Looking at a 2013 Sonic RS Hatch - What to Look for?

[cuartz7o]

Hi All, Happy Friday!

I'm looking at a used 2013 Sonic RS Hatch but the only issue is the car is out of state. I am actually flying out to check out the car in person on Monday(!) and wanted to know what I should be looking for when i do the walk around inspection / test drive.

Even though I'm flying out to see the car and (hopefully) drive it 500 miles home I am willing to pass on the deal if the car doesn't look sound. I've been lurking on the forum for a few months now and one thing I know to look for is any coolant leak. other than that is there any other issue or possible red flags I should look for that are particular to the Sonic?

The car is used with about 40K on the clock and in great condition. I am just hoping that when I see it in person, inspect it, and test drive it that it checks out. Any advise for a Sonic newbie would be much appreciated.

 

[Natesriv]

Check coolant level! See if the water pump has been replaced. Do they have the letter from GM for the water pump replacement?

Look CLOSLEY at the belt area for any signs of coolant leaks

Check air intake hose for tears.

Any front end clunk will be end links (easy fix)

Listen for any gear whine...if you hear in 4th gear that would be "normal"..other gears nope...but power train warranty still good ?

That's really about it

 

[MaD]

What kind of $$$ are they asking? How sold are they on the price? Don't forget to check the intake boot too, easy fix but 500 miles in limp would suck. And of course any accidents... good luck[emoji106]

Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk

 

[cuartz7o]

Check coolant level! See if the water pump has been replaced. Do they have the letter from GM for the water pump replacement?

Look CLOSLEY at the belt area for any signs of coolant leaks

Check air intake hose for tears.

Any front end clunk will be end links (easy fix)

Listen for any gear whine...if you hear in 4th gear that would be "normal"..other gears nope...but power train warranty still good ?

That's really about it

Thanks so much! So original water pump is in the car currently which I will probably consider replacing when it's time as per the manual. For the visual inspection I'll be looking closely at left side of the engine and all around the coolant reservoir as well. Ive been searching YouTube and the forums for coolant related issues and for a lot of people it seems to happen suddenly. If everything checks out during the inspection and test drive i have to trust I'll make it the whole 500mi drive home.

Regarding the transmission, that good advice as well on what to look/listen for. I haven't heard much of this being an issue on the forum, is this consistent with a tyranny that was ragged on?

Thanks again.