@@exJacktar K means thousand
@@shidfard um, yeah I'm aware of that. You're aware not everyone on the planet uses miles so a conversion to metric is in order? My country stopped using miles in the 1970s, for example.
It’s not that impressive. If he’s taken care of it, you should expect it to make it to that mileage. It doesn’t matter what care you buy you will eventually need to replace something
@@AnthonyB0 Thanks for the words of positivity.
That's awesome, they bash these cars pretty good.
Vote for Pedro..😂😂😂. No seriously though, I learned a lot and this was a good video my guy. You basically answered all my questions. I will say 300k without a new clutch is amazing...Im assuming you replaced the clutch. All in all a great little car. Thumbs up.
I did replace the clutch once, forgot at what mileage but wasn't a hard job. The cooling system just needs to be watched carefully
I have a 2014 Chevrolet Sonic LT Hatchback with 158,475 miles still good 👍🏻
When I brought my 2013 Sonic it had that many miles. I had it for 2 years now still no major problems runs good
the 1.4l is known to have more issues like leaks than the 1.8l, that being said its done good for the mileage.
I got a Chevy Sonic LT with 136,000 miles..... I hope this car lasts me long!!!!
Just keep an eye on the cooling system if you keep that up an maintenance you should be good
@Ivan Moreno is this the same for the RS trim? I know the water cooler and tank would probably be the same but what about the brakes?
@Ivan Moreno I thought about getting the Sonic in 2014 but ended up with a Mitsubishi Mirage. After 130k miles and not CEL ever, I think I did ok. The Sonic was superior in every other aspect when I test drove it, power, comfort, interior, seats, over the Mirage. Quite frankly the only thing my Mirage has over the Sonic is general reliability (I think) and mpg (I know). I hope Chevy still continues to make the Spark though, with gas prices rising fast, you subcompacts could make a small comback?
@@kylemas2005 I hear the mirage has pretty shoddy reliability.
Malfunctioning Airbags.
Screeching Brakes.
No Cold Air From the A/C Unit.
Premature Brake Wear.
Premature Tire Wear.
No-start Condition.
Stuck Ignition Key.
Defective Door Hinge.
Are the first things that show up when I look the issues up.
@IcyPlaysGames Owners' reviews are overwhelmingly really good. MirageForum has hundreds of owners from around the world that can attest to this, including a Canadian fleet mechanic who takes care of over 30 Mirages from 2015 to 2017. These cars are parts delivery cars and run in rough Albertan winters. The 3A92 engine has been in continuous production since 2003, so it's very proven. The Mirage is well known for reliability. I'm curious about where you found all your info? Link?
nice video
tell me what do you think about the reliability overall ?
and how the reliability compare to other cars
Nice to see a car runs so long.....but remember that the 1.4L is a timing chain, and the non-turbo 1.8L is a timing chain, so that one would need the timing belt changed a few times.
You mean the 1.8 has timing belt
@@Kahuna_550 Oops....yes,, that was a typo on my part. That is what I was trying to point out. Thanks for catching my typo.
IMO...no matter what car you drive...change the timing belt/chain at 100,000 - 100,000 miles and also change out the water pump.
The 1.8 gives me a lot less issues than the 1.4 seems to give people
That's encouraging! I have a 2014 with 55k miles and it's nice to see what you have had to do over time. I've got 40mpg overall for my driving as I'm pretty light on the throttle. Do you do oil changes more often than the oil meter recommends?
40mpg, is that mostly highway diving?
@@jonesingjalopies5457 Mostly yes, 65 mph and under highway driving.I have the 1.4 L with the 6 speed manual which is the highest rated MPG combination for this car.
@@pioneer7777777 thanks
That’s ridiculous I had a 16’ sonic and got 27 mpg and now have a 17’ sonic and get 28 mpg mostly highway driving
@@jjswoosh7029 What engine and transmission combination? I feel that the 1.4 Manual has the best ratios for efficient driving because of the double overdrive. 60mph will be around 1500 RPM.
Did you have new piston rings put in if so at what mileage? If not did you do a compression test at 300k?
Also, I have a large scratch on my front right above the wheel. Where did you find parts and how did the replacement go? I'm concerned it will be difficult and costly.
Hey, thanks for watching, since the beginning I tried to do the oil change when it would be around 10%. I always used 3 qts penzoil 5w20 and 1 qt Lucas oil. Working on this car was easy, nothing tricky or special tools at all. What color is yours?
@@thumpersal1 color is the crystal red coat. Ended up making an insurance claim and got it all fixed for the $500 deductible. They replaced the front bumper and the quarter panel. Good as new now
@@pioneer7777777 that's good sometimes that's better. Mine was inferno orange same as the camaro
I'm looking at getting this car, Any updates? See you posted this video 4 years ago, do you still have it?
For the stereo indash do u need to program it or it was just plug and play??
The my link came in the car from factory
How’s the A/c ? I been having problems it has a leak
I had the leak simple fix and no big repair needed
@@grajalesstrikerwhere was it leaking from?
Bought a chevy sonic 2014, 125k miles. Head gasket blew haha
In hindsight what do you think went wrong...pls explain...gracias
I have 2015 97000 fix the water thermostat .
Power Bar. Gas Sensor. But things U can do it yourself.Change your sparkplugs every year because of cheap gas that's my advice.
I'm thinking of buying. A 2015 sonic wth 100000 original miles kind of nervous
How the hell did you go over 300k I'm at about 170k and the car is problems after problems I used to baby it but just about to give up, I have the 1.8
My main problems were the cooling system so I kept on top of it.
@@thumpersal1 yeah same here the thermostat and the entire housing along with the tube it comes with
I had to change it twice
@@thumpersal1 What all did you have to do to the cooling system and what were the symptoms?
Hey bro how many miles did you have until you changed the timing belt?
Oh man i don't remember. I changed the main seal I'm not sure of i ever changed the timing belt. It's been a while since I had it.
@@thumpersal1 I have a 2020 what would you say is the key thing to keeping that vehicle sharp? I remember you were saying something about the cooling system
@@alsmith646 I'm not sure if they redesigned the cooling system but on those early year ones the whole cooling system was really bad plastic. Also i would do 3 quarts oil 1 quart Lucas oil stabilizer every oil change. That's just what I did.
I just changed mine at 182K. The service schedule calls for timing belt service at 100K, I believe. Do your water pump, idle pulley, and tensioner pulley at the same time. Get the recommended Gates kit-don't go cheap. Also, buy the shorter water pump pulley on Amazon. You'll see why when you try to get the original wide one off. There's not enough space to get it out of the car without lifting the motor significantly out of the engine bay. At least mine was like that.
I just bought a 2012 with 78k miles. Dang
Dank Solution me too thats what’s up
Nice car we'll build
How many engines and transmissions did you go through? At least 3 engines im guessing?
Nope original engine and transmission. Only changed the turbo and clutch.
@@thumpersal1 i wonder how that is, the 2012 and 2013 sonics were known for having premature failure with both engine and transmission. I think youve been very very lucky!
@@RexenPrime well the cooling system did suck hoses and plastic parts were always breaking and leaking so I can see many overheating cars would easily suffer from busted head gaskets and such. I guess I did get lucky that I would change em soon after they busted I guess that helped. It hit 312k when I sold it. The guy said he had another engine for it but idk what happened he took it to mexico
@@RexenPrime and also the transmission was manual so I think that helped
@@thumpersal1 for sure, im still surprised that engine didnt need replacing at any time but im really glad to see one that made it to 300k. It gives me some hope that my 2015 with 45k on it will make it a good long time at least
Automatic or manual?
Manual
Is the Chevy sonic worth getting
For my situation it was, i would do alot of freeway driving and it would do between 38-42 mpg on the highway. No other non hybrid car came close.
Instead of getting a new steering wheel you should of just got a cover for it. That’s what I did💁🏻♀️
Yeah my truck has a cover but I just happen to find good deals on the steering wheels so it was about the same price as a cover
Surprised you didn't need to change the pcv valve on my 1.4 turbo I did change already 3 time.........
Don't remember the name of the valve but the one on top I changed also 3 times the bulletin said it was part of the maintenance. But it was only about 20 bucks
@@thumpersal1 I think you change another parts the valve cover its the one where there are 15 bolt and cost about 90$
still at 66000, good to know
Have you hit 400k miles?
I sold the car at around 320k miles who know how many more miles they've done.
What kinda fuel do u run in urs I got a 2012 Chevy sonic 1.4 turbo should I be using unleaded mid grade or premium
Mines the automatic version
I used regular but only top tier Chevron, shell, 76 or mobil
The turbo models absolutely need premium fuel.
Mine has the life time oil changes and extended warranty.we’re three thousand Dollars.
Have you had to use the extended warranty? I have never bought an extended warranty because the first time I bought one on a cert. pre owned and stealership gave me alot of bs and have never ever got one after that
@@luisvilla799 not yet
You got the 1.4 with the timing chain...much better that the 1.8
I was thinking about buying a 2012 Chevy sonic with 95,000 miles for $3995
i got a 2013 for $4600 and it’s an amazing car it has 109,000 miles
Yeah depending on the engine and transmission it's okay you have to do a major tune up around 60k to 90k, I would recommend 1.8 engine and standard transmission mine is starting to give me major problems at 170k I need to change the entire suspension
Not an Automatic. Always buy Stick.
My air conditioner fan is working but my 2012 sonic ltz 1.4 fan isn't working. Have a po 304 showing at AutoZone who checked for engine light on. Hey guys any help before I take to mechanic and gives me a quote. 😣
300000 miles is nothing I got eight hundred thousand miles on my Toyota Camry
Camry looks like trash though. All Camrys look bad
300,000 miles is not "nothing". It's still in the top .1% of cars most likely. Congrats on your Camry btw, that's crazy. My friend had two Camrys die on the highway under 200k so I guess it's all about the owners.
8000000 miles is nothing I got 1.5 million miles on my Chevy Spark.
Camry sucks !
@@luiggimondoli Right on !