The Sonata Screwing
 

Purchased My 2009 Sonata new in August 2009. 2010 Sonatas weren't at the dealership. Now the Sonata 2011 is out. Let me see. In 6 Mths, I now own a 2 Yr old vehicle with 2000 miles on it. The only positive thing is that the 2009 has a V6. Shame on Hyundai for devalueing their products in such an abrupt fashion.

Pay attention to advertising & auto news. Hyundai was up front about the release dates of the 2009, 2010 & 2011 Sonatas. Pictures of the 2011 Sonata have been out for months.

Devaluing? Who cares if your car is now the "old model"? What do you think happens to 2010 Sonatas purchased the day before the 2011 model was released? Isn't it still just one day old, not 1 year? Did you buy your Sonata as an investment or as a tool to transport you daily for many years? If you bought it as an investment you are a fool. If you bought it to drive and enjoy for many years of service, it doesn't matter what new car is out or not.

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I actually went in to look at the 2011 Sonata after having test driving the 2010 Impreza. I didn't even test drive the 2011 Sonata, although it is a beautiful car! I went right to the 2010 Sonata Limited with the four cylinder. I am more interested in getting a good deal than having the latest. I got the $2500 off from Hyundai and $2000 from the dealer. So $4500 off a 2010 compared to no incentive on the 2011 is a no brainer for me.

BTW, the only 2011's they had were four cylinders. No V6's yet. But wow! am I getting great mileage! Much better than my 2003 Sonata V6. Driving back and forth to work which is a mixture of freeway and street level driving, I am getting an average 29.5 mpg. Now, I can use that too.

OK, my new car is last year's model, but I am loving it!

There will be no V6 model. There's rumor of a turbo 4-cylinder version soon but Hyundai is going towards fuel economy instead of power.

The new Tucson is also 4-cylinder only as well. But the 2.4L Theta makes more power than the old 2.7L Delta V6 while getting better fuel economy than the old 2.0L Beta 4-cylinder.

Hyundai also has matched up the 200+ hp version of the Theta to a new 6 speed electronic automatic. I haven't driven one yet, but the dealership parts guy I talk to says the company feels there is no need for a V6 in the new Sonata with this combination. I withhold judgement until I see for myself.