How long is the "life expectancy" of Sonics?

[sonicite]

So I have a little over 70,000 miles on my car. This year in April I had major coolant and engine leaks, which were covered by the drivetrain warranty which will expire in March of 2019. While my car was being repaired they replaced the spark plugs and coil pack. A few months later the valve cover gasket was leaking so those were also replaced. I know I'll need new brakes in the not to distant future and new tires. Those are expected.
I get regular oil changes as recommended by Chevy.
My car is an automatic LT.
How does anyone know when it's time to say "goodbye?"
Thanks.

 

[JTee2017]

So I have a little over 70,000 miles on my car. This year in April I had major coolant and engine leaks, which were covered by the drivetrain warranty which will expire in March of 2019. While my car was being repaired they replaced the spark plugs and coil pack. A few months later the valve cover gasket was leaking so those were also replaced. I know I'll need new brakes in the not to distant future and new tires. Those are expected.
I get regular oil changes as recommended by Chevy.
My car is an automatic LT.
How does anyone know when it's time to say "goodbye?"
Thanks.

Well, the best source to find out how long. . . read a lot ot threads here.

That said, you do not say if you have a 1.4L Turbo engine or 1.8L. The 1.4L Turbo requires more repairs and maintenance. Besides the things you mentioned needing replacement, the Thermostat and "water outlet" usually need replacing, the PCV valve/Intake manifold upper half should be replaced as they PCV valve collects carbon and gunky deposits. There ae actually two PCV orifices that should be replaced/cleaned.

Then there are front sway bar links, rear/front suspension struts, etc

And a hand full of other things. The good news is if you keep on top of these things, the engine and car will do great. Someone made a list of the things that need replacing in a thread.

This year might be a good year to trade in for the new 2019 Sonic coming out soon!

 

[Onslow]

Someone made a list of the things that need replacing in a thread.

What thread / link is that under?

 

[sonicite]

Thanks JTee for all that good info. Lots to consider.

 

[Pirate Luke]

I couldn't find the thread but JTee listed a lot of good points here: http://www.sonicownersforum.com/forum/general-discussion/23277-need-recommendations-sonic-mod-vets.html

There's also a thread dedicated to long lasting sonics here: http://www.sonicownersforum.com/forum/general-discussion/17150-high-mileage-sonics-longevity-thread.html

All have some decent reads.

 

[JTee2017]

Thanks JTee for all that good info. Lots to consider.

I couldn't find the thread but JTee listed a lot of good points here: http://www.sonicownersforum.com/forum/general-discussion/23277-need-recommendations-sonic-mod-vets.html

There's also a thread dedicated to long lasting sonics here: http://www.sonicownersforum.com/forum/general-discussion/17150-high-mileage-sonics-longevity-thread.html

All have some decent reads.

Here is the Thread I was referring to. - - - - - - >LINK: - - - http://www.sonicownersforum.com/forum/general-discussion/22938-roll-up-sonic-common-issues.html
Not totally complete , but most of the common repairs are mentioned.

- - - - - - >LINK: - - - http://www.sonicownersforum.com/forum/general-discussion/22938-roll-up-sonic-common-issues.html

 

[sonicite]

Thanks Pirate Luke and Jtee.
A long lasting car is great, but we don't know how much money was spent in repairs to keep it going that long. Or worse, breaking down on the road.

Jtee--in your reply you wrote that 1.4 turbo requires more repair and maitenence. Why is that? I have a 1.4 turbo.

Thanks.

 

[gnonne]

Turbos have more moving parts and more complex PCV systems, which are also subject to higher boost pressures, etc.

The good things about the turbos are a bit better MPG if you drive them nicely, seem to work more smoothly with the 6 sp auto, and a timing chain rather than a belt, like the 1.8L engines.

That said, if its a newer model year, it might not be too bad. GM is switching to all turbos in the Sonic/Cruze (even the LS) for 2019, so maybe they have all the bugs worked out. I think 2011 was the first year for the turbo in a Cruze.

 

[JTee2017]

The 1.8L having a timing belt is far from a big maintenance deal.

The 1.4L turbo has far more maintenance issues with PCV, water outlet, water pump and other things that are more costly in the end than a mere timing belt replacement that you can DIY with a low cost kit from Amazon to other vendors.

Or, buy the kit and take it to an independent shop and pay them $150 to do it.

A timing belt at 90,000 miles is par for many Euro vehicles and they do just fine.
The problem is those who ignore maintenance intervals or ignore warning signs of thing like a PCV clogging up and blowing out the engine main seals like on a 1.4L Turbo. Big time $$$$ there. . .