Well, I went out yesterday looking for a replacement for my 2000 Maxima SE daily driver and ended up with a beautiful blue 06 Sonata limited with what seems to be every option available. All for $8,988.00. The car has 64000 miles on it but according to carfax is a one owner individual, not rental etc.

I have read as much here as possible and it seems mostly positive regarding this vehicle. I have to return Monday to finalize my purchase. They did sell me on an extended "Bumper to Bumper" warranty that ends up costing around $2100 to cover the vehicle up to near 100,000 mile range as well as maintenance etc. That seems a bit steep and am considering getting rid of that warranty. I suppose it is a piece of mind issue but I can't seem to make up my mind either way. I like the idea of a loaner car when I bring it in for maintenance. Not positive it's worth it and I always doubt the actuall coverage on these things. Guy claims it covers dents, wear items, everything. Hmm...

Any suggestions?

 

Guy claims it covers dents, wear items, everything. Hmm...

Any suggestions.

How does it cover dents and wear items? I'd want to see that in writing.

 

Read the fine print and ask that all coverage claimed by the salesman is in writing. Ask if the policy requires deductables or co-payments. There are two major mechanical issues associated with the 2006 Sonata, both are for cars with the 3.3 liter V6 engine. The 2006 and early 2007 V6 engines were manufactured with faulty timing chain tensioners. See:

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

Early 2006 models with the V6 also had problems with the flex plate that connects the torque converter to the engine crankshaft. This is a rarer problem than the timing chain tensioners, but expensive to repair. See:

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

Ask if both problems have been addressed (a Hyundai dealership can look this up with the car's VIN) and if not, are these matter covered by the extended warranty.

 

Great info Ken. Thanks. Will inquire as to both items. This one is the 3.3 liter v6 and was manufactured 12/05.

I might just let the warranty remain. We financed a portion and it only adds a bit to each month's payment.