I Bought A 2012 Chevy Sonic For $1000

[@AutoAuctionRebuilds]

You getting all the deals man. Damn. Nice find bro!!

[@rakeshmahadevan269]

#AutoAuctionRebuilds Nostalgic about your Sonic? No car can beat how dirty it was 😷

[@bigalsbikeandauto]

You too! You've been on a roll at Copart lately!

[@robertsmith1434]

@@bigalsbikeandauto Hey don't lose a key on the Scion though.. they are like 300 bucks at the dealership.

[@waverunner7063]

It's a chevy nothing nice about it lol

[@roberthein2156]

TALK A LOT? UNDERSTATEMENT.

[@adventurersue5560]

Love my 2012 Sonic! Bought it brand new and the first car I haven't gotten bored with. Manual transmission and manual windows too!

[@aryanscience]

Same but 2013 for me

[@christinemck7033]

I am also a GM fan because they always start in the wintertime. I liked the aveo and now the sonic.

[@five7teen694]

Gotta say you're very lucky to have a Sonic for that price (if you still have it). I bought one recently for 300$ cad and I'm pretty jealous, considering the state of your Sonic.

[@BlankBillions]

I just bought a 2011 Ford Fusion last week For 850$, all it needed was Sway links 😎.

[@D4x4Bronc]

thats a good deal. the v6 first gen fusions were very good cars.

[@justinraystyles3537]

Wow!

[@randym119]

@@D4x4Bronc The Duratec in those is excellent.

[@JeremyMcCant]

That's insane man, you got an awesome find!!!

[@OLDS98]

I remember those for the instrumentation cluster. I was shocked about the manual gearbox. Manual windows.... you do not see them that often anymore. I like the fact you are a GM guy. You got it for a steal. GM bought Daewoo. That became GM Korea. Drive in good heath.

[@bigalsbikeandauto]

OLDS98 I would have optioned this car the exact same way if I bought it new!

[@OLDS98]

@@bigalsbikeandauto Indeed. I totally understand.

[@Lurch4you]

LS Sonics , power widows were an option. They came with my LT. also , the LS doesn’t have cruise control. I’m glad I got the manual shift with the cruise.

[@Lurch4you]

I meant windows ! 😀

[@carreviewsandmore5581]

Daewoo's Are Pieces Of Shit

[@concord9926]

awesome find, I had a Saturn astra with a 1.8 ecotec and 5 speed manual. sold it at 150k miles running excellent. The people who bought it had the same car already with 250,000 miles and just wanted another one because it was so good to them. I hate most GM products but, the ecotecs are hidden gems.

[@jonathanmagness1231]

That's a very clean Sonic I can't believe you got it for a grand

[@bigalsbikeandauto]

Jonathan Magness me either!

[@vampyppandora]

Just bought a 2013 Chevrolet sonic sedan this month 37,000.00 mileage on it. Love it!! But would have loved paying just a 1,000 on mine. Very great deal you got👍👍👍👍

[@nmattcar]

I'm sorry for the loss of your grandpa.recently my grandparents somewhat recently began their final stages of dementia and its not an easy road.

[@bigalsbikeandauto]

nmattcar I appreciate the condolences

[@robertsmith1434]

I bought one of these for my kid. It was a fleet car with 32K on it. I was kinda impressed with how sporty it was... not bad/not great but not bad. Of course she has managed to need three new front bumpers (sigh)... So it is safe as well. She managed to hit a dog, a deer and then someone hit her when she was parked... all in the space of six months. Yeah.. I thought it was a nice little cheap car for her to go to college with.

[@ProducerLare]

What a great deal Al!👍 Always a plus when you do a deal with a stand-up, nice, honest guy like your seller!! I mean really...gave you a ride back to get the car!!..Jeez, most freakin dealers out there won’t even do that for you. Thanks again for sharing & keep up the awesome content!!👍😊❤️P.S..plz put your seatbelt on... we need you around for these videos!🤣I’m retired LEO & have seen some sh€^! ...wouldn’t want that for you Sir!

[@sheilaallen3017]

I brought the same exact car same color same year & 5 speed..... I love it ! My sister said, I be moving in it ! My other car is a Rendezvous >But I drive the Sonic more !

[@MrKEMills]

This car is $7000 in California.

Someone would list it for 10k on cl San Diego

[@MrKEMills]

Dylan Martin I’m from San Diego and I think, that since car prices have skyrocketed, it would be closer to 10k now.

[@BobbyFocus2008]

I'm trading in my 2008 Ford Focus for a Sonic hatchback with the 1.8 none turbo . Took the Sonic for a test drive yesterday and it handled way better than my focus . These little cars are not as bad as everyone thinks they are . Wish I was only paying $1000 Buy my focus is having a lot of issues and getting $2,500 off and getting the Sonic for $6,500 is a good deal to me . The saved gas is worth it alone. My focus was averaging 21.5 miles combined and the transmission is getting ready to go out on it . And I've owned my focus since 2011 and it has 106.349 miles no rust at all .

[@zzoinks]

I would've expected better mpg from that light Ford focus

[@SantiagoFigueroaRojo1999]

What a steal! I can’t even find a 2003 Civic for a grand in California lol

[@pioneer7777777]

I've got my 2014 Sonic 1.4 LT Manual from new in Minnesota. Been our main car for a lot of that time, has just 70k miles. Just put a roof rack and Thule Motion XT box on it to expand its abilities now that we have a baby and need to carry more cargo on trips. Have a second set of wheels with winter tires, and I still love the thing. Have been tempted to change it out for a newer car but it just keeps proving its value. Been paid off for 3 years now, and just keeps giving reliable, fun transportation, now with even better functionality with the roof box!

[@boostorboom]

My 2012 sonic lt 1.4turbo just rolled over 181,000 miles! It has been incredibly reliable! It runs and drives like new.. it has never needed anything other than basic oil/tires/tune up... love it and am probably going to buy a new one!

[@toyoscio]

You were lucky 2012 was one of the worst years.

[@josephharrelson8635]

Great deal, i got a 2015 sonic lt sedan. I paid $20,000 . It was brand new. Im happy with it. Very dependable car. Starts in Chicago winters with no problem i got 41,000 miles so far . i buy nothing but Chevrolet and im happy with this car

[@tsukisan6765]

Al, you should drive that Sonic down to Florida, sell it for a huge profit and bring back some other cars that fit in with your collection.

[@inhawaii4941]

Killer Deal. On top of that the perfect seller to deal with

[@270eman]

I bought a 2015 Sonic LTZ sedan with a 1.4l turbo and 6 speed manual with only 59k miles for $6400. Black fake Leather/heated seats, fog lights, sunroof, nice rims, touchscreen, and backup camera. Was a one owner and zero wrecks. You can get amazing deals on these cars. 1.4l doesn't even need timing belt since its got a chain. Idk any other car brand that you can get that low mileage of a car that is fully loaded for that cheap. It has almost 80k miles on it and its been super reliable.

[@Sonic6293]

I just bought an automatic one and I was a little surprised. It's decent to drive and I'm glad to have it after my Grand Caravan. Not as fun as my 5-speed Civic, but that's kind of hard to top for cheap cars.

[@270eman]

Just make sure you change the trans fluid every 45k like the service manual recommends. The 6 speed auto gets really hot and wears the fluid out quickly.

[@Farmer_Bruce]

"Pilot" as in serial killer for that price. And now he knows where you live. Good thing you shampooed all the dna out.

[@bigalsbikeandauto]

Haha maybe that's the catch!

[@brunothepug8807]

I was thinking to buy one of these new. You video was fun and shows how they last with good maintenance! THX

[@hossamtammam2275]

i’m just a teen , im getting a car in a year or so. is this a good first car? as in reliability and fuel efficiency

[@bigalsbikeandauto]

With the 1.8 and manual transmission yes I’d say so.

[@hossamtammam2275]

@@bigalsbikeandauto i appreciate that you still reply after 4 years , thank you for keeping up. as i’m still a new driver and driving manual is really hard for me. is the automatic transmission reliable?

[@bigalsbikeandauto]

@@hossamtammam2275 I haven’t heard of any issues with the automatic but I’d encourage you to learn manual. Better gas mileage.

[@45AMT]

I worked for a company who drove fleets of these sonics. They're a Daewoo design but US built. Great car for $1000! Nice to see a manual. We drove the auto's which were a dog on power.

[@FlamboyanToPossuM]

Sonic is a fun car to drive. Small and nimble but the ride makes you feel like you're in a larger and more comfortable vehicle. I'm 6'2" and can comfortable sit behind myself, highly recommend the car to anyone looking for something cheap but not crap.

[@shmeegie32]

are these reliable? got a lemon mini cooper from the dealership so they took it back offering a mostly full refund or trade in for equal value. I saw a 2012 sonic just like yours with 73,500 miles. it was a rental until 35,000 miles and the owner after that seemed to do regular oil changes (from looking at carfax) Do these 2012 sonics last or should I expect lots of problems in the near future if I get it?

[@jesseliles]

I just bought a 2013 Sonic RS for $400 🤷‍♂️

[@coreylee1098]

Great Video Big Al !! I was just checking today to see if you had anything new posted. I’m a big fan and I have watched all your videos and good luck with your pops Volvo !! Can’t wait for that vid

[@JackVegetables18]

I like the sedan sonics the best for some reason i just think their nice

[@RichieRouge206]

I’m watching this in 2020, great video. We had these as Chevrolets too for a while in RHD in the UK. But Chevy pulled out of our market a few years ago. Have you moved to Florida since this I take it?

[@robis40]

You're a lucky dude, my son moved to Nashua about a month ago and has been searching for a deal like this.

[@ghostsniper958]

Al should I consider buying this car ? What problems did the car have when you had it or what problems should I look out if I buy this car I'm looking at a sonic 1.4 LT turbo 82k miles on it.

[@coreylee1098]

Awesome keep up the great content !!! I’m always on the lookout for new videos!! I wish I could of bought that GS300 from you !

[@cheekster96]

Cool video. Lookin at getting one as well as a commuter. Any idea what the RPMs are doing 70-75 on the Turnpike. I live in Maine.

[@bigalsbikeandauto]

Little over 3000 RPMs at 70-75

[@rickdavid6758]

You mentioned chevy celebrity...I just gave away an 86 eurosport. 2.8 40k original miles. Car was a one owner garage kept Sunday driver before I got it. I inherited it from a distant relative but it wasn't something I could utilize as I am in the taxicab business. So I gave it to a single mom who's car crapped out on her weeks ago. Perfect for her. A friend of mine just scoffed up a 99 lumina Ls one owner 23,282 original miles....like it came fro the GM plant yesterday. Paid 2300$

[@Trance88]

Daaayum!!! You got the deal of the century on this Sonic!! On the subject of whether this is a Daewoo or not, it isn't. It was designed in Korea but built in the US. The chevy spark on the other hand, which is this cars little sibling is completely Daewoo. Made in Korea and everything.

[@KenKulig]

Let me guess...next car-Mercedes S600? I followed the whole rebuild of that one on AAR.

[@SgtReaper22]

Awesome find small hatch backs are fun to drive even better for gas mileage. I had a 2000 focus was fun for what it was also had hand crank windows never had issues with those and better than electric.

[@mercedesbenzs600bash]

Great find my man,do you have a link to that S600 rebuild????

[@guichoreza]

I just bought a 2012 sonic Lt with 77xxx miles for $1500 two days ago, all it was wrong was the antifreeze, they used the yellow antifreeze instead of the dextron and the car was overheating, flush it out, replace the thermostat just in case and runs great now

[@puriarahbarnia34]

Shit that’s a hell of a damn deal, but I’m really happy you got a real newer car and I see watching you buy newer model vehicles

[@CosmicNightWolf]

what a steal! i bought a run and drive 2002 dodge dakote with 125k on the dash, only issue is the PCM for $50 cash. two owners before me. Repair will run $115 repair and return or $270 to out right buy a new PCM and get a $100 core for the old one once returned. This truck will be a pretty good steal also. Will need a turn up and other misc maintenance items. I always love when people are willing to let go a good vehicle for a steal.

[@bigalsbikeandauto]

CosmicNightWolf nice buy!!!

[@OfficialKyleMHamilton]

Just got $1000 ..2008 Dodge Charger 3.5 highoutput ... with 3 sets of good tires pads and rotars and control arms doing burnouts all day since

[@tuanh_duong]

Good buy man! I’m considering the Sonic among others as my first car! You’re from NH too! 👍👍

[@Lurch4you]

Great deal ! I ordered an LT in March 2012 . Mine’s also a stick. The two issues I’ve had in 144k miles was the roof & hood needed to be repainted & the water pump just went 2 weeks ago.

[@270eman]

Water pump I believe is replaceable by the dealer unlimited years up to 150k miles. Its a recall.

[@JoesGoldenGarage]

Big! That is an amazing deal! That 1.8 is a good lil motor. The optional 1.4 turbo on the higher trim models tends to have more issues. I see em at auction with oil issues. Good score boss

[@toyoscio]

Lol

[@bryanveIoso]

Are you not wearing seatbelts while driving? The seatbelt lights are on.

[@adangonzalez4029]

I bought my Sonic coupe 2012 1.4turbo 6 speed manual with 65,000 miles for 3k. Pretty reliable car.

[@CriticalThinker08]

we bought a 2016 with 106k miles for $4500 out the door today. feels good to get a deal like this, even though I'm sure I'll have to do some minor recon

[@BREN70S]

Great deal , here in Europe we have Chevrolet now but you're right it's the dawoo type , the lacetti springs to mind , haven't seen a Sonic yet .

[@garretrocha8]

ok fine youtube I'll watch it jesus christ

[@NickMyers1]

Like you I’m also a fan of older German stuff and American stuff to, but I seem to be stuck on older Ford Panther Platform stuff from the 80s and 90s. That is a fantastic deal on the sonic. You could drive another five years and still make your money back no problem. I just got a 97 Explorer Limited V-8 2 Wheel Dr. for $460 after Copart fees. The thing is cherry inside. Impeccable maintenance. Are you gonna keep the Saturn or sell it at tax time?

[@bigalsbikeandauto]

Nick Myers haven’t decided on the Saturn yet!

[@Scotty_in_Ohio]

agree 100% on the windows for a car like that.... look at getting one of those ozone generators. I have one after buying a car that we didn't notice was smoked in till after we brought it home - works great and was about $60 on amazon. Super awesome score - congratulations!

[@bigalsbikeandauto]

Scott Warmbier smell seems to be gone now after I shampooed the seats and carpets!

[@robsrandomness7824]

@@bigalsbikeandauto Afterwards, I usually spray Fabreze all over the interior fabric & headliner, and inside the vents. Once that dries, rub a wad of dryer sheets all over headliner, seats, & carpet. Then, leave balled up wad of dryer sheets stuck in the springs under a seat.

[@barrythacker7281]

I get deals from new england rich people, i purchased a inboard ski boat for 3,200 with 350 hours.

[@codie11398]

Literally just did the same thing but I paid $1200 with 105,000 miles! One owner clean title!! Gonna flip it

[@klc317]

What a great little car for that money. The manual trans is the icing on the cake too.

[@knowbodiesfull5768]

I like that cool looking speedometer! I was saddened when it was replaced with a conventional analog speedometer beginning with the 2017 models. :(

[@JackVegetables18]

I don't blame you bro I would have jumped on that deal too

[@straightforward]

Agree, completely, about the windows! Wish mine was manual!

[@knowbodiesfull5768]

Yeah my 2006 Cobalt had crank windows too! It was great when I had 'em. No need to worry about motors going bad. I now have a '16 Kia Forte with power windows all around. Oh well. Guess I gotta start budgeting in case the windows go bad.

[@juliadennehy]

You recorded this during that windstorm on Saturday afternoon... freaking nuts! Good deal though!!!

[@roberthein2156]

1.8,intake snorkel goes to the back. 1.4,snorkel goes up front, to turbo. TEST DRIVE A 1.4,TURBO,STD.6-SPD.,FOR A REAL THRILL,AS TO HOW FAST THEY ARE. ZIPPY IS NOT THE "WORD."

[@frankaguilo]

Why do you seem to often put license plate covers on your cars, is it to deter people from stealing the NH, Live Free or Die plates?

[@roberthein2156]

E.G.R.- is a fixed part in the cam cover. Which means they want you to buy the cover too-$140.,then gasket to. Chevrolet needs to 🔥 FIRE STUPID ENGINEERING!

[@jefferysmith3930]

Tha Sonic is all GM. No Daewoo. My sister has the same year model she bought new with the 1.4 turbo and a 6 speed manual. Other than a chronic squeaky clutch pedal, it’s been a great car

[@toyoscio]

GM Korea.

[@270eman]

@@toyoscio With a german transmission manufactured in austria and the interior designed in Australia. The drivetrain is basically an opel. Its found in tons of small European cars.

[@maisonetfresh]

Nice car great buy as well. I'm also in New England

[@williamsinger4124]

Big Al! Glad to see they ain't throwing dirt on you yet

[@johnhull6363]

Hey Al gasoline prices are going to fall 50 to 75 cents a gallon by Thanksgiving...bad timing?

[@bigalsbikeandauto]

John Hull not at all...will just make driving the Escalade more enjoyable!

[@gordonhenrichs]

glad the videos are backkkk

[@alfariq7980]

That is very good deal man! wow ! i love chevy sonic.

[@jt-bg6ey]

Glad I found you love the videos

[@salrussano1]

I just picked up a 2012 with 69k for 1500 bucks today in great shape just needs tires

[@kiwifrog8878]

this gonna be my first car!

[@acgtext5304]

When i first started watching you , had the opinion that you were some scammer flipper . In the past year or so watching you my opinion has changed and really do enjoy the way you operate and run across decent deals like this . Keep putting the vids out an i'll keep watching .

[@bigalsbikeandauto]

Acg Text lol glad you don’t think that anymore! I’m just a guy that loves cars!

[@acgtext5304]

start missing it when you take a week or more between post @@bigalsbikeandauto

[@rottmanthan]

i like the gauges / dash lights on those, kinda like the headlights to.

[@tman04__]

Did you move from Florida to New England ?

[@meticulouselectronics]

Its quiet because of the timing belt. Chains are noisy, but last longer. Most gm vehicles use chains.

[@toyoscio]

yet if that belt breaks, the engine is probably seriously damaged.

[@meticulouselectronics]

@@toyoscio yep. Bent valves and damaged head. Toyota is the only ones I know of that are non interference engines. The belts can snap and engine will survive.

[@carreviewsandmore5581]

I Got A 04 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro 6 Spd Manual For $410 That Runs And Drives Perfect With Only 110K Miles And It Only Needed New Brakes And Tires.

[@micaiahwilliams7713]

I’m going to see the sedan version of one of these at a dealership tomorrow. They’re selling it for $4000 with 127k miles on it. Is that a good deal? This would be the first car I bought.

[@toyoscio]

Depends on year, some where worse than others.

[@stewartclough4866]

I smashed up my BMW E60 7 years ago. The insurance gave me a Chevy Spark. I can honestly say it was the worst car I have ever drove. I ended up getting an E46 from the police auction with s few issues I sorted. I only got itas a stock gap. Ended up keeping it for 4 years and lost £300 on it when I sold it.

[@frankfff1665]

Subcompact cars should all have crank windows and manual transmission options. A daily driver made affordable for lower income consumers. A base model that doesn't exceed $15k price tag. Oh, also easy to maintain yourself.🔧💵🚗🔜⛽🗽

[@nickalvarado7908]

Hey I know this video is from a test ago so I don’t expect to respond but if you see this please do! I had a sonic a couple years ago it was a 1.8 but it was an auto transmission with auto windows, I’m with you on the crank windows and Manuela transmission so if you could please tell me what exact trim level this is I would hugely appreciate, love your vids guy. Thanks in advance

[@nickalvarado7908]

I made some spelling errors haha I think I made my point good enough sorry about that

[@lovellmills7959]

It's just a cheap base model

[@ratj4715]

Seems like a hell of a deal. Be a great winter car that You wouldn’t have to worry about.

[@beastumfan]

You should have given him the $1500. LOL

[@roberthein2156]

I ordered my SONIC in2011,Oct. Got it in Feb.,2012. SONIC, LTZ,1.4 TURBO,6-DPS. W/ EVERYTHING (EXCEPT : AUTO-START,wouldn't put it in, CAUSE it's a standard!) I paid , $18,993. Not a cheap car. NOW has 103k. But at 70 mph, Gets 40.3 mpg,on cruise. If I had to sell that cheap,I'd park it, FIRST,FOREVER!

[@270eman]

I got my 2015 LTZ 1.4l turbo with 6 speed manual in February for $6400 with only 59k miles. The dealer couldn't sell it because no one wanted a stick lol. They had marked it down 3 times. Its now at 82k miles and running strong. Fixed the coolant reservoir for $40 and put redline mt90 in the trans. Shifts like butter.

[@roberthein2156]

Did you know Chevy pays to replace e.g.r. Sealed in the manifold cover, $ 180.+ dollars.

[@270eman]

@@roberthein2156 It will break again though. Id get them to replace it for you and then install the pcv fix kit.

[@passenger5829]

You sir, are the master! Brilliant content and buying skills. More please 🚙🚗

[@theVakhovske]

iPhone Xr or This?cant decide well

[@dj_paultuk7052]

Same 1.8 that's used in all the Europe GM Astra's etc. 123bhp. They love to rev.

[@dj_paultuk7052]

Oh , and yes that's basically a Daewoo Matiz. But they use all GM components.

[@toyoscio]

DJ_PaulTUK timing belt equipped.

[@jonathangonzalez4803]

Good Find! Keep up the good vids!

[@robsrandomness7824]

Poor thing. You bought an old S Class. Oh, well. That Sonic sure was a score, though. I love those things. I've rented close to a half dozen of them over the years. They supposedly took design cues from a sport bike (headlight design and instrument pod). I always wanted one in Dragon Green ('15 and '16). Rare color. I never drove one in stick. That probably would be fun. So, are you missing FL weather yet? It just now turned nice down there. (I live in both TN and FL, and travel back & forth often).

[@bigalsbikeandauto]

Like you I'll be traveling back and forth to Florida as well...waiting for the snow though!

[@denisemendoza4277]

Someone today wants 4200 for it at 100k miles, you got a much better deal

[@JoeManLARockinEmpire]

Awesome video! Very nice car what a steal. And let me guess its a Mercedes Benz? Cant wait to see!

[@ddg2256]

Wow that's a great deal. Welcome to NH!

[@graytlo]

Question for any Chevy person. I wanna go from an Equinox to a Sonic. And I’m just wondering what the difference is like in cabin size? Like just the front seat area. Is it a huge difference?

[@chaseman94]

That's a hell of a deal. I hope I can get one like you did on my next car.

[@coreylee1098]

I used to get some pretty good deals from the PPA Philadelphia partaking authority. You know of any other auctions worth checking out on the east coast

[@thatguy-ve6mb]

I just bought a 2012 with 79k. For 5k for my winter drive in Maine

[@brianandrews7099]

Good deal! I’d do abit more work doing some cheap stuff then flip it. I’d make someone a great school or work ride. I don’t think I would hold onto it, just doesn’t excite me much as a keeper (unless I needed a cheap driver). Nope, flip it for all you can and do some more e36 shopping with the profits!