How much is a throttle body for a Chevy Sonic?
For a Chevy Sonic, the price of a throttle body varies widely depending on condition, engine variant, and where you buy it. In general, you’ll find used parts at the lower end and new OEM or remanufactured units at the higher end, with typical prices ranging from about $50 to $400. Installation costs, if you hire a shop, will add to the total.
What drives the price
The cost of a throttle body for the Sonic is shaped by several factors, from the exact engine configuration to the seller’s pricing model.
- Condition: new OEM, remanufactured, or used
- Engine type and model year: different Sonic engines (for example, 1.8L naturally aspirated versus 1.4L turbo) use different throttle bodies
- Brand and source: GM/OEM parts typically cost more than aftermarket equivalents
- Core charge and warranty: remanufactured units may include a core charge or warranty terms that affect price
Understanding these factors helps you compare apples-to-apples when shopping for a throttle body for your Sonic.
Typical price ranges
Prices vary by source and condition. The following ranges reflect common market offerings as of the latest available data and can shift with supply, demand, and promotions.
- New OEM throttle body: roughly $250–$420
- Aftermarket new throttle body: roughly $120–$260
- Remanufactured throttle body: roughly $100–$180
- Used throttle body (from a salvage yard or parts recycler): roughly $40–$120
These figures illustrate the broad spectrum you’ll encounter. If you’re price-conscious, a reman or reputable used unit can offer substantial savings, while a new OEM part provides assurance of compatibility and warranty.
Where to buy
Shop around across multiple channels to compare prices, availability, and return policies. The following sources are commonly used for Chevy Sonic throttle bodies.
- GM dealership or official GMParts distributors for new OEM parts
- Auto parts retailers (AutoZone, O'Reilly, Advance Auto) for aftermarket or remanufactured units
- Online marketplaces (RockAuto, eBay, Amazon) for a mix of new, remanufactured, and used options
- Salvage yards and junkyards for used, potentially lower-cost throttle bodies
When buying, consider warranty terms, return policy, and the seller’s reputation to avoid compatibility issues or defective parts.
How to ensure you get the right part
Identify your exact engine and part number
Use your vehicle’s VIN and engine code to confirm the correct throttle body. Compare the part number on the old unit with the listing, and verify connector style and mounting points match your intake manifold.
Check compatibility details
Ensure bore size, throttle position sensor interface, and electrical connector are compatible with your Sonic’s engine variant and model year. If in doubt, ask the seller for the OEM cross-reference or consult a dealer for the correct specification.
Consider installation and life expectancy
Factor in installation time and labor costs if you’re having a shop do the work. A typical throttle body replacement can take 0.5–2 hours depending on access and whether any related issues (like a dirty intake or sensors) are addressed simultaneously.
Summary
For a Chevy Sonic, throttle bodies span a wide price range driven by condition and source: roughly $40–$120 for used, $100–$180 for remanufactured, $120–$260 for aftermarket new, and $250–$420 for new OEM units. Labor adds to the total if you hire a mechanic. Always verify compatibility via part numbers or VIN, and weigh warranty and return options when choosing where to buy.
