Looking to buy a Sonata
 

Hello,
I'm new here and looking for info before I start test driving used Sonatas. I'm interested in the 06 - 08 with a V6. Is there anything I should know before looking? Any problem areas? How is the reliability? I'm hoping to trade in my 03 Altima S and get a much nicer car. I'm also looking at Mazda 6 S with the V6, anyone compare these before?

Thanks
John

Early versions of the 3.3 liter V6 engine had faulty timing chain tensioners installed. Mostly 2006 and some 2007 models. There was a campaign to replace those parts and most affected cars should be fixed. Any Hyundai service manager can look up the VIN of a particular car to determine if the problem existed on the car to begin with and/or was serviced under the campaign. The matter was completely addressed by the time the 2008 models were constructed. I personally think the 2008 version with the original blacked out gun sight grill and the 5 spoke alloys looked the best, but I am biased (since I own one).

I don't know your budget, but something to consider is a new 2010 Sonata. With the redesigned 2011 rolling onto dealer lots (and selling like hot cakes), I understand there is still an inventory of 2010 and even a few 2009 new models, that some dealers are willing to discount. From the ones I've looked at in my area, they are mostly I4 engined GLS models but the occasional V6 can be found.