After visiting a few dealerships over the last 2 weeks, I think I have narrowed it down to a Sonata either 06 07 or 08. I test drove both 4 & V6 and the 4 seem to be closely refined as the 6. Their reliability reports appear to be very good.

Obviously, I am looking at used units. Can y'all give your feedback on this model? Anything I need to know outside of the norm?

As you can see from my signature, my vehicles have high mileages since I keep my vehicles as long as possible. The Hyundais seem to have established a good track record over the 10 years they have been around especially with the later models.

Thanks in advance.

 

I own a 2008 Limited V6 and my daughter subsequently bought a 2009 GLS I4. The big difference between driving an I4 and the V6 for the 2006-2008 years is in the transmission. I4 was equiped a 4 speed automatic up through 2008, whereas the V6 had a 5 speed. When shopping for the 2008, both my wife and I noticed a significant difference in how smooth the two cars drove, opting for the V6. Starting in 2009, Hyundai mated the 5 speed up to the I4 engine (and Hyundai found another 15 hp in the engine). Totally better car. It takes a pretty steep hill to tell much difference between the 2008 V6 and 2009 I4.

Here are some TSBs that deal with some of the issues, mostly with the 2006 or early 2007 model. The last one discusses the replacement of faulty timing chain tensioners in the 3.3 liter V6 engine. If considering a 2006 or 2007 car, take the VIN to a Hyundai service dept and ask if the tensioners have been replaced.

http://www.hmaservice.com/files/331/1304745/06-40-004pdf.pdf

http://www.hmaservice.com/files/331/.../06-50-009.pdf

http://www.hmaservice.com/files/331/.../06-40-010.pdf

http://www.hmaservice.com/files/331/...M-001-1pdf.pdf

A full set of Sonata TSBs can be found at http://jerrystout.us/sonata/tsb.htm or on the HMA service site, http://www.hmaservice.com/.

There was a TSB discussing rear strut replacements on 2006 Sonatas but it has disappeared from the HMA site. A copy is displayed on this forum thread:

https://www.hyundaiforum.com/m_8189/tm.htm

Having regreted the purchase of two cars (not Hyundai though) during their initial model year, I would look for late 2007 or 2008 cars. If you look around, you may still find some new 2008 model year cars that should be agressively priced.

 

I have bought a 08 used Hyundai SONATA ( 4 CYL) which has 30 K on it.
So far the car is running smooth and we are enjoying the drive. I think with these used Hyundai Sonata's (06 or o7 or 08)..it would be better if you have both bumper to bumper and power tr.warranty.

 

You do, sort of. Hyundai is unique in that all warranties on the car remain valid for subsequent owners, provided the car has been maintained in accordance with the maintenence schedule. The only warranty that changes for subsequent owners is the power train warranty. It reverts from 10 years/100K to 5 years/60K, matching the bumper-to-bumper warranty.

 

I am a bit concerned about the "required" maintenance on these cars such as transmission fluid changes at 30k and timing belt change (V6) at 60k.It tells me that I'll be spending more on the car by having these things done at shorter intervals vs other cars. Somewhat defeats the purpose of a maintenance-free car. Don't get me wrong. I understand some of these things have to be at some point but why so soon? And what is Hyundai going to do to me if I don't get them done accordingly??

What do you Sonata-owners think about this?

 

The transmission service is required to maintain the cars warrenty. You indicate you are buying used. Depending on the mileage the car has when you purchase it, this may not be an issue for you. Can the service interval be increased? I service the tranny's on my non-Hyundai cars about every 30K, but those are cars using conventional fluids (e.g. Dexron). The SPIII used by Hyundai is semi-synthetic, which means it should provide longer service life. In fact, the recommended "standard service" interval for the transmission service is more like 105K. Unfortunately, most dealerships insist most highway driving in the U.S. requires the 30K "severe service" to maintain warranty coverage. I'll let you draw your own conclusions.

Both the Theta II I4 and the Lambda V6 engine have timing chains designed to last the life of the car.

 

THe other problem I have with this required frequency of maintenance is exposing the car to frequent visits to a service shop. This is ok if everything comes out great after each visit. Unfortunately, my experience has not been been too good.

Hyundai should loosen these requirements.

 

Not sure about the maintenance or reliability as I just bought my first Sonata. A 2006 LX with 64000 miles. Price was right so I figured I would give Hyundai a try. I certainly like the car and hope to get a good 100,000 miles out of it.

Traded in my beloved 2000 maxima on the Sonata. The Max had 175,000 miles on it with no problems.

My limited experience is very good with the Sonata. Great deal on the 06 right now. Picked up mine for $8,988. One owner, highway miles, loaded. Aquamarine.

 

A family member of mine owns a Sonata, an '07 one, and he says it's TOTALLY worth it (which I agree with). In fact, he was in a wreck (not his fault) and it still came out perfect and was very satisfied with the dealers work on it, you can't even tell it was ever in a wreck. He was the one who talked me into getting a Hyundai over Toyota or Honda (though as you see by my name, I went with an Elantra)

 

Howdy. I'm several months into my search for a used Sonata (06+ or later) and I've finally found one that meets all my requirements. Does anyone have a Carfax account that would be willing to run a history for me? The VIN is KMHEU46C06A080207. I just helped my folks buy an 07 Sonata back in January and I'm eager to finally get one of my own. Thanks.