Chevrolet’s Mini Car Saves Drivers Time and Money

GM Media
11/13/2012

2013 Chevrolet Spark

DETROIT – The 2013 Chevrolet Spark mini car comes up big when it comes to regularly scheduled maintenance, saving owners time and money, which could help ease some of the target consumer’s resistance to new car ownership.

Designed specifically with next-generation urbanites in mind, engineers recognized these individuals are more likely than previous generations to delay major life events, such as the first automobile purchase because of uncertainty over the overall cost of vehicle ownership.

According to a research by Chevrolet and MTV Scratch, more than one in four of next-generation customers said owning a vehicle that is easier and less expensive to maintain is very important. 

The Spark, which has a suggested retail starting price of $12,995 – more than $3,100 less than its nearest competitor, the Scion iQ – can save owners time and money.  

For example, Chevrolet engineers designed the Spark’s engine timing chain to require no scheduled maintenance (unlike timing belts), and electronic power steering and transmission fluid to last the life of the vehicle.

“The Spark will appeal to young urban buyers who are always on the go,” said Jim Federico, executive chief engineer, General Motors Small Cars. “The Spark is perfect for these urban lifestyles because it is not only easy and fun to drive but also easy to own.”

Spark owners can go up to 100,000 miles before replacing spark plugs. That is 36,000 miles more than the Fiat 500 and 70,000 more than the Smart fortwo.

With Chevrolet’s advanced oil life system, oil and filter changes are recommended around 7,500 miles or when the Oil Life Monitor system alerts the driver for an oil change. At a participating Chevrolet Certified Service provider, an oil change with the gas saver bundle will cost $29.95. Over the average 150,000 mile life of the vehicle, Spark owners will save approximately $900, compared with vehicles that recommend oil changes every 3,000 miles.

Over the life of the car, the Spark’s maintenance requirements will save owners time and money with:

• Transmission fluid that lasts for the life of the vehicle
• Power steering fluid that lasts for the life of the vehicle
• Engine timing chain that requires no regular maintenance
• Spark plugs that can last up to 100,000 miles

The Spark is the only mini car on the market covered by a five-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a six-year/100,000-mile rust-through limited warranty. 

When it is time for maintenance, the Spark will tell you what it needs. Thanks to OnStar, which is standard for six months, Spark owners can receive monthly vehicle diagnostics emails systems, including the state of fluid levels and tire pressure.

Launched in Korea in 2009 and now available in almost every country in the world, the Spark has sold more than 600,000 vehicles globally, and is gaining momentum with American drivers.

The Spark is the only car in the segment to offer five doors and an available seven-inch touch screen Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system.