2016 Chevrolet Spark

Excellent for the price!

Saturday, June 03, 2017

In the 80s, I bought a 1987 Chevy Sprint 3 cyl. That care served me well as a young single Soldier. Five years later, I upgraded to Saturn after marriage and the birth of my 1st child. Thirty years later, and no more children in the house, I downsized my personal car to a 2017 Chevy Spark. My family named it the Spitball. I average 35 mpg city and 44 highway (47 with A/C off). Like the Sprint, I love the 5-speed manual transmission. The mileage in only slightly less than my Sprint of 30 years ago. Im 6ft, 1in still, and now 185 (30 lb heavier from the 80s) and I fit comfortably in it for short road trips and getting 95% of my errands done around town. Unlike the Sprint, I now have intermittent wipers, a rear window defogger and wiper, a sound system, 10 airbags, ABS, Stabilitrack, traction control, digital readouts, fuel injection, a 4th cylinder, exactly twice the horsepower, 2 more doors, automatic front headlights, 15 in tires (vs 12 in), and more. I got all of this for 10,083 out-the-door after dealer incentives and a military discount. Plus, other customers let is sit on the lot for several months - no one under 45 knows how to drive a manual transmission any longer, it seems. Also, I have to roll the windows by hand. The car is small so there is no issue there. What a bargain for me!

So far I really like this car. Very simple.

Sunday, April 04, 2021

Was looking for basic commute car that I can stack freeway miles on. Engine and drive train looks of good quality (I have the 5M). Just did my first oil change myself, very easy. Since I was a kid I learned to do all repairs/maintenance myself. One of the main things I look for is how difficult it will be to work on. Bought GM recommended oil and Delco oil filter at Walmart, all under $30 dollars. Good for the next 7500 miles ! Been breaking 40 MPG ! Regular gas ! because of their size, tires will not cost that much. Wife say's I can make a nickel scream, I say at least I have a nickel !!! Had a New Beetle VW TDI. Good car but parts were very expensive and not the easiest to work on. Had 290K on it, heater core started leaking not worth repairing. When repairs are needed after warranty, the Spark will be easy to work on and because this is a GM product parts will be inexpensive. Chain drive camshafts !!!

Best car for the money

Saturday, May 09, 2020

Can't ask for a better value than this car. I have no problem with the power. It flies up the on ramps with no problem. I'm 6"2" and very comfortable. Plenty of space in the back for groceries. Basically a two seater unless you have 2 kids which fit in the back just fine. Good gas mileage not great. I drive it hard and still get 30 mpg in the city. Basic car for my needs and the air works great here in Las Vegas. Dealership is terrible but thats another story. Not the cars fault. Would buy again but not here in Vegas.