Hyundai Sonata

[elessar78]

I love the way the new Sonata looks. It's definitely on the short list when we buy. I wanted to buy one last year, but being that it came out in 2010 (the redesign) there were no used ones available. Add to that, I won't buy the first model year of a redesign . . . too many bugs IMO. So we're about two years away.

[kv968]

Thanks for all the responses. I still haven't bought yet, dealing with some insurance issues, but if they work out I think the Sonata is what I'm going with. I know they don't have the total resale value of a Toyota or a Honda but that's ok. Seeing as my '96 Toyota is looking as if it's going to have to be taken away on a flatbed, I expect to run the Sonata into the ground also

I have a dealer pretty close by me that has gotten very good reviews so I'm going to give them a shot when I get a chance. My only problem now seems to be that the 2011's are disappearing pretty quickly.

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by kv968

I know they don't have the total resale value of a Toyota or a Honda but that's ok. Seeing as my '96 Toyota is looking as if it's going to have to be taken away on a flatbed, I expect to run the Sonata into the ground also

This is my feeling too. I really don't care about the resale value because by the time I'm done with a car, it really isn't an issue. I've had my current car (which I bought used) for 13 years. I'm glad I wasn't too concerned with the resale value when I bought it.

[snafu]

wincrasher: point well made! Local Hyundai dealership group hired a good friend away from J D Powers Assoc. at an incredible salary to make recommendations to fix exactly what you said. It seems to be the responsibility of Dealership owners to set the culture for their organization. He started by visiting each dealership and doing a needs assessment based on what he saw. He's conducting customer service seminars at each outlet...a 1st for these guys and bowled over by how much Service Manager's don't know...let alone line workers.

If it's ok with you, I will tell him your view 'not worth customer's time and effort to tell them how to conduct their business' and likely losing buyers to Lexus, Acura etc.

[wincrasher]

Sure.

It would be best if he could get his hands on different Hyundai cars and just take them around to different dealers and get service done. He'll learn alot from the customer's perspective.

[nick__45]

If you keep a car for 10 years or longer, it is best that you buy new. My 9.5 years old car is still new mechanically because I bought it new with 0 mile on it. I will keep it for another 6.5 years and give it to my sibling for school.

[elessar78]

Nick, isn't it relative? If I buy a 5 year old car, I'll just get a new one at 10 and not at 15.

[snafu]

Nick: disagree, we all have different circumstances that drive decision making. I always buy cars, often demos or lease-back, that are two years old with significant depreciation already factored. I do the research and look for vehicles with a good operational record. I wouldn't buy a new model type because I listen to friends who are so unhappy about unexpected problems new models develop in our harsh climate. I won't ride in my friend's beautiful looking Honda Crosstour because she never stops ranting about being unable to see out the rear window. The side mirrors are apparently insufficient to compensate.

We've always been meticulous about following the manual's recommended care. Anyone who must battle blizzards and minus 30C when skin will freeze in under two minutes, can't risk unexpected auto breakdown. We mostly keep cars 10 years

[dawnwes]

We have a '96 Saturn that is much the same way.

Resale value isn't a huge deal to me OTHER THAN the reason that they are high resale is because they are good cars that last.

I love Honda and Toyota because they last so long.

I think Hyundais are much better than they were in the past. I know people who are very happy with them.

Dawn

Originally Posted by kv968

Thanks for all the responses. I still haven't bought yet, dealing with some insurance issues, but if they work out I think the Sonata is what I'm going with. I know they don't have the total resale value of a Toyota or a Honda but that's ok. Seeing as my '96 Toyota is looking as if it's going to have to be taken away on a flatbed, I expect to run the Sonata into the ground also

I have a dealer pretty close by me that has gotten very good reviews so I'm going to give them a shot when I get a chance. My only problem now seems to be that the 2011's are disappearing pretty quickly.

[alex499]

With the Sleek new design, along with the fuel economy and safety features; one most importantly being the completely hands-free bluetooth technology guess it wont be a bad deal.

[kv968]

Well I finally got the Sonata I wanted but it took some running around in order get it in the color I wanted (red). Seems to be a bit of a shortage around my area. Only had it a couple of days but I love it.

I just want to thank everyone again for all their input and opinions. Hopefully I can graciously run this car into the ground just like I did my poor '96 Toyota Corolla, may she RIP

[snafu]

Congratulations, I'm confident you will enjoy your new ride for many years.

[bennyhoff]

I hope those Hyundais are good buys... beacuse I also bought one last weekend, though I bought a used 2010 Accent. The girlfriend loved the royal blue color of my purchase. Like some others, I plan on driving it until it dies, or is close enough to see the tombstone up ahead, so I'm not worried about trade in value.

[snafu]

benny, insist they transfer the warranty to you, there is no cost, simple form, sellers often try to avoid this small task and/or charge a fee. Stay polite, but firm, that is part of Hyundai service. I went through the manual and noted when various procedures were needed. If buying from a dealership try to get free oil changes or coupons for a year or two