Ha Ha. Funny email from Chevy

[bvz]

I just got the most hilarious email response to a question I sent to Chevrolet today.


Here is my email to them:


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I am in the market for a new car within the next month or two. Currently, my leading candidate is the Chevy Sonic hatchback with the 1.4L Turbo and a six speed manual transmission (other cars I am considering: Honda Fit, Kia Soul, Ford Fiesta, Ford Focus, VW Golf - all manual transmissions).

Unfortunately, I have been unable to find one within 50 miles of my house that I can test drive (the RS is out of the running due to both its cost and the fact that I want a more comfortable car). I have already had a 1.8L Automatic Sonic as a rental (which originally prompted me to consider the sonic in the first place) so test driving another automatic would be beside the point.

Which brings me to my question. How do I proceed from here? I do not know if I am going to purchase the Sonic because I have not driven one comparable to the one that I would purchase. Nor do I know how it will stack up to the other cars in my list (all of whom I will have tested within the next month). So asking a dealer to procure one if I am not guaranteed to buy seems like it might be asking too much. On the other hand, I cannot agree to buy one if I don't have an opportunity to test it out.

What is the solution?



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And here is their response:


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Dear Mr. bvz,

...

We are excited to see you are considering the Sonic. We did a vehicle search for a manual transmission with the 1.4L turbo engine. However, the closest we found was 425 miles away, below are the following two closest dealers who had the vehicle.

Weseloh Chevrolet Co.
5335 Paseo Del Norte
Carlsbad, CA 92008

Bob Stall Chevrolet
7601 Alvarado Rd
La Mesa, CA 91942

We hope this information was helpful to you.

...


Sincerely,

The Chevrolet Marketing Team

----------------------------------------------------------------------------






:banana:
Awesome!

Super helpful.

 

[ChrisJ]

Well.


They were honest.

 

[Larry]

Not sure how else they could have helped. Still, I do find it humorous

If you live near me you can drive my car, but I seriously doubt it

 

[Swordsmith]

Incredible to me that arguably their best car, and the best car in the segment, and they have zero in stock within 400 miles of you.

I could understand them not having the LS 1.8 in stock, since it is their lowest price offering (other than the Spark, if you can call that a car) but the 1.4T LT is what people should be buying.

And no, a manual 1.8 won't be comparable (it's a different transmission, 5 speed instead of 6) nor will a manual RS, even though it does have the 1.4T, because the RS has another gear ratio, essentially a 5 speed with an extra first gear for no reason. (RS lovers will contradict that description, but they will agree it is different)

If you're willing to share your home town location you may find a 1.4T owner nearby willing to let you have a test drive. With any luck, they'll have a Trifecta tune so you can see what the car can really do, something no dealership can offer anyway.

 

[Larry]

Incredible to me that arguably their best car, and the best car in the segment, and they have zero in stock within 400 miles of you.

I could understand them not having the LS 1.8 in stock, since it is their lowest price offering (other than the Spark, if you can call that a car) but the 1.4T LT is what people should be buying.

And no, a manual 1.8 won't be comparable (it's a different transmission, 5 speed instead of 6) nor will a manual RS, even though it does have the 1.4T, because the RS has another gear ratio, essentially a 5 speed with an extra first gear for no reason. (RS lovers will contradict that description, but they will agree it is different)

If you're willing to share your home town location you may find a 1.4T owner nearby willing to let you have a test drive. With any luck, they'll have a Trifecta tune so you can see what the car can really do, something no dealership can offer anyway.

It's funny because when I bought my 2012 LT Turbo manual, it was from a dealership that had an over-abundance of Turbo manuals and were receiving new stock of 2013s. They had to get rid of 5 manual turbos, so I had quite the selection and lots of leverage in the negotiation process.

 

[bvz]

yeah, I find it strange that there is such a dearth of them in my area (San Francisco). I can't throw a rock around here without hitting a manual Honda Fit and, to my mind anyway, the Sonic is a much more desirable car (at least on paper and in looks). It also helps that it is built in Michigan, where I grew up. I like that. A lot.

Thanks for the offers to help. I *may* have located a co-worker with one that I can test. I'll let you know back here if it works out.

As to Chevy's response. I can kind of understand it and yet I still think it is a poor move. On the one hand, there is no guarantee that I am going to buy the car because - well - I have never driven one and so don't know how it will stack up against the other cars I am considering. So pulling out all the stops and getting a car here for me to test might be "wasted money".

(I can REALLY understand why a dealer wouldn't want to do that. They are all operating with very thin margins.)

But isn't a missed test drive similar to wasted money? Surely GM must have the capacity to make sure they have a representative of each of their vehicles in each market? I mean, it seems like it would be a good idea to have a pool of cars that are only used as test drivers that they keep within, say, 300 miles of each other. Then when someone wants to test a car that no local dealer keeps in stock, GM can ship a sample to the dealer strictly for the test. It is a bit of sunk money, but they can sell the cars at the end of the year as used and recoup some of the costs. And getting a new to the brand customer like myself seems like it might be worth something in and of itself. And I wonder how many people are like me, wanting a particular though less common, configuration but then giving up and going with a different brand.

As it is, I'm leaning towards a Ford now. There are several Focii with manual transmissions in the area for me to try out.

Still, thanks for all the offers of help. Hopefully I can try out my co-worker's car. I'll post back here on my progress.

 

[ChrisJ]

Hopefully someone from GM will notice this thread.

 

[Larry]

yeah, I find it strange that there is such a dearth of them in my area (San Francisco). I can't throw a rock around here without hitting a manual Honda Fit and, to my mind anyway, the Sonic is a much more desirable car (at least on paper and in looks). It also helps that it is built in Michigan, where I grew up. I like that. A lot.

Thanks for the offers to help. I *may* have located a co-worker with one that I can test. I'll let you know back here if it works out.

As to Chevy's response. I can kind of understand it and yet I still think it is a poor move. On the one hand, there is no guarantee that I am going to buy the car because - well - I have never driven one and so don't know how it will stack up against the other cars I am considering. So pulling out all the stops and getting a car here for me to test might be "wasted money".

(I can REALLY understand why a dealer wouldn't want to do that. They are all operating with very thin margins.)

But isn't a missed test drive similar to wasted money? Surely GM must have the capacity to make sure they have a representative of each of their vehicles in each market? I mean, it seems like it would be a good idea to have a pool of cars that are only used as test drivers that they keep within, say, 300 miles of each other. Then when someone wants to test a car that no local dealer keeps in stock, GM can ship a sample to the dealer strictly for the test. It is a bit of sunk money, but they can sell the cars at the end of the year as used and recoup some of the costs. And getting a new to the brand customer like myself seems like it might be worth something in and of itself. And I wonder how many people are like me, wanting a particular though less common, configuration but then giving up and going with a different brand.

As it is, I'm leaning towards a Ford now. There are several Focii with manual transmissions in the area for me to try out.

Still, thanks for all the offers of help. Hopefully I can try out my co-worker's car. I'll post back here on my progress.

I owned a 2010 Honda Fit before the Sonic. Anything you want to know?

 

[turbojon]

You could also try finding a used one somewhere near you...they are popping up more and more lately. And if you like it, have the dealer order you one. Just an idea.

 

[Larry]

You could also try finding a used one somewhere near you...they are popping up more and more lately. And if you like it, have the dealer order you one. Just an idea.

This is a good idea, would give you an idea of how well they hold up to abuse too.

 

[bvz]

This is a good idea, would give you an idea of how well they hold up to abuse too.

Actually, I have been looking for a used one just because I'm not usually accustomed to buying new. Can't even find one of those locally. I did find one only 60 miles away and so I may take a trek out this weekend to try it out if it is still there.

 

[bvz]

I owned a 2010 Honda Fit before the Sonic. Anything you want to know?

Sure! How did you like it vs. your Sonic? I test drove one and really liked the seats and the incredible amount of space inside (I had a Sonic auto 1.8 sedan as a rental car and kinda hated the seats).

That said (and this was a base model Fit that I was only able to drive around town for twenty minues) I found it hard to shift smoothly. Everything on the car was so light including the gas pedal and clutch. It also seemed buzzier than the rental Sonic I had.

Personally I like the look of the Sonic better but my wife likes the Fit.

What made you switch? People who drive Honda's tend to rave about them.

 

[Larry]

Sure! How did you like it vs. your Sonic? I test drove one and really liked the seats and the incredible amount of space inside (I had a Sonic auto 1.8 sedan as a rental car and kinda hated the seats).

That said (and this was a base model Fit that I was only able to drive around town for twenty minues) I found it hard to shift smoothly. Everything on the car was so light including the gas pedal and clutch. It also seemed buzzier than the rental Sonic I had.

Personally I like the look of the Sonic better but my wife likes the Fit.

What made you switch? People who drive Honda's tend to rave about them.

Here's my completely unbiased opinion on the Fit.

Pros
Amazing steering and suspension (for it's class)
Great transmission
Comfy seats
Loooots of storage space in the hatch

Cons
Much more road noise (less isolation material used in my opinion)
Underpowered engine
Clutch too light/spongy
Just ok gas mileage (31-32 mpg vs 40-41 mpg in my sonic; same trip I take to work)
Interior panels started to show wear/creaking within 5000 miles
Horrible stereo/speakers

It was a great car, just not the one for me. What's worse is that the Fit cost me $2k more than my Sonic did. The Fit had 2 recalls that I had to take it in for, one was for the valve shims and another one was for the fuel sender.

I've just hit 12k miles on my Sonic and it still looks and drives like the day I bought it. My first Chevy, but definitely not my last!

Edit: I've also owned a Kia Forte, while it isn't the same as the Soul I will say that it was a pretty good car. I test drove the Fiesta and found it to be overpriced for what you get. I mean, the Sonic just offers so much more for your money. That's why I bought it, because it's the best car I could find for the money.

 

[barch88]

Really? WTF San Fran has no Sonic's that are manual? I find that hard as hell to believe...Best of luck buddy!

 

[gdideric]

I had the same problem. I just went ahead and bought it. They shipped it from San Antonio to Houston. I find with transmissions, I always adapt to it no matter what. If you have been driven bonkers in the past by weird transmission issues, then maybe that's not the right solution for you...

The Sonic for most people shifts fine. (see second gear problems on this site) It's not a porsche, but it is a modern car. It is pretty good. If anything gets to me at all, its the damn electronic throttle never giving me the RPMs I want. I could tune that out...but, meh.

Those other cars are good too. You'll love whatever you get. For example if the ford's interior doesn't make you throw up whenever you sit in the car...good for you. Rock that.

 

[laborsmith]

Really? WTF San Fran has no Sonic's that are manual? I find that hard as hell to believe...Best of luck buddy!

I do not. Although the Sonic MT has hillhold assist, not many who regularly drive in SF know about it. Even then, I would likely not have a MT for a daily driver if I lived there. Of course, if I lived in the City I would not have a car.

Chevy has a hard time selling cars in CA but I would think putting a show together giving people an opportunity to test drive is an excellent idea.


Laborsmith

 

[beaslbob]

I just got the most hilarious email response to a question I sent to Chevrolet today.


Here is my email to them:


------------------------------------------------------------------
I am in the market for a new car within the next month or two. Currently, my leading candidate is the Chevy Sonic hatchback with the 1.4L Turbo and a six speed manual transmission (other cars I am considering: Honda Fit, Kia Soul, Ford Fiesta, Ford Focus, VW Golf - all manual transmissions).

Unfortunately, I have been unable to find one within 50 miles of my house that I can test drive (the RS is out of the running due to both its cost and the fact that I want a more comfortable car). I have already had a 1.8L Automatic Sonic as a rental (which originally prompted me to consider the sonic in the first place) so test driving another automatic would be beside the point.

Which brings me to my question. How do I proceed from here? I do not know if I am going to purchase the Sonic because I have not driven one comparable to the one that I would purchase. Nor do I know how it will stack up to the other cars in my list (all of whom I will have tested within the next month). So asking a dealer to procure one if I am not guaranteed to buy seems like it might be asking too much. On the other hand, I cannot agree to buy one if I don't have an opportunity to test it out.

What is the solution?



-------------------------------------------------------------------


And here is their response:


-------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Mr. bvz,

...

We are excited to see you are considering the Sonic. We did a vehicle search for a manual transmission with the 1.4L turbo engine. However, the closest we found was 425 miles away, below are the following two closest dealers who had the vehicle.

Weseloh Chevrolet Co.
5335 Paseo Del Norte
Carlsbad, CA 92008

Bob Stall Chevrolet
7601 Alvarado Rd
La Mesa, CA 91942

We hope this information was helpful to you.

...


Sincerely,

The Chevrolet Marketing Team

----------------------------------------------------------------------------






:banana:
Awesome!

Super helpful.

I'm in hunstville alabama and had a similiar experience.

Only it was aug 2011 for the then new 2012 sonic.

I also refused to do business with dealers that required you sign a binding arbitration agreement.

So I found a dealer in polaski TN the would order one and not require the binding arbitration. It was 100 miles or so away.

I used this forum and another to "track" to car being built.

All I can say is it was worth it.

(well I do wish I had the my link but that was the next year's model LOL)

So I say you talk to the dealers about ordering the car you want.


my .02

 

[ChrisJ]

I drive around a lot of hills, though I can't say its the same as SF with traffic.

Fact is, I don't feel safe relying on hill assist. Sometimes its there, sometimes its not. How is that useful at all!? So I end up acting like its never there anyway.

 

[SouthFLSonic]

I drive around a lot of hills, though I can't say its the same as SF with traffic.

Fact is, I don't feel safe relying on hill assist. Sometimes its there, sometimes its not. How is that useful at all!? So I end up acting like its never there anyway.

Same problem here, it will hold when I'm partially on a speed bump waiting to move forward but would not hold while in the mountains through TN last year.

Wish there was an adjustment you could make to it to be more consistent, not really an issue for me in flat as a board FL but it is needed sometimes.

 

[beaslbob]

Same problem here, it will hold when I'm partially on a speed bump waiting to move forward but would not hold while in the mountains through TN last year.

Wish there was an adjustment you could make to it to be more consistent, not really an issue for me in flat as a board FL but it is needed sometimes.

I find it will sometimes not take but then on the second break it will take.

So I just pump my breaks after the stop.

I'm not aware of any adjustment. It is computer controlled to engage above a certain grade. And it works in reverse also. Perhaps my second "bump" just shakes the sensors and that causes the engagement.

my .02