Wondering what people's thoughts were on Chevrolet Spark's as cheap little commuter cars? If I was thinking about getting one as a cheap, commuter econobox vehicle, does anyone have any ideas if they are total POS or if they're fairly reliable? Some dealers have brand new ones listed at 10k for manual transmissions with basic trim. I would get a manual since I don't yet trust CVT transmissions.
These cars are made by GM Korea. I own a 2015 spark with 70000 miles 1.2L engine manual tran. The body style changed soon after model year 2015. The newer models have a 1.4L engine. This has no turbo to maintain. The AM radio went out on my Spark. The AM radio was repaired at a dealership adn then the AM radio went out again. The FM radio does work. Recently the GPS went out and they claim it can only be repaired at a dealership not an audio shop. The AC produces 52 degree air on a mild day. On a hot day it is lucky to get 65 degree air. The dealership says that is normal. The AC cycles every 15 to 30 seconds. The dealership says that is normal. The tires are a little small. So, when buying replaccement tires get the best tires you can get for a smooth ride. The ride is very ruff. I gets near 40mpg on HWY.
Maybe that's "normal" for Spark AC but I find that hard to believe. My 24-year-old Saab's AC works a heck of a lot better than that and it has like 360K miles and a dead condenser fan. It sounds to me like the dealer just doesn't want to be bothered with you.
A used almost-anything-else is likely to be better than a Spark.
The Spark is better with a manual transmission. However, even with a manual transmission they are still pretty junky. For the money you would probably be better off with a good used car than that brand new Spark.
Here’s my take on GM. Once, long ago, was a great company that took pride in their vehicles. Now, total garbage. The government shouldn’t of given them the bail out and let them crash and burn. Unfortunately that didn’t happen. And they were able to continue making trash piles. Same with FCA, should’ve just them crash and burn as well.
True story:
When I worked for GM, when it got really cold outside, we used to joke that we would go grab some of the Sparks and bring them in to start a bonfire for warmth. Pretty much what we thought about them and they didn't sell well.
Now, jokes aside, they were built specifically with commuting in mind. For $10k new, you really won't find anything else. Just know that the Spark is the cheapest car GM makes....and their quality is terrible on their high end cars.
Consumer Reports describes the Spark as a "rudimentary bare bones penalty box" Would you and your fellow former colleagues back this up?
Essentially yes.
They are somewhat lower quality (honestly junky) but could last a while for 10 11k you might get a good 100k miles out of it, but who knows with GM quality.
Scotty has a video on it, I believe it was called "I left Houston and bought a Chevy"
Good thing with the manual because the CVT is a Nissan CVT
How long do you plan to keep and how many miles do you want it to last for? GM quality has taken a dive over the decades and with the Spark being one of their cheapest vehicles, it won’t hold up over time if you need it to last a while. You didn’t say your budget, but if you just want a commuter car that will have minimal fuss during the ownership period I’d go for a used Toyota Corolla.
Would like to add the Honda Fit as well as its a direct competitor
