<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>

<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!--Copyright 2020 Workiva-->
<!--r:40e17c5a-0cd6-4d81-8ac4-e9c172ccab6b,g:01db6e6c-f507-41d5-bab1-834a42fa1b26-->
<link:linkbase xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd">
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/DocumentandEntityInformation" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#DocumentandEntityInformation"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/DocumentandEntityInformation" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_37dd5430-b2a5-4834-9aa9-3aee316c5ae8" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentInformationTable_80a9cc9e-dc95-43f1-9c89-fac4b5156733" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentInformationTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sah_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_37dd5430-b2a5-4834-9aa9-3aee316c5ae8" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentInformationTable_80a9cc9e-dc95-43f1-9c89-fac4b5156733" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_fb1946a4-0a1f-48f4-8efe-28aabdd92ddd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationTable_80a9cc9e-dc95-43f1-9c89-fac4b5156733" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_fb1946a4-0a1f-48f4-8efe-28aabdd92ddd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_83d257d1-044d-41dc-9e19-4e401bfe5829" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_fb1946a4-0a1f-48f4-8efe-28aabdd92ddd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_83d257d1-044d-41dc-9e19-4e401bfe5829" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_dcb3ab4c-45d3-4596-8098-6430be434780" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_83d257d1-044d-41dc-9e19-4e401bfe5829" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_dcb3ab4c-45d3-4596-8098-6430be434780" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_1f3c076d-14b6-4513-bd9f-d84da127f1cb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_83d257d1-044d-41dc-9e19-4e401bfe5829" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_1f3c076d-14b6-4513-bd9f-d84da127f1cb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_ce37c335-cccf-4843-bfd6-caa13060d068" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentInformationLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationTable_80a9cc9e-dc95-43f1-9c89-fac4b5156733" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_ce37c335-cccf-4843-bfd6-caa13060d068" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_339227df-645c-4709-ae35-37c20aecd193" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_ce37c335-cccf-4843-bfd6-caa13060d068" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_339227df-645c-4709-ae35-37c20aecd193" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_ef5f37a5-cdb6-468d-9761-ff320cc89911" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_ce37c335-cccf-4843-bfd6-caa13060d068" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_ef5f37a5-cdb6-468d-9761-ff320cc89911" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_ca110939-5aa7-4789-90bd-9f9037abcc1b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_ce37c335-cccf-4843-bfd6-caa13060d068" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_ca110939-5aa7-4789-90bd-9f9037abcc1b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentType_a75137ec-9135-4ab0-9197-3108d948fbba" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentType"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_ce37c335-cccf-4843-bfd6-caa13060d068" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentType_a75137ec-9135-4ab0-9197-3108d948fbba" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_824befe0-4824-4e41-9a62-3cbc805e568a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_ce37c335-cccf-4843-bfd6-caa13060d068" xlink:to="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_824befe0-4824-4e41-9a62-3cbc805e568a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_898c881d-1b65-4213-a48e-8f8399fd6e46" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_ce37c335-cccf-4843-bfd6-caa13060d068" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_898c881d-1b65-4213-a48e-8f8399fd6e46" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_096d2cad-b7a0-4ac7-a567-75836169b242" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_ce37c335-cccf-4843-bfd6-caa13060d068" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_096d2cad-b7a0-4ac7-a567-75836169b242" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_a8074c07-cd5c-4f60-8164-7f63b95d180b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_ce37c335-cccf-4843-bfd6-caa13060d068" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_a8074c07-cd5c-4f60-8164-7f63b95d180b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_TradingSymbol_61829864-109c-48b1-99b9-e7bd5959f3ff" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_TradingSymbol"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_ce37c335-cccf-4843-bfd6-caa13060d068" xlink:to="loc_dei_TradingSymbol_61829864-109c-48b1-99b9-e7bd5959f3ff" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_e911229a-7232-4930-9bbb-162a9cbe089c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_AmendmentFlag"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_ce37c335-cccf-4843-bfd6-caa13060d068" xlink:to="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_e911229a-7232-4930-9bbb-162a9cbe089c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_e0f6015b-5627-4f20-baf6-1041e514e9f8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_ce37c335-cccf-4843-bfd6-caa13060d068" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_e0f6015b-5627-4f20-baf6-1041e514e9f8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntitySmallBusiness_f80310e0-4113-4caf-a891-77455096e64b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntitySmallBusiness"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_ce37c335-cccf-4843-bfd6-caa13060d068" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntitySmallBusiness_f80310e0-4113-4caf-a891-77455096e64b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_caa1751f-5c94-4923-ae86-b7403b6704a9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_ce37c335-cccf-4843-bfd6-caa13060d068" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_caa1751f-5c94-4923-ae86-b7403b6704a9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_CityAreaCode_0a3be026-d24d-4e24-9071-89938ad15516" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_CityAreaCode"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_ce37c335-cccf-4843-bfd6-caa13060d068" xlink:to="loc_dei_CityAreaCode_0a3be026-d24d-4e24-9071-89938ad15516" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1_6b1f53ed-9e1f-486f-954c-cccc6c02ad2b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_ce37c335-cccf-4843-bfd6-caa13060d068" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1_6b1f53ed-9e1f-486f-954c-cccc6c02ad2b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_1798cbb6-ffe9-4cad-9a2a-9c5176b425cf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_ce37c335-cccf-4843-bfd6-caa13060d068" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_1798cbb6-ffe9-4cad-9a2a-9c5176b425cf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_e054e5b9-b6bf-4734-84ed-1f91f8bcf10d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_ce37c335-cccf-4843-bfd6-caa13060d068" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_e054e5b9-b6bf-4734-84ed-1f91f8bcf10d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LocalPhoneNumber_98ec9f25-75f9-4d01-ae84-8d3658505608" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LocalPhoneNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_ce37c335-cccf-4843-bfd6-caa13060d068" xlink:to="loc_dei_LocalPhoneNumber_98ec9f25-75f9-4d01-ae84-8d3658505608" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFileNumber_3c013f79-b61a-4ccd-b363-d73555db7bbb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityFileNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_ce37c335-cccf-4843-bfd6-caa13060d068" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityFileNumber_3c013f79-b61a-4ccd-b363-d73555db7bbb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityShellCompany_d722c242-bcd8-40b3-87ed-1180d07120e5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityShellCompany"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_ce37c335-cccf-4843-bfd6-caa13060d068" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityShellCompany_d722c242-bcd8-40b3-87ed-1180d07120e5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_5898cceb-2216-4ca0-8ea6-cdfee9c34029" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_ce37c335-cccf-4843-bfd6-caa13060d068" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_5898cceb-2216-4ca0-8ea6-cdfee9c34029" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_82c137a9-3bc2-4ce8-8d26-ce2bbe3df9b8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_ce37c335-cccf-4843-bfd6-caa13060d068" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_82c137a9-3bc2-4ce8-8d26-ce2bbe3df9b8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_2a11ea95-61c9-40c2-bd5b-5961ac9eb010" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="23" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_ce37c335-cccf-4843-bfd6-caa13060d068" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_2a11ea95-61c9-40c2-bd5b-5961ac9eb010" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport_650af666-4947-42cb-baae-0c8a0795f171" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="24" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_ce37c335-cccf-4843-bfd6-caa13060d068" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport_650af666-4947-42cb-baae-0c8a0795f171" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/Details" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#Details"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/Details" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_941e2b8f-d569-4d75-aaba-2384f8dabd06" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_CoverAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentInformationTable_7d4d0443-e82b-4e36-a4fc-8d0efdf101d6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentInformationTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_941e2b8f-d569-4d75-aaba-2384f8dabd06" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentInformationTable_7d4d0443-e82b-4e36-a4fc-8d0efdf101d6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_eb3730ad-aec1-4077-9aad-f5a24015720c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentInformationLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationTable_7d4d0443-e82b-4e36-a4fc-8d0efdf101d6" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_eb3730ad-aec1-4077-9aad-f5a24015720c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_9d4850aa-6768-4c76-9275-6e60448ecd75" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_eb3730ad-aec1-4077-9aad-f5a24015720c" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_9d4850aa-6768-4c76-9275-6e60448ecd75" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_153bbb44-d836-43c3-91d2-decc775111e6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_eb3730ad-aec1-4077-9aad-f5a24015720c" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_153bbb44-d836-43c3-91d2-decc775111e6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_6ce56e72-7c50-4c33-acb8-32c310e64086" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_eb3730ad-aec1-4077-9aad-f5a24015720c" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_6ce56e72-7c50-4c33-acb8-32c310e64086" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_SecurityExchangeName_c7985b06-0899-4a0c-8b68-0c35c886b899" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_SecurityExchangeName"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_eb3730ad-aec1-4077-9aad-f5a24015720c" xlink:to="loc_dei_SecurityExchangeName_c7985b06-0899-4a0c-8b68-0c35c886b899" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_5b686d93-1ff5-4e91-b340-5060e491268c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_eb3730ad-aec1-4077-9aad-f5a24015720c" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_5b686d93-1ff5-4e91-b340-5060e491268c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentTransitionReport_73906c49-9859-49eb-85a3-43a76bad3d99" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentTransitionReport"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_eb3730ad-aec1-4077-9aad-f5a24015720c" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentTransitionReport_73906c49-9859-49eb-85a3-43a76bad3d99" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_Security12bTitle_3aeb1133-4468-4e98-98ca-822d3dc0063c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_Security12bTitle"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_eb3730ad-aec1-4077-9aad-f5a24015720c" xlink:to="loc_dei_Security12bTitle_3aeb1133-4468-4e98-98ca-822d3dc0063c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntitySmallBusiness_cc15a3e8-2a09-4027-bc6c-233505972305" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntitySmallBusiness"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_eb3730ad-aec1-4077-9aad-f5a24015720c" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntitySmallBusiness_cc15a3e8-2a09-4027-bc6c-233505972305" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_95c6b632-86a6-4ae2-a19f-f858bf951041" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_eb3730ad-aec1-4077-9aad-f5a24015720c" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_95c6b632-86a6-4ae2-a19f-f858bf951041" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFINCOMEUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFINCOMEUnaudited"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFINCOMEUnaudited" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_0f525459-1038-4d71-a1c8-10a378c6b89d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_85f311a6-abd6-4c34-8af4-c0b8137deb10" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_0f525459-1038-4d71-a1c8-10a378c6b89d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_85f311a6-abd6-4c34-8af4-c0b8137deb10" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_a8327ea3-e46b-495f-a4d5-caeeb6b08a20" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_85f311a6-abd6-4c34-8af4-c0b8137deb10" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_a8327ea3-e46b-495f-a4d5-caeeb6b08a20" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_8d91907f-3656-46e6-99cb-740c0a8e7ec4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_a8327ea3-e46b-495f-a4d5-caeeb6b08a20" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_8d91907f-3656-46e6-99cb-740c0a8e7ec4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_TotalVehiclesMember_042d3584-6eb0-4c91-a1cb-c59266a7733c" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_TotalVehiclesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_8d91907f-3656-46e6-99cb-740c0a8e7ec4" xlink:to="loc_sah_TotalVehiclesMember_042d3584-6eb0-4c91-a1cb-c59266a7733c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_NewVehicleMember_3db53e8a-f8b0-4c2c-8e42-a9199b80241f" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_NewVehicleMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sah_TotalVehiclesMember_042d3584-6eb0-4c91-a1cb-c59266a7733c" xlink:to="loc_sah_NewVehicleMember_3db53e8a-f8b0-4c2c-8e42-a9199b80241f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_UsedVehiclesMember_1f623d83-bead-487b-9fed-a9bf58449c1b" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_UsedVehiclesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sah_TotalVehiclesMember_042d3584-6eb0-4c91-a1cb-c59266a7733c" xlink:to="loc_sah_UsedVehiclesMember_1f623d83-bead-487b-9fed-a9bf58449c1b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_WholesaleVehiclesMember_eabec540-2f90-4a2f-8f3e-a1c89a8a9fc6" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_WholesaleVehiclesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sah_TotalVehiclesMember_042d3584-6eb0-4c91-a1cb-c59266a7733c" xlink:to="loc_sah_WholesaleVehiclesMember_eabec540-2f90-4a2f-8f3e-a1c89a8a9fc6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_PartsServiceandCollisionRepairMember_688fcc78-0a85-47da-8069-fc32744a29ba" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_PartsServiceandCollisionRepairMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_8d91907f-3656-46e6-99cb-740c0a8e7ec4" xlink:to="loc_sah_PartsServiceandCollisionRepairMember_688fcc78-0a85-47da-8069-fc32744a29ba" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_FinanceInsuranceAndOtherNetMember_7e97dc54-23c9-4c54-b7b6-b93e8dd21041" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_FinanceInsuranceAndOtherNetMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_8d91907f-3656-46e6-99cb-740c0a8e7ec4" xlink:to="loc_sah_FinanceInsuranceAndOtherNetMember_7e97dc54-23c9-4c54-b7b6-b93e8dd21041" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_f785b19b-db33-4ea4-8ef1-9e5f8ef14ce3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_85f311a6-abd6-4c34-8af4-c0b8137deb10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_f785b19b-db33-4ea4-8ef1-9e5f8ef14ce3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_a9c040ee-bc7d-4e17-8aeb-f10a033595ae" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_f785b19b-db33-4ea4-8ef1-9e5f8ef14ce3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_a9c040ee-bc7d-4e17-8aeb-f10a033595ae" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_0c5d7f7b-fba7-4b2a-b8a2-95ad0242e339" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_a9c040ee-bc7d-4e17-8aeb-f10a033595ae" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_0c5d7f7b-fba7-4b2a-b8a2-95ad0242e339" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSoldAbstract_d322b551-22b8-44d8-b435-1c34fe0cef22" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSoldAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_f785b19b-db33-4ea4-8ef1-9e5f8ef14ce3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSoldAbstract_d322b551-22b8-44d8-b435-1c34fe0cef22" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold_f817fdc8-2782-4213-8b78-f0167b7e268c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSoldAbstract_d322b551-22b8-44d8-b435-1c34fe0cef22" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold_f817fdc8-2782-4213-8b78-f0167b7e268c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GrossProfit_d6a7e608-b1cf-4dd6-bce2-9f33b77cb470" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GrossProfit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_f785b19b-db33-4ea4-8ef1-9e5f8ef14ce3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GrossProfit_d6a7e608-b1cf-4dd6-bce2-9f33b77cb470" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_332ad35e-55f0-4d48-9824-947fd1deec43" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_f785b19b-db33-4ea4-8ef1-9e5f8ef14ce3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_332ad35e-55f0-4d48-9824-947fd1deec43" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_106bf451-3de5-4909-9126-3b259ac8c8f1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_f785b19b-db33-4ea4-8ef1-9e5f8ef14ce3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_106bf451-3de5-4909-9126-3b259ac8c8f1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization_c8ae212b-f55a-41fb-97ee-6f66b8ed314d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_f785b19b-db33-4ea4-8ef1-9e5f8ef14ce3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization_c8ae212b-f55a-41fb-97ee-6f66b8ed314d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_8f76891d-96c4-4cd1-9e96-06df54be6838" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_f785b19b-db33-4ea4-8ef1-9e5f8ef14ce3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_8f76891d-96c4-4cd1-9e96-06df54be6838" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_2d7329dc-3802-454e-b3dc-235289c9e2ac" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_f785b19b-db33-4ea4-8ef1-9e5f8ef14ce3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_2d7329dc-3802-454e-b3dc-235289c9e2ac" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_FloorPlanInterestExpense_6374f920-54da-4661-89c5-6049999b3c7f" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_FloorPlanInterestExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_2d7329dc-3802-454e-b3dc-235289c9e2ac" xlink:to="loc_sah_FloorPlanInterestExpense_6374f920-54da-4661-89c5-6049999b3c7f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseOther_61c4c6be-27bf-4701-8cdd-31ec99d0e128" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseOther"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_2d7329dc-3802-454e-b3dc-235289c9e2ac" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseOther_61c4c6be-27bf-4701-8cdd-31ec99d0e128" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_7983b3da-b56a-440c-88b2-2eebbcc52d38" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_2d7329dc-3802-454e-b3dc-235289c9e2ac" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_7983b3da-b56a-440c-88b2-2eebbcc52d38" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_fd7f0d67-2155-4a03-856c-6da8bff8a61c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_2d7329dc-3802-454e-b3dc-235289c9e2ac" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_fd7f0d67-2155-4a03-856c-6da8bff8a61c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_3e9fdc3b-4ef1-47d8-8702-2ba9223cd663" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_f785b19b-db33-4ea4-8ef1-9e5f8ef14ce3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_3e9fdc3b-4ef1-47d8-8702-2ba9223cd663" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_49228e76-30aa-44d5-a443-e582acdf24ab" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_f785b19b-db33-4ea4-8ef1-9e5f8ef14ce3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_49228e76-30aa-44d5-a443-e582acdf24ab" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations_b4dd30eb-64d6-4fff-b173-048eb54877d1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_f785b19b-db33-4ea4-8ef1-9e5f8ef14ce3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations_b4dd30eb-64d6-4fff-b173-048eb54877d1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAbstract_30570192-12eb-4913-86d1-081c6342325d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_f785b19b-db33-4ea4-8ef1-9e5f8ef14ce3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAbstract_30570192-12eb-4913-86d1-081c6342325d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax_f50234fc-9bcc-4218-b72f-ec58fae36f0e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAbstract_30570192-12eb-4913-86d1-081c6342325d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax_f50234fc-9bcc-4218-b72f-ec58fae36f0e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxEffectOfDiscontinuedOperation_0ffdb042-ecb4-4b89-82dc-b5f7508a6513" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxEffectOfDiscontinuedOperation"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAbstract_30570192-12eb-4913-86d1-081c6342325d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxEffectOfDiscontinuedOperation_0ffdb042-ecb4-4b89-82dc-b5f7508a6513" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax_30397187-39f8-44c6-9b63-d02aa8aeb3d4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAbstract_30570192-12eb-4913-86d1-081c6342325d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax_30397187-39f8-44c6-9b63-d02aa8aeb3d4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_b3e29a79-5fb2-4c71-a90b-eedaf276df1e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_f785b19b-db33-4ea4-8ef1-9e5f8ef14ce3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_b3e29a79-5fb2-4c71-a90b-eedaf276df1e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_9b5ee53e-df15-4aea-b834-a3930aea259a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_f785b19b-db33-4ea4-8ef1-9e5f8ef14ce3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_9b5ee53e-df15-4aea-b834-a3930aea259a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerBasicShare_5cfa074c-efb0-41d6-80b7-a43d73514874" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerBasicShare"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_9b5ee53e-df15-4aea-b834-a3930aea259a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerBasicShare_5cfa074c-efb0-41d6-80b7-a43d73514874" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerBasicShare_730fb1cb-260c-49f7-927f-89c2b107faba" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerBasicShare"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_9b5ee53e-df15-4aea-b834-a3930aea259a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerBasicShare_730fb1cb-260c-49f7-927f-89c2b107faba" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_4a1ff2aa-0cc8-468a-8845-a9f96f39ed80" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_9b5ee53e-df15-4aea-b834-a3930aea259a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_4a1ff2aa-0cc8-468a-8845-a9f96f39ed80" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_edb9b765-94ec-4946-b06c-1b43b418fc98" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_9b5ee53e-df15-4aea-b834-a3930aea259a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_edb9b765-94ec-4946-b06c-1b43b418fc98" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_887af674-d438-4fd5-b40e-6f1fead59e42" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_f785b19b-db33-4ea4-8ef1-9e5f8ef14ce3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_887af674-d438-4fd5-b40e-6f1fead59e42" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerDilutedShare_210e6b9b-b8e7-4898-acf9-760ea6bbbd1e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerDilutedShare"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_887af674-d438-4fd5-b40e-6f1fead59e42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerDilutedShare_210e6b9b-b8e7-4898-acf9-760ea6bbbd1e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerDilutedShare_2bb330ef-eac2-4a67-8430-5a6e8bf10b6c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerDilutedShare"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_887af674-d438-4fd5-b40e-6f1fead59e42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerDilutedShare_2bb330ef-eac2-4a67-8430-5a6e8bf10b6c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_713fe0f8-9727-4938-ac6f-19c3952554d8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_887af674-d438-4fd5-b40e-6f1fead59e42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_713fe0f8-9727-4938-ac6f-19c3952554d8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_fe1c5ca3-2bbb-4d12-b978-5fe3157c8242" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_887af674-d438-4fd5-b40e-6f1fead59e42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_fe1c5ca3-2bbb-4d12-b978-5fe3157c8242" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_8258706b-c117-496e-aafd-c68f23fc1e96" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_f785b19b-db33-4ea4-8ef1-9e5f8ef14ce3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_8258706b-c117-496e-aafd-c68f23fc1e96" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCOMPREHENSIVEINCOMEUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCOMPREHENSIVEINCOMEUnaudited"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCOMPREHENSIVEINCOMEUnaudited" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_1bdbf2e5-b34b-4c13-881e-cf4e0ddde3e9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_122aeefb-5b5e-4237-a3ba-012ea0191415" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_1bdbf2e5-b34b-4c13-881e-cf4e0ddde3e9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_122aeefb-5b5e-4237-a3ba-012ea0191415" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_88090a04-5970-4a81-a6cd-47b2f431d389" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_1bdbf2e5-b34b-4c13-881e-cf4e0ddde3e9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_88090a04-5970-4a81-a6cd-47b2f431d389" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParent_03ea6eeb-b287-474c-9082-0f2a38f15a5e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_88090a04-5970-4a81-a6cd-47b2f431d389" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParent_03ea6eeb-b287-474c-9082-0f2a38f15a5e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesAmortizationOfTerminatedSwapsBeforeTax_43495ec1-a250-4c79-9b38-34a6fc877477" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesAmortizationOfTerminatedSwapsBeforeTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_88090a04-5970-4a81-a6cd-47b2f431d389" xlink:to="loc_sah_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesAmortizationOfTerminatedSwapsBeforeTax_43495ec1-a250-4c79-9b38-34a6fc877477" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParent_c2ba7b82-7bc2-4c3e-8331-4ed6d66821bb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_88090a04-5970-4a81-a6cd-47b2f431d389" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParent_c2ba7b82-7bc2-4c3e-8331-4ed6d66821bb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTaxPortionAttributableToParent1_b691b36d-f8ea-4a0b-a90c-d5636222def5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTaxPortionAttributableToParent1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_1bdbf2e5-b34b-4c13-881e-cf4e0ddde3e9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTaxPortionAttributableToParent1_b691b36d-f8ea-4a0b-a90c-d5636222def5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_1e9a5b7e-a730-44bd-b163-9e8401b3f821" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_1bdbf2e5-b34b-4c13-881e-cf4e0ddde3e9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_1e9a5b7e-a730-44bd-b163-9e8401b3f821" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_b8f5594e-341e-4433-8c8d-e56c8cd5aa9c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_1bdbf2e5-b34b-4c13-881e-cf4e0ddde3e9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_b8f5594e-341e-4433-8c8d-e56c8cd5aa9c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDBALANCESHEETSUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDBALANCESHEETSUnaudited"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDBALANCESHEETSUnaudited" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_2e8e5a82-6388-470a-8728-0956228228d7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_e9f2b7a6-02cd-466b-b30a-c6ab668d6f09" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_2e8e5a82-6388-470a-8728-0956228228d7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_e9f2b7a6-02cd-466b-b30a-c6ab668d6f09" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_876ce9e7-297b-472c-bf76-ae364bb4c4d0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_e9f2b7a6-02cd-466b-b30a-c6ab668d6f09" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_876ce9e7-297b-472c-bf76-ae364bb4c4d0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_e9c541fd-4b69-47ee-9386-bc7d19de6b21" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_876ce9e7-297b-472c-bf76-ae364bb4c4d0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_e9c541fd-4b69-47ee-9386-bc7d19de6b21" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_3b7e3054-6e5a-47be-a98a-baf7a71f3394" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_e9c541fd-4b69-47ee-9386-bc7d19de6b21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_3b7e3054-6e5a-47be-a98a-baf7a71f3394" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_a79a3764-8833-4a2e-b1a1-dd04fbc2dd2f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_e9c541fd-4b69-47ee-9386-bc7d19de6b21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_a79a3764-8833-4a2e-b1a1-dd04fbc2dd2f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_c80ef628-e773-4682-8527-ff429af3f5ef" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_e9f2b7a6-02cd-466b-b30a-c6ab668d6f09" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_c80ef628-e773-4682-8527-ff429af3f5ef" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_9ad3a7a9-54f1-4122-89f6-aa77c8d1d721" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_c80ef628-e773-4682-8527-ff429af3f5ef" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_9ad3a7a9-54f1-4122-89f6-aa77c8d1d721" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_44e712fd-bdc5-4463-b082-5b9803172d81" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_9ad3a7a9-54f1-4122-89f6-aa77c8d1d721" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_44e712fd-bdc5-4463-b082-5b9803172d81" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_302a4a65-120f-4028-aba0-a7ffb9fa7e44" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_44e712fd-bdc5-4463-b082-5b9803172d81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_302a4a65-120f-4028-aba0-a7ffb9fa7e44" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReceivablesNetCurrent_899e239c-738b-4c48-8402-01e801b83175" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivablesNetCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_44e712fd-bdc5-4463-b082-5b9803172d81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReceivablesNetCurrent_899e239c-738b-4c48-8402-01e801b83175" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryNet_24212fce-ab57-4428-a586-0939e70418b6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_44e712fd-bdc5-4463-b082-5b9803172d81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryNet_24212fce-ab57-4428-a586-0939e70418b6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent_ff4f46e1-b108-4ed1-bf56-76bbfa95691f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_44e712fd-bdc5-4463-b082-5b9803172d81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent_ff4f46e1-b108-4ed1-bf56-76bbfa95691f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_944d84e6-175c-46bc-a8b0-7f7738e54cf3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_44e712fd-bdc5-4463-b082-5b9803172d81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_944d84e6-175c-46bc-a8b0-7f7738e54cf3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_aefa6b0b-e883-49ad-9184-7cf3fae55d4f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_9ad3a7a9-54f1-4122-89f6-aa77c8d1d721" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_aefa6b0b-e883-49ad-9184-7cf3fae55d4f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_d0f321a3-f7c9-4b59-a378-076210a69f53" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_9ad3a7a9-54f1-4122-89f6-aa77c8d1d721" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_d0f321a3-f7c9-4b59-a378-076210a69f53" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_7f81bbb8-5862-41db-98d7-14064725426f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_9ad3a7a9-54f1-4122-89f6-aa77c8d1d721" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_7f81bbb8-5862-41db-98d7-14064725426f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_b75e74c9-80e0-41dd-adc8-487823be72ab" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_9ad3a7a9-54f1-4122-89f6-aa77c8d1d721" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_b75e74c9-80e0-41dd-adc8-487823be72ab" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset_b4f9da84-7b65-43c8-bed7-d56bc7192c68" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_9ad3a7a9-54f1-4122-89f6-aa77c8d1d721" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset_b4f9da84-7b65-43c8-bed7-d56bc7192c68" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_8d6c0054-d233-43e8-88cc-278568807986" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_9ad3a7a9-54f1-4122-89f6-aa77c8d1d721" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_8d6c0054-d233-43e8-88cc-278568807986" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_982844a9-dd64-408a-aea4-df39a15a3b9a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_9ad3a7a9-54f1-4122-89f6-aa77c8d1d721" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_982844a9-dd64-408a-aea4-df39a15a3b9a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_679b65b2-ce05-4313-83c1-4fc0a78cbf47" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_c80ef628-e773-4682-8527-ff429af3f5ef" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_679b65b2-ce05-4313-83c1-4fc0a78cbf47" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_2a7efe79-46ad-4e55-a821-6baa8912efad" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_679b65b2-ce05-4313-83c1-4fc0a78cbf47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_2a7efe79-46ad-4e55-a821-6baa8912efad" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_VehicleFloorPlanPayableTrade_cc2f0a44-6f78-4ed9-bf40-18d8c3a3a6ff" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_VehicleFloorPlanPayableTrade"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_2a7efe79-46ad-4e55-a821-6baa8912efad" xlink:to="loc_sah_VehicleFloorPlanPayableTrade_cc2f0a44-6f78-4ed9-bf40-18d8c3a3a6ff" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_VehicleFloorPlanPayableNonTrade_46094c0a-e358-403d-987b-0806cbca4f74" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_VehicleFloorPlanPayableNonTrade"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_2a7efe79-46ad-4e55-a821-6baa8912efad" xlink:to="loc_sah_VehicleFloorPlanPayableNonTrade_46094c0a-e358-403d-987b-0806cbca4f74" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_5b9ad6e6-a858-48ea-a7d3-9d888506ded0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_2a7efe79-46ad-4e55-a821-6baa8912efad" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_5b9ad6e6-a858-48ea-a7d3-9d888506ded0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_af99c535-b18e-42da-b76e-70d3ad5779bc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_2a7efe79-46ad-4e55-a821-6baa8912efad" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_af99c535-b18e-42da-b76e-70d3ad5779bc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent_4b229990-f51b-45dd-9133-5471024e82ea" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_2a7efe79-46ad-4e55-a821-6baa8912efad" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent_4b229990-f51b-45dd-9133-5471024e82ea" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent_c613667b-1450-491d-928d-e539ed3da787" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_2a7efe79-46ad-4e55-a821-6baa8912efad" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent_c613667b-1450-491d-928d-e539ed3da787" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_aaf8c55b-5aba-4156-86ee-e13a0713467f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_2a7efe79-46ad-4e55-a821-6baa8912efad" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_aaf8c55b-5aba-4156-86ee-e13a0713467f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_e3a9a6fa-6e76-4b90-aced-e3285bc6f89b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_2a7efe79-46ad-4e55-a821-6baa8912efad" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_e3a9a6fa-6e76-4b90-aced-e3285bc6f89b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_754204fa-1358-436c-9028-e8d607584635" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_2a7efe79-46ad-4e55-a821-6baa8912efad" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_754204fa-1358-436c-9028-e8d607584635" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_6678dcd4-1cb2-4c65-96c8-6460293f6d28" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_679b65b2-ce05-4313-83c1-4fc0a78cbf47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_6678dcd4-1cb2-4c65-96c8-6460293f6d28" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_a5e17c52-c116-4fb3-8b8b-7450b5bbd8b8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_679b65b2-ce05-4313-83c1-4fc0a78cbf47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_a5e17c52-c116-4fb3-8b8b-7450b5bbd8b8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_f551453a-2379-4f20-a16b-bf0f384dacd2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_679b65b2-ce05-4313-83c1-4fc0a78cbf47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_f551453a-2379-4f20-a16b-bf0f384dacd2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_74592557-efc0-4cd6-a0db-fed7a3463584" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_679b65b2-ce05-4313-83c1-4fc0a78cbf47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_74592557-efc0-4cd6-a0db-fed7a3463584" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_a9fb9e57-4e34-4479-a97d-2007fce915d9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_679b65b2-ce05-4313-83c1-4fc0a78cbf47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_a9fb9e57-4e34-4479-a97d-2007fce915d9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_3ed2432f-6ad6-41eb-bf9d-8779cfe6d34c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_679b65b2-ce05-4313-83c1-4fc0a78cbf47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_3ed2432f-6ad6-41eb-bf9d-8779cfe6d34c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_d266e395-3468-48df-bc91-a37cc534f3f8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_679b65b2-ce05-4313-83c1-4fc0a78cbf47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_d266e395-3468-48df-bc91-a37cc534f3f8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_7e65cced-0aa6-4000-b77b-0a32919b3991" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_d266e395-3468-48df-bc91-a37cc534f3f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_7e65cced-0aa6-4000-b77b-0a32919b3991" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_db7f3b40-a181-4e59-8e63-f2cb8b2229a8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_d266e395-3468-48df-bc91-a37cc534f3f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_db7f3b40-a181-4e59-8e63-f2cb8b2229a8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_a266c876-2015-4e06-87ae-659f8c44e14a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_d266e395-3468-48df-bc91-a37cc534f3f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_a266c876-2015-4e06-87ae-659f8c44e14a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_db8d0dc6-adcf-4645-b406-2eb8661579d7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_d266e395-3468-48df-bc91-a37cc534f3f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_db8d0dc6-adcf-4645-b406-2eb8661579d7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_dbb2bfe9-3ca2-4a92-bbf7-049ceee0f619" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_d266e395-3468-48df-bc91-a37cc534f3f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_dbb2bfe9-3ca2-4a92-bbf7-049ceee0f619" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue_e529f0b8-32b2-4e31-847c-e111467c45a0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_d266e395-3468-48df-bc91-a37cc534f3f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue_e529f0b8-32b2-4e31-847c-e111467c45a0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_2bca3a32-e5a3-46e6-a3d0-2eab721ad6f4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_d266e395-3468-48df-bc91-a37cc534f3f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_2bca3a32-e5a3-46e6-a3d0-2eab721ad6f4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_5ecb245f-13e1-4dd0-82ca-1b731dbb0620" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_679b65b2-ce05-4313-83c1-4fc0a78cbf47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_5ecb245f-13e1-4dd0-82ca-1b731dbb0620" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDBALANCESHEETSUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDBALANCESHEETSUnauditedParenthetical"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDBALANCESHEETSUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_b1a0e737-d6d0-47c3-9a29-c40ba05cad59" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_ba02943b-0234-4076-80b2-29d8b61f7ae9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_b1a0e737-d6d0-47c3-9a29-c40ba05cad59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_ba02943b-0234-4076-80b2-29d8b61f7ae9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_4f54d03f-a3b9-4316-aa95-276805a94e40" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_ba02943b-0234-4076-80b2-29d8b61f7ae9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_4f54d03f-a3b9-4316-aa95-276805a94e40" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_30b16345-b374-41d4-a5e0-d8865f0c13b0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_4f54d03f-a3b9-4316-aa95-276805a94e40" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_30b16345-b374-41d4-a5e0-d8865f0c13b0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_fe1b727e-1cd4-4390-b3fd-a5db1b00017d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_30b16345-b374-41d4-a5e0-d8865f0c13b0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_fe1b727e-1cd4-4390-b3fd-a5db1b00017d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_5e0b3260-425b-4fab-8345-2ae52661ec5c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_30b16345-b374-41d4-a5e0-d8865f0c13b0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_5e0b3260-425b-4fab-8345-2ae52661ec5c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_ca3fdf31-a294-443c-8696-45b0d1801dc3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_ba02943b-0234-4076-80b2-29d8b61f7ae9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_ca3fdf31-a294-443c-8696-45b0d1801dc3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_db707d93-c7c0-4248-b606-3cb5dde606d8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_ca3fdf31-a294-443c-8696-45b0d1801dc3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_db707d93-c7c0-4248-b606-3cb5dde606d8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_679e864e-a66e-40b0-af97-72e36ef35a18" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_ca3fdf31-a294-443c-8696-45b0d1801dc3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_679e864e-a66e-40b0-af97-72e36ef35a18" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_fab2a580-457d-4c7d-829f-0e2cbecb0fbc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_ca3fdf31-a294-443c-8696-45b0d1801dc3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_fab2a580-457d-4c7d-829f-0e2cbecb0fbc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_7c00a6d6-79d2-4493-87d8-66ace9bfa4d3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_ca3fdf31-a294-443c-8696-45b0d1801dc3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_7c00a6d6-79d2-4493-87d8-66ace9bfa4d3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_ff3df204-659d-4e10-8b99-e8005d0b015e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_ca3fdf31-a294-443c-8696-45b0d1801dc3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_ff3df204-659d-4e10-8b99-e8005d0b015e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares_e7f02416-4869-402f-8773-3f71e4c93ee5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_ca3fdf31-a294-443c-8696-45b0d1801dc3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares_e7f02416-4869-402f-8773-3f71e4c93ee5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTOFSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITYUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTOFSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITYUnaudited"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTOFSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITYUnaudited" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_293fd6fd-98ac-4626-9e5a-22e4feb49150" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_ab1a73d1-a550-4ec2-afae-cdea6597c182" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_293fd6fd-98ac-4626-9e5a-22e4feb49150" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_ab1a73d1-a550-4ec2-afae-cdea6597c182" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_db8d038c-b19a-4a5a-ab56-3711cd88a0d4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_ab1a73d1-a550-4ec2-afae-cdea6597c182" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_db8d038c-b19a-4a5a-ab56-3711cd88a0d4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_b4a629b4-5e5c-42fc-afac-f42e964ca93f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_db8d038c-b19a-4a5a-ab56-3711cd88a0d4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_b4a629b4-5e5c-42fc-afac-f42e964ca93f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member_5ac829d9-1958-41ea-bf58-d6e0796ffd94" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_b4a629b4-5e5c-42fc-afac-f42e964ca93f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member_5ac829d9-1958-41ea-bf58-d6e0796ffd94" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_9ff99bb5-8860-433b-8fa1-f84784c2b985" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_ab1a73d1-a550-4ec2-afae-cdea6597c182" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_9ff99bb5-8860-433b-8fa1-f84784c2b985" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_2613897a-e77e-4124-90d3-d99f6e4c9dea" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_9ff99bb5-8860-433b-8fa1-f84784c2b985" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_2613897a-e77e-4124-90d3-d99f6e4c9dea" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_670a305f-6e1b-4eef-8392-6c6bf2a4ba93" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_2613897a-e77e-4124-90d3-d99f6e4c9dea" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_670a305f-6e1b-4eef-8392-6c6bf2a4ba93" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_0a88a14b-cfc2-4c23-ab50-b5c65fd75731" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_2613897a-e77e-4124-90d3-d99f6e4c9dea" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_0a88a14b-cfc2-4c23-ab50-b5c65fd75731" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_647b72da-56d8-45cc-890e-c7870d549fa6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_ab1a73d1-a550-4ec2-afae-cdea6597c182" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_647b72da-56d8-45cc-890e-c7870d549fa6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_9f838c67-86d0-471c-afc6-47edc16f2bef" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_647b72da-56d8-45cc-890e-c7870d549fa6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_9f838c67-86d0-471c-afc6-47edc16f2bef" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_24f42b6c-e978-464c-adae-e957fb265c1b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_9f838c67-86d0-471c-afc6-47edc16f2bef" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_24f42b6c-e978-464c-adae-e957fb265c1b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember_4abdfa1b-8559-471f-8ea0-79561150de58" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_9f838c67-86d0-471c-afc6-47edc16f2bef" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember_4abdfa1b-8559-471f-8ea0-79561150de58" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_2d454937-cd03-4c59-a23f-60f00000f105" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_9f838c67-86d0-471c-afc6-47edc16f2bef" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_2d454937-cd03-4c59-a23f-60f00000f105" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_a092ceba-35b6-4134-89f6-cda834feabe1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_9f838c67-86d0-471c-afc6-47edc16f2bef" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_a092ceba-35b6-4134-89f6-cda834feabe1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_ed430db7-9b13-4744-bf97-8544f029d80a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_9f838c67-86d0-471c-afc6-47edc16f2bef" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_ed430db7-9b13-4744-bf97-8544f029d80a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_e36516fa-ab69-4163-85ef-06a7806cfd67" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_ab1a73d1-a550-4ec2-afae-cdea6597c182" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_e36516fa-ab69-4163-85ef-06a7806cfd67" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7568cbf2-f5c1-4850-9841-67b106181d2a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_e36516fa-ab69-4163-85ef-06a7806cfd67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7568cbf2-f5c1-4850-9841-67b106181d2a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_84299b02-f062-481d-b10b-b86a802ef285" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7568cbf2-f5c1-4850-9841-67b106181d2a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_84299b02-f062-481d-b10b-b86a802ef285" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_5579572f-ec3a-41aa-b064-c49f6a801876" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7568cbf2-f5c1-4850-9841-67b106181d2a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_5579572f-ec3a-41aa-b064-c49f6a801876" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation_5ab25f28-b3cd-4a42-8edf-cdf9398663d7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7568cbf2-f5c1-4850-9841-67b106181d2a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation_5ab25f28-b3cd-4a42-8edf-cdf9398663d7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation_fd737803-7a1b-4f6a-a4d5-7f4d8e1b48ec" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7568cbf2-f5c1-4850-9841-67b106181d2a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation_fd737803-7a1b-4f6a-a4d5-7f4d8e1b48ec" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod_124c0f02-04fa-4a81-8d59-3d8b903237c6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7568cbf2-f5c1-4850-9841-67b106181d2a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod_124c0f02-04fa-4a81-8d59-3d8b903237c6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired_2e99b5f9-ec17-4ae0-82e1-a60bc5a09033" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7568cbf2-f5c1-4850-9841-67b106181d2a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired_2e99b5f9-ec17-4ae0-82e1-a60bc5a09033" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_14e9dfd2-b419-49e1-bc31-deeb5bc427f0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7568cbf2-f5c1-4850-9841-67b106181d2a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_14e9dfd2-b419-49e1-bc31-deeb5bc427f0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_RestrictedStockAmortizationNetOfForfeitures_8b90faa2-a64e-4251-a2b2-d3720fcf8083" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_RestrictedStockAmortizationNetOfForfeitures"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7568cbf2-f5c1-4850-9841-67b106181d2a" xlink:to="loc_sah_RestrictedStockAmortizationNetOfForfeitures_8b90faa2-a64e-4251-a2b2-d3720fcf8083" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_36bf5e73-a0cd-4c7f-84b8-030dedeef303" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7568cbf2-f5c1-4850-9841-67b106181d2a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_36bf5e73-a0cd-4c7f-84b8-030dedeef303" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption_4827a062-48fc-4b56-966b-2b359224e802" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7568cbf2-f5c1-4850-9841-67b106181d2a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption_4827a062-48fc-4b56-966b-2b359224e802" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock_042fe018-db7b-427b-8beb-02c6070f7d47" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7568cbf2-f5c1-4850-9841-67b106181d2a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock_042fe018-db7b-427b-8beb-02c6070f7d47" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_7f3fda90-fd15-44d4-92b6-022fca507af1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7568cbf2-f5c1-4850-9841-67b106181d2a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_7f3fda90-fd15-44d4-92b6-022fca507af1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_04d939cb-a247-4133-9796-93497cda8c9a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7568cbf2-f5c1-4850-9841-67b106181d2a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_04d939cb-a247-4133-9796-93497cda8c9a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_RestrictedStockAmortizationNetOfForfeitures_98c7e36e-02d5-471d-aebc-005ae22b137b" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_RestrictedStockAmortizationNetOfForfeitures"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation_115062e2-d775-4464-af28-5732d3a60521" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_b105932c-6f6e-4388-824b-718ca2adb078" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleCumulativeEffectOfChangeOnEquityOrNetAssets1_e835d94a-29a4-4f00-ba09-68c6a1d30926" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleCumulativeEffectOfChangeOnEquityOrNetAssets1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7568cbf2-f5c1-4850-9841-67b106181d2a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleCumulativeEffectOfChangeOnEquityOrNetAssets1_e835d94a-29a4-4f00-ba09-68c6a1d30926" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_8f19f1d2-5498-437a-add9-0021dc333f1c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7568cbf2-f5c1-4850-9841-67b106181d2a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_8f19f1d2-5498-437a-add9-0021dc333f1c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTOFSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITYUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTOFSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITYUnauditedParenthetical"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTOFSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITYUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_6c8f9489-35d4-40c0-a52b-85b74d063640" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesTaxPortionAttributableToParent_e18c732a-bb83-4880-9898-2076fcbcaa7b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesTaxPortionAttributableToParent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_6c8f9489-35d4-40c0-a52b-85b74d063640" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesTaxPortionAttributableToParent_e18c732a-bb83-4880-9898-2076fcbcaa7b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCASHFLOWSUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCASHFLOWSUnaudited"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCASHFLOWSUnaudited" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_e5c68749-ea98-48bb-8cec-9c89d93c42ea" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_60eff985-cdf1-48db-82b4-c82096cb470b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_e5c68749-ea98-48bb-8cec-9c89d93c42ea" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_60eff985-cdf1-48db-82b4-c82096cb470b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_28cc4240-3f3c-486e-8c55-531feb55e5ad" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_60eff985-cdf1-48db-82b4-c82096cb470b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_28cc4240-3f3c-486e-8c55-531feb55e5ad" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_468442bf-0c52-410f-87f0-890f17e62cb6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_60eff985-cdf1-48db-82b4-c82096cb470b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_468442bf-0c52-410f-87f0-890f17e62cb6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_DepreciationAndAmortizationOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment_b9590a4a-e0cb-4c13-b2ce-32cea2b6ff5d" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_DepreciationAndAmortizationOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_468442bf-0c52-410f-87f0-890f17e62cb6" xlink:to="loc_sah_DepreciationAndAmortizationOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment_b9590a4a-e0cb-4c13-b2ce-32cea2b6ff5d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_ProvisionRecoveryForDoubtfulAccounts_0142feea-f1a4-488e-a105-d11a3d5fb62e" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_ProvisionRecoveryForDoubtfulAccounts"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_468442bf-0c52-410f-87f0-890f17e62cb6" xlink:to="loc_sah_ProvisionRecoveryForDoubtfulAccounts_0142feea-f1a4-488e-a105-d11a3d5fb62e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherDepreciationAndAmortization_15a8fc95-6656-4d27-83a0-1089c445d317" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherDepreciationAndAmortization"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_468442bf-0c52-410f-87f0-890f17e62cb6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherDepreciationAndAmortization_15a8fc95-6656-4d27-83a0-1089c445d317" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_25e81a0e-8264-49a0-8cd3-908778253a68" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_468442bf-0c52-410f-87f0-890f17e62cb6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_25e81a0e-8264-49a0-8cd3-908778253a68" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium_b16f26cc-da60-4b2e-94a1-779ae39550a3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_468442bf-0c52-410f-87f0-890f17e62cb6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium_b16f26cc-da60-4b2e-94a1-779ae39550a3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_3adbaf7d-085a-4f3a-a3f4-eaa90dec67b9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_468442bf-0c52-410f-87f0-890f17e62cb6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_3adbaf7d-085a-4f3a-a3f4-eaa90dec67b9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_3102ceac-1743-4207-a354-791f05894d80" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_468442bf-0c52-410f-87f0-890f17e62cb6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_3102ceac-1743-4207-a354-791f05894d80" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsNetOfDividendsOrDistributions_47daf2b7-06a3-4092-a89e-50a2bf6a018f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsNetOfDividendsOrDistributions"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_468442bf-0c52-410f-87f0-890f17e62cb6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsNetOfDividendsOrDistributions_47daf2b7-06a3-4092-a89e-50a2bf6a018f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_9d2c7eb9-0284-460a-8baa-84cbf8b815b8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_468442bf-0c52-410f-87f0-890f17e62cb6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_9d2c7eb9-0284-460a-8baa-84cbf8b815b8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_LossGainOnDisposalOfFranchisesAndPropertyAndEquipment_e5e19fc8-c734-4a1d-bb24-67ce031a2208" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_LossGainOnDisposalOfFranchisesAndPropertyAndEquipment"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_468442bf-0c52-410f-87f0-890f17e62cb6" xlink:to="loc_sah_LossGainOnDisposalOfFranchisesAndPropertyAndEquipment_e5e19fc8-c734-4a1d-bb24-67ce031a2208" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_GainLossOnExitOfLeasedDealerships_43304ecf-662f-4946-93a5-52f149693740" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_GainLossOnExitOfLeasedDealerships"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_468442bf-0c52-410f-87f0-890f17e62cb6" xlink:to="loc_sah_GainLossOnExitOfLeasedDealerships_43304ecf-662f-4946-93a5-52f149693740" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_dddc95a5-eaa9-4af5-8578-904f764e9932" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_468442bf-0c52-410f-87f0-890f17e62cb6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_dddc95a5-eaa9-4af5-8578-904f764e9932" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_c6466957-2172-4122-a3e0-d01169e2812e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_468442bf-0c52-410f-87f0-890f17e62cb6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_c6466957-2172-4122-a3e0-d01169e2812e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsAndOtherReceivables_04ccaafc-9945-4632-a57d-e28df93aef2b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsAndOtherReceivables"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_c6466957-2172-4122-a3e0-d01169e2812e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsAndOtherReceivables_04ccaafc-9945-4632-a57d-e28df93aef2b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories_9555d5d5-01ee-467c-9a74-c0d701c1eae9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_c6466957-2172-4122-a3e0-d01169e2812e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories_9555d5d5-01ee-467c-9a74-c0d701c1eae9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets_58169d52-d0ef-4606-b2a4-968e3c74fd2a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_c6466957-2172-4122-a3e0-d01169e2812e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets_58169d52-d0ef-4606-b2a4-968e3c74fd2a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_IncreaseDecreaseInVehicleFloorPlanPayableTradeNet_20525168-c23c-4023-8f57-665d940fdfdd" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_IncreaseDecreaseInVehicleFloorPlanPayableTradeNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_c6466957-2172-4122-a3e0-d01169e2812e" xlink:to="loc_sah_IncreaseDecreaseInVehicleFloorPlanPayableTradeNet_20525168-c23c-4023-8f57-665d940fdfdd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_1927c978-cdef-461a-bb60-b0ff4bf4dea1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_c6466957-2172-4122-a3e0-d01169e2812e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_1927c978-cdef-461a-bb60-b0ff4bf4dea1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_25da0c98-b0c6-4a15-8c9c-2047ba961b0d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_468442bf-0c52-410f-87f0-890f17e62cb6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_25da0c98-b0c6-4a15-8c9c-2047ba961b0d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_0e923a75-b945-4f3b-97bb-7c7444e236d4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_60eff985-cdf1-48db-82b4-c82096cb470b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_0e923a75-b945-4f3b-97bb-7c7444e236d4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_b21e054c-157d-42f3-bb26-34f6cc66e19a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_e5c68749-ea98-48bb-8cec-9c89d93c42ea" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_b21e054c-157d-42f3-bb26-34f6cc66e19a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_9d4b1825-7100-4535-8307-fd8b6f180b2c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_b21e054c-157d-42f3-bb26-34f6cc66e19a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_9d4b1825-7100-4535-8307-fd8b6f180b2c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_cdeea4b9-3bf8-4d4a-97c8-e6016bf9447a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_b21e054c-157d-42f3-bb26-34f6cc66e19a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_cdeea4b9-3bf8-4d4a-97c8-e6016bf9447a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment_d2425f26-6891-4d5e-bab2-adffe624ce88" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_b21e054c-157d-42f3-bb26-34f6cc66e19a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment_d2425f26-6891-4d5e-bab2-adffe624ce88" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinessesNetOfCashDivested_eb169351-2a63-4ccd-94d8-570952493ae2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinessesNetOfCashDivested"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_b21e054c-157d-42f3-bb26-34f6cc66e19a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinessesNetOfCashDivested_eb169351-2a63-4ccd-94d8-570952493ae2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_c1788c22-9597-4144-83a1-b0bd3709015d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_b21e054c-157d-42f3-bb26-34f6cc66e19a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_c1788c22-9597-4144-83a1-b0bd3709015d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_4990acb1-8ed9-4963-9a3a-de17f19a832a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_e5c68749-ea98-48bb-8cec-9c89d93c42ea" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_4990acb1-8ed9-4963-9a3a-de17f19a832a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_IncreaseDecreaseInVehicleFloorPlanPayableNonTradeNet_60bdb1f0-e1fd-407f-9ad9-70bcc2900cec" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_IncreaseDecreaseInVehicleFloorPlanPayableNonTradeNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_4990acb1-8ed9-4963-9a3a-de17f19a832a" xlink:to="loc_sah_IncreaseDecreaseInVehicleFloorPlanPayableNonTradeNet_60bdb1f0-e1fd-407f-9ad9-70bcc2900cec" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLongTermLinesOfCredit_cd741899-e955-4c3f-845d-050b335d4898" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromLongTermLinesOfCredit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_4990acb1-8ed9-4963-9a3a-de17f19a832a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLongTermLinesOfCredit_cd741899-e955-4c3f-845d-050b335d4898" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermLinesOfCredit_3775ce4f-7fef-4e62-986a-c1834981bd48" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermLinesOfCredit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_4990acb1-8ed9-4963-9a3a-de17f19a832a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermLinesOfCredit_3775ce4f-7fef-4e62-986a-c1834981bd48" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_d9c320d8-78cd-4017-9802-5c003ef15992" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_4990acb1-8ed9-4963-9a3a-de17f19a832a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_d9c320d8-78cd-4017-9802-5c003ef15992" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_05fa3232-3973-4999-ac60-828ec552a232" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_4990acb1-8ed9-4963-9a3a-de17f19a832a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_05fa3232-3973-4999-ac60-828ec552a232" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_4a80e32d-1476-4c0e-947f-cf6cdfa5e9d4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_4990acb1-8ed9-4963-9a3a-de17f19a832a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_4a80e32d-1476-4c0e-947f-cf6cdfa5e9d4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_RepurchaseOfDebtSecurities_1a57f677-1a9f-4b8b-adfd-3caefa7d98c1" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_RepurchaseOfDebtSecurities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_4990acb1-8ed9-4963-9a3a-de17f19a832a" xlink:to="loc_sah_RepurchaseOfDebtSecurities_1a57f677-1a9f-4b8b-adfd-3caefa7d98c1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock_d24f3c73-8cc3-4191-9b94-607fcebd5d54" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_4990acb1-8ed9-4963-9a3a-de17f19a832a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock_d24f3c73-8cc3-4191-9b94-607fcebd5d54" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments_1c745733-e5ca-4718-9232-81d22310aef7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_4990acb1-8ed9-4963-9a3a-de17f19a832a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments_1c745733-e5ca-4718-9232-81d22310aef7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlans_9b0daf5a-f7dc-4ff7-8207-3031826f6861" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlans"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_4990acb1-8ed9-4963-9a3a-de17f19a832a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlans_9b0daf5a-f7dc-4ff7-8207-3031826f6861" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock_993485df-1389-4451-9d8e-3cc72704e6bf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_4990acb1-8ed9-4963-9a3a-de17f19a832a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock_993485df-1389-4451-9d8e-3cc72704e6bf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_f9320a44-ba23-491b-ac55-fbc1e753c829" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_4990acb1-8ed9-4963-9a3a-de17f19a832a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_f9320a44-ba23-491b-ac55-fbc1e753c829" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_75605569-33e1-4b78-ad26-4103685b8fa6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_e5c68749-ea98-48bb-8cec-9c89d93c42ea" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_75605569-33e1-4b78-ad26-4103685b8fa6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_5ec6b974-3b1e-469d-8c22-9c0b7c1c6bda" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_e5c68749-ea98-48bb-8cec-9c89d93c42ea" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_5ec6b974-3b1e-469d-8c22-9c0b7c1c6bda" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_ff3f9fdc-eb75-4e36-ab3d-e1c38a7cae56" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_e5c68749-ea98-48bb-8cec-9c89d93c42ea" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_ff3f9fdc-eb75-4e36-ab3d-e1c38a7cae56" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_b1038c45-7dcd-4397-8cce-090a5d2b17f7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_e5c68749-ea98-48bb-8cec-9c89d93c42ea" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_b1038c45-7dcd-4397-8cce-090a5d2b17f7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax_a64b63c1-7b57-44dc-b8c9-88d4e8da48af" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_b1038c45-7dcd-4397-8cce-090a5d2b17f7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax_a64b63c1-7b57-44dc-b8c9-88d4e8da48af" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalCashFlowElementsAbstract_5d38b03d-7d54-45f8-bf1d-8eba60349b72" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalCashFlowElementsAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_e5c68749-ea98-48bb-8cec-9c89d93c42ea" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalCashFlowElementsAbstract_5d38b03d-7d54-45f8-bf1d-8eba60349b72" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_24976a4a-75c6-4c93-8348-d7596d7731b7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalCashFlowElementsAbstract_5d38b03d-7d54-45f8-bf1d-8eba60349b72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_24976a4a-75c6-4c93-8348-d7596d7731b7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestPaid_32bb307b-7eb8-4998-b8d9-e7192830b499" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPaid"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_24976a4a-75c6-4c93-8348-d7596d7731b7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestPaid_32bb307b-7eb8-4998-b8d9-e7192830b499" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet_92f85f16-d4ea-4877-9045-94ea24d1f42d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_24976a4a-75c6-4c93-8348-d7596d7731b7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet_92f85f16-d4ea-4877-9045-94ea24d1f42d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCASHFLOWSUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCASHFLOWSUnauditedParenthetical"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCASHFLOWSUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_eac1dce6-f9e6-485b-a8a5-258f2b203c68" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_7a553214-8d57-4e61-9584-ee89fb2ce27f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_eac1dce6-f9e6-485b-a8a5-258f2b203c68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_7a553214-8d57-4e61-9584-ee89fb2ce27f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#SummaryofSignificantAccountingPolicies"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_f94fb72a-d00c-4c19-ab76-0ee3d12f95f9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_801d758d-27e8-4005-81ac-62164ed5ff67" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_f94fb72a-d00c-4c19-ab76-0ee3d12f95f9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_801d758d-27e8-4005-81ac-62164ed5ff67" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_51ff8a4a-6409-4401-a98e-029586116dc8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_9348422f-1835-4e2e-8a0b-3870fd468624" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_51ff8a4a-6409-4401-a98e-029586116dc8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_9348422f-1835-4e2e-8a0b-3870fd468624" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_66a95105-4897-4838-810d-01b9f001c8ae" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_51ff8a4a-6409-4401-a98e-029586116dc8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_66a95105-4897-4838-810d-01b9f001c8ae" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock_2b969b8d-b004-47f6-b6fa-1f4418e92c20" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_51ff8a4a-6409-4401-a98e-029586116dc8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock_2b969b8d-b004-47f6-b6fa-1f4418e92c20" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerPolicyTextBlock_e1183714-9796-4de1-a2e8-9a85f0d25bff" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_51ff8a4a-6409-4401-a98e-029586116dc8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerPolicyTextBlock_e1183714-9796-4de1-a2e8-9a85f0d25bff" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlock_3a94336c-ac87-4c26-8e53-454f10f513e1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_51ff8a4a-6409-4401-a98e-029586116dc8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlock_3a94336c-ac87-4c26-8e53-454f10f513e1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_UnitSaleDeclineMin_580f818e-ee76-46cd-a848-8a5862541374" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_UnitSaleDeclineMin"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_51ff8a4a-6409-4401-a98e-029586116dc8" xlink:to="loc_sah_UnitSaleDeclineMin_580f818e-ee76-46cd-a848-8a5862541374" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_UnitSaleDeclineMax_2960ccdd-c232-4875-b540-facb41f13da1" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_UnitSaleDeclineMax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_51ff8a4a-6409-4401-a98e-029586116dc8" xlink:to="loc_sah_UnitSaleDeclineMax_2960ccdd-c232-4875-b540-facb41f13da1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_FixedOpsDeclineMin_3001c5ed-4bdf-483b-9962-ab27f7459ae2" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_FixedOpsDeclineMin"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_51ff8a4a-6409-4401-a98e-029586116dc8" xlink:to="loc_sah_FixedOpsDeclineMin_3001c5ed-4bdf-483b-9962-ab27f7459ae2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_FixedOpsDeclineMax_12901b12-1ed1-426f-a42a-a8bd7a1e8788" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_FixedOpsDeclineMax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_51ff8a4a-6409-4401-a98e-029586116dc8" xlink:to="loc_sah_FixedOpsDeclineMax_12901b12-1ed1-426f-a42a-a8bd7a1e8788" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_be69e0b9-ef82-4cc3-af28-c86b69d96ee7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfNewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesTextBlock_d4f04923-aa85-4a0f-bbaf-3683d1058393" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfNewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_be69e0b9-ef82-4cc3-af28-c86b69d96ee7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfNewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesTextBlock_d4f04923-aa85-4a0f-bbaf-3683d1058393" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCostTableTextBlock_2b1c9016-341b-445b-bc8f-a7471b6d61b6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseCostTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_be69e0b9-ef82-4cc3-af28-c86b69d96ee7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCostTableTextBlock_2b1c9016-341b-445b-bc8f-a7471b6d61b6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock_505c9d43-5d74-4430-9807-d46fd42e2d23" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_be69e0b9-ef82-4cc3-af28-c86b69d96ee7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock_505c9d43-5d74-4430-9807-d46fd42e2d23" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock_4cd97418-39e3-4b23-80fb-ec6bea89d348" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_be69e0b9-ef82-4cc3-af28-c86b69d96ee7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock_4cd97418-39e3-4b23-80fb-ec6bea89d348" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesCumulativeEffectofAdjustmentsforAdoptionofASC606Details" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesCumulativeEffectofAdjustmentsforAdoptionofASC606Details"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesCumulativeEffectofAdjustmentsforAdoptionofASC606Details" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetNetCurrent_f045c7d9-7807-48a6-9d43-c082cf03c9dc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetNetCurrent"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent_408c095b-8388-453f-b3d5-f5c4c14e0f76" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetCumulativeCatchUpAdjustmentToRevenueChangeInMeasureOfProgress_6248ea3c-2ed8-4144-8e07-01f464f68e2e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetCumulativeCatchUpAdjustmentToRevenueChangeInMeasureOfProgress"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_e877ffb0-bd27-4fc8-88a0-0aa4a536852a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueInitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionTable_ebf175e6-eb26-4530-9251-4ff60b3b79c4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueInitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_e877ffb0-bd27-4fc8-88a0-0aa4a536852a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueInitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionTable_ebf175e6-eb26-4530-9251-4ff60b3b79c4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_6685d172-91fe-4d3f-a1e6-c60718f29962" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueInitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionTable_ebf175e6-eb26-4530-9251-4ff60b3b79c4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_6685d172-91fe-4d3f-a1e6-c60718f29962" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_1d8464fd-8db5-4436-b463-e815f97e2ea3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_6685d172-91fe-4d3f-a1e6-c60718f29962" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_1d8464fd-8db5-4436-b463-e815f97e2ea3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member_217e58c5-1845-4d25-be1b-9bf75652cc46" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_1d8464fd-8db5-4436-b463-e815f97e2ea3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member_217e58c5-1845-4d25-be1b-9bf75652cc46" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionAxis_aa0a20a6-71fc-4f3e-bcb2-1b672b26462d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueInitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionTable_ebf175e6-eb26-4530-9251-4ff60b3b79c4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionAxis_aa0a20a6-71fc-4f3e-bcb2-1b672b26462d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionDomain_38d9b075-a913-4695-9aaa-86008a510d72" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionAxis_aa0a20a6-71fc-4f3e-bcb2-1b672b26462d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionDomain_38d9b075-a913-4695-9aaa-86008a510d72" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CalculatedUnderRevenueGuidanceInEffectBeforeTopic606Member_d217cc77-4b7b-4e34-b75b-99e6a268bb63" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CalculatedUnderRevenueGuidanceInEffectBeforeTopic606Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionDomain_38d9b075-a913-4695-9aaa-86008a510d72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CalculatedUnderRevenueGuidanceInEffectBeforeTopic606Member_d217cc77-4b7b-4e34-b75b-99e6a268bb63" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DifferenceBetweenRevenueGuidanceInEffectBeforeAndAfterTopic606Member_c6f90616-18d8-4a59-a95d-f656a71ecca0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DifferenceBetweenRevenueGuidanceInEffectBeforeAndAfterTopic606Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionDomain_38d9b075-a913-4695-9aaa-86008a510d72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DifferenceBetweenRevenueGuidanceInEffectBeforeAndAfterTopic606Member_c6f90616-18d8-4a59-a95d-f656a71ecca0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RestatementAxis_329a7014-51d1-4c50-871f-15e22e21c4fe" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RestatementAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueInitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionTable_ebf175e6-eb26-4530-9251-4ff60b3b79c4" xlink:to="loc_srt_RestatementAxis_329a7014-51d1-4c50-871f-15e22e21c4fe" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RestatementDomain_d8f0ea58-4cf4-401d-8464-4e341a4a400a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RestatementDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RestatementAxis_329a7014-51d1-4c50-871f-15e22e21c4fe" xlink:to="loc_srt_RestatementDomain_d8f0ea58-4cf4-401d-8464-4e341a4a400a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember_0004d76b-b9f2-4ad2-99ee-3e627848d5a1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RestatementDomain_d8f0ea58-4cf4-401d-8464-4e341a4a400a" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember_0004d76b-b9f2-4ad2-99ee-3e627848d5a1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RestatementAdjustmentMember_eaa6e9d1-c87f-47d7-94e3-c61a3de1b99d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RestatementAdjustmentMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RestatementDomain_d8f0ea58-4cf4-401d-8464-4e341a4a400a" xlink:to="loc_srt_RestatementAdjustmentMember_eaa6e9d1-c87f-47d7-94e3-c61a3de1b99d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_f10c2388-3e5e-4192-b38e-79cb04a4df59" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueInitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionTable_ebf175e6-eb26-4530-9251-4ff60b3b79c4" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_f10c2388-3e5e-4192-b38e-79cb04a4df59" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_d0a1eb62-e9dc-4846-978c-b5ba5ea2a88c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_f10c2388-3e5e-4192-b38e-79cb04a4df59" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_d0a1eb62-e9dc-4846-978c-b5ba5ea2a88c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_PartsServiceandCollisionRepairMember_41dfb1e7-e83e-4728-a3ac-86920801c419" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_PartsServiceandCollisionRepairMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_d0a1eb62-e9dc-4846-978c-b5ba5ea2a88c" xlink:to="loc_sah_PartsServiceandCollisionRepairMember_41dfb1e7-e83e-4728-a3ac-86920801c419" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_FinanceInsuranceAndOtherNetMember_19bac8ae-7449-42e6-be85-cd0341aa0d0a" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_FinanceInsuranceAndOtherNetMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_d0a1eb62-e9dc-4846-978c-b5ba5ea2a88c" xlink:to="loc_sah_FinanceInsuranceAndOtherNetMember_19bac8ae-7449-42e6-be85-cd0341aa0d0a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_PartsServiceandCollisionRepairandFinanceInsuranceandOtherNetSubtotalMember_b1cfb79e-c373-49ce-8452-9b470ce757c1" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_PartsServiceandCollisionRepairandFinanceInsuranceandOtherNetSubtotalMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_d0a1eb62-e9dc-4846-978c-b5ba5ea2a88c" xlink:to="loc_sah_PartsServiceandCollisionRepairandFinanceInsuranceandOtherNetSubtotalMember_b1cfb79e-c373-49ce-8452-9b470ce757c1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueInitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionLineItems_f69390c7-3658-42d4-ade2-8dcb46e83a4e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueInitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueInitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionTable_ebf175e6-eb26-4530-9251-4ff60b3b79c4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueInitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionLineItems_f69390c7-3658-42d4-ade2-8dcb46e83a4e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_c3c2e91e-fef4-4a7a-947b-7be2f8b72f02" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueInitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionLineItems_f69390c7-3658-42d4-ade2-8dcb46e83a4e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_c3c2e91e-fef4-4a7a-947b-7be2f8b72f02" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_23e6e477-6119-46fd-94c9-15ec58caeec3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_c3c2e91e-fef4-4a7a-947b-7be2f8b72f02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_23e6e477-6119-46fd-94c9-15ec58caeec3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract_5f5764f7-d74c-4d7e-ba53-d2da6b650fc4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueInitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionLineItems_f69390c7-3658-42d4-ade2-8dcb46e83a4e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract_5f5764f7-d74c-4d7e-ba53-d2da6b650fc4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold_59a1cbaa-82ca-4c59-bea3-a13abab5e171" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract_5f5764f7-d74c-4d7e-ba53-d2da6b650fc4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold_59a1cbaa-82ca-4c59-bea3-a13abab5e171" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SalesCommissionsAndFees_e7b42bad-b3d7-4c86-87ab-def8083e7deb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesCommissionsAndFees"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueInitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionLineItems_f69390c7-3658-42d4-ade2-8dcb46e83a4e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SalesCommissionsAndFees_e7b42bad-b3d7-4c86-87ab-def8083e7deb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_de5abbd0-beb1-44ea-8131-9774a68d5427" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueInitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionLineItems_f69390c7-3658-42d4-ade2-8dcb46e83a4e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_de5abbd0-beb1-44ea-8131-9774a68d5427" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_156542eb-57ea-40a1-bcff-7e49e746c86a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueInitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionLineItems_f69390c7-3658-42d4-ade2-8dcb46e83a4e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_156542eb-57ea-40a1-bcff-7e49e746c86a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReceivablesNetCurrent_9af0d3db-177e-4bdb-8fe5-8458b4407be9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivablesNetCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_156542eb-57ea-40a1-bcff-7e49e746c86a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReceivablesNetCurrent_9af0d3db-177e-4bdb-8fe5-8458b4407be9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetNetCurrent_1f28a723-11e3-404d-92a8-1102be4ed699" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetNetCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_156542eb-57ea-40a1-bcff-7e49e746c86a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetNetCurrent_1f28a723-11e3-404d-92a8-1102be4ed699" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_665f8825-b80b-4d84-9833-32d12f650db4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueInitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionLineItems_f69390c7-3658-42d4-ade2-8dcb46e83a4e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_665f8825-b80b-4d84-9833-32d12f650db4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_1454d23a-4831-44bb-a0e8-2afd7cb71412" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_665f8825-b80b-4d84-9833-32d12f650db4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_1454d23a-4831-44bb-a0e8-2afd7cb71412" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_cd7ad274-676c-441b-aa82-02b4b957e630" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_665f8825-b80b-4d84-9833-32d12f650db4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_cd7ad274-676c-441b-aa82-02b4b957e630" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_f1d18a96-2fd6-466a-9322-18ac9badd21e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueInitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionLineItems_f69390c7-3658-42d4-ade2-8dcb46e83a4e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_f1d18a96-2fd6-466a-9322-18ac9badd21e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_8956dbdb-c3ca-4a5c-a0a7-4f7b3fd07e09" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_f1d18a96-2fd6-466a-9322-18ac9badd21e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_8956dbdb-c3ca-4a5c-a0a7-4f7b3fd07e09" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesRecentAccountingPronouncementsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesRecentAccountingPronouncementsDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesRecentAccountingPronouncementsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_85aa03bc-0f4e-4f48-83ed-f61f2912dd00" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_2491fdfb-d83e-417f-84c6-edcfed1ea8d3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_85aa03bc-0f4e-4f48-83ed-f61f2912dd00" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_2491fdfb-d83e-417f-84c6-edcfed1ea8d3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_7cdc0652-a811-4ef4-a6f1-8b5f36a787be" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_2491fdfb-d83e-417f-84c6-edcfed1ea8d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_7cdc0652-a811-4ef4-a6f1-8b5f36a787be" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_cf760279-4b65-4af0-a650-7f66a01783cf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_7cdc0652-a811-4ef4-a6f1-8b5f36a787be" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_cf760279-4b65-4af0-a650-7f66a01783cf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member_b0cab88a-35e0-465c-b943-51c99a7666c3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_cf760279-4b65-4af0-a650-7f66a01783cf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member_b0cab88a-35e0-465c-b943-51c99a7666c3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_bcfa01d6-ed05-40da-a339-d9b3414cefe9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_2491fdfb-d83e-417f-84c6-edcfed1ea8d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_bcfa01d6-ed05-40da-a339-d9b3414cefe9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_209ea67c-e338-40f5-8228-a4eb30cc9fcf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_bcfa01d6-ed05-40da-a339-d9b3414cefe9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_209ea67c-e338-40f5-8228-a4eb30cc9fcf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LandMember_8e75b99b-60a3-4d59-aa5a-4917cbf8b3f9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LandMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_209ea67c-e338-40f5-8228-a4eb30cc9fcf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LandMember_8e75b99b-60a3-4d59-aa5a-4917cbf8b3f9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_94b38149-eb66-4ad3-98cc-656358cfbeb4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_2491fdfb-d83e-417f-84c6-edcfed1ea8d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_94b38149-eb66-4ad3-98cc-656358cfbeb4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_LeasesRightofUseAsset_666ac9b0-5cb1-4a56-b61b-018f313cd57e" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_LeasesRightofUseAsset"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_94b38149-eb66-4ad3-98cc-656358cfbeb4" xlink:to="loc_sah_LeasesRightofUseAsset_666ac9b0-5cb1-4a56-b61b-018f313cd57e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset_ff3a6d51-0a1d-4d55-b0de-03ddf07b4bb7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_94b38149-eb66-4ad3-98cc-656358cfbeb4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset_ff3a6d51-0a1d-4d55-b0de-03ddf07b4bb7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiability_60ff0ff9-8e68-4c6a-901f-959cc7ffa090" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiability"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_94b38149-eb66-4ad3-98cc-656358cfbeb4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiability_60ff0ff9-8e68-4c6a-901f-959cc7ffa090" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseImpairmentLoss_1ede2d5b-348b-43e2-aa9d-b1570cbb31b2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseImpairmentLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_94b38149-eb66-4ad3-98cc-656358cfbeb4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseImpairmentLoss_1ede2d5b-348b-43e2-aa9d-b1570cbb31b2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_LeaseExitAccruals_b5fb4ec3-cd16-45ea-b5c4-79d60ed73531" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_LeaseExitAccruals"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_94b38149-eb66-4ad3-98cc-656358cfbeb4" xlink:to="loc_sah_LeaseExitAccruals_b5fb4ec3-cd16-45ea-b5c4-79d60ed73531" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_087f4f3a-eb6a-4783-975e-6d4faa7fe675" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_94b38149-eb66-4ad3-98cc-656358cfbeb4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_087f4f3a-eb6a-4783-975e-6d4faa7fe675" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_e539b3ab-c9c1-45d9-8e70-d67205e9cadf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_94b38149-eb66-4ad3-98cc-656358cfbeb4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_e539b3ab-c9c1-45d9-8e70-d67205e9cadf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesActivityDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesActivityDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesActivityDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_7fe15369-e9c8-40e7-a2ad-ddcf6397b434" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset_d4b5548e-44da-4e02-a90d-6096cd23b0ec" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_7fe15369-e9c8-40e7-a2ad-ddcf6397b434" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset_d4b5548e-44da-4e02-a90d-6096cd23b0ec" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_778ecf45-0d5b-4f10-89fa-16e7197536c9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_7fe15369-e9c8-40e7-a2ad-ddcf6397b434" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_778ecf45-0d5b-4f10-89fa-16e7197536c9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_LeasesRightofUseAsset_61797c59-cc49-41fb-a678-efbf8f81d12b" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_LeasesRightofUseAsset"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_7fe15369-e9c8-40e7-a2ad-ddcf6397b434" xlink:to="loc_sah_LeasesRightofUseAsset_61797c59-cc49-41fb-a678-efbf8f81d12b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_LeasesLiabilityCurrent_d5d7f4cf-765d-4ec1-abf9-414835402875" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_LeasesLiabilityCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_7fe15369-e9c8-40e7-a2ad-ddcf6397b434" xlink:to="loc_sah_LeasesLiabilityCurrent_d5d7f4cf-765d-4ec1-abf9-414835402875" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_LeasesRightofUseAssetNewLeases_d17bf3e6-bedf-401b-968d-ab23b78f8acb" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_LeasesRightofUseAssetNewLeases"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_7fe15369-e9c8-40e7-a2ad-ddcf6397b434" xlink:to="loc_sah_LeasesRightofUseAssetNewLeases_d17bf3e6-bedf-401b-968d-ab23b78f8acb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_LeaseLiabilityCurrentNewLeases_8f9ec044-bacf-4871-a3cd-fc69dc3c6116" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_LeaseLiabilityCurrentNewLeases"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_7fe15369-e9c8-40e7-a2ad-ddcf6397b434" xlink:to="loc_sah_LeaseLiabilityCurrentNewLeases_8f9ec044-bacf-4871-a3cd-fc69dc3c6116" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_LeasesLiabilityNoncurrentNewLeases_9f3c9ac3-2104-4fee-8bdc-c585ef1f8b42" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_LeasesLiabilityNoncurrentNewLeases"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_7fe15369-e9c8-40e7-a2ad-ddcf6397b434" xlink:to="loc_sah_LeasesLiabilityNoncurrentNewLeases_9f3c9ac3-2104-4fee-8bdc-c585ef1f8b42" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_LeasesRightofUseAssetModifications_edee686b-0473-41fa-a92a-4328bc39f76e" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_LeasesRightofUseAssetModifications"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_7fe15369-e9c8-40e7-a2ad-ddcf6397b434" xlink:to="loc_sah_LeasesRightofUseAssetModifications_edee686b-0473-41fa-a92a-4328bc39f76e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_LeasesLiabilityCurrentModifications_8f624ef0-7133-476a-80f8-934674deac20" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_LeasesLiabilityCurrentModifications"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_7fe15369-e9c8-40e7-a2ad-ddcf6397b434" xlink:to="loc_sah_LeasesLiabilityCurrentModifications_8f624ef0-7133-476a-80f8-934674deac20" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_LeasesLiabilityNoncurrentModifications_c02970fd-b02d-4660-bdb6-6c60a18fb88e" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_LeasesLiabilityNoncurrentModifications"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_7fe15369-e9c8-40e7-a2ad-ddcf6397b434" xlink:to="loc_sah_LeasesLiabilityNoncurrentModifications_c02970fd-b02d-4660-bdb6-6c60a18fb88e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortization_5f6b5fbd-347c-4753-9e76-4325bc9d3f7e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortization"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_7fe15369-e9c8-40e7-a2ad-ddcf6397b434" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortization_5f6b5fbd-347c-4753-9e76-4325bc9d3f7e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_LeasesRightofUseAssetAmortization_88fdaa5f-449c-4dbe-afdd-7b0dd453e860" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_LeasesRightofUseAssetAmortization"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_7fe15369-e9c8-40e7-a2ad-ddcf6397b434" xlink:to="loc_sah_LeasesRightofUseAssetAmortization_88fdaa5f-449c-4dbe-afdd-7b0dd453e860" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTotalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_LeasesLiabilityCurrentAmortization_375178f1-ca3f-4326-9626-77f45cffc234" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_LeasesLiabilityCurrentAmortization"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_7fe15369-e9c8-40e7-a2ad-ddcf6397b434" xlink:to="loc_sah_LeasesLiabilityCurrentAmortization_375178f1-ca3f-4326-9626-77f45cffc234" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTotalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_LeasesLiabilityNoncurrentAmortization_31ffe13c-a900-423d-9227-7e9d8d912a9e" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_LeasesLiabilityNoncurrentAmortization"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_7fe15369-e9c8-40e7-a2ad-ddcf6397b434" xlink:to="loc_sah_LeasesLiabilityNoncurrentAmortization_31ffe13c-a900-423d-9227-7e9d8d912a9e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTotalLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesLeaseExpenseDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesLeaseExpenseDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesLeaseExpenseDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_cdaa83a2-df78-4a96-a413-499139f17431" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesOtherInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesOtherInformationDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesOtherInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_75f2f81b-914f-4594-a00a-0a918491e306" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForFinanceLeaseLiability_d02cf56f-bcfe-4d9b-ade6-2d5d09d05bf2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForFinanceLeaseLiability"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_75f2f81b-914f-4594-a00a-0a918491e306" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForFinanceLeaseLiability_d02cf56f-bcfe-4d9b-ade6-2d5d09d05bf2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForOperatingLeaseLiability_95144f82-09df-43b3-9967-8dde28c603cd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForOperatingLeaseLiability"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_75f2f81b-914f-4594-a00a-0a918491e306" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForOperatingLeaseLiability_95144f82-09df-43b3-9967-8dde28c603cd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesUndiscountedLeaseCashFlowsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesUndiscountedLeaseCashFlowsDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesUndiscountedLeaseCashFlowsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_4447c99f-c91d-442d-a229-6a72348fecbc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_9e13b48e-2402-49d4-b11d-a101d9ff3a6f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_4447c99f-c91d-442d-a229-6a72348fecbc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_9e13b48e-2402-49d4-b11d-a101d9ff3a6f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_b374f30a-9a60-464d-b706-387b47dace7d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_9e13b48e-2402-49d4-b11d-a101d9ff3a6f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_b374f30a-9a60-464d-b706-387b47dace7d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiability_6788f5cb-d0ca-4b18-b144-74553f597070" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiability"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_9e13b48e-2402-49d4-b11d-a101d9ff3a6f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiability_6788f5cb-d0ca-4b18-b144-74553f597070" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_ab987b10-cd84-4f64-b8fa-540b7a49cdf1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_4447c99f-c91d-442d-a229-6a72348fecbc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_ab987b10-cd84-4f64-b8fa-540b7a49cdf1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFive_229ba5ed-7767-4bce-82be-1f90853ce4fb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFive"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_ab987b10-cd84-4f64-b8fa-540b7a49cdf1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFive_229ba5ed-7767-4bce-82be-1f90853ce4fb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_fa9f29d8-2168-4e8c-82f3-0014c5a34545" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFive_229ba5ed-7767-4bce-82be-1f90853ce4fb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_fa9f29d8-2168-4e8c-82f3-0014c5a34545" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsFiscalYearMaturityAbstract_64787416-ff42-44f1-bb13-2d06fd6e5792" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsFiscalYearMaturityAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_4447c99f-c91d-442d-a229-6a72348fecbc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsFiscalYearMaturityAbstract_64787416-ff42-44f1-bb13-2d06fd6e5792" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesUndiscountedLeaseCashFlowsDetails_1" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesUndiscountedLeaseCashFlowsDetails_1"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesUndiscountedLeaseCashFlowsDetails_1" xlink:type="extended"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_798728ea-9c18-4dab-834e-df4acb864694" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_7fba1f86-00e1-430a-95ce-1578b14da205" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_798728ea-9c18-4dab-834e-df4acb864694" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_7fba1f86-00e1-430a-95ce-1578b14da205" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_83efccac-346d-47b8-8d8d-18c0ba4d5e2b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_7fba1f86-00e1-430a-95ce-1578b14da205" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_83efccac-346d-47b8-8d8d-18c0ba4d5e2b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_d34273e4-1e6a-4610-9d5a-24b28b1c1cd2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_83efccac-346d-47b8-8d8d-18c0ba4d5e2b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_d34273e4-1e6a-4610-9d5a-24b28b1c1cd2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member_559c261b-be0d-488e-948a-82b4c8e3f4f8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_d34273e4-1e6a-4610-9d5a-24b28b1c1cd2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member_559c261b-be0d-488e-948a-82b4c8e3f4f8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_81162a3d-60c1-40fc-baed-1ffa49ae2d8b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_7fba1f86-00e1-430a-95ce-1578b14da205" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_81162a3d-60c1-40fc-baed-1ffa49ae2d8b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_2e4cbef7-2196-47ac-ba82-c242f8186d0a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_81162a3d-60c1-40fc-baed-1ffa49ae2d8b" xlink:to="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_2e4cbef7-2196-47ac-ba82-c242f8186d0a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_DealershipMember_f2e3251b-a408-403c-985d-323bf18457a8" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_DealershipMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_2e4cbef7-2196-47ac-ba82-c242f8186d0a" xlink:to="loc_sah_DealershipMember_f2e3251b-a408-403c-985d-323bf18457a8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_f0657e20-b1c3-461b-b4f9-05379afb0078" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_7fba1f86-00e1-430a-95ce-1578b14da205" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_f0657e20-b1c3-461b-b4f9-05379afb0078" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_f1de1458-6398-42f8-b602-4b3c155e3a38" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_f0657e20-b1c3-461b-b4f9-05379afb0078" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_f1de1458-6398-42f8-b602-4b3c155e3a38" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_a7cac973-b809-4266-bb76-396e80e40ff0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_f1de1458-6398-42f8-b602-4b3c155e3a38" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_a7cac973-b809-4266-bb76-396e80e40ff0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_1c32ec5d-c773-457d-8637-6553da7ad7c4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_f1de1458-6398-42f8-b602-4b3c155e3a38" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_1c32ec5d-c773-457d-8637-6553da7ad7c4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_200f6276-1eff-4cf4-ab22-ed48d404ee1a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_7fba1f86-00e1-430a-95ce-1578b14da205" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_200f6276-1eff-4cf4-ab22-ed48d404ee1a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_9f66935c-6f6f-4f81-b408-59be762e866a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_200f6276-1eff-4cf4-ab22-ed48d404ee1a" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_9f66935c-6f6f-4f81-b408-59be762e866a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_FinanceInsuranceAndOtherNetMember_67b9ce24-12c8-40d9-a1c2-04f498c72dc3" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_FinanceInsuranceAndOtherNetMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_9f66935c-6f6f-4f81-b408-59be762e866a" xlink:to="loc_sah_FinanceInsuranceAndOtherNetMember_67b9ce24-12c8-40d9-a1c2-04f498c72dc3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_555624c9-ce66-428f-b57a-802f08311e90" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_7fba1f86-00e1-430a-95ce-1578b14da205" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_555624c9-ce66-428f-b57a-802f08311e90" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseExecutiveOfficerCompensationTransitionCost_0a0a326c-e8ae-4cdd-aac4-c5830cf0d594" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseExecutiveOfficerCompensationTransitionCost"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_555624c9-ce66-428f-b57a-802f08311e90" xlink:to="loc_sah_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseExecutiveOfficerCompensationTransitionCost_0a0a326c-e8ae-4cdd-aac4-c5830cf0d594" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxSettlementsStateAndLocal_61fa5701-7db6-4e18-b005-9ed65bb17d01" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxSettlementsStateAndLocal"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_555624c9-ce66-428f-b57a-802f08311e90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxSettlementsStateAndLocal_61fa5701-7db6-4e18-b005-9ed65bb17d01" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxSettlementsStateAndLocal_83b3e9e9-182d-4934-8a4c-bf4c273b7c66" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxSettlementsStateAndLocal"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationDispositionOfAssets_8c24bf11-4df6-480f-8f70-055158f541ce" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationDispositionOfAssets"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_555624c9-ce66-428f-b57a-802f08311e90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationDispositionOfAssets_8c24bf11-4df6-480f-8f70-055158f541ce" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_8f04662d-1d38-404b-949f-62777a09748b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_555624c9-ce66-428f-b57a-802f08311e90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_8f04662d-1d38-404b-949f-62777a09748b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetCumulativeCatchUpAdjustmentToRevenueChangeInMeasureOfProgress_d4bb6168-634a-439b-8ac6-1fa84054de31" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetCumulativeCatchUpAdjustmentToRevenueChangeInMeasureOfProgress"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_555624c9-ce66-428f-b57a-802f08311e90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetCumulativeCatchUpAdjustmentToRevenueChangeInMeasureOfProgress_d4bb6168-634a-439b-8ac6-1fa84054de31" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetNetCurrent_bf50a679-a1b8-4799-8541-7ba6b53a4136" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetNetCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_555624c9-ce66-428f-b57a-802f08311e90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetNetCurrent_bf50a679-a1b8-4799-8541-7ba6b53a4136" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations_e4dcd9da-90b0-49d4-b72c-ec5379ec4168" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_555624c9-ce66-428f-b57a-802f08311e90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations_e4dcd9da-90b0-49d4-b72c-ec5379ec4168" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseExecutiveOfficerCompensationTransitionCost_02cf69b9-7b15-464c-bb00-55eb8457a66e" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseExecutiveOfficerCompensationTransitionCost"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxContingencies_0e018fb2-2214-4b84-839b-3dc7cb7c476c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxContingencies"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_555624c9-ce66-428f-b57a-802f08311e90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxContingencies_0e018fb2-2214-4b84-839b-3dc7cb7c476c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationShareBasedCompensationExcessTaxBenefitAmount_a988b89a-421b-41c4-b5df-17e512520ba8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationShareBasedCompensationExcessTaxBenefitAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_555624c9-ce66-428f-b57a-802f08311e90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationShareBasedCompensationExcessTaxBenefitAmount_a988b89a-421b-41c4-b5df-17e512520ba8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseImpairmentLosses_b897acde-d999-4277-9136-dea6fa30bdd6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseImpairmentLosses"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_555624c9-ce66-428f-b57a-802f08311e90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseImpairmentLosses_b897acde-d999-4277-9136-dea6fa30bdd6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_208aa0ea-d057-4aad-bc8b-7f2cf24f5870" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_555624c9-ce66-428f-b57a-802f08311e90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_208aa0ea-d057-4aad-bc8b-7f2cf24f5870" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsFuturePeriod_ac49b5e0-2e4d-49d8-b571-584cdfa9bff3" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsFuturePeriod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_555624c9-ce66-428f-b57a-802f08311e90" xlink:to="loc_sah_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsFuturePeriod_ac49b5e0-2e4d-49d8-b571-584cdfa9bff3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_340568b1-c391-4f61-844e-5c5731d67526" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_555624c9-ce66-428f-b57a-802f08311e90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_340568b1-c391-4f61-844e-5c5731d67526" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_IncomeTaxBenefitGoodwillImpairment_4d436f20-2357-4f90-aa18-71fcbfff94ba" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_IncomeTaxBenefitGoodwillImpairment"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_555624c9-ce66-428f-b57a-802f08311e90" xlink:to="loc_sah_IncomeTaxBenefitGoodwillImpairment_4d436f20-2357-4f90-aa18-71fcbfff94ba" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxSettlementsStateAndLocal_378bde01-5baf-4532-ad6a-722af6389582" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxSettlementsStateAndLocal"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_798728ea-9c18-4dab-834e-df4acb864694" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxSettlementsStateAndLocal_378bde01-5baf-4532-ad6a-722af6389582" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTopic840Details" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTopic840Details"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTopic840Details" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_c882dfa0-eae7-44e8-8ee5-418c2265f4ac" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_6ddf1e29-aecc-45fc-8740-02a494cc3b67" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_c882dfa0-eae7-44e8-8ee5-418c2265f4ac" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_6ddf1e29-aecc-45fc-8740-02a494cc3b67" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_FinanceLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths_20f1e61a-1565-4567-ab67-bfb1a461584e" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_FinanceLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_6ddf1e29-aecc-45fc-8740-02a494cc3b67" xlink:to="loc_sah_FinanceLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths_20f1e61a-1565-4567-ab67-bfb1a461584e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_FinanceLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueDueInTwoYears_b2624a41-e50d-43de-a086-a1956ca39777" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_FinanceLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueDueInTwoYears"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_6ddf1e29-aecc-45fc-8740-02a494cc3b67" xlink:to="loc_sah_FinanceLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueDueInTwoYears_b2624a41-e50d-43de-a086-a1956ca39777" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_FinanceLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueDueInThreeYears_b6acbd6e-3704-4464-87c4-3c47b6e3908f" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_FinanceLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueDueInThreeYears"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_6ddf1e29-aecc-45fc-8740-02a494cc3b67" xlink:to="loc_sah_FinanceLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueDueInThreeYears_b6acbd6e-3704-4464-87c4-3c47b6e3908f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_FinanceLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueDueInFourYears_b439d24a-521c-4310-8927-a22162081a8e" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_FinanceLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueDueInFourYears"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_6ddf1e29-aecc-45fc-8740-02a494cc3b67" xlink:to="loc_sah_FinanceLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueDueInFourYears_b439d24a-521c-4310-8927-a22162081a8e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_FinanceLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueDueInFiveYears_45a2c5e8-ab2a-41ed-8c17-be78178c7fd4" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_FinanceLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueDueInFiveYears"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_6ddf1e29-aecc-45fc-8740-02a494cc3b67" xlink:to="loc_sah_FinanceLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueDueInFiveYears_45a2c5e8-ab2a-41ed-8c17-be78178c7fd4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_FinanceLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter_1eefcc87-9fbb-461f-bf64-18b20602ebcc" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_FinanceLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_6ddf1e29-aecc-45fc-8740-02a494cc3b67" xlink:to="loc_sah_FinanceLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter_1eefcc87-9fbb-461f-bf64-18b20602ebcc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_FinanceLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueTotal_dc062094-d81a-4dd4-93bb-e1b4b39e6fb1" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_FinanceLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueTotal"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_6ddf1e29-aecc-45fc-8740-02a494cc3b67" xlink:to="loc_sah_FinanceLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueTotal_dc062094-d81a-4dd4-93bb-e1b4b39e6fb1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_FinanceLeasePresentValueDiscountASC840_813abca6-2f86-4f5f-b63c-8739e9d737e5" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_FinanceLeasePresentValueDiscountASC840"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_6ddf1e29-aecc-45fc-8740-02a494cc3b67" xlink:to="loc_sah_FinanceLeasePresentValueDiscountASC840_813abca6-2f86-4f5f-b63c-8739e9d737e5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_FinanceLeaseLeaseLiabilitiesASC840_84e98f2a-795b-4d2c-a95d-89d089267dff" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_FinanceLeaseLeaseLiabilitiesASC840"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_6ddf1e29-aecc-45fc-8740-02a494cc3b67" xlink:to="loc_sah_FinanceLeaseLeaseLiabilitiesASC840_84e98f2a-795b-4d2c-a95d-89d089267dff" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_FinanceLeaseSTLeaseLiabilitiesASC840_4edc908c-039b-4f8e-944a-37e29440493a" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_FinanceLeaseSTLeaseLiabilitiesASC840"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_6ddf1e29-aecc-45fc-8740-02a494cc3b67" xlink:to="loc_sah_FinanceLeaseSTLeaseLiabilitiesASC840_4edc908c-039b-4f8e-944a-37e29440493a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_FinanceLeaseLTLeaseLiabilitiesASC840_a8b5b19c-4cc7-43fa-ad1c-38219f62d0a3" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_FinanceLeaseLTLeaseLiabilitiesASC840"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_6ddf1e29-aecc-45fc-8740-02a494cc3b67" xlink:to="loc_sah_FinanceLeaseLTLeaseLiabilitiesASC840_a8b5b19c-4cc7-43fa-ad1c-38219f62d0a3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_d6d56a0f-95a2-45f9-b2cc-6eea3d08b1a2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_c882dfa0-eae7-44e8-8ee5-418c2265f4ac" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_d6d56a0f-95a2-45f9-b2cc-6eea3d08b1a2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent_2ac7fd98-1221-4aa5-9e55-039671b4a22d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_d6d56a0f-95a2-45f9-b2cc-6eea3d08b1a2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent_2ac7fd98-1221-4aa5-9e55-039671b4a22d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears_35b92a30-da9f-4527-8732-158a20885394" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_d6d56a0f-95a2-45f9-b2cc-6eea3d08b1a2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears_35b92a30-da9f-4527-8732-158a20885394" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears_b6f19d50-100a-4e5b-81ad-bb86851265cf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_d6d56a0f-95a2-45f9-b2cc-6eea3d08b1a2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears_b6f19d50-100a-4e5b-81ad-bb86851265cf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears_51439df5-01fc-4cd5-ac7b-538e2db9010d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_d6d56a0f-95a2-45f9-b2cc-6eea3d08b1a2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears_51439df5-01fc-4cd5-ac7b-538e2db9010d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears_2200dc60-6b5a-4e7c-b256-cecc62090b37" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_d6d56a0f-95a2-45f9-b2cc-6eea3d08b1a2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears_2200dc60-6b5a-4e7c-b256-cecc62090b37" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter_e2d97624-1150-408d-b8db-575aca2515ea" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_d6d56a0f-95a2-45f9-b2cc-6eea3d08b1a2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter_e2d97624-1150-408d-b8db-575aca2515ea" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue_c4f71f11-cf1a-498d-a2ec-4450cb5bdf18" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_d6d56a0f-95a2-45f9-b2cc-6eea3d08b1a2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue_c4f71f11-cf1a-498d-a2ec-4450cb5bdf18" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableAbstract_b5a22d70-44bb-4a8f-9be6-9a43cd1609aa" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_c882dfa0-eae7-44e8-8ee5-418c2265f4ac" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableAbstract_b5a22d70-44bb-4a8f-9be6-9a43cd1609aa" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableCurrent_565a45e1-05ad-42e6-9e0d-ce6f872e1908" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableAbstract_b5a22d70-44bb-4a8f-9be6-9a43cd1609aa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableCurrent_565a45e1-05ad-42e6-9e0d-ce6f872e1908" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInTwoYears_66ece65d-ac22-448e-9183-15883afea7bd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInTwoYears"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableAbstract_b5a22d70-44bb-4a8f-9be6-9a43cd1609aa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInTwoYears_66ece65d-ac22-448e-9183-15883afea7bd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInThreeYears_8c82765b-c545-41d8-83d2-8d718d1ec7cf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInThreeYears"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableAbstract_b5a22d70-44bb-4a8f-9be6-9a43cd1609aa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInThreeYears_8c82765b-c545-41d8-83d2-8d718d1ec7cf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInFourYears_c88fefcc-4527-4511-a3cb-498878ec628f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInFourYears"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableAbstract_b5a22d70-44bb-4a8f-9be6-9a43cd1609aa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInFourYears_c88fefcc-4527-4511-a3cb-498878ec628f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInFiveYears_eb262331-fa7e-4415-818b-3b9831f6a5c4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInFiveYears"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableAbstract_b5a22d70-44bb-4a8f-9be6-9a43cd1609aa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInFiveYears_eb262331-fa7e-4415-818b-3b9831f6a5c4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableThereafter_e27814b0-3bba-4fe9-9c95-84a9d018d812" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableThereafter"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableAbstract_b5a22d70-44bb-4a8f-9be6-9a43cd1609aa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableThereafter_e27814b0-3bba-4fe9-9c95-84a9d018d812" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivable_37bb07b3-f55c-4897-a643-1706b64131a7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableAbstract_b5a22d70-44bb-4a8f-9be6-9a43cd1609aa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivable_37bb07b3-f55c-4897-a643-1706b64131a7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsandDispositions" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#BusinessAcquisitionsandDispositions"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsandDispositions" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_587203c6-fa38-4ec9-a5ed-742ee2128c95" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationDisclosureTextBlock_4dda0ef1-cbb1-4630-ba71-145995b5632e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_587203c6-fa38-4ec9-a5ed-742ee2128c95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationDisclosureTextBlock_4dda0ef1-cbb1-4630-ba71-145995b5632e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsandDispositionsTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#BusinessAcquisitionsandDispositionsTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsandDispositionsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_1a80f57e-d06c-4f2a-902c-dc5825cfe67e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsIncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresTextBlock_5b4a9164-a20e-42b5-934a-058d241d7ec2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsIncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_1a80f57e-d06c-4f2a-902c-dc5825cfe67e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsIncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresTextBlock_5b4a9164-a20e-42b5-934a-058d241d7ec2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_ScheduleOfDisposalGroupsNotIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsIncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresTableTextBlock_aaa8449b-32b3-4bb2-845b-e3b22344a6e1" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_ScheduleOfDisposalGroupsNotIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsIncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_1a80f57e-d06c-4f2a-902c-dc5825cfe67e" xlink:to="loc_sah_ScheduleOfDisposalGroupsNotIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsIncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresTableTextBlock_aaa8449b-32b3-4bb2-845b-e3b22344a6e1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsandDispositionsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#BusinessAcquisitionsandDispositionsAdditionalInformationDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsandDispositionsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_fde1663c-974a-4fbd-85c4-794860e27f62" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfBusinessesAcquired_fe6f4a28-4df0-46a0-8cdd-0e652c1695e6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfBusinessesAcquired"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_fde1663c-974a-4fbd-85c4-794860e27f62" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfBusinessesAcquired_fe6f4a28-4df0-46a0-8cdd-0e652c1695e6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_ac3f5a62-8fff-4b5e-9591-b3365a0ea74c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_fde1663c-974a-4fbd-85c4-794860e27f62" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_ac3f5a62-8fff-4b5e-9591-b3365a0ea74c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_31dbdea2-0cff-4495-b73c-9e17f74b57ec" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_ac3f5a62-8fff-4b5e-9591-b3365a0ea74c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_31dbdea2-0cff-4495-b73c-9e17f74b57ec" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_dca6113c-24a3-4cfc-85fd-c8caefce1eef" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_31dbdea2-0cff-4495-b73c-9e17f74b57ec" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_dca6113c-24a3-4cfc-85fd-c8caefce1eef" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_StandAlonePreOwnedVehicleBusinessMember_4bb18e5c-6d8d-42e3-a121-9d87e4ebd557" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_StandAlonePreOwnedVehicleBusinessMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_dca6113c-24a3-4cfc-85fd-c8caefce1eef" xlink:to="loc_sah_StandAlonePreOwnedVehicleBusinessMember_4bb18e5c-6d8d-42e3-a121-9d87e4ebd557" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_713857f1-3615-410b-a926-acd307f0c66e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_ac3f5a62-8fff-4b5e-9591-b3365a0ea74c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_713857f1-3615-410b-a926-acd307f0c66e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_b771b2ec-11b2-4fd9-93d0-7b080910ed87" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_713857f1-3615-410b-a926-acd307f0c66e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_b771b2ec-11b2-4fd9-93d0-7b080910ed87" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_LuxuryFranchiseMember_2251ec5a-ad92-4bb9-b014-9766e37bf006" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_LuxuryFranchiseMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_b771b2ec-11b2-4fd9-93d0-7b080910ed87" xlink:to="loc_sah_LuxuryFranchiseMember_2251ec5a-ad92-4bb9-b014-9766e37bf006" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_PreOwnedStoresMember_667ce784-61f5-499d-afaa-a73e9a47787a" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_PreOwnedStoresMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_b771b2ec-11b2-4fd9-93d0-7b080910ed87" xlink:to="loc_sah_PreOwnedStoresMember_667ce784-61f5-499d-afaa-a73e9a47787a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_MidLineImportFranchiseMember_5d5e85ab-16d2-4663-b8a4-de4c157e64e2" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_MidLineImportFranchiseMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_b771b2ec-11b2-4fd9-93d0-7b080910ed87" xlink:to="loc_sah_MidLineImportFranchiseMember_5d5e85ab-16d2-4663-b8a4-de4c157e64e2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_830a40c0-5c66-415a-ba26-0c517c72365d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_ac3f5a62-8fff-4b5e-9591-b3365a0ea74c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_830a40c0-5c66-415a-ba26-0c517c72365d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_ad3dd2c0-65b3-40d6-8ebe-9cc96f08dc8d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_830a40c0-5c66-415a-ba26-0c517c72365d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_ad3dd2c0-65b3-40d6-8ebe-9cc96f08dc8d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_NumberOfFranchisesDisposed_b01a122a-ff3c-4439-be09-b61f08d6cc85" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_NumberOfFranchisesDisposed"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_830a40c0-5c66-415a-ba26-0c517c72365d" xlink:to="loc_sah_NumberOfFranchisesDisposed_b01a122a-ff3c-4439-be09-b61f08d6cc85" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_ProceedsFromDispositionsOfFranchises_cc042ca4-6c5f-444b-87a2-1da88a86720a" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_ProceedsFromDispositionsOfFranchises"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_830a40c0-5c66-415a-ba26-0c517c72365d" xlink:to="loc_sah_ProceedsFromDispositionsOfFranchises_cc042ca4-6c5f-444b-87a2-1da88a86720a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_NumberOfFranchisesTerminated_c395e4ea-040c-4931-bd7c-cf179145bfa8" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_NumberOfFranchisesTerminated"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_830a40c0-5c66-415a-ba26-0c517c72365d" xlink:to="loc_sah_NumberOfFranchisesTerminated_c395e4ea-040c-4931-bd7c-cf179145bfa8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_NumberOfFranchisesCeasedOperations_961d2335-3f19-4b19-928a-05d31da9cd1f" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_NumberOfFranchisesCeasedOperations"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_830a40c0-5c66-415a-ba26-0c517c72365d" xlink:to="loc_sah_NumberOfFranchisesCeasedOperations_961d2335-3f19-4b19-928a-05d31da9cd1f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinessesNetOfCashDivested_6fbe00c2-b34a-4fac-9ab1-46954e221e00" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinessesNetOfCashDivested"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_830a40c0-5c66-415a-ba26-0c517c72365d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinessesNetOfCashDivested_6fbe00c2-b34a-4fac-9ab1-46954e221e00" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsandDispositionsRevenuesandOtherActivitiesAssociatedwithDisposedDealershipsClassifiedasDiscontinuedOperationsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#BusinessAcquisitionsandDispositionsRevenuesandOtherActivitiesAssociatedwithDisposedDealershipsClassifiedasDiscontinuedOperationsDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsandDispositionsRevenuesandOtherActivitiesAssociatedwithDisposedDealershipsClassifiedasDiscontinuedOperationsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_8ed124e7-7d20-463f-98c1-0c8fb6f1a5df" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_fcd82560-d900-4ef5-8d1a-cfaf7c550331" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_8ed124e7-7d20-463f-98c1-0c8fb6f1a5df" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_fcd82560-d900-4ef5-8d1a-cfaf7c550331" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_1f847bc2-efca-4622-8a86-cbab1e163b45" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_fcd82560-d900-4ef5-8d1a-cfaf7c550331" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_1f847bc2-efca-4622-8a86-cbab1e163b45" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_bd1dd662-c00b-452b-9d2d-6d764b656889" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_1f847bc2-efca-4622-8a86-cbab1e163b45" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_bd1dd662-c00b-452b-9d2d-6d764b656889" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDiscontinuedOperationsMember_5f751f36-f533-4d84-a620-51f5c0a37dfa" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDiscontinuedOperationsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_bd1dd662-c00b-452b-9d2d-6d764b656889" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDiscontinuedOperationsMember_5f751f36-f533-4d84-a620-51f5c0a37dfa" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_89fa8983-87f8-411f-ae7d-d59486c0836e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_fcd82560-d900-4ef5-8d1a-cfaf7c550331" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_89fa8983-87f8-411f-ae7d-d59486c0836e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingIncomeLoss_6aca58f0-b9c3-4950-969a-3681d3ed4747" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_89fa8983-87f8-411f-ae7d-d59486c0836e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingIncomeLoss_6aca58f0-b9c3-4950-969a-3681d3ed4747" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_DiscontinuedOperationLeaseExitAccrualAdjustmentsAndCharges_91f2acce-c4e6-43f9-b4b0-7778e7228313" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_DiscontinuedOperationLeaseExitAccrualAdjustmentsAndCharges"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_89fa8983-87f8-411f-ae7d-d59486c0836e" xlink:to="loc_sah_DiscontinuedOperationLeaseExitAccrualAdjustmentsAndCharges_91f2acce-c4e6-43f9-b4b0-7778e7228313" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax_7078ba1e-10db-45dc-9f76-828287aefac3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_89fa8983-87f8-411f-ae7d-d59486c0836e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax_7078ba1e-10db-45dc-9f76-828287aefac3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRevenue_e087a3a9-b24e-47fa-b293-635d8e2f2582" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRevenue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_89fa8983-87f8-411f-ae7d-d59486c0836e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRevenue_e087a3a9-b24e-47fa-b293-635d8e2f2582" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsandDispositionsRevenuesandOtherActivitiesAssociatedwithDisposedDealershipsThatRemaininContinuingOperationsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#BusinessAcquisitionsandDispositionsRevenuesandOtherActivitiesAssociatedwithDisposedDealershipsThatRemaininContinuingOperationsDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsandDispositionsRevenuesandOtherActivitiesAssociatedwithDisposedDealershipsThatRemaininContinuingOperationsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_8f46c710-d22b-4816-b63c-2898c3ed660c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_44f2aa7b-7a1a-477e-b3e6-5887d3e55873" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_8f46c710-d22b-4816-b63c-2898c3ed660c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_44f2aa7b-7a1a-477e-b3e6-5887d3e55873" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_bd8e1bcb-c632-4753-86a3-0c7cc0450e9b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_44f2aa7b-7a1a-477e-b3e6-5887d3e55873" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_bd8e1bcb-c632-4753-86a3-0c7cc0450e9b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_b5d420f3-49e1-4dea-a93c-02f705593ab2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_bd8e1bcb-c632-4753-86a3-0c7cc0450e9b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_b5d420f3-49e1-4dea-a93c-02f705593ab2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationsMember_180810b4-17fe-4893-8bf9-be8809aa7232" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_b5d420f3-49e1-4dea-a93c-02f705593ab2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationsMember_180810b4-17fe-4893-8bf9-be8809aa7232" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_4edd8550-2de7-4643-b8c0-6d6015091a49" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_44f2aa7b-7a1a-477e-b3e6-5887d3e55873" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_4edd8550-2de7-4643-b8c0-6d6015091a49" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationOperatingIncomeLoss_3a85fe9a-6366-4ea7-a72f-8918560cb211" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationOperatingIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_4edd8550-2de7-4643-b8c0-6d6015091a49" xlink:to="loc_sah_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationOperatingIncomeLoss_3a85fe9a-6366-4ea7-a72f-8918560cb211" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposal_90782d8c-2a56-4666-9b33-5a8d80a93aef" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposal"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_4edd8550-2de7-4643-b8c0-6d6015091a49" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposal_90782d8c-2a56-4666-9b33-5a8d80a93aef" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_DiscontinuedOperationLeaseExitAccrualAdjustmentsAndCharges_03cbc66d-919c-4f11-a42b-b351f7df1867" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_DiscontinuedOperationLeaseExitAccrualAdjustmentsAndCharges"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_4edd8550-2de7-4643-b8c0-6d6015091a49" xlink:to="loc_sah_DiscontinuedOperationLeaseExitAccrualAdjustmentsAndCharges_03cbc66d-919c-4f11-a42b-b351f7df1867" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossBeforeIncomeTax_4bb6cd1f-67df-4147-a296-90703889f0e3" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossBeforeIncomeTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_4edd8550-2de7-4643-b8c0-6d6015091a49" xlink:to="loc_sah_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossBeforeIncomeTax_4bb6cd1f-67df-4147-a296-90703889f0e3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationRevenue_e1d199e4-7f44-4cfd-928d-4fb4aa8e4084" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationRevenue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_4edd8550-2de7-4643-b8c0-6d6015091a49" xlink:to="loc_sah_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationRevenue_e1d199e4-7f44-4cfd-928d-4fb4aa8e4084" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/Inventories" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#Inventories"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/Inventories" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract_92b73454-87fb-4ac2-9a99-f1623d311929" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureTextBlock_8d45bed5-468b-4f61-854a-bf454a9d96d9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract_92b73454-87fb-4ac2-9a99-f1623d311929" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureTextBlock_8d45bed5-468b-4f61-854a-bf454a9d96d9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/InventoriesTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#InventoriesTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/InventoriesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract_d8d4812a-e528-4d09-b92c-e03332e0301c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInventoryCurrentTableTextBlock_5a41dcab-a036-4b8e-8659-972ca8f8e33a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInventoryCurrentTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract_d8d4812a-e528-4d09-b92c-e03332e0301c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInventoryCurrentTableTextBlock_5a41dcab-a036-4b8e-8659-972ca8f8e33a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/InventoriesComponentsofInventoriesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#InventoriesComponentsofInventoriesDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/InventoriesComponentsofInventoriesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract_933e8eba-2eda-4377-9e71-6fb795885c80" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_InventoryNewVehicles_10f60b82-d844-4094-8531-6b022bc0e030" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_InventoryNewVehicles"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract_933e8eba-2eda-4377-9e71-6fb795885c80" xlink:to="loc_sah_InventoryNewVehicles_10f60b82-d844-4094-8531-6b022bc0e030" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_InventoryUsedVehicles_7b0a7ec2-3ac5-4020-9afa-2f5d0ebc0bff" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_InventoryUsedVehicles"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract_933e8eba-2eda-4377-9e71-6fb795885c80" xlink:to="loc_sah_InventoryUsedVehicles_7b0a7ec2-3ac5-4020-9afa-2f5d0ebc0bff" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_InventoryServiceLoaners_3f084b9f-f10a-4bf3-8e7d-52c3cab4077a" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_InventoryServiceLoaners"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract_933e8eba-2eda-4377-9e71-6fb795885c80" xlink:to="loc_sah_InventoryServiceLoaners_3f084b9f-f10a-4bf3-8e7d-52c3cab4077a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryPartsAndComponentsNetOfReserves_ddc473e7-663f-47cf-9085-2d397e9ef681" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryPartsAndComponentsNetOfReserves"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract_933e8eba-2eda-4377-9e71-6fb795885c80" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryPartsAndComponentsNetOfReserves_ddc473e7-663f-47cf-9085-2d397e9ef681" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryNet_26536658-b1bc-4086-9ca4-ad764ac6a621" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract_933e8eba-2eda-4377-9e71-6fb795885c80" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryNet_26536658-b1bc-4086-9ca4-ad764ac6a621" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/PropertyandEquipment" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#PropertyandEquipment"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/PropertyandEquipment" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_ca207c6d-f094-4347-b030-03c5f7bbdb38" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock_b0627823-ebd2-4fdc-8236-39fc84011eaa" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_ca207c6d-f094-4347-b030-03c5f7bbdb38" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock_b0627823-ebd2-4fdc-8236-39fc84011eaa" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/PropertyandEquipmentTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#PropertyandEquipmentTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/PropertyandEquipmentTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_05a00d31-739d-4414-a551-580300ef4fb0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock_f17b5454-938e-4c1f-ae45-13e715a36c55" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_05a00d31-739d-4414-a551-580300ef4fb0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock_f17b5454-938e-4c1f-ae45-13e715a36c55" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/PropertyandEquipmentComponentsofPropertyandEquipmentNetDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#PropertyandEquipmentComponentsofPropertyandEquipmentNetDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/PropertyandEquipmentComponentsofPropertyandEquipmentNetDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_fb1f34c8-4355-45bc-a1e3-1e10bbc0feb9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_2b8e9632-d9e8-4eb2-82a0-4c8abf4b1ea6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_fb1f34c8-4355-45bc-a1e3-1e10bbc0feb9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_2b8e9632-d9e8-4eb2-82a0-4c8abf4b1ea6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_b55f6166-b0b3-4da7-89d1-15c98fc1eabc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_2b8e9632-d9e8-4eb2-82a0-4c8abf4b1ea6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_b55f6166-b0b3-4da7-89d1-15c98fc1eabc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_74234636-03c7-48e9-89f2-79b27c4203c2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_b55f6166-b0b3-4da7-89d1-15c98fc1eabc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_74234636-03c7-48e9-89f2-79b27c4203c2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LandMember_b933ca73-6c6b-4c25-9ed2-5ded73dbaa11" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LandMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_74234636-03c7-48e9-89f2-79b27c4203c2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LandMember_b933ca73-6c6b-4c25-9ed2-5ded73dbaa11" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BuildingImprovementsMember_a3ee1e1f-e413-438f-8ebc-bba058bad463" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BuildingImprovementsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_74234636-03c7-48e9-89f2-79b27c4203c2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BuildingImprovementsMember_a3ee1e1f-e413-438f-8ebc-bba058bad463" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_SoftwareAndComputerEquipmentMember_57212dae-3a02-496e-98b4-beb83cbec5e4" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_SoftwareAndComputerEquipmentMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_74234636-03c7-48e9-89f2-79b27c4203c2" xlink:to="loc_sah_SoftwareAndComputerEquipmentMember_57212dae-3a02-496e-98b4-beb83cbec5e4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_PartsAndServiceEquipmentMember_868e45fe-cffa-4f6b-84f7-6f77d4d27811" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_PartsAndServiceEquipmentMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_74234636-03c7-48e9-89f2-79b27c4203c2" xlink:to="loc_sah_PartsAndServiceEquipmentMember_868e45fe-cffa-4f6b-84f7-6f77d4d27811" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OfficeEquipmentMember_170d423d-c638-4f76-b3d3-54692ad9636f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OfficeEquipmentMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_74234636-03c7-48e9-89f2-79b27c4203c2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OfficeEquipmentMember_170d423d-c638-4f76-b3d3-54692ad9636f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VehiclesMember_ded16d99-5241-4278-a605-d9d0accc8323" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VehiclesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_74234636-03c7-48e9-89f2-79b27c4203c2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VehiclesMember_ded16d99-5241-4278-a605-d9d0accc8323" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressMember_4f434419-4d76-49b7-ae0b-093a80c707d0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_74234636-03c7-48e9-89f2-79b27c4203c2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressMember_4f434419-4d76-49b7-ae0b-093a80c707d0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetExcludingCapitalLeasedAssets_5331f4f5-06ef-499b-b619-7ab396fd09e6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetExcludingCapitalLeasedAssets"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_74234636-03c7-48e9-89f2-79b27c4203c2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetExcludingCapitalLeasedAssets_5331f4f5-06ef-499b-b619-7ab396fd09e6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_7a2fc854-4511-4d7f-b7d4-0c8880fcef1b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_2b8e9632-d9e8-4eb2-82a0-4c8abf4b1ea6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_7a2fc854-4511-4d7f-b7d4-0c8880fcef1b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_2a7e87b1-1f7f-4ee5-9787-aaf1ceea6f8e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_7a2fc854-4511-4d7f-b7d4-0c8880fcef1b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_2a7e87b1-1f7f-4ee5-9787-aaf1ceea6f8e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_da021a8b-b697-4804-8eae-b86d5499e825" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_7a2fc854-4511-4d7f-b7d4-0c8880fcef1b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_da021a8b-b697-4804-8eae-b86d5499e825" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentBeforeReclassificationOfAssetsHeldToSale_b2616faa-f7ac-4a44-834d-8490409c6272" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentBeforeReclassificationOfAssetsHeldToSale"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_7a2fc854-4511-4d7f-b7d4-0c8880fcef1b" xlink:to="loc_sah_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentBeforeReclassificationOfAssetsHeldToSale_b2616faa-f7ac-4a44-834d-8490409c6272" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsHeldForSaleNotPartOfDisposalGroupCurrent_a194a09e-2cdc-4726-96a0-fa4304c30464" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsHeldForSaleNotPartOfDisposalGroupCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_7a2fc854-4511-4d7f-b7d4-0c8880fcef1b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsHeldForSaleNotPartOfDisposalGroupCurrent_a194a09e-2cdc-4726-96a0-fa4304c30464" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_0a019b9f-1222-4452-8867-9f39cb885522" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_7a2fc854-4511-4d7f-b7d4-0c8880fcef1b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_0a019b9f-1222-4452-8867-9f39cb885522" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/PropertyandEquipmentComponentsofPropertyandEquipmentNetDetails_1" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#PropertyandEquipmentComponentsofPropertyandEquipmentNetDetails_1"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/PropertyandEquipmentComponentsofPropertyandEquipmentNetDetails_1" xlink:type="extended"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/PropertyandEquipmentAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#PropertyandEquipmentAdditionalInformationDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/PropertyandEquipmentAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_a9a04d1d-57db-43d8-b24b-eb01566eb331" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions_d70dec6c-317b-47b9-92a5-167aa8846994" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_a9a04d1d-57db-43d8-b24b-eb01566eb331" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions_d70dec6c-317b-47b9-92a5-167aa8846994" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_fb660939-d7cb-4949-9101-9687fdb97ea7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_a9a04d1d-57db-43d8-b24b-eb01566eb331" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_fb660939-d7cb-4949-9101-9687fdb97ea7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse_d6e0489d-d35f-4944-ba66-46698a30fd21" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_a9a04d1d-57db-43d8-b24b-eb01566eb331" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse_d6e0489d-d35f-4944-ba66-46698a30fd21" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf_d7eb1963-fc9e-4f19-8013-eff63d579c98" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_a9a04d1d-57db-43d8-b24b-eb01566eb331" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf_d7eb1963-fc9e-4f19-8013-eff63d579c98" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/GoodwillandIntangibleAssets" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#GoodwillandIntangibleAssets"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/GoodwillandIntangibleAssets" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_d959710f-830d-45f2-aa0e-bafd7f517f53" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlock_fdc60499-126b-4965-a56f-56dee581de1b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_d959710f-830d-45f2-aa0e-bafd7f517f53" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlock_fdc60499-126b-4965-a56f-56dee581de1b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/GoodwillandIntangibleAssetsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#GoodwillandIntangibleAssetsAdditionalInformationDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/GoodwillandIntangibleAssetsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_88e8c182-db19-4dae-9d3f-33f80ea92d78" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_41c38083-cd30-4c78-b17c-c56b317c3b84" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_88e8c182-db19-4dae-9d3f-33f80ea92d78" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_41c38083-cd30-4c78-b17c-c56b317c3b84" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss_5ec9b77d-5c44-42bd-a8fd-c248728e1087" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_88e8c182-db19-4dae-9d3f-33f80ea92d78" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss_5ec9b77d-5c44-42bd-a8fd-c248728e1087" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_IncomeTaxBenefitGoodwillImpairment_3b7b1512-6e28-425f-977d-b50abc57b6cd" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_IncomeTaxBenefitGoodwillImpairment"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_88e8c182-db19-4dae-9d3f-33f80ea92d78" xlink:to="loc_sah_IncomeTaxBenefitGoodwillImpairment_3b7b1512-6e28-425f-977d-b50abc57b6cd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_GoodwillFranchiseSegment_02ab70ce-ab11-4244-970f-1c6d75d7a961" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_GoodwillFranchiseSegment"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_88e8c182-db19-4dae-9d3f-33f80ea92d78" xlink:to="loc_sah_GoodwillFranchiseSegment_02ab70ce-ab11-4244-970f-1c6d75d7a961" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_GoodwillPreownedSegment_5db8d70c-4a14-436c-8709-60cefa85998c" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_GoodwillPreownedSegment"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_88e8c182-db19-4dae-9d3f-33f80ea92d78" xlink:to="loc_sah_GoodwillPreownedSegment_5db8d70c-4a14-436c-8709-60cefa85998c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_0232f543-9246-4393-b67b-05b47c4b60a3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_88e8c182-db19-4dae-9d3f-33f80ea92d78" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_0232f543-9246-4393-b67b-05b47c4b60a3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_43161738-df45-46b8-abfb-8c5ce34d954f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_0232f543-9246-4393-b67b-05b47c4b60a3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_43161738-df45-46b8-abfb-8c5ce34d954f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_9f81ca7c-1041-4ddb-9644-1544ca563ab8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_43161738-df45-46b8-abfb-8c5ce34d954f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_9f81ca7c-1041-4ddb-9644-1544ca563ab8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FranchiseRightsMember_2e1dd9c0-3a20-4ae0-8434-32e68e7c1b6e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FranchiseRightsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_9f81ca7c-1041-4ddb-9644-1544ca563ab8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FranchiseRightsMember_2e1dd9c0-3a20-4ae0-8434-32e68e7c1b6e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_67760f00-26c0-42e7-8d79-9c9b6aad0a9d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_0232f543-9246-4393-b67b-05b47c4b60a3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_67760f00-26c0-42e7-8d79-9c9b6aad0a9d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_4ea08b06-dc23-4ce5-bad9-1001cb8a9aab" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_67760f00-26c0-42e7-8d79-9c9b6aad0a9d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_4ea08b06-dc23-4ce5-bad9-1001cb8a9aab" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseAgreementsMember_a7f10121-e750-4282-9e87-ec4dcb5013df" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseAgreementsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_4ea08b06-dc23-4ce5-bad9-1001cb8a9aab" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseAgreementsMember_a7f10121-e750-4282-9e87-ec4dcb5013df" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_df7d5d93-e978-4bfd-8f1f-3debe5608aed" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_0232f543-9246-4393-b67b-05b47c4b60a3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_df7d5d93-e978-4bfd-8f1f-3debe5608aed" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_18cd6993-1358-4375-a2b5-c92c0e6e3fb1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_df7d5d93-e978-4bfd-8f1f-3debe5608aed" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_18cd6993-1358-4375-a2b5-c92c0e6e3fb1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_b2de4941-33e3-4974-be76-c03f8311aba7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_df7d5d93-e978-4bfd-8f1f-3debe5608aed" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_b2de4941-33e3-4974-be76-c03f8311aba7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_76ee2948-56b3-45cd-a9b7-e6d9944d17c3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_df7d5d93-e978-4bfd-8f1f-3debe5608aed" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_76ee2948-56b3-45cd-a9b7-e6d9944d17c3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/LongTermDebt" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#LongTermDebt"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/LongTermDebt" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_86a73894-8f8c-419d-a95c-d2b877a8d69c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtTextBlock_39323130-c960-4353-b02f-57185bec4a39" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_86a73894-8f8c-419d-a95c-d2b877a8d69c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtTextBlock_39323130-c960-4353-b02f-57185bec4a39" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/LongTermDebtTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#LongTermDebtTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/LongTermDebtTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_34f4a218-2ae2-4cba-af28-e6ae701e6924" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_4b9e1c03-e2c2-43f3-bf80-102a0530115a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_34f4a218-2ae2-4cba-af28-e6ae701e6924" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_4b9e1c03-e2c2-43f3-bf80-102a0530115a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_88393e92-137b-4b9a-ab65-4f4aeacffa6a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_4b9e1c03-e2c2-43f3-bf80-102a0530115a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_88393e92-137b-4b9a-ab65-4f4aeacffa6a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_d7bd1787-f61d-471e-a619-f6cda2260f80" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_88393e92-137b-4b9a-ab65-4f4aeacffa6a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_d7bd1787-f61d-471e-a619-f6cda2260f80" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_FivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember_3e3039e7-b9d3-40c9-9316-837fc08ffdb6" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_FivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_d7bd1787-f61d-471e-a619-f6cda2260f80" xlink:to="loc_sah_FivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember_3e3039e7-b9d3-40c9-9316-837fc08ffdb6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_SixPointOneTwoFivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentySevenMember_b2d5b117-2a84-4f99-bf3a-75189e5a7864" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_SixPointOneTwoFivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentySevenMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_d7bd1787-f61d-471e-a619-f6cda2260f80" xlink:to="loc_sah_SixPointOneTwoFivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentySevenMember_b2d5b117-2a84-4f99-bf3a-75189e5a7864" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_168cd79a-3b51-4a97-b56b-95362c848cc3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_4b9e1c03-e2c2-43f3-bf80-102a0530115a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_168cd79a-3b51-4a97-b56b-95362c848cc3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtInstrumentsTextBlock_309b6d2f-bf55-45e1-86b4-a185877fc845" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtInstrumentsTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_168cd79a-3b51-4a97-b56b-95362c848cc3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtInstrumentsTextBlock_309b6d2f-bf55-45e1-86b4-a185877fc845" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionTableTextBlock_c088295a-48b7-4a9d-a97a-1e8aa31f9711" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_168cd79a-3b51-4a97-b56b-95362c848cc3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionTableTextBlock_c088295a-48b7-4a9d-a97a-1e8aa31f9711" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_DebtInstrumentCovenantTableTextBlock_9b7cf100-693b-42da-9fa7-92880166b9c8" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_DebtInstrumentCovenantTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_168cd79a-3b51-4a97-b56b-95362c848cc3" xlink:to="loc_sah_DebtInstrumentCovenantTableTextBlock_9b7cf100-693b-42da-9fa7-92880166b9c8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInterestRateDerivativesTableTextBlock_8bc3912a-d512-4c3e-a554-e877a6280dc4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInterestRateDerivativesTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_168cd79a-3b51-4a97-b56b-95362c848cc3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInterestRateDerivativesTableTextBlock_8bc3912a-d512-4c3e-a554-e877a6280dc4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/LongTermDebtLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#LongTermDebtLongTermDebtDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/LongTermDebtLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_8366995f-a4f7-4c88-a891-589c72ea02ee" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_55143214-1e7a-4a2f-9b49-e7a3445e611b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_8366995f-a4f7-4c88-a891-589c72ea02ee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_55143214-1e7a-4a2f-9b49-e7a3445e611b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_5f3c8631-693c-48c1-a2b7-2a720dbd70f0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_55143214-1e7a-4a2f-9b49-e7a3445e611b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_5f3c8631-693c-48c1-a2b7-2a720dbd70f0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_f987f4bc-3335-48a9-b93c-28a1386af99a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_5f3c8631-693c-48c1-a2b7-2a720dbd70f0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_f987f4bc-3335-48a9-b93c-28a1386af99a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_TwoThousandSixteenRevolvingCreditFacilityMember_d034564b-b662-46b0-af2c-949368761870" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_TwoThousandSixteenRevolvingCreditFacilityMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_f987f4bc-3335-48a9-b93c-28a1386af99a" xlink:to="loc_sah_TwoThousandSixteenRevolvingCreditFacilityMember_d034564b-b662-46b0-af2c-949368761870" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_FivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember_3723f215-41af-41a0-bcfd-84fdcb14735b" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_FivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_f987f4bc-3335-48a9-b93c-28a1386af99a" xlink:to="loc_sah_FivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember_3723f215-41af-41a0-bcfd-84fdcb14735b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_SixPointOneTwoFivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentySevenMember_657ce992-a9d6-4e8b-9d6c-b8857fd473c5" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_SixPointOneTwoFivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentySevenMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_f987f4bc-3335-48a9-b93c-28a1386af99a" xlink:to="loc_sah_SixPointOneTwoFivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentySevenMember_657ce992-a9d6-4e8b-9d6c-b8857fd473c5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_A2019MortgageFacilityMember_eaa935dd-2b23-4efd-8384-1435a22018c3" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_A2019MortgageFacilityMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_f987f4bc-3335-48a9-b93c-28a1386af99a" xlink:to="loc_sah_A2019MortgageFacilityMember_eaa935dd-2b23-4efd-8384-1435a22018c3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_d191ff59-7410-439d-815e-41c5203411ec" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_55143214-1e7a-4a2f-9b49-e7a3445e611b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_d191ff59-7410-439d-815e-41c5203411ec" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_1bce71db-ea74-469d-bbca-a51e2d50694e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_d191ff59-7410-439d-815e-41c5203411ec" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_1bce71db-ea74-469d-bbca-a51e2d50694e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_MortgageNotesPayableMember_a8e8c27f-449c-4e19-9e4c-c8fd6619ac22" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_MortgageNotesPayableMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_1bce71db-ea74-469d-bbca-a51e2d50694e" xlink:to="loc_sah_MortgageNotesPayableMember_a8e8c27f-449c-4e19-9e4c-c8fd6619ac22" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_ed7f2b41-d0af-4c17-a377-ebc703543113" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_55143214-1e7a-4a2f-9b49-e7a3445e611b" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_ed7f2b41-d0af-4c17-a377-ebc703543113" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_3bfb0ef9-d60d-4536-9b07-5fc3bb698245" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_ed7f2b41-d0af-4c17-a377-ebc703543113" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_3bfb0ef9-d60d-4536-9b07-5fc3bb698245" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_32d58260-0eb7-485f-85fc-c3ef381cd25b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_3bfb0ef9-d60d-4536-9b07-5fc3bb698245" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_32d58260-0eb7-485f-85fc-c3ef381cd25b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_8cca41a8-7718-42ee-ac7d-5293017d1e0b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_3bfb0ef9-d60d-4536-9b07-5fc3bb698245" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_8cca41a8-7718-42ee-ac7d-5293017d1e0b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_97a40404-bbec-4d17-83e5-55c4a316b9a8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_55143214-1e7a-4a2f-9b49-e7a3445e611b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_97a40404-bbec-4d17-83e5-55c4a316b9a8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_36564f35-5a8b-44e3-951e-308b04131aa9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCredit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_97a40404-bbec-4d17-83e5-55c4a316b9a8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_36564f35-5a8b-44e3-951e-308b04131aa9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubordinatedDebt_e44322e2-6320-4cd8-8680-a0c9dfbf4bfc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubordinatedDebt"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_97a40404-bbec-4d17-83e5-55c4a316b9a8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubordinatedDebt_e44322e2-6320-4cd8-8680-a0c9dfbf4bfc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestAmount_f12fe2c8-886c-463b-9902-82dd9a2b5390" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_97a40404-bbec-4d17-83e5-55c4a316b9a8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestAmount_f12fe2c8-886c-463b-9902-82dd9a2b5390" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtPercentageBearingVariableInterestAmount_8a9a5c25-081d-4b47-96f8-d1a95afc3eab" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtPercentageBearingVariableInterestAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_97a40404-bbec-4d17-83e5-55c4a316b9a8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtPercentageBearingVariableInterestAmount_8a9a5c25-081d-4b47-96f8-d1a95afc3eab" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLongTermDebt_d5d55256-5f5a-4b0a-b295-8230aba2a517" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLongTermDebt"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_97a40404-bbec-4d17-83e5-55c4a316b9a8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLongTermDebt_d5d55256-5f5a-4b0a-b295-8230aba2a517" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_33afb9fb-60d2-4c33-accd-26b51036ca7b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_97a40404-bbec-4d17-83e5-55c4a316b9a8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_33afb9fb-60d2-4c33-accd-26b51036ca7b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_231f3727-16bb-48c2-b3f2-c931dac81a2a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_97a40404-bbec-4d17-83e5-55c4a316b9a8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_231f3727-16bb-48c2-b3f2-c931dac81a2a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_c02ec781-e7f1-4244-a05c-e272cf328905" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_97a40404-bbec-4d17-83e5-55c4a316b9a8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_c02ec781-e7f1-4244-a05c-e272cf328905" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_1c79eae1-1154-4755-a865-dc2cb54b3ab3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_97a40404-bbec-4d17-83e5-55c4a316b9a8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_1c79eae1-1154-4755-a865-dc2cb54b3ab3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_f1e066b7-20bc-471a-956c-96b48281287a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_97a40404-bbec-4d17-83e5-55c4a316b9a8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_f1e066b7-20bc-471a-956c-96b48281287a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_e4d9aa8c-5396-4c5a-aeb8-fd8b0bf1ac1e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_97a40404-bbec-4d17-83e5-55c4a316b9a8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_e4d9aa8c-5396-4c5a-aeb8-fd8b0bf1ac1e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate_8916a5ba-2288-404b-aaac-1b0e99e301a4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_97a40404-bbec-4d17-83e5-55c4a316b9a8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate_8916a5ba-2288-404b-aaac-1b0e99e301a4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingVariableInterestRate_53e9f70e-e9fb-4006-a958-3e8c0ed7607c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingVariableInterestRate"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_97a40404-bbec-4d17-83e5-55c4a316b9a8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingVariableInterestRate_53e9f70e-e9fb-4006-a958-3e8c0ed7607c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateAtPeriodEnd_4087cf75-7f54-4cc6-9901-32ce9443acbe" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateAtPeriodEnd"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_97a40404-bbec-4d17-83e5-55c4a316b9a8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateAtPeriodEnd_4087cf75-7f54-4cc6-9901-32ce9443acbe" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/LongTermDebtLongTermDebtDetails_1" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#LongTermDebtLongTermDebtDetails_1"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/LongTermDebtLongTermDebtDetails_1" xlink:type="extended"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/LongTermDebtDebtRedemptionDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#LongTermDebtDebtRedemptionDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/LongTermDebtDebtRedemptionDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_4895a8ee-ef7a-48b4-aa2d-cd06bfe9766c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionTable_2eba79f8-3f54-4d31-a21c-bf99d4ab0ab9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_4895a8ee-ef7a-48b4-aa2d-cd06bfe9766c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionTable_2eba79f8-3f54-4d31-a21c-bf99d4ab0ab9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_78faa9ae-f4ef-4359-8192-f6be173ad4f1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionTable_2eba79f8-3f54-4d31-a21c-bf99d4ab0ab9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_78faa9ae-f4ef-4359-8192-f6be173ad4f1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_f74d5ef5-436a-46e0-bc4e-a7aa559c3a81" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_78faa9ae-f4ef-4359-8192-f6be173ad4f1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_f74d5ef5-436a-46e0-bc4e-a7aa559c3a81" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_FivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember_484bb176-16dd-4c30-bd91-407062a96818" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_FivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_f74d5ef5-436a-46e0-bc4e-a7aa559c3a81" xlink:to="loc_sah_FivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember_484bb176-16dd-4c30-bd91-407062a96818" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_SixPointOneTwoFivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentySevenMember_1a24aa22-88b3-4bf6-bd0a-bcc7a9efa308" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_SixPointOneTwoFivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentySevenMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_f74d5ef5-436a-46e0-bc4e-a7aa559c3a81" xlink:to="loc_sah_SixPointOneTwoFivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentySevenMember_1a24aa22-88b3-4bf6-bd0a-bcc7a9efa308" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_A2019MortgageFacilityMember_83447fa7-3c08-4eee-a2dd-35085159c9d7" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_A2019MortgageFacilityMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_f74d5ef5-436a-46e0-bc4e-a7aa559c3a81" xlink:to="loc_sah_A2019MortgageFacilityMember_83447fa7-3c08-4eee-a2dd-35085159c9d7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_a302767b-a1bc-4bc7-a231-264210cc74bf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionTable_2eba79f8-3f54-4d31-a21c-bf99d4ab0ab9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_a302767b-a1bc-4bc7-a231-264210cc74bf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_5a68c365-6b2a-4b68-a82a-3e60439decb2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_a302767b-a1bc-4bc7-a231-264210cc74bf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_5a68c365-6b2a-4b68-a82a-3e60439decb2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodOneMember_cf27a33f-9aa6-4940-869f-14a7b878b192" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodOneMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_5a68c365-6b2a-4b68-a82a-3e60439decb2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodOneMember_cf27a33f-9aa6-4940-869f-14a7b878b192" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodTwoMember_5e7d95b4-44f1-42cf-81d5-222d9b9fab9f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodTwoMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_5a68c365-6b2a-4b68-a82a-3e60439decb2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodTwoMember_5e7d95b4-44f1-42cf-81d5-222d9b9fab9f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodThreeMember_6e056a91-68a5-4da5-97cb-3d6a0e7226fb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodThreeMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_5a68c365-6b2a-4b68-a82a-3e60439decb2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodThreeMember_6e056a91-68a5-4da5-97cb-3d6a0e7226fb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodFourMember_9ca8ffb7-7457-4aea-817d-a78b28981b7d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodFourMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_5a68c365-6b2a-4b68-a82a-3e60439decb2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodFourMember_9ca8ffb7-7457-4aea-817d-a78b28981b7d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionLineItems_8fd65119-f747-4ad1-b709-eee6c3048427" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionTable_2eba79f8-3f54-4d31-a21c-bf99d4ab0ab9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionLineItems_8fd65119-f747-4ad1-b709-eee6c3048427" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentageOfPrincipalAmountRedeemed_a1728723-e1d9-4d37-b061-d0bedc733e49" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentageOfPrincipalAmountRedeemed"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionLineItems_8fd65119-f747-4ad1-b709-eee6c3048427" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentageOfPrincipalAmountRedeemed_a1728723-e1d9-4d37-b061-d0bedc733e49" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/LongTermDebt2016CreditFacilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#LongTermDebt2016CreditFacilitiesDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/LongTermDebt2016CreditFacilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_24e03ebe-d41e-4728-9e99-0a79e523cb8a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_5e504dbe-b727-4534-bf02-df9662a07d1c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_24e03ebe-d41e-4728-9e99-0a79e523cb8a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_5e504dbe-b727-4534-bf02-df9662a07d1c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_28d1aa2f-569f-430c-9167-02d4b9c35422" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_5e504dbe-b727-4534-bf02-df9662a07d1c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_28d1aa2f-569f-430c-9167-02d4b9c35422" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_8569b86b-41d5-4181-9a31-6cdea8917691" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_28d1aa2f-569f-430c-9167-02d4b9c35422" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_8569b86b-41d5-4181-9a31-6cdea8917691" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_08d16ffb-c1ed-4d50-b804-42ccdb7cf741" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_8569b86b-41d5-4181-9a31-6cdea8917691" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_08d16ffb-c1ed-4d50-b804-42ccdb7cf741" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_85b1eacd-7815-43fd-b041-4ea737e8ff3c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_5e504dbe-b727-4534-bf02-df9662a07d1c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_85b1eacd-7815-43fd-b041-4ea737e8ff3c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_b6dbcca6-e7a2-4310-ad76-76506100dd5c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_85b1eacd-7815-43fd-b041-4ea737e8ff3c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_b6dbcca6-e7a2-4310-ad76-76506100dd5c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_TwoThousandSixteenRevolvingCreditFacilityMember_a2046073-2b5f-49af-98a3-a6d8be3e462a" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_TwoThousandSixteenRevolvingCreditFacilityMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_b6dbcca6-e7a2-4310-ad76-76506100dd5c" xlink:to="loc_sah_TwoThousandSixteenRevolvingCreditFacilityMember_a2046073-2b5f-49af-98a3-a6d8be3e462a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_TwoThousandSixteenCreditFacilityMember_f8226a14-ecbe-4b49-8b8e-bd26bf0187bb" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_TwoThousandSixteenCreditFacilityMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_b6dbcca6-e7a2-4310-ad76-76506100dd5c" xlink:to="loc_sah_TwoThousandSixteenCreditFacilityMember_f8226a14-ecbe-4b49-8b8e-bd26bf0187bb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_A2016NewVehicleFloorPlanFacilityand2016UsedVehicleFloorPlanFacilityMember_358fe4f1-0418-4f2d-8678-9e9556d1a4a9" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_A2016NewVehicleFloorPlanFacilityand2016UsedVehicleFloorPlanFacilityMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_b6dbcca6-e7a2-4310-ad76-76506100dd5c" xlink:to="loc_sah_A2016NewVehicleFloorPlanFacilityand2016UsedVehicleFloorPlanFacilityMember_358fe4f1-0418-4f2d-8678-9e9556d1a4a9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_TwoThousandSixteenVehicleFloorPlanFacilityMember_135dc2d2-9547-4b2a-9230-44ed388a9fa1" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_TwoThousandSixteenVehicleFloorPlanFacilityMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_b6dbcca6-e7a2-4310-ad76-76506100dd5c" xlink:to="loc_sah_TwoThousandSixteenVehicleFloorPlanFacilityMember_135dc2d2-9547-4b2a-9230-44ed388a9fa1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_383e3844-5b35-41d8-8132-7574f3cfb41c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_5e504dbe-b727-4534-bf02-df9662a07d1c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_383e3844-5b35-41d8-8132-7574f3cfb41c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityIncreaseDecreaseForPeriodNet_014728de-ebdd-4d8b-9d3b-2b0aff26fdec" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityIncreaseDecreaseForPeriodNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_383e3844-5b35-41d8-8132-7574f3cfb41c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityIncreaseDecreaseForPeriodNet_014728de-ebdd-4d8b-9d3b-2b0aff26fdec" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity_de69fa27-afd7-4256-bf27-1ed1a127fa60" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_383e3844-5b35-41d8-8132-7574f3cfb41c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity_de69fa27-afd7-4256-bf27-1ed1a127fa60" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_fe0b7bab-b8d3-44e7-97a2-812cbbb8f876" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_383e3844-5b35-41d8-8132-7574f3cfb41c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_fe0b7bab-b8d3-44e7-97a2-812cbbb8f876" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_RevolvingBorrowingBase_620a4af8-4e3b-400a-a591-3f12f911ef62" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_RevolvingBorrowingBase"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_383e3844-5b35-41d8-8132-7574f3cfb41c" xlink:to="loc_sah_RevolvingBorrowingBase_620a4af8-4e3b-400a-a591-3f12f911ef62" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_a77574e0-2418-41aa-8360-2390b3867f2c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCredit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_383e3844-5b35-41d8-8132-7574f3cfb41c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_a77574e0-2418-41aa-8360-2390b3867f2c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_cbaac67a-34cf-46f9-92c2-6fa5224fba03" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_383e3844-5b35-41d8-8132-7574f3cfb41c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_cbaac67a-34cf-46f9-92c2-6fa5224fba03" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_82caaf64-c95d-47e6-a0b4-aa93d812f472" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_383e3844-5b35-41d8-8132-7574f3cfb41c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_82caaf64-c95d-47e6-a0b4-aa93d812f472" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_LineofCreditFacilityMaximumCommitmentAllocationPercentage_e5de02c3-09b3-49b5-9077-8a0d0087c26c" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_LineofCreditFacilityMaximumCommitmentAllocationPercentage"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_383e3844-5b35-41d8-8132-7574f3cfb41c" xlink:to="loc_sah_LineofCreditFacilityMaximumCommitmentAllocationPercentage_e5de02c3-09b3-49b5-9077-8a0d0087c26c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/LongTermDebtNotesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#LongTermDebtNotesNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/LongTermDebtNotesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_38e8e4ef-b118-4c65-90f5-2d8fd7557015" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_913d7bf5-417a-474f-8847-3703d0218f60" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_38e8e4ef-b118-4c65-90f5-2d8fd7557015" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_913d7bf5-417a-474f-8847-3703d0218f60" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_7302beeb-e666-4e76-a3f0-6ada6b9e23c3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_913d7bf5-417a-474f-8847-3703d0218f60" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_7302beeb-e666-4e76-a3f0-6ada6b9e23c3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_7bf37b4b-1d3d-456e-a2fd-6176dc6cc93d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_7302beeb-e666-4e76-a3f0-6ada6b9e23c3" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_7bf37b4b-1d3d-456e-a2fd-6176dc6cc93d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_4d0afac2-fa24-43a0-80b8-580fee82b3bf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_7bf37b4b-1d3d-456e-a2fd-6176dc6cc93d" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_4d0afac2-fa24-43a0-80b8-580fee82b3bf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_1e64b317-5075-4aff-8a92-8580b8dfe907" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_7bf37b4b-1d3d-456e-a2fd-6176dc6cc93d" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_1e64b317-5075-4aff-8a92-8580b8dfe907" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_c23b028a-f5c3-41a0-a09b-4db15171fdf8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_913d7bf5-417a-474f-8847-3703d0218f60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_c23b028a-f5c3-41a0-a09b-4db15171fdf8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_16829709-962a-431e-905e-7922c22bf89f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_c23b028a-f5c3-41a0-a09b-4db15171fdf8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_16829709-962a-431e-905e-7922c22bf89f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_FivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember_e46980b2-201c-4b1a-8153-e9dc7deb6f97" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_FivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_16829709-962a-431e-905e-7922c22bf89f" xlink:to="loc_sah_FivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember_e46980b2-201c-4b1a-8153-e9dc7deb6f97" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_SixPointOneTwoFivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentySevenMember_45946d34-bc50-46f9-aa5d-7ad349e27fcc" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_SixPointOneTwoFivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentySevenMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_16829709-962a-431e-905e-7922c22bf89f" xlink:to="loc_sah_SixPointOneTwoFivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentySevenMember_45946d34-bc50-46f9-aa5d-7ad349e27fcc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_SevenPercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentyTwoMember_dbf0401b-e5fa-4fc4-b9d7-ec306d7e1329" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_SevenPercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentyTwoMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_16829709-962a-431e-905e-7922c22bf89f" xlink:to="loc_sah_SevenPercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentyTwoMember_dbf0401b-e5fa-4fc4-b9d7-ec306d7e1329" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_A2019MortgageFacilityMember_543dee82-bcaa-43fa-86ea-52e6629a8dbf" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_A2019MortgageFacilityMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_16829709-962a-431e-905e-7922c22bf89f" xlink:to="loc_sah_A2019MortgageFacilityMember_543dee82-bcaa-43fa-86ea-52e6629a8dbf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_96bb8718-3d1b-452c-b318-a30a78e87c04" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_913d7bf5-417a-474f-8847-3703d0218f60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_96bb8718-3d1b-452c-b318-a30a78e87c04" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_26172d95-47fd-47ce-b9ad-4fd54b31cef0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_96bb8718-3d1b-452c-b318-a30a78e87c04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_26172d95-47fd-47ce-b9ad-4fd54b31cef0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_MortgageNotesPayableMember_866f7090-8b2d-42f2-80e8-7938c1141755" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_MortgageNotesPayableMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_26172d95-47fd-47ce-b9ad-4fd54b31cef0" xlink:to="loc_sah_MortgageNotesPayableMember_866f7090-8b2d-42f2-80e8-7938c1141755" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ae314a59-9af8-43f6-ae9a-929cb3fec5a6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_913d7bf5-417a-474f-8847-3703d0218f60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ae314a59-9af8-43f6-ae9a-929cb3fec5a6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_DebtInstrumentOtherOutstandingIndebtednessInExcess_690b77dd-c525-4d22-ae5d-b99b502c2a5b" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_DebtInstrumentOtherOutstandingIndebtednessInExcess"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ae314a59-9af8-43f6-ae9a-929cb3fec5a6" xlink:to="loc_sah_DebtInstrumentOtherOutstandingIndebtednessInExcess_690b77dd-c525-4d22-ae5d-b99b502c2a5b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_DebtInstrumentPercentageOfOutstandingPrincipalAmountRedeemableUponEventOfDefault_73eb45ed-148f-49e0-b5e4-911fc51080e0" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_DebtInstrumentPercentageOfOutstandingPrincipalAmountRedeemableUponEventOfDefault"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ae314a59-9af8-43f6-ae9a-929cb3fec5a6" xlink:to="loc_sah_DebtInstrumentPercentageOfOutstandingPrincipalAmountRedeemableUponEventOfDefault_73eb45ed-148f-49e0-b5e4-911fc51080e0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage_41baab13-3c1c-4663-905a-5e50a9b1d83e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ae314a59-9af8-43f6-ae9a-929cb3fec5a6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage_41baab13-3c1c-4663-905a-5e50a9b1d83e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentageOfPrincipalAmountRedeemed_a8550a27-3641-4fb7-afe0-a9e5d40e9960" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentageOfPrincipalAmountRedeemed"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ae314a59-9af8-43f6-ae9a-929cb3fec5a6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentageOfPrincipalAmountRedeemed_a8550a27-3641-4fb7-afe0-a9e5d40e9960" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_NotesRedemptionPricePercentageOfParValueDueToChangeOfControl_3bacd8dc-4639-4770-95a1-4f291c36f0a6" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_NotesRedemptionPricePercentageOfParValueDueToChangeOfControl"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ae314a59-9af8-43f6-ae9a-929cb3fec5a6" xlink:to="loc_sah_NotesRedemptionPricePercentageOfParValueDueToChangeOfControl_3bacd8dc-4639-4770-95a1-4f291c36f0a6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_97059f02-3c88-40c4-9d79-375dd580ec9b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ae314a59-9af8-43f6-ae9a-929cb3fec5a6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_97059f02-3c88-40c4-9d79-375dd580ec9b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_96ca05d8-1c9a-4280-b252-74414d171432" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ae314a59-9af8-43f6-ae9a-929cb3fec5a6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_96ca05d8-1c9a-4280-b252-74414d171432" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_NotesIssuedAtPriceOfPrincipalAmount_7a515bde-5bf7-4f22-879d-663b5433a14b" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_NotesIssuedAtPriceOfPrincipalAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ae314a59-9af8-43f6-ae9a-929cb3fec5a6" xlink:to="loc_sah_NotesIssuedAtPriceOfPrincipalAmount_7a515bde-5bf7-4f22-879d-663b5433a14b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchaseAmount_3faabaf1-f461-42bd-9536-e7218eaeea55" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchaseAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ae314a59-9af8-43f6-ae9a-929cb3fec5a6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchaseAmount_3faabaf1-f461-42bd-9536-e7218eaeea55" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarlyRepaymentOfSubordinatedDebt_267bd826-fa1b-486e-901b-00ac5d7b51ea" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarlyRepaymentOfSubordinatedDebt"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ae314a59-9af8-43f6-ae9a-929cb3fec5a6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarlyRepaymentOfSubordinatedDebt_267bd826-fa1b-486e-901b-00ac5d7b51ea" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_DividendRestrictionMaximumAmountPerShare_5615a585-39d0-4942-94e4-c3751e58b665" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_DividendRestrictionMaximumAmountPerShare"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ae314a59-9af8-43f6-ae9a-929cb3fec5a6" xlink:to="loc_sah_DividendRestrictionMaximumAmountPerShare_5615a585-39d0-4942-94e4-c3751e58b665" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebt_3cb0a28b-02be-4afb-8432-4792b9761b83" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebt"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ae314a59-9af8-43f6-ae9a-929cb3fec5a6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebt_3cb0a28b-02be-4afb-8432-4792b9761b83" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_NumberOfOperatingLocationsRelatedToMortgageFinancing_c3acf62c-0be0-4b3d-931b-3732747a0fbc" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_NumberOfOperatingLocationsRelatedToMortgageFinancing"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ae314a59-9af8-43f6-ae9a-929cb3fec5a6" xlink:to="loc_sah_NumberOfOperatingLocationsRelatedToMortgageFinancing_c3acf62c-0be0-4b3d-931b-3732747a0fbc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate_8ea61fdc-4121-48b9-8dea-77f30b89560c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ae314a59-9af8-43f6-ae9a-929cb3fec5a6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate_8ea61fdc-4121-48b9-8dea-77f30b89560c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_444f29e9-b98b-4aab-90b9-e38fe24f766e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ae314a59-9af8-43f6-ae9a-929cb3fec5a6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_444f29e9-b98b-4aab-90b9-e38fe24f766e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsIncurred_99618ad8-34a4-41f1-9823-f6ed29cb933a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsIncurred"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ae314a59-9af8-43f6-ae9a-929cb3fec5a6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsIncurred_99618ad8-34a4-41f1-9823-f6ed29cb933a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_LongTermDebtPrepayment_2eb9995f-1454-4874-b1ed-96b2c6e666ac" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_LongTermDebtPrepayment"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ae314a59-9af8-43f6-ae9a-929cb3fec5a6" xlink:to="loc_sah_LongTermDebtPrepayment_2eb9995f-1454-4874-b1ed-96b2c6e666ac" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_MaximumBorrowing2019MortgageFacility_ffb0479c-ff8c-4514-b482-8b5fa6899256" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_MaximumBorrowing2019MortgageFacility"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ae314a59-9af8-43f6-ae9a-929cb3fec5a6" xlink:to="loc_sah_MaximumBorrowing2019MortgageFacility_ffb0479c-ff8c-4514-b482-8b5fa6899256" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnusedBorrowingCapacityAmount_6f806e54-4ef3-4ab5-83d8-f5f9d36e3714" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnusedBorrowingCapacityAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ae314a59-9af8-43f6-ae9a-929cb3fec5a6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnusedBorrowingCapacityAmount_6f806e54-4ef3-4ab5-83d8-f5f9d36e3714" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_DebtInstrumentMaximumAllowedDividendsPerShare_975da83c-aaf5-4820-a894-2ec7fb5ca332" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_DebtInstrumentMaximumAllowedDividendsPerShare"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ae314a59-9af8-43f6-ae9a-929cb3fec5a6" xlink:to="loc_sah_DebtInstrumentMaximumAllowedDividendsPerShare_975da83c-aaf5-4820-a894-2ec7fb5ca332" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateBasisForEffectiveRate_37ea1cc5-0a61-4930-ac1f-46a47736cdc1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateBasisForEffectiveRate"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ae314a59-9af8-43f6-ae9a-929cb3fec5a6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateBasisForEffectiveRate_37ea1cc5-0a61-4930-ac1f-46a47736cdc1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_59f055d3-6195-42fb-8da2-31513ae39fc4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ae314a59-9af8-43f6-ae9a-929cb3fec5a6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_59f055d3-6195-42fb-8da2-31513ae39fc4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_PercentOfCollateralizedRealEstate_02d68f0d-3b6d-4dd6-a064-7b78a4c37bf3" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_PercentOfCollateralizedRealEstate"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="23" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ae314a59-9af8-43f6-ae9a-929cb3fec5a6" xlink:to="loc_sah_PercentOfCollateralizedRealEstate_02d68f0d-3b6d-4dd6-a064-7b78a4c37bf3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadLIBOR_f01cd7b7-ce9a-4b12-8621-35ff9765373d" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadLIBOR"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="24" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ae314a59-9af8-43f6-ae9a-929cb3fec5a6" xlink:to="loc_sah_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadLIBOR_f01cd7b7-ce9a-4b12-8621-35ff9765373d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/LongTermDebtCovenantsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#LongTermDebtCovenantsDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/LongTermDebtCovenantsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_9c584725-3776-4906-9a1d-96e85d86aac0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_09f0ca79-e963-4fa6-b18b-8b5cfbc1b098" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_9c584725-3776-4906-9a1d-96e85d86aac0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_09f0ca79-e963-4fa6-b18b-8b5cfbc1b098" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_74f5a00d-3b79-47b6-9e71-25cba2b3cfba" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_09f0ca79-e963-4fa6-b18b-8b5cfbc1b098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_74f5a00d-3b79-47b6-9e71-25cba2b3cfba" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_e465c800-399a-4fb1-879c-e5edab058051" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_74f5a00d-3b79-47b6-9e71-25cba2b3cfba" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_e465c800-399a-4fb1-879c-e5edab058051" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_RequiredRatioMember_87ed1806-c28e-46b1-a158-93b04f09066d" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_RequiredRatioMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_e465c800-399a-4fb1-879c-e5edab058051" xlink:to="loc_sah_RequiredRatioMember_87ed1806-c28e-46b1-a158-93b04f09066d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_faf49ee7-a73b-4b50-9456-1d3c2a3dfb5e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_09f0ca79-e963-4fa6-b18b-8b5cfbc1b098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_faf49ee7-a73b-4b50-9456-1d3c2a3dfb5e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_2c829677-9b8a-479b-9f71-83637abb1efc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_faf49ee7-a73b-4b50-9456-1d3c2a3dfb5e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_2c829677-9b8a-479b-9f71-83637abb1efc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_TwoThousandSixteenCreditFacilityMember_0281ef18-4463-4943-a61f-edf0075088ca" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_TwoThousandSixteenCreditFacilityMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_2c829677-9b8a-479b-9f71-83637abb1efc" xlink:to="loc_sah_TwoThousandSixteenCreditFacilityMember_0281ef18-4463-4943-a61f-edf0075088ca" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_6c334e09-286c-4de8-869c-9de1d1e92b3a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_09f0ca79-e963-4fa6-b18b-8b5cfbc1b098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_6c334e09-286c-4de8-869c-9de1d1e92b3a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_MinimumConsolidatedLiquidityRatio_4ef9ae0f-61e2-48ee-8e78-a4b59659f5d4" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_MinimumConsolidatedLiquidityRatio"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_6c334e09-286c-4de8-869c-9de1d1e92b3a" xlink:to="loc_sah_MinimumConsolidatedLiquidityRatio_4ef9ae0f-61e2-48ee-8e78-a4b59659f5d4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_MinimumConsolidatedFixedChargeCoverageRatio_87105a19-edab-4440-9681-b0d7e977dea9" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_MinimumConsolidatedFixedChargeCoverageRatio"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_6c334e09-286c-4de8-869c-9de1d1e92b3a" xlink:to="loc_sah_MinimumConsolidatedFixedChargeCoverageRatio_87105a19-edab-4440-9681-b0d7e977dea9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_MaximumConsolidatedAggregateLeaseAdjustedLeverageRatio_83214133-a6c2-42ae-8eb6-ae7107324b73" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_MaximumConsolidatedAggregateLeaseAdjustedLeverageRatio"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_6c334e09-286c-4de8-869c-9de1d1e92b3a" xlink:to="loc_sah_MaximumConsolidatedAggregateLeaseAdjustedLeverageRatio_83214133-a6c2-42ae-8eb6-ae7107324b73" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_DebtInstrumentCovenantComplianceUnrestrictedNetIncomeLossAndRetainedEarnings_27a3991f-6c3f-4935-afec-f63a3f7d809d" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_DebtInstrumentCovenantComplianceUnrestrictedNetIncomeLossAndRetainedEarnings"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_6c334e09-286c-4de8-869c-9de1d1e92b3a" xlink:to="loc_sah_DebtInstrumentCovenantComplianceUnrestrictedNetIncomeLossAndRetainedEarnings_27a3991f-6c3f-4935-afec-f63a3f7d809d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_MinimumEBTDARToRentRatio_c8a485a4-c7ff-4a1e-bd0e-827a2a9115db" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_MinimumEBTDARToRentRatio"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_6c334e09-286c-4de8-869c-9de1d1e92b3a" xlink:to="loc_sah_MinimumEBTDARToRentRatio_c8a485a4-c7ff-4a1e-bd0e-827a2a9115db" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/LongTermDebtDerivativeInstrumentsandHedgingActivitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#LongTermDebtDerivativeInstrumentsandHedgingActivitiesDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/LongTermDebtDerivativeInstrumentsandHedgingActivitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_58c4d0eb-1efa-44eb-99f9-7fb9704ba08d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_413ef6d7-6a07-499f-b661-d2f10d9319ed" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_58c4d0eb-1efa-44eb-99f9-7fb9704ba08d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_413ef6d7-6a07-499f-b661-d2f10d9319ed" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_913c8f85-5527-44a3-8d0e-8c6759a5e61b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_413ef6d7-6a07-499f-b661-d2f10d9319ed" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_913c8f85-5527-44a3-8d0e-8c6759a5e61b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_8c70a0cf-e5a7-4c3a-9653-c84a6e69dc4a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_913c8f85-5527-44a3-8d0e-8c6759a5e61b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_8c70a0cf-e5a7-4c3a-9653-c84a6e69dc4a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_InterestRateSwapAndInterestRateCapMember_17955c86-03a3-4ba9-b7a2-b0876bee138a" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_InterestRateSwapAndInterestRateCapMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_8c70a0cf-e5a7-4c3a-9653-c84a6e69dc4a" xlink:to="loc_sah_InterestRateSwapAndInterestRateCapMember_17955c86-03a3-4ba9-b7a2-b0876bee138a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_76afe440-58b3-46b6-af85-29058d56b4c6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_8c70a0cf-e5a7-4c3a-9653-c84a6e69dc4a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_76afe440-58b3-46b6-af85-29058d56b4c6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_855c4df7-8ea0-483f-843d-07d4fdc3bf7e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_413ef6d7-6a07-499f-b661-d2f10d9319ed" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_855c4df7-8ea0-483f-843d-07d4fdc3bf7e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_f263ad20-361c-49d0-a5ee-986a9c59b856" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_855c4df7-8ea0-483f-843d-07d4fdc3bf7e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_f263ad20-361c-49d0-a5ee-986a9c59b856" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember_0116265d-cdb4-4b86-bf2d-0f06806c9a47" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_f263ad20-361c-49d0-a5ee-986a9c59b856" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember_0116265d-cdb4-4b86-bf2d-0f06806c9a47" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_af975b34-fd14-46c6-8ba0-2a38828de52e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_413ef6d7-6a07-499f-b661-d2f10d9319ed" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_af975b34-fd14-46c6-8ba0-2a38828de52e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_bca6f699-8045-45dc-a716-3fb19526a316" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_af975b34-fd14-46c6-8ba0-2a38828de52e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_bca6f699-8045-45dc-a716-3fb19526a316" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember_71f9e307-9e9a-4c75-b174-b19921c73069" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_bca6f699-8045-45dc-a716-3fb19526a316" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember_71f9e307-9e9a-4c75-b174-b19921c73069" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember_0ec37ca5-67ff-4e47-b171-b4420beb2a4e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_bca6f699-8045-45dc-a716-3fb19526a316" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember_0ec37ca5-67ff-4e47-b171-b4420beb2a4e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesMember_733253ee-1e88-4cdb-8dd9-1bb70205c11f" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_bca6f699-8045-45dc-a716-3fb19526a316" xlink:to="loc_sah_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesMember_733253ee-1e88-4cdb-8dd9-1bb70205c11f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember_b2a99ef0-adc2-4aa7-a8bd-6409754912a0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_bca6f699-8045-45dc-a716-3fb19526a316" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember_b2a99ef0-adc2-4aa7-a8bd-6409754912a0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_b1b16217-ea46-4d45-a321-72ba017709cd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_413ef6d7-6a07-499f-b661-d2f10d9319ed" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_b1b16217-ea46-4d45-a321-72ba017709cd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_DerivativeCashPremiumPaid_181f6091-09db-4038-b5e5-fe093e148ea6" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_DerivativeCashPremiumPaid"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_b1b16217-ea46-4d45-a321-72ba017709cd" xlink:to="loc_sah_DerivativeCashPremiumPaid_181f6091-09db-4038-b5e5-fe093e148ea6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_DerivativeInstrumentUnamortizedPremium_12152695-7ecb-4c9e-baef-af89b1d5c313" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_DerivativeInstrumentUnamortizedPremium"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_b1b16217-ea46-4d45-a321-72ba017709cd" xlink:to="loc_sah_DerivativeInstrumentUnamortizedPremium_12152695-7ecb-4c9e-baef-af89b1d5c313" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeNet_ef593d01-6143-417f-9e60-331b7fe85124" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_b1b16217-ea46-4d45-a321-72ba017709cd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeNet_ef593d01-6143-417f-9e60-331b7fe85124" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_c89b26ab-7fa8-41f0-8563-82471447112b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_b1b16217-ea46-4d45-a321-72ba017709cd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_c89b26ab-7fa8-41f0-8563-82471447112b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDerivativeInstrumentFinancingActivities_44a7f607-3e2e-4b38-ab9c-e2ff65925015" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromDerivativeInstrumentFinancingActivities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_b1b16217-ea46-4d45-a321-72ba017709cd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDerivativeInstrumentFinancingActivities_44a7f607-3e2e-4b38-ab9c-e2ff65925015" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_1b077f0d-3043-43ab-9f29-1844aecf35dc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_b1b16217-ea46-4d45-a321-72ba017709cd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_1b077f0d-3043-43ab-9f29-1844aecf35dc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_InterestExpenseNetCashFlowSwaps_147fbc00-7852-4540-84f8-b6fbc9cdce41" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_InterestExpenseNetCashFlowSwaps"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_b1b16217-ea46-4d45-a321-72ba017709cd" xlink:to="loc_sah_InterestExpenseNetCashFlowSwaps_147fbc00-7852-4540-84f8-b6fbc9cdce41" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeGainLossToBeReclassifiedDuringNext12MonthsNet_c31f686d-2b28-4580-b1bf-7eb64fe3cee5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeGainLossToBeReclassifiedDuringNext12MonthsNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_b1b16217-ea46-4d45-a321-72ba017709cd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeGainLossToBeReclassifiedDuringNext12MonthsNet_c31f686d-2b28-4580-b1bf-7eb64fe3cee5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/LongTermDebtSummaryofInterestReceivedandPaidunderTermofCashFlowSwapDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#LongTermDebtSummaryofInterestReceivedandPaidunderTermofCashFlowSwapDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/LongTermDebtSummaryofInterestReceivedandPaidunderTermofCashFlowSwapDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_80349f46-f6ca-412a-994d-84a0b68eaceb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_97ec154f-8d79-4a8f-8065-740703f0bfcd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_80349f46-f6ca-412a-994d-84a0b68eaceb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_97ec154f-8d79-4a8f-8065-740703f0bfcd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_7bbe92fd-79de-4792-af5d-0e83f474b2eb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_97ec154f-8d79-4a8f-8065-740703f0bfcd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_7bbe92fd-79de-4792-af5d-0e83f474b2eb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_12d0c3d8-b857-4001-ae5b-11e577b90694" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_7bbe92fd-79de-4792-af5d-0e83f474b2eb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_12d0c3d8-b857-4001-ae5b-11e577b90694" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_CashFlowSwapEightMember_bd16ab19-f74e-4fda-9d79-5cbc91fad416" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_CashFlowSwapEightMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_12d0c3d8-b857-4001-ae5b-11e577b90694" xlink:to="loc_sah_CashFlowSwapEightMember_bd16ab19-f74e-4fda-9d79-5cbc91fad416" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_CashFlowSwapOneMember_40638aae-8de7-4aea-81bf-e731ec97fe3a" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_CashFlowSwapOneMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_12d0c3d8-b857-4001-ae5b-11e577b90694" xlink:to="loc_sah_CashFlowSwapOneMember_40638aae-8de7-4aea-81bf-e731ec97fe3a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_CashFlowSwapTwoMember_036e0b45-599e-43eb-95db-4bfa65bb333e" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_CashFlowSwapTwoMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_12d0c3d8-b857-4001-ae5b-11e577b90694" xlink:to="loc_sah_CashFlowSwapTwoMember_036e0b45-599e-43eb-95db-4bfa65bb333e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_CashFlowSwapThreeMember_1ea7e6d3-c289-4862-93c5-5baefdf50870" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_CashFlowSwapThreeMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_12d0c3d8-b857-4001-ae5b-11e577b90694" xlink:to="loc_sah_CashFlowSwapThreeMember_1ea7e6d3-c289-4862-93c5-5baefdf50870" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_CashFlowSwapFourMember_4af30e7f-9d4b-4830-b089-c2b84dd9fb4f" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_CashFlowSwapFourMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_12d0c3d8-b857-4001-ae5b-11e577b90694" xlink:to="loc_sah_CashFlowSwapFourMember_4af30e7f-9d4b-4830-b089-c2b84dd9fb4f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_CashFlowSwapFiveMember_4d04d073-4d93-4b1c-b46b-e218566e3961" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_CashFlowSwapFiveMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_12d0c3d8-b857-4001-ae5b-11e577b90694" xlink:to="loc_sah_CashFlowSwapFiveMember_4d04d073-4d93-4b1c-b46b-e218566e3961" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_CashFlowSwapSixMember_23532155-40a3-41a6-b975-cdc884be1bd5" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_CashFlowSwapSixMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_12d0c3d8-b857-4001-ae5b-11e577b90694" xlink:to="loc_sah_CashFlowSwapSixMember_23532155-40a3-41a6-b975-cdc884be1bd5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_CashFlowSwapSevenMember_ec1001ef-6d4d-431c-9a54-e7ee100994f3" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_CashFlowSwapSevenMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_12d0c3d8-b857-4001-ae5b-11e577b90694" xlink:to="loc_sah_CashFlowSwapSevenMember_ec1001ef-6d4d-431c-9a54-e7ee100994f3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_fdbf4ab3-6815-4ee1-81db-cadd441b1450" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_97ec154f-8d79-4a8f-8065-740703f0bfcd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_fdbf4ab3-6815-4ee1-81db-cadd441b1450" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNotionalAmount_2e40bf19-1b17-4532-a9db-9ccab11cad6b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNotionalAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_fdbf4ab3-6815-4ee1-81db-cadd441b1450" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNotionalAmount_2e40bf19-1b17-4532-a9db-9ccab11cad6b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate_57c5a799-710e-46f8-ada3-c5523230511a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_fdbf4ab3-6815-4ee1-81db-cadd441b1450" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate_57c5a799-710e-46f8-ada3-c5523230511a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeVariableInterestRate_e48311d3-6d67-480b-b1d5-d8bf02491b53" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeVariableInterestRate"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_fdbf4ab3-6815-4ee1-81db-cadd441b1450" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeVariableInterestRate_e48311d3-6d67-480b-b1d5-d8bf02491b53" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/PerShareDataandStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#PerShareDataandStockholdersEquity"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/PerShareDataandStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_53d1825e-3424-4c58-ad39-c14df864999e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock_a2807c93-0689-44d5-a5e6-d968f5be0df2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_53d1825e-3424-4c58-ad39-c14df864999e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock_a2807c93-0689-44d5-a5e6-d968f5be0df2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/PerShareDataandStockholdersEquityTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#PerShareDataandStockholdersEquityTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/PerShareDataandStockholdersEquityTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_7ba0443d-22bb-4b7e-a277-34405500cec3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock_3ee56052-c93c-4390-aef5-2af316e5eba2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_7ba0443d-22bb-4b7e-a277-34405500cec3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock_3ee56052-c93c-4390-aef5-2af316e5eba2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/PerShareDataandStockholdersEquityDilutiveEffectonEarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#PerShareDataandStockholdersEquityDilutiveEffectonEarningsPerShareDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/PerShareDataandStockholdersEquityDilutiveEffectonEarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_b4718e09-8d0b-4780-a250-9a19e7a87805" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingDilutedDisclosureItemsAbstract_42e69b89-3573-46da-82df-820cecff4809" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingDilutedDisclosureItemsAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_b4718e09-8d0b-4780-a250-9a19e7a87805" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingDilutedDisclosureItemsAbstract_42e69b89-3573-46da-82df-820cecff4809" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_b5da78f4-558f-418d-857c-3eb76f16fd7c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingDilutedDisclosureItemsAbstract_42e69b89-3573-46da-82df-820cecff4809" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_b5da78f4-558f-418d-857c-3eb76f16fd7c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_b5e92b72-95a7-455d-84c1-eb794d38b379" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingDilutedDisclosureItemsAbstract_42e69b89-3573-46da-82df-820cecff4809" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_b5e92b72-95a7-455d-84c1-eb794d38b379" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_27aba6d7-6033-4300-84ac-2b122334b652" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingDilutedDisclosureItemsAbstract_42e69b89-3573-46da-82df-820cecff4809" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_27aba6d7-6033-4300-84ac-2b122334b652" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_652a3e1f-bad5-4ebd-affc-ba8f5f416617" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_b4718e09-8d0b-4780-a250-9a19e7a87805" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_652a3e1f-bad5-4ebd-affc-ba8f5f416617" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations_076bdf77-48f0-4d49-a44f-94fc8dd0fb39" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_652a3e1f-bad5-4ebd-affc-ba8f5f416617" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations_076bdf77-48f0-4d49-a44f-94fc8dd0fb39" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UndistributedContinuingOperationEarningsLossAllocationToParticipatingSecuritiesBasic_ee133af5-2ef9-42e6-9279-6897942d9ff2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UndistributedContinuingOperationEarningsLossAllocationToParticipatingSecuritiesBasic"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_652a3e1f-bad5-4ebd-affc-ba8f5f416617" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UndistributedContinuingOperationEarningsLossAllocationToParticipatingSecuritiesBasic_ee133af5-2ef9-42e6-9279-6897942d9ff2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBasicAfterEffectOfParticipatingSecurities_422863e3-7377-4df7-8b78-5a8f4fda8fec" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBasicAfterEffectOfParticipatingSecurities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_652a3e1f-bad5-4ebd-affc-ba8f5f416617" xlink:to="loc_sah_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBasicAfterEffectOfParticipatingSecurities_422863e3-7377-4df7-8b78-5a8f4fda8fec" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerBasicShare_1e632933-f0fb-4850-80e7-d0d98d1e53d3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerBasicShare"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_652a3e1f-bad5-4ebd-affc-ba8f5f416617" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerBasicShare_1e632933-f0fb-4850-80e7-d0d98d1e53d3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsAndDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerBasicShareAbstract_eab03141-f29c-454b-8d2e-ec9166c3b349" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsAndDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerBasicShareAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_b4718e09-8d0b-4780-a250-9a19e7a87805" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsAndDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerBasicShareAbstract_eab03141-f29c-454b-8d2e-ec9166c3b349" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax_4eb911b6-61a4-4523-aa72-32116692f0b0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsAndDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerBasicShareAbstract_eab03141-f29c-454b-8d2e-ec9166c3b349" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax_4eb911b6-61a4-4523-aa72-32116692f0b0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UndistributedDiscontinuedOperationEarningsLossAllocationToParticipatingSecuritiesBasic_7f7cf2d1-c478-487f-ad29-be9a9d8516f1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UndistributedDiscontinuedOperationEarningsLossAllocationToParticipatingSecuritiesBasic"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsAndDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerBasicShareAbstract_eab03141-f29c-454b-8d2e-ec9166c3b349" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UndistributedDiscontinuedOperationEarningsLossAllocationToParticipatingSecuritiesBasic_7f7cf2d1-c478-487f-ad29-be9a9d8516f1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxBasicAfterEffectOfParticipatingSecurities_08f72f90-dd24-4021-a216-fd710e7129dd" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxBasicAfterEffectOfParticipatingSecurities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsAndDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerBasicShareAbstract_eab03141-f29c-454b-8d2e-ec9166c3b349" xlink:to="loc_sah_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxBasicAfterEffectOfParticipatingSecurities_08f72f90-dd24-4021-a216-fd710e7129dd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerBasicShare_8d398dbc-9814-4c99-85c6-0b0e1e15fdce" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerBasicShare"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsAndDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerBasicShareAbstract_eab03141-f29c-454b-8d2e-ec9166c3b349" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerBasicShare_8d398dbc-9814-4c99-85c6-0b0e1e15fdce" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicOtherDisclosuresAbstract_d25c721f-6eec-4ff3-be6f-05880e4a507e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicOtherDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_b4718e09-8d0b-4780-a250-9a19e7a87805" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicOtherDisclosuresAbstract_d25c721f-6eec-4ff3-be6f-05880e4a507e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_affe9381-0c6c-49f2-8299-e3509bb5aa74" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicOtherDisclosuresAbstract_d25c721f-6eec-4ff3-be6f-05880e4a507e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_affe9381-0c6c-49f2-8299-e3509bb5aa74" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsLossAllocatedToParticipatingSecuritiesBasic_2b5444a1-0386-4993-9844-655fdf566222" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsLossAllocatedToParticipatingSecuritiesBasic"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicOtherDisclosuresAbstract_d25c721f-6eec-4ff3-be6f-05880e4a507e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsLossAllocatedToParticipatingSecuritiesBasic_2b5444a1-0386-4993-9844-655fdf566222" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_NetIncomeLossBasicAfterEffectOfParticipatingSecurities_735bbdd9-b575-43cc-a372-8160c2f3654f" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_NetIncomeLossBasicAfterEffectOfParticipatingSecurities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicOtherDisclosuresAbstract_d25c721f-6eec-4ff3-be6f-05880e4a507e" xlink:to="loc_sah_NetIncomeLossBasicAfterEffectOfParticipatingSecurities_735bbdd9-b575-43cc-a372-8160c2f3654f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_d07cf589-8814-4642-bfbe-22a1692df2ce" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicOtherDisclosuresAbstract_d25c721f-6eec-4ff3-be6f-05880e4a507e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_d07cf589-8814-4642-bfbe-22a1692df2ce" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_02beaa40-a3b8-4a1c-a4ff-e5ca4a4bfb10" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_b4718e09-8d0b-4780-a250-9a19e7a87805" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_02beaa40-a3b8-4a1c-a4ff-e5ca4a4bfb10" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsDiluted_11416743-ed5c-4f9a-998f-b8779f3aea83" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsDiluted"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_02beaa40-a3b8-4a1c-a4ff-e5ca4a4bfb10" xlink:to="loc_sah_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsDiluted_11416743-ed5c-4f9a-998f-b8779f3aea83" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToReportingEntityDiluted_faa21967-aa95-4fc0-b652-25eff5d397da" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToReportingEntityDiluted"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_02beaa40-a3b8-4a1c-a4ff-e5ca4a4bfb10" xlink:to="loc_sah_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToReportingEntityDiluted_faa21967-aa95-4fc0-b652-25eff5d397da" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted_e36bf0da-53a7-47d7-b195-d2444babf5ca" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_02beaa40-a3b8-4a1c-a4ff-e5ca4a4bfb10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted_e36bf0da-53a7-47d7-b195-d2444babf5ca" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerDilutedShare_008bcbfc-66a4-4b1d-bbbb-9c41e9262f50" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerDilutedShare"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_02beaa40-a3b8-4a1c-a4ff-e5ca4a4bfb10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerDilutedShare_008bcbfc-66a4-4b1d-bbbb-9c41e9262f50" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerDilutedShare_d1cc95c7-41cd-4521-80be-bea4b07c1a3d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerDilutedShare"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_02beaa40-a3b8-4a1c-a4ff-e5ca4a4bfb10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerDilutedShare_d1cc95c7-41cd-4521-80be-bea4b07c1a3d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_5578e88a-30ab-4cac-900e-e96ad1bd7ec7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_02beaa40-a3b8-4a1c-a4ff-e5ca4a4bfb10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_5578e88a-30ab-4cac-900e-e96ad1bd7ec7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/PerShareDataandStockholdersEquityDilutiveEffectonEarningsPerShareDetails_1" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#PerShareDataandStockholdersEquityDilutiveEffectonEarningsPerShareDetails_1"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/PerShareDataandStockholdersEquityDilutiveEffectonEarningsPerShareDetails_1" xlink:type="extended"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/CommitmentsandContingencies" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#CommitmentsandContingencies"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/CommitmentsandContingencies" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_79251d2c-3ca0-4ccb-9b9a-b81c59de8274" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_acc1d37b-5b9d-4fe1-ac95-851157adf479" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_79251d2c-3ca0-4ccb-9b9a-b81c59de8274" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_acc1d37b-5b9d-4fe1-ac95-851157adf479" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#CommitmentsandContingenciesTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_58df0003-6cb3-42be-8d83-e59664eebb28" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_SummaryOfLeaseExitAccrualsTableTableTextBlock_c6c2a794-7306-4195-9394-1654c35f9cd3" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_SummaryOfLeaseExitAccrualsTableTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_58df0003-6cb3-42be-8d83-e59664eebb28" xlink:to="loc_sah_SummaryOfLeaseExitAccrualsTableTableTextBlock_c6c2a794-7306-4195-9394-1654c35f9cd3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#CommitmentsandContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_c98f40c3-392d-4ec7-ba90-6a2820674168" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable_74bceea9-6683-4c23-a9a9-67c7efacf925" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_c98f40c3-392d-4ec7-ba90-6a2820674168" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable_74bceea9-6683-4c23-a9a9-67c7efacf925" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_b9f2a180-d08e-40c9-a83a-693d82a3e814" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable_74bceea9-6683-4c23-a9a9-67c7efacf925" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_b9f2a180-d08e-40c9-a83a-693d82a3e814" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_71727dd5-f84d-4779-a236-b9506e449967" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_b9f2a180-d08e-40c9-a83a-693d82a3e814" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_71727dd5-f84d-4779-a236-b9506e449967" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesMember_61e8b466-a8e1-4028-8ef4-516794cb18ca" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_71727dd5-f84d-4779-a236-b9506e449967" xlink:to="loc_sah_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesMember_61e8b466-a8e1-4028-8ef4-516794cb18ca" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember_23509e0e-8ecc-485e-84f6-698e835aa987" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_71727dd5-f84d-4779-a236-b9506e449967" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember_23509e0e-8ecc-485e-84f6-698e835aa987" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_a35561eb-219f-4111-914b-39c3bf750664" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable_74bceea9-6683-4c23-a9a9-67c7efacf925" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_a35561eb-219f-4111-914b-39c3bf750664" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_LeaseExitAccruals_99adca58-dfb2-48e5-934b-5c807a6d56d4" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_LeaseExitAccruals"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_a35561eb-219f-4111-914b-39c3bf750664" xlink:to="loc_sah_LeaseExitAccruals_99adca58-dfb2-48e5-934b-5c807a6d56d4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_LegalMattersAmountReservedForPendingProceedings_6b7cfb0c-ca97-43b6-8882-77c989a686a9" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_LegalMattersAmountReservedForPendingProceedings"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_a35561eb-219f-4111-914b-39c3bf750664" xlink:to="loc_sah_LegalMattersAmountReservedForPendingProceedings_6b7cfb0c-ca97-43b6-8882-77c989a686a9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingenciesGross_00e1863d-6626-46c2-9bef-55edfb9adee0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingenciesGross"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_a35561eb-219f-4111-914b-39c3bf750664" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingenciesGross_00e1863d-6626-46c2-9bef-55edfb9adee0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_GeneralIndemnificationsMinimumExpirationPeriod_49833eed-8be2-46b1-832a-375e41d46fe6" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_GeneralIndemnificationsMinimumExpirationPeriod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_a35561eb-219f-4111-914b-39c3bf750664" xlink:to="loc_sah_GeneralIndemnificationsMinimumExpirationPeriod_49833eed-8be2-46b1-832a-375e41d46fe6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_GeneralIndemnificationsMaximumExpirationPeriod_920d97ef-6931-4694-9ad0-8ef59b51c0a8" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_GeneralIndemnificationsMaximumExpirationPeriod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_a35561eb-219f-4111-914b-39c3bf750664" xlink:to="loc_sah_GeneralIndemnificationsMaximumExpirationPeriod_920d97ef-6931-4694-9ad0-8ef59b51c0a8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_28ea01c0-67e7-414d-a2cf-2123ca89549e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_a35561eb-219f-4111-914b-39c3bf750664" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_28ea01c0-67e7-414d-a2cf-2123ca89549e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_ContingentLiabilityReserveBalance_4a5f67c2-ee88-4f3a-bef6-5b8795c6a846" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_ContingentLiabilityReserveBalance"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_a35561eb-219f-4111-914b-39c3bf750664" xlink:to="loc_sah_ContingentLiabilityReserveBalance_4a5f67c2-ee88-4f3a-bef6-5b8795c6a846" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_AcquiredBusinessEarningsTargetsMaximumTerm_02a20c78-4d91-4f90-bbf7-3159eccd2217" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_AcquiredBusinessEarningsTargetsMaximumTerm"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_a35561eb-219f-4111-914b-39c3bf750664" xlink:to="loc_sah_AcquiredBusinessEarningsTargetsMaximumTerm_02a20c78-4d91-4f90-bbf7-3159eccd2217" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_MaximumAggregateEarnOutPayment_afb5e769-2d95-4789-bc63-095af6c5a957" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_MaximumAggregateEarnOutPayment"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_a35561eb-219f-4111-914b-39c3bf750664" xlink:to="loc_sah_MaximumAggregateEarnOutPayment_afb5e769-2d95-4789-bc63-095af6c5a957" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValueNoncurrent_37e97fed-76e7-4780-a37c-e5f9601ab627" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValueNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_a35561eb-219f-4111-914b-39c3bf750664" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValueNoncurrent_37e97fed-76e7-4780-a37c-e5f9601ab627" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualProvision_b0906baa-1cd7-4b19-a1fc-8ecb3a0f072e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualProvision"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_a35561eb-219f-4111-914b-39c3bf750664" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualProvision_b0906baa-1cd7-4b19-a1fc-8ecb3a0f072e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesSummaryofLeaseExitAccrualsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#CommitmentsandContingenciesSummaryofLeaseExitAccrualsDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesSummaryofLeaseExitAccrualsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_94398a33-9011-42fa-acdc-d22309eaba72" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_LeaseExitRollForward_db83640f-2e25-418a-8bb4-a6f9b8018c6d" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_LeaseExitRollForward"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_94398a33-9011-42fa-acdc-d22309eaba72" xlink:to="loc_sah_LeaseExitRollForward_db83640f-2e25-418a-8bb4-a6f9b8018c6d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_LeaseExitAccruals_cb6f2775-d4db-48ec-9afb-01c2d3cac6dc" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_LeaseExitAccruals"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sah_LeaseExitRollForward_db83640f-2e25-418a-8bb4-a6f9b8018c6d" xlink:to="loc_sah_LeaseExitAccruals_cb6f2775-d4db-48ec-9afb-01c2d3cac6dc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_LeaseExitAccrualEffectOfAdoptionOfNewAccountingPronouncement_2a7ec61a-76ed-4181-95bc-77b65623c298" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_LeaseExitAccrualEffectOfAdoptionOfNewAccountingPronouncement"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sah_LeaseExitRollForward_db83640f-2e25-418a-8bb4-a6f9b8018c6d" xlink:to="loc_sah_LeaseExitAccrualEffectOfAdoptionOfNewAccountingPronouncement_2a7ec61a-76ed-4181-95bc-77b65623c298" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_LeaseExitAccruals_62bbf900-2e4e-4eef-82d5-8ed842076354" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_LeaseExitAccruals"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sah_LeaseExitRollForward_db83640f-2e25-418a-8bb4-a6f9b8018c6d" xlink:to="loc_sah_LeaseExitAccruals_62bbf900-2e4e-4eef-82d5-8ed842076354" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#FairValueMeasurements"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_da95d761-90a6-4b30-ba93-0bb7cae1d677" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock_70edc6b1-8aef-4dba-bd11-c33e59d97647" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_da95d761-90a6-4b30-ba93-0bb7cae1d677" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock_70edc6b1-8aef-4dba-bd11-c33e59d97647" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_afcaa085-ac29-40ac-bbf6-2648083c0aeb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTableTextBlock_029406e4-6f46-466c-918a-bba370b88a46" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_afcaa085-ac29-40ac-bbf6-2648083c0aeb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTableTextBlock_029406e4-6f46-466c-918a-bba370b88a46" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTextBlock_8e36a68a-d753-43e9-8132-211a3d3a9bd4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_afcaa085-ac29-40ac-bbf6-2648083c0aeb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTextBlock_8e36a68a-d753-43e9-8132-211a3d3a9bd4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsAssetsandLiabilitiesRecordedatFairValueDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsAssetsandLiabilitiesRecordedatFairValueDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsAssetsandLiabilitiesRecordedatFairValueDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_5c944fd1-2cd8-42e3-ad5e-dfb079fb3902" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_75876030-c9cc-4adc-8c61-0d4c2527362c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_5c944fd1-2cd8-42e3-ad5e-dfb079fb3902" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_75876030-c9cc-4adc-8c61-0d4c2527362c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_8adc448d-f5bd-46f8-82ef-b6633c5aa73a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_75876030-c9cc-4adc-8c61-0d4c2527362c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_8adc448d-f5bd-46f8-82ef-b6633c5aa73a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_0f4c66f9-b94b-40c8-ba55-a46afff80a42" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_8adc448d-f5bd-46f8-82ef-b6633c5aa73a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_0f4c66f9-b94b-40c8-ba55-a46afff80a42" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_f2c1fbc5-ab21-4270-849e-6126dce32821" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_0f4c66f9-b94b-40c8-ba55-a46afff80a42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_f2c1fbc5-ab21-4270-849e-6126dce32821" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_d3a8ebb6-f5da-43c0-a728-6cd9be365192" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_75876030-c9cc-4adc-8c61-0d4c2527362c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_d3a8ebb6-f5da-43c0-a728-6cd9be365192" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_471091b8-a2b2-42cf-a29c-4895df1f7f21" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_d3a8ebb6-f5da-43c0-a728-6cd9be365192" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_471091b8-a2b2-42cf-a29c-4895df1f7f21" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember_d5429be2-4965-4a71-a085-0a4fc05b9623" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_471091b8-a2b2-42cf-a29c-4895df1f7f21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember_d5429be2-4965-4a71-a085-0a4fc05b9623" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember_209ec8a5-51e5-4dc8-995d-5c158eb602d6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_471091b8-a2b2-42cf-a29c-4895df1f7f21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember_209ec8a5-51e5-4dc8-995d-5c158eb602d6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesMember_3e1e3c26-5488-4e57-aad9-b192afea56f0" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_471091b8-a2b2-42cf-a29c-4895df1f7f21" xlink:to="loc_sah_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesMember_3e1e3c26-5488-4e57-aad9-b192afea56f0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember_afcce5f9-328f-45e7-af75-8ca0b0747904" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_471091b8-a2b2-42cf-a29c-4895df1f7f21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember_afcce5f9-328f-45e7-af75-8ca0b0747904" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_611acada-0514-4346-9e70-8de06125bfba" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_75876030-c9cc-4adc-8c61-0d4c2527362c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_611acada-0514-4346-9e70-8de06125bfba" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_056ce337-e28f-4d70-8997-2e40a8b72ef6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_611acada-0514-4346-9e70-8de06125bfba" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_056ce337-e28f-4d70-8997-2e40a8b72ef6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashSurrenderValueFairValueDisclosure_a54dd551-5f8b-430a-b83d-621157086309" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashSurrenderValueFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_056ce337-e28f-4d70-8997-2e40a8b72ef6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashSurrenderValueFairValueDisclosure_a54dd551-5f8b-430a-b83d-621157086309" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeAssetAtFairValue_45fec23a-dcb0-48a6-8674-66106dcb54a8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeAssetAtFairValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_056ce337-e28f-4d70-8997-2e40a8b72ef6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeAssetAtFairValue_45fec23a-dcb0-48a6-8674-66106dcb54a8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_0789e7cb-6ea8-4a0c-91f8-961c10dd3483" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_056ce337-e28f-4d70-8997-2e40a8b72ef6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_0789e7cb-6ea8-4a0c-91f8-961c10dd3483" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_82b479b3-d2a9-4313-b09b-28fa521b266b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_611acada-0514-4346-9e70-8de06125bfba" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_82b479b3-d2a9-4313-b09b-28fa521b266b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeLiabilityAtFairValue_a8116d34-7c22-4b21-9490-9e8a7c3bf41d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeLiabilityAtFairValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_82b479b3-d2a9-4313-b09b-28fa521b266b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeLiabilityAtFairValue_a8116d34-7c22-4b21-9490-9e8a7c3bf41d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_DeferredCompensationPlanLiabilityFairValueDisclosure_4cca3af5-e380-405b-a5d8-32007befd16b" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_DeferredCompensationPlanLiabilityFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_82b479b3-d2a9-4313-b09b-28fa521b266b" xlink:to="loc_sah_DeferredCompensationPlanLiabilityFairValueDisclosure_4cca3af5-e380-405b-a5d8-32007befd16b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_c78e7975-2a84-489f-859f-fc317af402d6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_82b479b3-d2a9-4313-b09b-28fa521b266b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_c78e7975-2a84-489f-859f-fc317af402d6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_ca7b673c-7671-4fe9-9b8c-a0cc4e67590f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_5c944fd1-2cd8-42e3-ad5e-dfb079fb3902" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_ca7b673c-7671-4fe9-9b8c-a0cc4e67590f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_5ec7717a-36fc-4f38-b725-622034a6cf8f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_ca7b673c-7671-4fe9-9b8c-a0cc4e67590f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_5ec7717a-36fc-4f38-b725-622034a6cf8f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_a5516680-69df-4a9d-a4bc-fddb660bc14b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_5ec7717a-36fc-4f38-b725-622034a6cf8f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_a5516680-69df-4a9d-a4bc-fddb660bc14b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember_2e8fcd8a-d768-4602-b2cc-8a86d6e882d5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_a5516680-69df-4a9d-a4bc-fddb660bc14b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember_2e8fcd8a-d768-4602-b2cc-8a86d6e882d5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_3f28118e-a520-41e5-9840-c3b71b756a39" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_ca7b673c-7671-4fe9-9b8c-a0cc4e67590f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_3f28118e-a520-41e5-9840-c3b71b756a39" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TangibleAssetImpairmentCharges_67064fd6-74c2-40d5-9b4f-c31ce5b03ff0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TangibleAssetImpairmentCharges"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_3f28118e-a520-41e5-9840-c3b71b756a39" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TangibleAssetImpairmentCharges_67064fd6-74c2-40d5-9b4f-c31ce5b03ff0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFairValueandCarryingValueofSignificantFixedRateLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsFairValueandCarryingValueofSignificantFixedRateLongTermDebtDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFairValueandCarryingValueofSignificantFixedRateLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_140ac9fd-dd64-45b2-9750-ee088088105c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_0dfdf276-ff20-48e2-ae5f-b3155c6601e2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_140ac9fd-dd64-45b2-9750-ee088088105c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_0dfdf276-ff20-48e2-ae5f-b3155c6601e2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_c1faf05f-cc57-4791-951b-0dce586f7e67" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_0dfdf276-ff20-48e2-ae5f-b3155c6601e2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_c1faf05f-cc57-4791-951b-0dce586f7e67" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_b0b34605-a9b8-4c04-b08f-dd5ae0a1401a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_c1faf05f-cc57-4791-951b-0dce586f7e67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_b0b34605-a9b8-4c04-b08f-dd5ae0a1401a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_FivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember_fca37b8d-fd98-4dfe-91c4-6c97ee8724bb" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_FivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_b0b34605-a9b8-4c04-b08f-dd5ae0a1401a" xlink:to="loc_sah_FivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember_fca37b8d-fd98-4dfe-91c4-6c97ee8724bb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_SixPointOneTwoFivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentySevenMember_2df74056-427b-4bc5-81b4-e8adc308ff29" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_SixPointOneTwoFivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentySevenMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_b0b34605-a9b8-4c04-b08f-dd5ae0a1401a" xlink:to="loc_sah_SixPointOneTwoFivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentySevenMember_2df74056-427b-4bc5-81b4-e8adc308ff29" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_faecf3a5-9800-45ba-9f12-b459060af95d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_0dfdf276-ff20-48e2-ae5f-b3155c6601e2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_faecf3a5-9800-45ba-9f12-b459060af95d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_cb9140a2-4909-4f1b-b810-d16fd08dec37" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_faecf3a5-9800-45ba-9f12-b459060af95d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_cb9140a2-4909-4f1b-b810-d16fd08dec37" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_MortgageLoanAtFixInterestRateMember_3436998a-0638-4f0b-88e1-3d0375e9634d" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_MortgageLoanAtFixInterestRateMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_cb9140a2-4909-4f1b-b810-d16fd08dec37" xlink:to="loc_sah_MortgageLoanAtFixInterestRateMember_3436998a-0638-4f0b-88e1-3d0375e9634d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_OtherDebtMember_c5392536-4ca4-4bda-9f17-47d14cfa72a7" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_OtherDebtMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_cb9140a2-4909-4f1b-b810-d16fd08dec37" xlink:to="loc_sah_OtherDebtMember_c5392536-4ca4-4bda-9f17-47d14cfa72a7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_8efae05d-6107-46ce-a1e1-4b07a0975cce" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_0dfdf276-ff20-48e2-ae5f-b3155c6601e2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_8efae05d-6107-46ce-a1e1-4b07a0975cce" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_05d52990-072d-4ff1-a4fd-8df19bbfe7bd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_8efae05d-6107-46ce-a1e1-4b07a0975cce" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_05d52990-072d-4ff1-a4fd-8df19bbfe7bd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_e1c9d195-ec2b-44ec-a919-4b3eb89ee7eb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_8efae05d-6107-46ce-a1e1-4b07a0975cce" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_e1c9d195-ec2b-44ec-a919-4b3eb89ee7eb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_6a5d43b9-1aad-4e36-bd9e-62305edf10e2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_8efae05d-6107-46ce-a1e1-4b07a0975cce" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_6a5d43b9-1aad-4e36-bd9e-62305edf10e2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_47a6dd42-8805-4e0b-94ac-dec91f537436" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNoteTextBlock_2ff09b02-3f75-4fe6-a07a-c69e01aedff0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNoteTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_47a6dd42-8805-4e0b-94ac-dec91f537436" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNoteTextBlock_2ff09b02-3f75-4fe6-a07a-c69e01aedff0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_e31d97d7-acfe-43df-b068-874934e2fad2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock_19781603-a8dd-4ed2-8e28-5da7f8fcd7ef" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_e31d97d7-acfe-43df-b068-874934e2fad2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock_19781603-a8dd-4ed2-8e28-5da7f8fcd7ef" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossSummaryofChangesinAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossSummaryofChangesinAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossSummaryofChangesinAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_f8735102-21e4-4cfd-8f60-d9d23fd73e80" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_3b7cd5d7-61f9-4b7c-8b2b-a41b9b064828" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_f8735102-21e4-4cfd-8f60-d9d23fd73e80" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_3b7cd5d7-61f9-4b7c-8b2b-a41b9b064828" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_0ae1c9ae-aab3-495e-88a2-db5d9ba067f6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_3b7cd5d7-61f9-4b7c-8b2b-a41b9b064828" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_0ae1c9ae-aab3-495e-88a2-db5d9ba067f6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_5685be59-b6f1-4ece-87b9-73a7deac612f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_0ae1c9ae-aab3-495e-88a2-db5d9ba067f6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_5685be59-b6f1-4ece-87b9-73a7deac612f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetGainLossFromDesignatedOrQualifyingCashFlowHedgesMember_e1d5fdbd-dfd2-4e70-b9f1-ecb5bb4540bd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedNetGainLossFromDesignatedOrQualifyingCashFlowHedgesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_5685be59-b6f1-4ece-87b9-73a7deac612f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetGainLossFromDesignatedOrQualifyingCashFlowHedgesMember_e1d5fdbd-dfd2-4e70-b9f1-ecb5bb4540bd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_5af743f8-db0c-42a8-8a38-beac1eb46c3b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_5685be59-b6f1-4ece-87b9-73a7deac612f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_5af743f8-db0c-42a8-8a38-beac1eb46c3b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_d843ce98-149e-475d-891c-3eb6913ced50" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_5685be59-b6f1-4ece-87b9-73a7deac612f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_d843ce98-149e-475d-891c-3eb6913ced50" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_4bbc4488-4498-4120-899c-2b6748e7696f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_3b7cd5d7-61f9-4b7c-8b2b-a41b9b064828" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_4bbc4488-4498-4120-899c-2b6748e7696f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_cdc73e70-ba24-4893-8769-bed4778d26a6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_4bbc4488-4498-4120-899c-2b6748e7696f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_cdc73e70-ba24-4893-8769-bed4778d26a6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_25cc7896-559a-4494-ba7d-4aed635a42e4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_cdc73e70-ba24-4893-8769-bed4778d26a6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_25cc7896-559a-4494-ba7d-4aed635a42e4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OciBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTaxAttributableToParent_be762c2a-2230-4103-9737-c96cc0f2cff3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OciBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTaxAttributableToParent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_cdc73e70-ba24-4893-8769-bed4778d26a6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OciBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTaxAttributableToParent_be762c2a-2230-4103-9737-c96cc0f2cff3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAttributableToParent_6150e287-2419-407b-9ea0-3edfa025b338" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAttributableToParent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_cdc73e70-ba24-4893-8769-bed4778d26a6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAttributableToParent_6150e287-2419-407b-9ea0-3edfa025b338" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_1c4aeb71-e60a-4f16-811c-6c9bc037bd51" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_cdc73e70-ba24-4893-8769-bed4778d26a6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_1c4aeb71-e60a-4f16-811c-6c9bc037bd51" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_7a563e02-fe5c-4921-888a-e2e3974ececf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_cdc73e70-ba24-4893-8769-bed4778d26a6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_7a563e02-fe5c-4921-888a-e2e3974ececf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsTax_8ad0ab24-c461-48d1-acef-e826d115ad2f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_f8735102-21e4-4cfd-8f60-d9d23fd73e80" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsTax_8ad0ab24-c461-48d1-acef-e826d115ad2f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodTax_1b591221-7518-44a5-9f05-2384edc13e6d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_f8735102-21e4-4cfd-8f60-d9d23fd73e80" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodTax_1b591221-7518-44a5-9f05-2384edc13e6d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent_e95ed5eb-c087-41a8-a593-c3c766ceee75" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_f8735102-21e4-4cfd-8f60-d9d23fd73e80" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent_e95ed5eb-c087-41a8-a593-c3c766ceee75" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/SegmentInformation" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#SegmentInformation"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/SegmentInformation" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_f88bc5be-52f5-4f74-85cd-2c324bc3c5ef" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock_ce9fbd6a-4dfb-4448-9f7d-d61f80f13048" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_f88bc5be-52f5-4f74-85cd-2c324bc3c5ef" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock_ce9fbd6a-4dfb-4448-9f7d-d61f80f13048" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/SegmentInformationTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#SegmentInformationTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/SegmentInformationTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_1d5b8459-1e11-4339-a8eb-00aa2710ff10" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock_e12d47c3-0985-46fe-a942-252dc13e33d1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_1d5b8459-1e11-4339-a8eb-00aa2710ff10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock_e12d47c3-0985-46fe-a942-252dc13e33d1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/SegmentInformationAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#SegmentInformationAdditionalInformationDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/SegmentInformationAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_8dff176c-efbb-4d41-a6ac-70ba096163fa" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments_63c4105d-d83a-47bf-9c6a-03f3967f8049" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_8dff176c-efbb-4d41-a6ac-70ba096163fa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments_63c4105d-d83a-47bf-9c6a-03f3967f8049" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_OperatingDecisionMakerGroupNumberofMembers_c947d95b-b75a-4866-8c84-1c315e90f268" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_OperatingDecisionMakerGroupNumberofMembers"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_8dff176c-efbb-4d41-a6ac-70ba096163fa" xlink:to="loc_sah_OperatingDecisionMakerGroupNumberofMembers_c947d95b-b75a-4866-8c84-1c315e90f268" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/SegmentInformationSummaryofReportableOperatingSegmentDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#SegmentInformationSummaryofReportableOperatingSegmentDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/SegmentInformationSummaryofReportableOperatingSegmentDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_cea1df87-1fed-4a47-aea0-d2b4911dd105" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_4533df97-137b-43a3-885f-cf2871a8f477" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_cea1df87-1fed-4a47-aea0-d2b4911dd105" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_4533df97-137b-43a3-885f-cf2871a8f477" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_e7e3732a-be84-400f-8fde-ea89d2eebaae" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_4533df97-137b-43a3-885f-cf2871a8f477" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_e7e3732a-be84-400f-8fde-ea89d2eebaae" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_1519016d-47d5-43cd-bca9-6b89490c6068" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_e7e3732a-be84-400f-8fde-ea89d2eebaae" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_1519016d-47d5-43cd-bca9-6b89490c6068" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_NewVehicleMember_04f36989-b82b-426c-91f5-a630860894ba" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_NewVehicleMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_1519016d-47d5-43cd-bca9-6b89490c6068" xlink:to="loc_sah_NewVehicleMember_04f36989-b82b-426c-91f5-a630860894ba" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_UsedVehiclesMember_8081a30b-0719-4308-94f1-b7d8ec4422be" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_UsedVehiclesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_1519016d-47d5-43cd-bca9-6b89490c6068" xlink:to="loc_sah_UsedVehiclesMember_8081a30b-0719-4308-94f1-b7d8ec4422be" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_WholesaleVehiclesMember_a32fb77e-1141-49a8-873d-12038f901582" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_WholesaleVehiclesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_1519016d-47d5-43cd-bca9-6b89490c6068" xlink:to="loc_sah_WholesaleVehiclesMember_a32fb77e-1141-49a8-873d-12038f901582" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_PartsServiceandCollisionRepairMember_2e4ad1ae-6c13-4034-b0f9-11fbb335b6c0" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_PartsServiceandCollisionRepairMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_1519016d-47d5-43cd-bca9-6b89490c6068" xlink:to="loc_sah_PartsServiceandCollisionRepairMember_2e4ad1ae-6c13-4034-b0f9-11fbb335b6c0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_FinanceInsuranceAndOtherNetMember_8b9e1484-9866-4248-922c-27f6cb2a12a6" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_FinanceInsuranceAndOtherNetMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_1519016d-47d5-43cd-bca9-6b89490c6068" xlink:to="loc_sah_FinanceInsuranceAndOtherNetMember_8b9e1484-9866-4248-922c-27f6cb2a12a6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_01e5420d-7747-40d0-a7c7-c618cabc7cb7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_4533df97-137b-43a3-885f-cf2871a8f477" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_01e5420d-7747-40d0-a7c7-c618cabc7cb7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_27650bbe-631b-4845-b786-65d2b08aa000" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_01e5420d-7747-40d0-a7c7-c618cabc7cb7" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_27650bbe-631b-4845-b786-65d2b08aa000" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_d5f16d0a-10f2-497c-8cd2-0cab89834219" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_27650bbe-631b-4845-b786-65d2b08aa000" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_d5f16d0a-10f2-497c-8cd2-0cab89834219" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaterialReconcilingItemsMember_6e2959e3-54f9-4a9e-9ddd-a624d4cd34ee" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaterialReconcilingItemsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_27650bbe-631b-4845-b786-65d2b08aa000" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaterialReconcilingItemsMember_6e2959e3-54f9-4a9e-9ddd-a624d4cd34ee" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_d07005eb-016f-4757-ac1b-e23472415343" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_4533df97-137b-43a3-885f-cf2871a8f477" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_d07005eb-016f-4757-ac1b-e23472415343" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2ffbf29b-63f5-423a-a7e3-21da59de016f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_d07005eb-016f-4757-ac1b-e23472415343" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2ffbf29b-63f5-423a-a7e3-21da59de016f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_FranchisedDealershipsMember_17582c99-5f04-4a4b-92ee-042af7e10542" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_FranchisedDealershipsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2ffbf29b-63f5-423a-a7e3-21da59de016f" xlink:to="loc_sah_FranchisedDealershipsMember_17582c99-5f04-4a4b-92ee-042af7e10542" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_PreOwnedStoresMember_78e5bf78-84f2-4927-9f6f-26f9b6f314fd" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_PreOwnedStoresMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2ffbf29b-63f5-423a-a7e3-21da59de016f" xlink:to="loc_sah_PreOwnedStoresMember_78e5bf78-84f2-4927-9f6f-26f9b6f314fd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_ac0b61fd-604e-4087-ad30-b8ff63655e89" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_4533df97-137b-43a3-885f-cf2871a8f477" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_ac0b61fd-604e-4087-ad30-b8ff63655e89" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_afe94eac-abad-470e-97af-27bfb0e14ea1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_ac0b61fd-604e-4087-ad30-b8ff63655e89" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_afe94eac-abad-470e-97af-27bfb0e14ea1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLossMember_8b1ddebf-db5d-435c-8866-79ae145f555e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLossMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_afe94eac-abad-470e-97af-27bfb0e14ea1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLossMember_8b1ddebf-db5d-435c-8866-79ae145f555e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_5a738df3-8403-4093-ab81-09de1520ca2e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_4533df97-137b-43a3-885f-cf2871a8f477" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_5a738df3-8403-4093-ab81-09de1520ca2e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_2bd92b96-476f-4964-8ace-ed551c79d97e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_5a738df3-8403-4093-ab81-09de1520ca2e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_2bd92b96-476f-4964-8ace-ed551c79d97e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_b5a5b4e8-dcb5-48d1-8e90-dd0aa8ee2698" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_2bd92b96-476f-4964-8ace-ed551c79d97e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_b5a5b4e8-dcb5-48d1-8e90-dd0aa8ee2698" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossAbstract_3070ebed-56db-4be9-a38d-6e62020a3519" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_5a738df3-8403-4093-ab81-09de1520ca2e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossAbstract_3070ebed-56db-4be9-a38d-6e62020a3519" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_92fb35a4-a555-48b8-94b2-8f3596a9e03f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossAbstract_3070ebed-56db-4be9-a38d-6e62020a3519" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_92fb35a4-a555-48b8-94b2-8f3596a9e03f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseOther_dd96ee11-0c14-4ea4-b6c4-ea3410d3de53" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseOther"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossAbstract_3070ebed-56db-4be9-a38d-6e62020a3519" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseOther_dd96ee11-0c14-4ea4-b6c4-ea3410d3de53" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_49ca0a36-f8b4-44ec-87ba-d5c9de1a483a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossAbstract_3070ebed-56db-4be9-a38d-6e62020a3519" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_49ca0a36-f8b4-44ec-87ba-d5c9de1a483a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_448c7aea-c1a3-4f86-8aed-81c7764c7e75" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossAbstract_3070ebed-56db-4be9-a38d-6e62020a3519" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_448c7aea-c1a3-4f86-8aed-81c7764c7e75" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_NonrecurringCompensationExpense_68453564-c665-496c-8574-8344bd3cde1b" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_NonrecurringCompensationExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_5a738df3-8403-4093-ab81-09de1520ca2e" xlink:to="loc_sah_NonrecurringCompensationExpense_68453564-c665-496c-8574-8344bd3cde1b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposal_177390fe-9c8b-4e1c-b330-40c44f3e649f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposal"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_5a738df3-8403-4093-ab81-09de1520ca2e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposal_177390fe-9c8b-4e1c-b330-40c44f3e649f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_ExecutiveTransitionCosts_c54e95ef-612a-4b3c-85bb-39f32bbb3b75" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_ExecutiveTransitionCosts"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_5a738df3-8403-4093-ab81-09de1520ca2e" xlink:to="loc_sah_ExecutiveTransitionCosts_c54e95ef-612a-4b3c-85bb-39f32bbb3b75" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_StormDamageandLegalExpenses_b2f00686-5a73-4766-877d-c824add87a8b" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_StormDamageandLegalExpenses"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_5a738df3-8403-4093-ab81-09de1520ca2e" xlink:to="loc_sah_StormDamageandLegalExpenses_b2f00686-5a73-4766-877d-c824add87a8b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_30088d21-b0ce-4fec-9e04-f020bbdec4d4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_5a738df3-8403-4093-ab81-09de1520ca2e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_30088d21-b0ce-4fec-9e04-f020bbdec4d4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf_f54c468c-af89-4ca2-aa36-379ea4b0d2c1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_5a738df3-8403-4093-ab81-09de1520ca2e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf_f54c468c-af89-4ca2-aa36-379ea4b0d2c1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_LeaseExitBenefitExpense_c0d47926-ed59-420e-8df4-af79d56945ea" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_LeaseExitBenefitExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_5a738df3-8403-4093-ab81-09de1520ca2e" xlink:to="loc_sah_LeaseExitBenefitExpense_c0d47926-ed59-420e-8df4-af79d56945ea" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_412347b5-1008-4565-95d1-b379e163d50a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_5a738df3-8403-4093-ab81-09de1520ca2e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_412347b5-1008-4565-95d1-b379e163d50a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt_3b3bfd39-ec3c-42e0-aee0-7bce8fb2a5ad" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_5a738df3-8403-4093-ab81-09de1520ca2e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt_3b3bfd39-ec3c-42e0-aee0-7bce8fb2a5ad" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_NonrecurringCompensationExpense_c0c73861-eec2-4619-9f08-0fa1c3ede310" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_NonrecurringCompensationExpense"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_RetailUnits_23dc3840-68dd-4d3b-9c85-30f122f19663" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_RetailUnits"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_5a738df3-8403-4093-ab81-09de1520ca2e" xlink:to="loc_sah_RetailUnits_23dc3840-68dd-4d3b-9c85-30f122f19663" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_4e0c8cc5-770a-4a78-abd6-893bc0897e79" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_5a738df3-8403-4093-ab81-09de1520ca2e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_4e0c8cc5-770a-4a78-abd6-893bc0897e79" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_FloorPlanInterestExpense_4e4dac43-53a4-4a73-9b48-432730a609d0" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_FloorPlanInterestExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_5a738df3-8403-4093-ab81-09de1520ca2e" xlink:to="loc_sah_FloorPlanInterestExpense_4e4dac43-53a4-4a73-9b48-432730a609d0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseOther_d87f79c0-b686-4c1d-ba86-a098889d7f66" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseOther"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_5a738df3-8403-4093-ab81-09de1520ca2e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseOther_d87f79c0-b686-4c1d-ba86-a098889d7f66" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_64ffb27a-a77a-40a9-b760-505841bdaf81" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_5a738df3-8403-4093-ab81-09de1520ca2e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_64ffb27a-a77a-40a9-b760-505841bdaf81" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_9f84147c-9a00-46cf-bc16-43192bf50c6e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_5a738df3-8403-4093-ab81-09de1520ca2e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_9f84147c-9a00-46cf-bc16-43192bf50c6e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_4b475696-86bc-44a0-87e8-daf0d1a21e01" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_5a738df3-8403-4093-ab81-09de1520ca2e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_4b475696-86bc-44a0-87e8-daf0d1a21e01" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_GainOnFranchiseDisposal_5b62b217-b0ca-4781-b232-5426c78632cc" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_GainOnFranchiseDisposal"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_5a738df3-8403-4093-ab81-09de1520ca2e" xlink:to="loc_sah_GainOnFranchiseDisposal_5b62b217-b0ca-4781-b232-5426c78632cc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_NonrecurringCompensationExpense_a11f0568-6e7f-423c-9756-15dde68686fc" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_NonrecurringCompensationExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_cea1df87-1fed-4a47-aea0-d2b4911dd105" xlink:to="loc_sah_NonrecurringCompensationExpense_a11f0568-6e7f-423c-9756-15dde68686fc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_ExecutiveTransitionCosts_6642c346-6c67-4abd-9673-80aff56ce3d0" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_ExecutiveTransitionCosts"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_cea1df87-1fed-4a47-aea0-d2b4911dd105" xlink:to="loc_sah_ExecutiveTransitionCosts_6642c346-6c67-4abd-9673-80aff56ce3d0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/LeasesCodificationTopic842" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#LeasesCodificationTopic842"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/LeasesCodificationTopic842" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_ecaae191-5503-4aea-a72e-2f89cd16668e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeasesOfLesseeDisclosureTextBlock_e2287467-107a-4438-a935-98c8e8f18b28" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesOfLesseeDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_ecaae191-5503-4aea-a72e-2f89cd16668e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeasesOfLesseeDisclosureTextBlock_e2287467-107a-4438-a935-98c8e8f18b28" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/LeasesCodificationTopic842Tables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#LeasesCodificationTopic842Tables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/LeasesCodificationTopic842Tables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_26370df2-b787-4317-b1b0-d3b2dd65f2f4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_RightOfUseAssetsTotal_3eb07698-9c5c-478e-aacc-09e81a54d055" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_RightOfUseAssetsTotal"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_26370df2-b787-4317-b1b0-d3b2dd65f2f4" xlink:to="loc_sah_RightOfUseAssetsTotal_3eb07698-9c5c-478e-aacc-09e81a54d055" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset_eb315a42-8b72-4a3d-8e6b-8fc98d8068a9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_26370df2-b787-4317-b1b0-d3b2dd65f2f4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset_eb315a42-8b72-4a3d-8e6b-8fc98d8068a9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_LeaseRightOfUseAssetNewLeaseTotal_0005cb5f-2ccf-4af3-94e7-70492a0d2706" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_LeaseRightOfUseAssetNewLeaseTotal"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_26370df2-b787-4317-b1b0-d3b2dd65f2f4" xlink:to="loc_sah_LeaseRightOfUseAssetNewLeaseTotal_0005cb5f-2ccf-4af3-94e7-70492a0d2706" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_FinanceLeaseRightofUseAssetNewLeases_af00e8aa-2a3b-411a-849c-e5c86324f066" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_FinanceLeaseRightofUseAssetNewLeases"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_26370df2-b787-4317-b1b0-d3b2dd65f2f4" xlink:to="loc_sah_FinanceLeaseRightofUseAssetNewLeases_af00e8aa-2a3b-411a-849c-e5c86324f066" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_OperatingLeaseRightofUseAssetNewLeases_453df7e3-37df-4307-b3e5-af787e1304f1" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_OperatingLeaseRightofUseAssetNewLeases"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_26370df2-b787-4317-b1b0-d3b2dd65f2f4" xlink:to="loc_sah_OperatingLeaseRightofUseAssetNewLeases_453df7e3-37df-4307-b3e5-af787e1304f1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_LeaseLiabilityCurrentNewLeaseTotal_0273fb08-3302-42c8-8a18-67e496a1295e" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_LeaseLiabilityCurrentNewLeaseTotal"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_26370df2-b787-4317-b1b0-d3b2dd65f2f4" xlink:to="loc_sah_LeaseLiabilityCurrentNewLeaseTotal_0273fb08-3302-42c8-8a18-67e496a1295e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrentNewLeases_171dd486-73fd-4848-98df-5a94b6727201" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrentNewLeases"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_26370df2-b787-4317-b1b0-d3b2dd65f2f4" xlink:to="loc_sah_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrentNewLeases_171dd486-73fd-4848-98df-5a94b6727201" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrentNewLeases_7f46cee3-1fbc-4c1d-9ff3-f7679f4c9c1c" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrentNewLeases"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_26370df2-b787-4317-b1b0-d3b2dd65f2f4" xlink:to="loc_sah_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrentNewLeases_7f46cee3-1fbc-4c1d-9ff3-f7679f4c9c1c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrentNewLeases_9a9390cc-62be-4b2b-88e4-a8aabea5faee" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrentNewLeases"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_26370df2-b787-4317-b1b0-d3b2dd65f2f4" xlink:to="loc_sah_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrentNewLeases_9a9390cc-62be-4b2b-88e4-a8aabea5faee" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrentNewLeases_64898c58-9258-461e-8871-cdfb8d22551a" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrentNewLeases"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_26370df2-b787-4317-b1b0-d3b2dd65f2f4" xlink:to="loc_sah_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrentNewLeases_64898c58-9258-461e-8871-cdfb8d22551a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_LeaseLiabilityNoncurrentNewLeaseTotal_37daf7bd-3818-4033-8785-3890583ebf64" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_LeaseLiabilityNoncurrentNewLeaseTotal"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_26370df2-b787-4317-b1b0-d3b2dd65f2f4" xlink:to="loc_sah_LeaseLiabilityNoncurrentNewLeaseTotal_37daf7bd-3818-4033-8785-3890583ebf64" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_FinanceLeaseRightofUseAssetModifications_8731cb9a-7e3a-4838-9694-d71f2eef9fe2" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_FinanceLeaseRightofUseAssetModifications"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_26370df2-b787-4317-b1b0-d3b2dd65f2f4" xlink:to="loc_sah_FinanceLeaseRightofUseAssetModifications_8731cb9a-7e3a-4838-9694-d71f2eef9fe2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_OperatingLeaseRightofUseAssetModifications_d181befb-432a-4ec2-b4ca-236bb3c3c2df" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_OperatingLeaseRightofUseAssetModifications"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_26370df2-b787-4317-b1b0-d3b2dd65f2f4" xlink:to="loc_sah_OperatingLeaseRightofUseAssetModifications_d181befb-432a-4ec2-b4ca-236bb3c3c2df" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_LeaseRightOfUseAssetModificationsTotal_e6a96875-2d65-428a-8a9c-5e5cb668206b" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_LeaseRightOfUseAssetModificationsTotal"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_26370df2-b787-4317-b1b0-d3b2dd65f2f4" xlink:to="loc_sah_LeaseRightOfUseAssetModificationsTotal_e6a96875-2d65-428a-8a9c-5e5cb668206b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_LeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortizationTotal_ca00ee71-55d1-480e-9652-b18ef4055d3e" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_LeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortizationTotal"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_26370df2-b787-4317-b1b0-d3b2dd65f2f4" xlink:to="loc_sah_LeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortizationTotal_ca00ee71-55d1-480e-9652-b18ef4055d3e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrentModifications_b00537d1-22e4-462c-884e-847e6e315487" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrentModifications"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_26370df2-b787-4317-b1b0-d3b2dd65f2f4" xlink:to="loc_sah_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrentModifications_b00537d1-22e4-462c-884e-847e6e315487" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrentModifications_fbd1a36f-4a7d-483a-a472-7fb485a6e3f9" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrentModifications"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_26370df2-b787-4317-b1b0-d3b2dd65f2f4" xlink:to="loc_sah_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrentModifications_fbd1a36f-4a7d-483a-a472-7fb485a6e3f9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_LeaseLiabilityCurrentModificationsTotal_2df1f0cd-02bf-4416-a5e2-8d421ffa521c" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_LeaseLiabilityCurrentModificationsTotal"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_26370df2-b787-4317-b1b0-d3b2dd65f2f4" xlink:to="loc_sah_LeaseLiabilityCurrentModificationsTotal_2df1f0cd-02bf-4416-a5e2-8d421ffa521c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrentModifications_657f7d4e-78fa-4ede-a74e-4405265581d8" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrentModifications"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_26370df2-b787-4317-b1b0-d3b2dd65f2f4" xlink:to="loc_sah_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrentModifications_657f7d4e-78fa-4ede-a74e-4405265581d8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrentModifications_6860b771-a9fc-4d8f-9539-b41675aa155e" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrentModifications"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_26370df2-b787-4317-b1b0-d3b2dd65f2f4" xlink:to="loc_sah_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrentModifications_6860b771-a9fc-4d8f-9539-b41675aa155e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_LeaseLiabilityNoncurrentModificationsTotal_3acefe0d-c467-46ef-95fb-f0f5cc9d8f08" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_LeaseLiabilityNoncurrentModificationsTotal"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_26370df2-b787-4317-b1b0-d3b2dd65f2f4" xlink:to="loc_sah_LeaseLiabilityNoncurrentModificationsTotal_3acefe0d-c467-46ef-95fb-f0f5cc9d8f08" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_OperatingLeaseRightofUseAssetAmortization_6e7b5820-b6fe-41d6-9d03-d6e3c02093d7" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_OperatingLeaseRightofUseAssetAmortization"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_26370df2-b787-4317-b1b0-d3b2dd65f2f4" xlink:to="loc_sah_OperatingLeaseRightofUseAssetAmortization_6e7b5820-b6fe-41d6-9d03-d6e3c02093d7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortization_05baf1d7-eab2-4e53-a8f9-dff8d7f2bcd0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortization"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="23" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_26370df2-b787-4317-b1b0-d3b2dd65f2f4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortization_05baf1d7-eab2-4e53-a8f9-dff8d7f2bcd0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrentAmortization_747f1ce6-cee5-4519-9198-506847b3a10d" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrentAmortization"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="24" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_26370df2-b787-4317-b1b0-d3b2dd65f2f4" xlink:to="loc_sah_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrentAmortization_747f1ce6-cee5-4519-9198-506847b3a10d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrentAmortization_0062a404-6c0b-4dba-b4fd-4796e8c19b6c" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrentAmortization"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="25" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_26370df2-b787-4317-b1b0-d3b2dd65f2f4" xlink:to="loc_sah_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrentAmortization_0062a404-6c0b-4dba-b4fd-4796e8c19b6c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_LeaseLiabilityCurrentAmortizationTotal_19a5a406-df4a-4a1f-be1a-658da8eebae4" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_LeaseLiabilityCurrentAmortizationTotal"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="26" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_26370df2-b787-4317-b1b0-d3b2dd65f2f4" xlink:to="loc_sah_LeaseLiabilityCurrentAmortizationTotal_19a5a406-df4a-4a1f-be1a-658da8eebae4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrentAmortization_de9fdde7-6f66-4916-a037-55dd43fbde16" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrentAmortization"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="27" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_26370df2-b787-4317-b1b0-d3b2dd65f2f4" xlink:to="loc_sah_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrentAmortization_de9fdde7-6f66-4916-a037-55dd43fbde16" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrentAmortization_1cad45b0-b93b-42d1-8e1f-6faf06694e40" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrentAmortization"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="28" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_26370df2-b787-4317-b1b0-d3b2dd65f2f4" xlink:to="loc_sah_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrentAmortization_1cad45b0-b93b-42d1-8e1f-6faf06694e40" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_LeaseLiabilityNoncurrentAmortizationTotal_482c74cd-b720-4222-b53f-14d6c94049b4" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_LeaseLiabilityNoncurrentAmortizationTotal"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="29" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_26370df2-b787-4317-b1b0-d3b2dd65f2f4" xlink:to="loc_sah_LeaseLiabilityNoncurrentAmortizationTotal_482c74cd-b720-4222-b53f-14d6c94049b4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_LeaseLiabilityCurrentTotal_a98c40e5-aac7-4353-9724-7bf9b782f69b" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_LeaseLiabilityCurrentTotal"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="30" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_26370df2-b787-4317-b1b0-d3b2dd65f2f4" xlink:to="loc_sah_LeaseLiabilityCurrentTotal_a98c40e5-aac7-4353-9724-7bf9b782f69b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_0e839301-8fc5-4c15-a313-9ddbf2b74280" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="31" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_26370df2-b787-4317-b1b0-d3b2dd65f2f4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_0e839301-8fc5-4c15-a313-9ddbf2b74280" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent_e58a0804-88c6-4cf0-bfe3-797e68cc0731" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="32" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_26370df2-b787-4317-b1b0-d3b2dd65f2f4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent_e58a0804-88c6-4cf0-bfe3-797e68cc0731" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_LeaseLiabilityNoncurrentTotal_bbeaff72-c0ca-4723-bb9e-a2c38d580a48" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_LeaseLiabilityNoncurrentTotal"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="33" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_26370df2-b787-4317-b1b0-d3b2dd65f2f4" xlink:to="loc_sah_LeaseLiabilityNoncurrentTotal_bbeaff72-c0ca-4723-bb9e-a2c38d580a48" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_dace3319-fccd-45d4-8e30-f47367c8fe97" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="34" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_26370df2-b787-4317-b1b0-d3b2dd65f2f4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_dace3319-fccd-45d4-8e30-f47367c8fe97" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_1aa79705-6183-4650-acf4-fe6236ac1e2d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="35" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_26370df2-b787-4317-b1b0-d3b2dd65f2f4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_1aa79705-6183-4650-acf4-fe6236ac1e2d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCostAbstract_765d0e0e-765b-4717-aca6-dcd58dbacf19" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseCostAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_FinanceLeaseROUAssetAmortization_c6c5b746-bbdd-43e9-b949-f108fff36e33" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_FinanceLeaseROUAssetAmortization"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCostAbstract_765d0e0e-765b-4717-aca6-dcd58dbacf19" xlink:to="loc_sah_FinanceLeaseROUAssetAmortization_c6c5b746-bbdd-43e9-b949-f108fff36e33" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments_fc92e9c1-0bc5-4828-8903-89910c8dd132" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCostAbstract_765d0e0e-765b-4717-aca6-dcd58dbacf19" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments_fc92e9c1-0bc5-4828-8903-89910c8dd132" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseInterestPaymentOnLiability_d25734be-c25c-423c-bd2a-f793f5295dd9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseInterestPaymentOnLiability"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCostAbstract_765d0e0e-765b-4717-aca6-dcd58dbacf19" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseInterestPaymentOnLiability_d25734be-c25c-423c-bd2a-f793f5295dd9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasePayments_fbadeac5-b838-49c3-bf07-666b23c5c8db" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasePayments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCostAbstract_765d0e0e-765b-4717-aca6-dcd58dbacf19" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasePayments_fbadeac5-b838-49c3-bf07-666b23c5c8db" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForFinanceLeaseLiability_f478c846-cb87-4df8-a18f-5efb818d0cd5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForFinanceLeaseLiability"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCostAbstract_765d0e0e-765b-4717-aca6-dcd58dbacf19" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForFinanceLeaseLiability_f478c846-cb87-4df8-a18f-5efb818d0cd5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForOperatingLeaseLiability_4d4a0865-8d39-42bc-a377-0a88d5fd59ec" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForOperatingLeaseLiability"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCostAbstract_765d0e0e-765b-4717-aca6-dcd58dbacf19" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForOperatingLeaseLiability_4d4a0865-8d39-42bc-a377-0a88d5fd59ec" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_A2019FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments_e8a095f6-67fc-45dc-833e-e7fa7e5fd02f" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_A2019FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCostAbstract_765d0e0e-765b-4717-aca6-dcd58dbacf19" xlink:to="loc_sah_A2019FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments_e8a095f6-67fc-45dc-833e-e7fa7e5fd02f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_LeaseExpenseAbstract_fd2e7e03-c39d-4d2d-b972-465e24a3de9b" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_LeaseExpenseAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortization_4a3dfeb6-af53-427f-8533-2ce75be3508d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortization"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sah_LeaseExpenseAbstract_fd2e7e03-c39d-4d2d-b972-465e24a3de9b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortization_4a3dfeb6-af53-427f-8533-2ce75be3508d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseInterestExpense_3d988405-e57e-4619-ba40-88f8af325398" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseInterestExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sah_LeaseExpenseAbstract_fd2e7e03-c39d-4d2d-b972-465e24a3de9b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseInterestExpense_3d988405-e57e-4619-ba40-88f8af325398" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseCost_4ec7afde-4216-4c12-955f-1fa2916dce39" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseCost"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sah_LeaseExpenseAbstract_fd2e7e03-c39d-4d2d-b972-465e24a3de9b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseCost_4ec7afde-4216-4c12-955f-1fa2916dce39" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermLeaseCost_d2f50682-5d2a-4a28-9d56-b57f6671f62d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermLeaseCost"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sah_LeaseExpenseAbstract_fd2e7e03-c39d-4d2d-b972-465e24a3de9b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermLeaseCost_d2f50682-5d2a-4a28-9d56-b57f6671f62d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableLeaseCost_e0f9270a-c637-46dd-960e-937883078e51" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableLeaseCost"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sah_LeaseExpenseAbstract_fd2e7e03-c39d-4d2d-b972-465e24a3de9b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableLeaseCost_e0f9270a-c637-46dd-960e-937883078e51" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubleaseIncome_af832829-53a6-46fa-84f5-ec68f208903d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubleaseIncome"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sah_LeaseExpenseAbstract_fd2e7e03-c39d-4d2d-b972-465e24a3de9b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubleaseIncome_af832829-53a6-46fa-84f5-ec68f208903d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCost_e51560af-a9b9-4e71-b95c-041f1e54befc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseCost"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sah_LeaseExpenseAbstract_fd2e7e03-c39d-4d2d-b972-465e24a3de9b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCost_e51560af-a9b9-4e71-b95c-041f1e54befc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_LeaseOtherInformationAbstract_80d8b4fb-4697-4b1e-aa68-e374ed887471" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_LeaseOtherInformationAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1_154a4dbf-006c-411e-8f5b-a73bdb8b5be4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sah_LeaseOtherInformationAbstract_80d8b4fb-4697-4b1e-aa68-e374ed887471" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1_154a4dbf-006c-411e-8f5b-a73bdb8b5be4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1_26d4aded-995f-4cb6-b66a-af9aabc5a3ae" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sah_LeaseOtherInformationAbstract_80d8b4fb-4697-4b1e-aa68-e374ed887471" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1_26d4aded-995f-4cb6-b66a-af9aabc5a3ae" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent_41abbcc0-6478-479d-8a97-a5fe1659eafd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sah_LeaseOtherInformationAbstract_80d8b4fb-4697-4b1e-aa68-e374ed887471" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent_41abbcc0-6478-479d-8a97-a5fe1659eafd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent_af2a7b94-c3eb-4d36-bfec-dc64198036e0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sah_LeaseOtherInformationAbstract_80d8b4fb-4697-4b1e-aa68-e374ed887471" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent_af2a7b94-c3eb-4d36-bfec-dc64198036e0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sah_LeaseUndiscountedCashFlowsAbstract_4e82d1a3-9eb5-4270-9787-85942425f845" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#sah_LeaseUndiscountedCashFlowsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_5d3dce55-5843-404d-8b05-ab2eff7e3e53" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sah_LeaseUndiscountedCashFlowsAbstract_4e82d1a3-9eb5-4270-9787-85942425f845" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_5d3dce55-5843-404d-8b05-ab2eff7e3e53" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths_c09b2231-2dea-4c69-bc60-838f07b19624" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_5d3dce55-5843-404d-8b05-ab2eff7e3e53" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths_c09b2231-2dea-4c69-bc60-838f07b19624" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_02b8388e-ca7e-4bf9-88b8-92b802047230" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_5d3dce55-5843-404d-8b05-ab2eff7e3e53" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_02b8388e-ca7e-4bf9-88b8-92b802047230" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree_73fbb504-7448-4586-b110-ced734b3ad6b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_5d3dce55-5843-404d-8b05-ab2eff7e3e53" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree_73fbb504-7448-4586-b110-ced734b3ad6b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour_8f8bf0fa-a443-4aaa-9e03-ff0e6f2bbd5d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_5d3dce55-5843-404d-8b05-ab2eff7e3e53" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour_8f8bf0fa-a443-4aaa-9e03-ff0e6f2bbd5d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFive_6fde159c-5045-46e9-bc16-fce4406ab665" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFive"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_5d3dce55-5843-404d-8b05-ab2eff7e3e53" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFive_6fde159c-5045-46e9-bc16-fce4406ab665" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFive_cdd7819a-bb77-477d-a7b4-bccc33f06bb4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFive"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_5d3dce55-5843-404d-8b05-ab2eff7e3e53" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFive_cdd7819a-bb77-477d-a7b4-bccc33f06bb4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_e7ff0863-a4f1-48fe-944b-3aa0a41814ac" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_5d3dce55-5843-404d-8b05-ab2eff7e3e53" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_e7ff0863-a4f1-48fe-944b-3aa0a41814ac" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_78779bd9-19ab-4b80-b72d-45b2022ece2e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_5d3dce55-5843-404d-8b05-ab2eff7e3e53" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_78779bd9-19ab-4b80-b72d-45b2022ece2e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiability_e51b55f2-2572-400d-937b-17d3b11ab673" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiability"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_5d3dce55-5843-404d-8b05-ab2eff7e3e53" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiability_e51b55f2-2572-400d-937b-17d3b11ab673" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_aafec54b-e8ec-470a-b053-69e1cffd79a4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sah_LeaseUndiscountedCashFlowsAbstract_4e82d1a3-9eb5-4270-9787-85942425f845" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_aafec54b-e8ec-470a-b053-69e1cffd79a4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths_06fdaaab-363d-4ebb-9c2f-87fcba72e7d4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_aafec54b-e8ec-470a-b053-69e1cffd79a4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths_06fdaaab-363d-4ebb-9c2f-87fcba72e7d4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_2dcd95b3-c084-4f7e-ab00-c9888a612674" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_aafec54b-e8ec-470a-b053-69e1cffd79a4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_2dcd95b3-c084-4f7e-ab00-c9888a612674" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree_c3e40e2b-fa53-42e9-9938-6a8bf2dadb13" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_aafec54b-e8ec-470a-b053-69e1cffd79a4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree_c3e40e2b-fa53-42e9-9938-6a8bf2dadb13" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour_c10653a5-0063-431f-a29a-18d4f2d0c3f0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_aafec54b-e8ec-470a-b053-69e1cffd79a4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour_c10653a5-0063-431f-a29a-18d4f2d0c3f0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFive_8a4d6780-ca24-4152-af2d-9cc29635007c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFive"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_aafec54b-e8ec-470a-b053-69e1cffd79a4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFive_8a4d6780-ca24-4152-af2d-9cc29635007c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFive_109838ac-bf57-42ef-8c88-897e3eb88164" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFive"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_aafec54b-e8ec-470a-b053-69e1cffd79a4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFive_109838ac-bf57-42ef-8c88-897e3eb88164" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_a6f0c105-990e-48cc-af19-db83464621e6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_aafec54b-e8ec-470a-b053-69e1cffd79a4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_a6f0c105-990e-48cc-af19-db83464621e6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_d01a7e32-2786-4514-b09c-143e3e22216a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_aafec54b-e8ec-470a-b053-69e1cffd79a4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_d01a7e32-2786-4514-b09c-143e3e22216a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_f27f9f7a-afa4-4827-a87e-2b884c1994cf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_aafec54b-e8ec-470a-b053-69e1cffd79a4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_f27f9f7a-afa4-4827-a87e-2b884c1994cf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsFiscalYearMaturityAbstract_c0a0d9b6-2c0b-462c-923b-e0829aa1ebc7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsFiscalYearMaturityAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedNextTwelveMonths_81c1a915-02c5-4880-ab2f-ff9fed7c650e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedNextTwelveMonths"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsFiscalYearMaturityAbstract_c0a0d9b6-2c0b-462c-923b-e0829aa1ebc7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedNextTwelveMonths_81c1a915-02c5-4880-ab2f-ff9fed7c650e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedTwoYears_4adbbe72-f542-4fb0-912b-13d9945b8ba3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedTwoYears"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsFiscalYearMaturityAbstract_c0a0d9b6-2c0b-462c-923b-e0829aa1ebc7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedTwoYears_4adbbe72-f542-4fb0-912b-13d9945b8ba3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedThreeYears_9bc44967-c83c-4309-a509-7a65230a6edb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedThreeYears"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsFiscalYearMaturityAbstract_c0a0d9b6-2c0b-462c-923b-e0829aa1ebc7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedThreeYears_9bc44967-c83c-4309-a509-7a65230a6edb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedFourYears_a8d71fa4-8d0b-4466-93bb-954f926e5a72" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedFourYears"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsFiscalYearMaturityAbstract_c0a0d9b6-2c0b-462c-923b-e0829aa1ebc7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedFourYears_a8d71fa4-8d0b-4466-93bb-954f926e5a72" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedFiveYears_c1096c96-2bf0-4933-b8f8-c780aac05022" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedFiveYears"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsFiscalYearMaturityAbstract_c0a0d9b6-2c0b-462c-923b-e0829aa1ebc7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedFiveYears_c1096c96-2bf0-4933-b8f8-c780aac05022" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedThereafter_994def35-e84b-4897-83d2-de674bfb9045" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedThereafter"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsFiscalYearMaturityAbstract_c0a0d9b6-2c0b-462c-923b-e0829aa1ebc7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedThereafter_994def35-e84b-4897-83d2-de674bfb9045" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceived_35285267-50ce-4f62-a4bb-048b34bd91d7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceived"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsFiscalYearMaturityAbstract_c0a0d9b6-2c0b-462c-923b-e0829aa1ebc7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceived_35285267-50ce-4f62-a4bb-048b34bd91d7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/LeasesCodificationTopic842Details" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sah-20200331.xsd#LeasesCodificationTopic842Details"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.sonicautomotive.com/role/LeasesCodificationTopic842Details" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_0cf4129a-fe17-4807-9e59-a0d7e80cf329" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset_2a494797-2293-43b4-967c-48a106cbb060" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_0cf4129a-fe17-4807-9e59-a0d7e80cf329" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset_2a494797-2293-43b4-967c-48a106cbb060" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedFiveYears_253f3882-ea89-43f9-9b36-670e8cb66290" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedFiveYears"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_0cf4129a-fe17-4807-9e59-a0d7e80cf329" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedFiveYears_253f3882-ea89-43f9-9b36-670e8cb66290" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_e17a9df3-a804-409f-acd2-7e4c28db6a69" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_0cf4129a-fe17-4807-9e59-a0d7e80cf329" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_e17a9df3-a804-409f-acd2-7e4c28db6a69" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
</link:linkbase>
