Jeff 9 Posted August 21, 2016 Share Posted August 21, 2016 Today, I just bought a 2016 Spark 2LT 5 speed manual, in black. Honestly, I was sold as zoo as I saw it. It really is IMO one of the best looking micro mini sub sub compact cars I've been researching. The ride quality was more than I expected along with the amenities it came with... The sunroof and "leather" is a very nice touch too. I can't wait to pick it up tomorrow. For sure it does not have the HP of the others but I'm not buying the car for speed. csnt wait to break it in!! Retired old Gearhead 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Retired old Gearhead 201 Posted August 22, 2016 Share Posted August 22, 2016 Welcome Jeff!...saw your pix..jet black and I like the new added chrome handles and window trim..looks like good wheels as well. Wise to get the proven good manual tranny. The engine is all aluminum, a new trend in the automotive world & more rigid as well as a more rigid body it should handle very well with the stock set-up. A lot of people forget it has tilt steering that I find handy in my 2013. My suggestion would be to give it some gas during break in and then change the oil to synthetic at the first 1,000 miles to get rid of the factory 'trim-off' shavings then stick with any full synthetic..oil monitor works well..I tested it over about 7,500mi and was accurate, dropping a percent each 60-100mi depending on short or long trips and temp. Because it is a light car..brakes last quite a while and acceleration is adequate at all speeds and you will be surprised how fast you end up driving at higher speeds. Engine operating design is proven the all aluminum not so much..but I think they have a winner with that series of engine. A little ±4 bucks Walmart green bottle of 'pro-shine' tire dressing sprayed on a cool clean engine will keep it from the white oxidation aluminum is prone to and keep it looking like new without harming the rubber..I have almost 100Kmi on our little 2013 4sp auto and no real issues...Enjoy the car and don't baby it on the roads..Look after the car and the car looks after you.'Nuff said on that. mikes09srt8 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Jeff 9 Posted August 23, 2016 Author Share Posted August 23, 2016 Thank you so much for all the advise! I will follow it! I wonder if the dealer offers synthetic oil options in service... I'll find out. I plan on keeping this little bugger for a while. I'll keep you posted! Link to post Share on other sites
Retired old Gearhead 201 Posted August 23, 2016 Share Posted August 23, 2016 If you want synthetic oil....just ask for it. Bit more pricey, but if you plan to keep the car beyond 100Kmi and want the best gas mileage..then just ask for Synthetic and check your dipstick..synthetic is completely clear, so it should show as more clear than conventional oil. Still slightly amber due to some old oil remaining in the engine and make sure they don't overfill by more that 1/4" above the fill line. Link to post Share on other sites
Jeff 9 Posted August 24, 2016 Author Share Posted August 24, 2016 The little bugger in the driveway... Retired old Gearhead 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Retired old Gearhead 201 Posted August 24, 2016 Share Posted August 24, 2016 I like it! Nice chrome trim and I like the added chrome exhaust port...With the new 1.4 ridged all aluminum engine and the new, tight body, 5speed manual..I think you have a winner with no CVT issues to deal with..looks alot like a smaller version of the Sonic with the added advantage of easy parking and handling in tight spots. The silver wheels nicely contrast the body color and I could never understand why some owners of black vehicles swap out the perfectly good wheels for black rims at great expense. Link to post Share on other sites
b00duh 2 Posted August 24, 2016 Share Posted August 24, 2016 Love how the new Sparks look. Congrats on the purchase! Sounds like you have a fun car to drive, for sure. I'm usually not a big fan of chrome, but it is tastefully done on this car. Link to post Share on other sites
Jeff 9 Posted August 24, 2016 Author Share Posted August 24, 2016 Thank you all for the compliments. I gotta say I'm having an absolute blast driving him around. The manual trans is the key I think because you have more control over RPMs and shifting. I also like the chrome as I think it gives a little classic feel. It's also got the "leather " interior and a sunroof which is even better. So far very pleased!! Link to post Share on other sites
mikes09srt8 3 Posted August 30, 2016 Share Posted August 30, 2016 Congrats on the new Spark! I really like that black and chrome combo. So far I'm liking my 2013 LS 5 speed. Good choice going with the manual. Link to post Share on other sites
Abdul Hafiz Al Masri 9 Posted September 4, 2016 Share Posted September 4, 2016 congrats on your buy. i got mine a couple of days ago. mine is electric blue CVT. I can`t wait the beginning of a new day to drive it. Jeff 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Jeff 9 Posted September 10, 2016 Author Share Posted September 10, 2016 Thank you and same to you! I believe I saw you on another spark forum as well! This weekend I'm adding some fatmat to the rear trunk area to see if cuts back any road noise. It's not bothersome but figured I'd try it out. I also want want to find an aftermarket roof rack system. Link to post Share on other sites
bluer101 241 Posted September 11, 2016 Share Posted September 11, 2016 Did not see this thread. Nice ride. I I see you are in Florida too. Jeff 1 Link to post Share on other sites
OliveOil 0 Posted December 9, 2016 Share Posted December 9, 2016 (edited) I'm going to look at a black 2017 CVT tomorrow (12-2016) could be new owner here ((fingers crossed)) Edited December 9, 2016 by OliveOil Link to post Share on other sites
Retired old Gearhead 201 Posted December 10, 2016 Share Posted December 10, 2016 Hope this works out well for you....don't keep us in suspense and please do give us your impressions of the 2017! Link to post Share on other sites
Michael Martin 2 Posted December 11, 2016 Share Posted December 11, 2016 My New toy. LS Now adding power door locks and keyless entry. I now have the remote start working, have the bcm working the drivers door and hatch. added output wire for the remaining door, and programed turned on by gm and waiting for factory latches with power locks and harness. It is nice to not have to use the key to open the hatch. OliveOil 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Retired old Gearhead 201 Posted December 12, 2016 Share Posted December 12, 2016 Very nice..Mike! Did you know that the color paint you have is the most durable of all the non pastel colors? Although not a fan of black rims on a black car it is certainly an improvement over the stock metal with plastic hubcaps...that along with the manual tranny is as good or better that the CVT models...Having done the auto-lock etc..you now have it with the features of the 1LT for a lower price with the more reliable standard tranny...nice job getting the electro doors and latches done! Link to post Share on other sites
OliveOil 0 Posted December 17, 2016 Share Posted December 17, 2016 (edited) I looked at the black 2017 but the dealer had already added pinstripes, dark window tint, locking lug nuts and some other nonsense so no deal BUT I just found (online) a grey 2lt at another dealer, hopefully going to check it out sometime this year - M e r r y C h r i s t m a s ! Edited December 17, 2016 by OliveOil Link to post Share on other sites
Retired old Gearhead 201 Posted December 17, 2016 Share Posted December 17, 2016 You can save a bundle on a slightly used model...Merry Christmas and say hello to Popeye...K? Link to post Share on other sites
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