Thank you so much for the responses and the guidance. Obviously the answer is that we won’t buy the car but definitely give me ideas of which cart to look for a budget of 5000 and less.
Chevy 2013 137k for $5000 ??? Yes or no? I need a cheap reliable car for my 17 year old
If your hobby is to work on cars and your son calls you all the time because the car broke down AGAIN, go for it.
I’ll sell you my 2013 at 113k for $5000….
It’s definitely one way to make sure your 17 year old stays dependent on you and relatively close to home for a while longer.
Haaiiillll no. There will be something that needs fixing several times a year. Some of those things are likely to leave you stranded.
Unless one of you two have a car repair hobby, stay away from the Sonic.
For reference I just got a 2014 with 67k kms for $6k cad.
That's pretty good. Throw in like $300 in upgrades and you've got a solid car
Yes, few parts on order now and will put on next weekend .
Pass. Unless you really know this car and how to work on cars
Find a Civic or Corolla at or a little above that price range. The Sonic isn’t worth buying
Agreed. Civic, Fit, or Corolla. Subaru Impreza is a good choice if you can find a 2012 or better with low miles (bought one for my mom and 11 years on it's running like a top).
AVOID AVOID AVOID any Ford Focus or any Ford Fiesta with an automatic transmission - you'll regret it.
Mine was fine (ish) until 161k. And I've kept to the full maintenance schedule, all proper fluids, and made all the improvements (thank you ZZP!). It's in the shop with coolant issues - mechanics believe it could be a head gasket.
When I visited the Chevy dealer parts dept this morning even they said, "Really? 161? Never thought they'd last THAT long..."
I love my 2013 Sonic but I would not call it reliable. It is heavily modded, pretty much full bolt ons, which certainly doesn’t help. I bought it off a family member already modded and have had to do a lot of work in the year and a half I’ve had it. Luckily I can do it all myself, but I would recommend looking at other options sadly.
If it's a 1.8 then maybe, if it's a 1.4 turbo then no
change coolant hoses, cooling fan, good metal thermostat, and replace the brakes would be good start for the 1.8. My 2013 has almost 180k miles and running good. I have replaced most of the front suspension and the rear, but potholes suck around here.
Same I'm in pothole central with my 1.8. Stay strong my guy
Hopefully they changed the timing belt and water pump!
Have you changed your cv axles?
I have not (crossing fingers).
No
Depends on what it’s had done to it. It could be all original or full of upgrades.
If its the 1.8 yes but the price is a bit high. I would talk them down to 3,500. I have 14 1.8 that I have owned since new and currently has 207k on it with original engine and transmission. No major problems other than thermostats, water pumps, valve covers and radiator fan all of which are lifetime parts at most parts stores.
It's not worth that much but maybe you have little options
Too high. I know the market is all fucked today but I got a fully loaded 60k mile 2015 for 7k.
idk why no one’s mentioned it but it heavily depends on if it’s the 1.4 turbo or the 1.8 n/a. if it’s the former run away. 1.8 is somewhat reliable but 5k is still a little high for that mileage and year
My 2014 sonic with 105,000 miles is worth $3,000 according to kelley blue book, if that helps
Damn..
Honestly I’m just glad i got ten years out of the thing lol
Well it marks one of your boxes. It is cheap.