Looking at a Hyundai Sonata

[Yzzim]

Looking to get a new vehicle in the next few weeks and have been primarily looking at a Grand Prix. I own a 2000 Grand Prix GTP and it's been great to me. Haven't had any problems but it has 120k miles on it so it's time to update.

Originally was looking for a 04-06 Grand Prix in the $14-16k range. Lots can be had with around 30k miles. I only drive 10k miles/year so I'll probably be rid of it before it gets to 100k miles.

Was looking through Edmunds and found a review of the 06/07 Hyundai Sonata. They praised it up and down but question the long term reliable based on Hyundai's history. I can get an 07 Sonata with around 20k miles for $14,500.

Anyone have any input on the reliability of the Hyundai? I know Pontiac isn't exactly the gold standard as far as reliability, but which would you feel more comfortable with to last 100k miles?

To throw a little wrench in everything...I don't have a Hyundai dealership even close to me. Nearest one is probably 90 miles away. I assume the Hyundai warranty is only applicable if the work is done at a Hyundai dealership.

I understand that nothing is a sure thing. Just wondering if any has any insight besides the normal "go with a honda civic" response 😛

 

[Jadow]

I've had Sonata's as rentals a couple of times and kinda like them. Frankly, I thought the Sonata was roomier than a Ford Fusion.

You can get '06 Sonatas (with the new redesign) for around 13-14k and that's a pretty good car.

 

[Toastedlightly]

Selling the GTP?

 

[CurseTheSky]

I can't really speak for the newer Hyundai's, but my parents weren't happy with theirs.

They normally buy Chevy cars and Ford trucks, with the occasional Pontiac or Olds here and there. For the most part, they've been decently satisified with everything they've had. Around 2000-2002, they bought a Hyundai Elantra, and then a Sonata, just for a change (both brand new).

They've had more problems with both of those cars than with anything else we've owned. The entire electrical system in the Sonata was screwed up from the beginning - the theft system never worked, the windows could be opened with they car off and the key out, and every now and then, the radio would come on after going over a bump. After multiple services at the dealership (and once at another garage) the bump-radio problem was fixed, but nothing else ever changed. To top it off, the car (2.6L V6, I believe) never had the power that we were used to. We unloaded the car ASAP.

The Elantra has been a bit more reliable, but it has seen its better days. A head gasket went in the first year or so of owning it. There was a persistent oil leak for a while - I'm not even sure what the cause of that was. Right now it sounds like a 200k mile Volvo going down the road. I'm not sure if it's something with the exhaust or whatnot, but it runs, so it's really not worth the time. It's sitting around 60-80k miles, and the current owner will drive it until it dies.

Overall, that disheartened us from ever buying a Hyundai again. Maybe there's just some routine maintainence in Hyundais that we overlooked. Neither car was beat on, they just seemed to run into problems. I've had friends that rant and rave about how reliable their Hyundais are, I guess we just weren't lucky.

Back to Chevy. 😉

 

[Yzzim]

I appreciate the insight. Sounds like it's really a toss up. Really want to like the Hyundai but it has a troubled and disappointing history.

 

[MrChad]

Originally posted by: Yzzim
I appreciate the insight. Sounds like it's really a toss up. Really want to like the Hyundai but it has a troubled and disappointing history.

They've improved their quality a lot over the last 5-10 years. I've been impressed with my wife's parent's Sante Fe and the new Sonata we just purchased.

 

[SVT Cobra]

I have a brand new Sonata. No problems here, it is a great car. Driving position against the firewall is not that great, but I am a big guy. Either one you will be happy with.

 

[Budmantom]

I bought an 06 Pontiac G6 GTP about 6k miles ago and I'm impressed with the car, I looked at the Sonata but I wasn't impressed wih the car when I test drove it, my last car was a 2000 Honda Accord EX V6 I sold it with 90k.

 

[BUTCH1]

Rented an '06 sonata once, liked it, comfortable and peppy enough. I believe they come
with a 100K/10 yr powertrain warranty as well.

 

[Majunior]

I can't speak for the Sonatas, but I love my elantra. I bought it new in august of 01. Since I've owned it, I'm not sure if I had to spend ANY money outside of normal maint. I just hit 107K on it, and just started having problems with a wheel bearing. If the quality of my car is any indication of the quality of the new sonatas, then I would urge you not to hesitate .

I spent several summers flogging my car. Autocross FTW.


My car in it's prime
ooooh pretty

 

[Yzzim]

I'm heading out either today or tomorrow to test drive the Sonata and maybe a Grand Prix. We'll see what happens. I really like the look of the Sonata in pics. It can only look better in person 😀

 

[dud]

Yzzim,

I can vouch that both the Elantra and Sonata are capable cars and a good buy ... if you are planning on driving them for a while. The only problem right now for Hyundai is resale value. This is a moot point if you plan to keep the car for 6 - 10 years.

I took my wife to a local Hyundai dealership and test-drove both with a manual transmission. Both had a comfortable yet unremarkable ride. The kicker was that the dealership really wanted to sell us a car so they offered us the Elantra GLS for $14,000 OTD and Sonata for $16,000 OTD. Unfortunately my wife has decided that she wants ... get this ... a Civic! I hate Honda dealers as they are, for the most part, indifferent to negotiating, an art not lost on just about any other dealer.


Good luck ...