Mail Stop 0308 June 22, 2005 Mr. E. Lee Wyatt, Jr. Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Sonic Automotive, Inc. 6415 Idlewood Road Charlotte, NC 28212 Re: Sonic Automotive, Inc. Form 10-K for the Year Ended December 31, 2004 File No. 1-13395 Dear Mr. Wyatt: We have completed our review of your Form 10-K and related filings and have no further comments at this time. Sincerely, Mike Moran Accounting Branch Chief ?? ?? ?? ?? UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549-0405 DIVISION OF CORPORATION FINANCE