HI All, 1st post! Thanks for letting me join this forum. I don't currently own a Sonic, but it's on my short list for purchase. One of my primary goals for a vehicle is that it is user friendly as a 4-down "toad" behind my motorhome.
I currently have a Ford Focus ST that must be towed on a dolly. This practice is getting old (setting up in the rain and laying on the ground sucks). I have ripped the front bumper facia off of the Focus twice because of the low front car clearance. I'm planning on replacing the Focus with something I can tow 4-down.
Another consideration for a vehicle is (was?) that I could keep my inflatable, 2 person kayak and groceries in the trunk as well as hauling 4 adults. I've been looking at SUV type vehicles to help support that goal.
I've recently changed direction and figure that I could get a smaller car, put on a roof rack and mount a cargo bin on it for the kayak. This has brought me to the Ford Focus/Fiesta, the Honda Fit, and, of course, the Sonic. Since my wife no longer wants to drive a stick, the Fit is out, as well as most other small cars. I'm not overly thrilled with the reliability of the Ford's dual clutch auto transmissions, so it looks as if the Sonic may be the winner!
I'm planning on looking at the Sonic HB with either the 1.8 or 1.4 turbo. I won't be doing any modifications to the engine. I'll be buying used, most likely a 2015 or 2016, because I don't like the huge depreciation hit. Right now I'm inclined to buy an LT/LTV over the RS, because the Owner's Manual specifically states that the RS with auto transmission cannot be towed 4-down. Most of the time a vehicle that can't be towed 4-down is because of the transmission. This is true of my Focus ST as it has a unique 6 speed transmission that is not used on lesser Focii.
My understanding is that I can get an LT/LTV with either the 1.8 or 1.4 turbo engine and an auto transmission. What is different about a 1.4 turbo RS over the LT/LTV that it can't be towed 4-down? Is it the transmission or some other obstruction in the front nose that a towing bracket can't be mounted?
Another consideration is the engine choice. Which one do you feel is more reliable: the 1.8L or 1.4L? Does the 1.4 turbo require 93 octane gas or will it run on 87 octane?
Thanks for answering all my questions!
Fran
I currently have a Ford Focus ST that must be towed on a dolly. This practice is getting old (setting up in the rain and laying on the ground sucks). I have ripped the front bumper facia off of the Focus twice because of the low front car clearance. I'm planning on replacing the Focus with something I can tow 4-down.
Another consideration for a vehicle is (was?) that I could keep my inflatable, 2 person kayak and groceries in the trunk as well as hauling 4 adults. I've been looking at SUV type vehicles to help support that goal.
I've recently changed direction and figure that I could get a smaller car, put on a roof rack and mount a cargo bin on it for the kayak. This has brought me to the Ford Focus/Fiesta, the Honda Fit, and, of course, the Sonic. Since my wife no longer wants to drive a stick, the Fit is out, as well as most other small cars. I'm not overly thrilled with the reliability of the Ford's dual clutch auto transmissions, so it looks as if the Sonic may be the winner!
I'm planning on looking at the Sonic HB with either the 1.8 or 1.4 turbo. I won't be doing any modifications to the engine. I'll be buying used, most likely a 2015 or 2016, because I don't like the huge depreciation hit. Right now I'm inclined to buy an LT/LTV over the RS, because the Owner's Manual specifically states that the RS with auto transmission cannot be towed 4-down. Most of the time a vehicle that can't be towed 4-down is because of the transmission. This is true of my Focus ST as it has a unique 6 speed transmission that is not used on lesser Focii.
My understanding is that I can get an LT/LTV with either the 1.8 or 1.4 turbo engine and an auto transmission. What is different about a 1.4 turbo RS over the LT/LTV that it can't be towed 4-down? Is it the transmission or some other obstruction in the front nose that a towing bracket can't be mounted?
Another consideration is the engine choice. Which one do you feel is more reliable: the 1.8L or 1.4L? Does the 1.4 turbo require 93 octane gas or will it run on 87 octane?
Thanks for answering all my questions!
Fran