Hey folks,
Trying to decide between a used Sonata and a new 09 and I'm having a hard time. The '09 GLS's can be had for 14-15k right now. I think I can pick up a used 05 or so for about 8-9k with 10-40k miles.
We're looking at the car as a second car and it will mostly be used for commuting. What do you think, and if you were looking at a used 4 cyl which year would you look at?

Thanks!
Steve

 

Jump on the '09. You can't beat the warranty, (keep all the documentation for recommended maintenance), and insurance is low due to all the safety items installed.

The price can't be beaten for what you are getting. Hyundai has a sleeping hit on it's hands with this car.

 

I agree with Jim's comments. Also, while the 4 cylinder engine in the EF Sonata (aka, the 2005 you are considering) is not a bad design, the Theta engine in the NF Sonata (2006 - present) is a much stronger all aluminum design with better hp, torque and mileage. The Theta utilizes a timing chain (as opposed to a belt) which eliminates the hassles of replacing that component every 60,000 miles (see https://www.hyundaiforum.com/m_16593/tm.htm ). Matched with a 4 speed auto transmission in the 2006 through 2008 Sonata, this engine delivers more than adequate power and good drivability for commuting. The Theta II engine in the 2009 matched with a 5 speed auto is almost as smoothto drive as the V6 version. You cannot go wrong with the new 2009 Sonata. If still considering used, I think you should find a good 2006 or 2007 NF for only a little more money than the 2005 and end up with a much better car.

 

Thanks guys,
I'm leaning towards new, but I'll check out a few '06s - '08s as well. It looks like all the '09s have been reduced to significantly below invoice. There's no incentive I can find out there to account for it, so it must be dealer to manufacturer.

-STeve

 

I'm sure you found this page on the Hyundai USA site:

http://www.hyundaiusa.com/financing/...al_offers.aspx

This reminds me of something I came across when my daughter was shopping Sonatas about 2 months ago. The local dealership had a couple of new 2008s still sitting on the lot that they said would be heavily discounted from the sticker price if we interested. Both were V6 models, which my daughter wasn't interested in. The salesman did indicate the company was having a tougher time liquidating the 2008 models with the changes made to 2009 (particularly to the interior and drive train). I don't know how many Hyundai dealers are in your area, but you might try calling around for any new unsold 2008 models. May be the best deal out there.

 

I took a look around for '08s and most are higher priced. Here's what I'm seeing for an '09 GLS, Option Group 2 without even getting to negotiations.

MSRP $20,550
Invoice $19,648
Dest charge $695
Rebate $2,000

So Invoice + Dest - Rebate = $18,343

The price I found with dealer fees, destination charge etc is
$15,379, about 3000 below that price. Doesn't add up unless there's a hidden huge manufacturer incentive.

Steve

 

Looks like a no-brainer to me. My daughter paid about what you figured back in September. I don't think I will point that out to her.