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Midsize Sedans 2.0

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Comments

  • m6userm6user Member Posts: 3,181
    I get the military rebate as well. I am looking at either an 08 Mazda6 or 08 Sonata. I wish Mazda would follow the Ford program with the military rebates but no such luck. If I can't decide soon enough I may end up paying a little more and getting the 09 version of either one. I just bought the 6 last year for myself but now my wife has pretty much absconded with it since she realized how good the tires handle in the snow ;) (just ribbin ya, mopar). Anyway, it's pretty amazing what you can buy the Sonata for. I guess Mazda is just trying to push as many 6's as they can to get the max out of their tooling before the changeover.
  • m6userm6user Member Posts: 3,181
    I saw one ad for $16995 for 4I auto VE tied in with the auto show in Chicago. Nothing like the low $16000s that I saw last year though. I saw one ad for $15999 for stick but that very much appeared to be one of those that result in "Oh, we sold that but we have this" kind of ad.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Wait until we get close to the launch of the '09 Mazda6. I'll bet we see huge discounts on the '08s then, at least as good if not better than what we saw last year. The VE will be quite a package for the money then. But now I'd have to lean to the Sonata, especially the '09, with its ESC even on the I4s and all the improvements on the '09, plus its bigger interior and longer warranty.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    The true-cost-to-own is only another reason to choose the Accord (icing on the already tastier cake). Even if the Accord did cost more to own, it's worth it.

    If you can make the true cost-to-own come out in the Accord's favor at current pricing, more power to you. Personally, I think it would take a miracle (or really creative accounting) to make up for an up-front price gap of around $6000-7000 (e.g. the out-the-door example of a Sonata GLS AT vs. Accord LX AT posted earlier), especially when considering the time value of that difference.

    You are clearly an Accord owner who has no problem with the fact that you bought a car that costs more than others in its class, because you see enough extra value in the Accord to justify its higher price in your mind. And that's great, and your personal decision. Can you accept that there are others who have a hard time seeing thousands of dollars of additional value in cars like the Accord or Camry or Altima, compared with alternatives like the Mazda6, Optima, and Sonata?
  • m6userm6user Member Posts: 3,181
    Yeah, the Sonata is pretty tempting especially at the prices they going for right now on the 08s. The 09 does offer more but it is hard to beat the current prices on the 08s.
    I bought the Mazda6 VE I4 auto last year for $16500 and I know someone else bought it for $16000 early last year. There can be many reasons for this and we may not see those prices again but I would think with the splash that the new Mazda is going to make that they should be making some deals. However, if the new Mazda has a much higher sticker and is not being discounted, the 08 model may just sell well without the huge discounts/rebates. We shall see.
  • elroy5elroy5 Member Posts: 3,735
    You are clearly an Accord owner who has no problem with the fact that you bought a car that costs more than others in its class, because you see enough extra value in the Accord to justify its higher price in your mind. And that's great, and your personal decision.

    I can accept that people like other cars, and buy them. But I don't accept that you can get a car with Accord quality for $6000-$7000 less. My "mind" will not allow it. It may be comparable to you, but I think you are in the minority. Huge rebates/incentives are a clear indication that Hyundai made more Sonatas than they can sell. I guess Hyundai overestimated the number of Backys in the US.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Then I guess the huge incentives that were available on the 2007 Accords were an indication that Honda made more Accords than they could sell, or that they overestimated the number of Elroys in the U.S. ;)

    2008 Accord: all-new design, four months old--no rebates, but discounts available.
    2009 Sonata: refreshed design of a car that debuted 3 years ago--no rebates, but discounts available.

    Have you read C/D's comparo of the 2008 Accord and 2009 Sonata? If not, take a look and see whether you think the differences noted in the review are worth a few thousand dollars. I don't. But then it's my money, not yours that I'd be spending.
  • targettuningtargettuning Member Posts: 1,371
    You ARE keeping them coming...thanks for today's laugh!!!
  • aviboy97aviboy97 Member Posts: 3,159
    Currently, there is a $1,500 rebate on the Mazda6 or you can take special financing. The Mazda3 does not have a rebate, however, however there is what's called "$500 dealer engagement" money which Mazda does not advertise, or you can have special financing. Usually, dealers will advertise that in their price, however, they will make a note that you cannot get that price and take their special financing. Usually, Mazda3's are not discounted much more then $1000, if that, unless it is an ad leader / special. We usually make $500 over invoice on every Mazda3, which equates to a $500 discount. There are some exceptions, as always.

    The Mazda6 is a better deal then the Mazda3. One reason why I bought one over a Mazda3. Plus, it's bigger, better build quality and more features.
  • m6userm6user Member Posts: 3,181
    IMO, the Accord is like the Apple Ipod. A high quality and innovative device which has a great brand name. However, there are a lot of very nearly as good MP3 players, some with more features, out there that are much cheaper. It all boils down to brand name and reputation. You pay for these things.
    When people buy a Honda Accord they are paying for the brand name(reputation). Hyundai does not have that long history of brand name so they charge less. Is Hyundai quality equal to Honda? I say it is not at this point. However, it is getting close and moving closer every year. At this point in time, paying 30% less for a vehicle that is almost equal in quality is a value decision. Nobody should be put down because they value a quality reputation more than cost and vice-versa. This is not to say that Hyundai has not attained a decent reputation but it is still in the perceived second tier of mid-sized cars.
  • jeffyscottjeffyscott Member Posts: 3,855
    I saw one ad for $16995 for 4I auto VE tied in with the auto show in Chicago. Nothing like the low $16000s that I saw last year though.

    In Milwaukee, they advertised the 4I auto VE for $15,995 last year during our auto show (which was also my price). I did not see any ads with prices during this year's, instead I only recall seeing leases.
  • aviboy97aviboy97 Member Posts: 3,159
    I would not exactly equate the Accord to the iPod in terms of innovation. Apple as a company basically come out with the best computers, and are always leading the way in innovation. However, I don't see anything in an Accord that Honda did not copy from another manufacturer. I would say they are more along the lines of trying to perfect existing technology, such as valve timing and cylinder management systems (which the VCM has not done too well so far. A lot of unhappy owners there). I would place Mazda over Honda in terms of innovation. Look at the MX-5, RX-8 and countless other vehicles from their history.

    Honda has earned the reputation of building dependable, long lasting vehicles, so they can get away with charging more money, and using the sales pitch "It's a Honda". Many other, such as Hyundai have not earned that yet. I will agree with you there. Personally, I think Hondas are over priced. I don't think they are worth the thousands more then say my Mazda6, or the Sonata. Some people, however, will disagree, which is perfectly fine with me.
  • jlindhjlindh Member Posts: 282
    Our Honda has been nowhere as reliable as our iPods.
  • m6userm6user Member Posts: 3,181
    Yes, they had that same price in Chicago for a couple of months last year, Jan/Feb timeframe and I missed the bottom so to speak. Since I bought the Mazda6 last year, I may just lean towards a Sonata this year. I had a hard time deciding last year but the finish of the interior and the handling swayed me to buy the Mazda6. I did like the roominess inside of the Sonata, the spaciousness of the trunk and the tilt-steering. The tilt steering unit reminded me of the older GM models that I think was made in Saginaw, MI. Most of the tilt wheels today simply move up and down in a straight lines versus an authentic tilt which I do like.
  • pernaperna Member Posts: 521
    I just bought an '08 Altima 3.5SE. Lots of fun, very nice car.

    You guys have really got to stop comparing a Sonata and an Accord, though. Before I chose an Altima I've driven pretty much every midsize sedan on the market, and the Sonata just isn't playing in the same league yet.

    What doesn't make sense to me is people calling the Sonata a "value", when they depreciate like the moldy chinese food in my fridge. What you don't pay on the front end you'll lose on the back end when you go to sell the car. So why not buy the (much, IMO) nicer car to live with for the next 5-10 years?

    That said, I hated the Accord when I drove it. It was quick, but didn't have the Altima's soul, and the interior was an ergonomic nightmare. The Sonata is much more logically laid out, but that car was also kinda dull (no offense to the Hyundai fans here, it's still a nice car!). :)
  • mickeyrommickeyrom Member Posts: 936
    I looked at them all, and the Sonata LTD is as nice as any mid sized car out there...regardless of price. As far as value...it depends if you plan to keep it for a long time,but I have noticed that the used Sonata prices have gone up. You have to factor in the initial price too,dont you? From your comments it's pretty clear that you have a prejudice against Korean cars. Too bad,it's hard to be objective when you have already decided something.
  • m6userm6user Member Posts: 3,181
    So why not buy the (much, IMO) nicer car to live with for the next 5-10 years?

    Sometimes it is a matter of how much money one wants(or has) to spend up front among other things. If one keeps any of these mid-sizd cars for 10 yrs the resale value will be of neglible difference. Many people feel secure knowing that the drivetrain warranty is there if kept for the 10 yrs. I don't own one but I AM looking at them because of these factors.

    And while I agree with you that the Altima 3.5SE is surely a nice fun car, I want better gas mileage and no premium gas which the Altima's 3.5 needs(I used to own a Maxima). So the Altima I drove was the 4cyl and it didn't seem to have the soul you mention.
  • kdshapirokdshapiro Member Posts: 5,751
    Too bad,it's hard to be objective when you have already decided something.

    I'm interested in where you think perna already decided something. Seems to me he drove the cars and he made the choice.

    My only comment is I think of the Altima what he thinks of the Accord.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Are you going to tell the automotive press to stop comparing the Accord and Sonata, too? Like C/D did recently--2008 Accord EX I4 vs. 2009 Sonata Limited I4. Guess what? The Sonata that you think shouldn't even be compared to the Accord tied the Accord--and beat the Altima 2.5S--in the Vehicle category. The Accord and Altima were a bit quicker in the 1/4 mile than the Sonata, but w/o that the Sonata tied the Accord in Powertrain and beat the Altima. In Chassis, the Accord and Altima did top the Sonata, and that was the main complaint C/D had with the Sonata--they said it needed to quicken its reflexes about 10% (too much body roll). Which leaves me wondering what C/D would have thought of the Sonata SE with its sport-tuned (stiffer) suspension and steering.

    As for depreciation, personally I'd rather take the extra money up front and use it to pay other bills or invest it, rather than waiting 10+ years to maybe get that money back--and at current prices for the 2008 Sonata, there's no way you will ever recoup the up-front price difference including interest when it comes time to sell that Accord.

    Glad you like your new Altima.
  • kdshapirokdshapiro Member Posts: 5,751
    As for depreciation, personally I'd rather take the extra money up front and use it to pay other bills or invest it,

    I don't worry about depreciation either, I have to have a car I can live with.
  • pernaperna Member Posts: 521
    It's funny, everyone who justifies the horrible Hyundai depreciation uses the "but I'm going to drive it for 10+ years!" excuse.

    Which, if true, does make sense. I haven't checked recently, but the percentage of people who buy a *new* car and then use it as their primary vehicle for 10+ years is infinitesimal. The reason for this is that people who buy new cars aren't the most frugal people on the planet (else, they'd buy used), and these are the types who flip cars the most often.

    I'm not throwing stones (the longest I've ever kept a car is 5 years), just tellin' it like it is. A used Hyundai would be an incredible value, BTW. A quick scan of ebaymotors shows me loaded 2006 Sonatas with ~30k miles for around 9 grand.

    When I traded my '03 Maxima in on the Altima, the dealer gave me 10k in trade. I'm sure I could have gotten a couple grand more if I wasn't so lazy. And there ends today's depreciation lesson on Korean cars. ;)
  • pernaperna Member Posts: 521
    And while I agree with you that the Altima 3.5SE is surely a nice fun car, I want better gas mileage and no premium gas which the Altima's 3.5 needs(I used to own a Maxima). So the Altima I drove was the 4cyl and it didn't seem to have the soul you mention.

    I never did drive the 4 cyl Altima, but I would imagine the "reflexes" of the car are still intact, although I have the SE with the 17" rims so maybe that has something to do with it as well. The Nissan 3.5L engine is currently, IMO, the best engine in its class.

    The premium gas bothers a lot of people, but it doesn't add up to much for the amount of fun you have behind the wheel. YMMV and all that jazz. :shades:

    One thing I can tell you, is I think the CVT makes a difference in gas mileage. My '03 Max has the same engine as the Altima, and I'm getting a *lot* better mileage on the Altima on just my first tank of gas. Around 4-5 MPG!
  • pernaperna Member Posts: 521
    From your comments it's pretty clear that you have a prejudice against Korean cars. Too bad,it's hard to be objective when you have already decided something.

    On the contrary, I don't think there is anything inherently wrong with Korean cars except the depreciation. I just couldn't buy something new that would lose >$5,000 in value the second I drove it off the dealer's lot.
  • pernaperna Member Posts: 521
    My only comment is I think of the Altima what he thinks of the Accord.

    Fair enough. :P

    Since this is actually on-topic, here's why I took the Altima over the Accord:

    1. The Altima's controls were much more logically laid out and easy to use. I live in Michigan so I often wear gloves when I drive, and the way the buttons are all tiny and in weird places it would make life a lot harder.

    2. The Accord's stereo, sorry to be blunt, is a piece of crap. OEM stereos is one area Nissan has always done well with. Even the stereo in my mom's Quest is pretty good.

    3. The Accord handled pretty well, but didn't take bumps quite as well as the Altima. On our potholed junky roads, this is a huge issue. :D I also preferred the way the Altima (this is the SE/sport edition with 17s) took corners and had the telepathic steering that I learned to love from the German cars I've owned.

    4. The engine, engine, engine. That Nissan 3.5L pulls hard all the way from a
    standing stop to way past legal speeds. The Honda's motor just doesn't have nearly the same amount of low end torque (seat of the pants, I have no idea what the actual numbers are), but is otherwise a very fun V6 in its own right.

    5. I hate Accord styling, although obviously this is a HUGE personal preference and much less objective than my other points. The new Accord in particular I don't like at all, it has the Sonata's front end grafted onto a Camry's rear end. It really has no personality of its own. My favorite Accord from the last ten years is the one with the reviled "flat 1980s" looking taillights. I think they only made them for two years, maybe '04 and '05? So that really goes to show you where my tastes are.

    6. I think the upmarket Altima's interior bests the Accord's. If you'd asked me which one I thought was nicer before the '07 Altima, my opinion would have been reversed. From the padded leather armrests to the seats, the Altima gives the impression of a richer interior. Again though, this is largely a personal preference thing. It's not like the Accord's interior is far downmarket or anything, it is competitive.
  • bhmr59bhmr59 Member Posts: 1,601
    I checked ebaymotors and found completely different information than you reported. The first two Sonatas listed were the GLS trim. The one with 33K miles was at a bid level of $9420, plus a winning bidder has to go to Iowa to pick it up or pay for it to be shipped.

    The second one, with 40K miles, has an opening bid of $9500 (and a reserve). "Buy it now price" is $13,000.

    The GLS was nicely equipped and included more standard features than many other brands, but the GLS was not a "loaded" Sonata.

    Next comes an LX (the loaded trim). High bid right now is $1025, but the reserve, of course, hasn't been met. "Buy it now price is $18,955." Mileage = 15K.

    As for your trade-in, we know how dealers can play around with trade-in allowances. But what did you pay when you bought that '03 Maxima new?

    We bought a new '07 Sonata SE a year ago and paid $16651. The '07 SE is the comparable trim to the '06 GLS. The car listed for $22,080. I assume the '06's were somewhat lower in price than the '07's--in fact I know they were lower because the '07's with XM listed for about $300 higher than the earlier '07's without XM.

    At the 30K mile mark for an '06 Edmunds lists a deduction for "high mileage."
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    I said 10+ years because that's where I'm at with my car ownership now. Buy a car, drive it for 4-5 years, then hand it down to a child for late HS and college. Repeat 3 times. (Use up all the 10-year powertrain warranty along the way.) If someone tends to keep a car for only 5 years or so, you still won't make up the initial price advantage of a Sonata (or other mid-sizers available at big discounts like the Fulan, Mazda6, and Optima) compared to cars like the Accord. Consider that it's not just the cash difference--it's additional financing costs, or the loss of interest savings or investment income if you pay cash.

    Certainly if you don't like the car, the savings don't really matter. But if two cars meet your needs about equally and one costs several thousand less up front, plus offers other perks like a longer warranty, that's a compelling reason to consider the less expensive alternative, IMO.

    P.S. Per Edmunds.com, my '04 Elantra has lost about $5000 in value over its first four years, for private-party sale. I'll take $5000 depreciation in four years any day. The other Hyundai I owned, a '01 Elantra, lost about $6000 in value over 5-1/2 years, when I sold it (private-party sale). I don't think that's too shabby. How much in dollars did you lose on your Maxima, even if you could have gotten $2000 more for it in a private-party sale?
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Yeah. I know there aren't any loaded 2006 Sonatas with 30k miles available for anywhere near $9k in my area, unless maybe they have a salvage title.
  • fushigifushigi Member Posts: 1,459
    9+ years & 138K miles on my purchased-new '99 Galant. Frugal is not about buying cheap; it's about value & efficiency. Since my car has been near perfect I've gotten full value out of the price paid. Part of that value includes the peace of mind of a full manufacturer warranty, which a used car would not necessarily provide. Did it depreciate more than a same-year Camcord? Perhaps, but I never checked. It simply isn't an issue that matters to me.

    FE matters to me, though, and I find the FE of newer V6 mid-sized sedans to be a disappointment. After 9 years I still get 24-25MPG city from my Galant and it seems most of the current sedans don't do much better. Only a 10-15% improvement in drivetrain efficiency in nearly a decade is a big disappointment to me.

    That there's little to be gained buy buying a new car points to the value I continue to receive from my current car.

    My wife bought an '01 Elantra new and wouldn't dream of parting with it. She's stated she wouldn't want a different car even if we won the lottery. It seems she, too, will keep her car for 10, perhaps more, years.

    So you're not tellin' it like it is. Seems like you're tellin' it like you think it is.

    And BTW, this thread is about cars, not brands. There are different sections of the forum for brands to be discussed.
    2017 Infiniti QX60 (me), 2012 Hyundai Elantra (wife)
  • elroy5elroy5 Member Posts: 3,735
    Are you going to tell the automotive press to stop comparing the Accord and Sonata, too? Like C/D did recently--2008 Accord EX I4 vs. 2009 Sonata Limited I4. Guess what? The Sonata that you think shouldn't even be compared to the Accord tied the Accord--and beat the Altima 2.5S--in the Vehicle category.

    The Accord was 1st Place. The Sonata was 4th. But I guess in Backy's world, that's a tie. So the best the Sonata could do is a tie, in 1 category? Doesn't take much to impress you, does it?
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Impress? I don't know about that. But thinking about the possibility, in a few months, of being able to buy a car that ties the "best in class" Accord in C/D's "Vehicle" category, ties the Accord in C/D's "Powertrain" category except for 1/4-mile time (190 hp vs. 175 hp will tend to be quicker, yes), for which the major fault according to C/D's editors is that it should have 10% better handling, and has a much nicer and more ergonomic interior, a longer warranty, and comparable reliability and fuel economy, for several thousand dollars less, does put a smile on my face. :)
  • elroy5elroy5 Member Posts: 3,735
    All the specific details don't change the fact. Accord 1st place vs. Sonata 4th place. That's the total comparison. Sometimes the reason you like a certain car more is not something you can point a finger at, a stat on a piece of paper, or a feature. It's the total package the Accord offers, that makes it a perennial winner. Not figures on a stat sheet, but the connected feeling it gives you while driving. You seem to think a car is all about price per feature. If that's what a car is to you, I guess the Sonata is the right car for you.
  • jeffyscottjeffyscott Member Posts: 3,855
    I think the number of people who keep a car a long time is under estimated. I don't know any of these trade every 3 years people, but most people I know do buy new cars, when they buy.

    I guess a lot of people do lease these days and they would be getting new cars frequently, I don't seem know any of them though.

    Don't forget that the statistics for the average car will differ from those of the average buyer. Those who buy (or lease) a new car every 3 years will account for 4 new cars over a 12 year period, while someone like me will buy one car in that time.

    If I buy one car in 12 years and you buy 4, then that is 5 new cars and 24 years of ownership by the original purchaser. The average time of ownership for each new car is 4.8 years of ownership, but the average ownership time for the two people is 7.5 years. This is why people on the sales side think most people trade frequently...it is not necessarily so, they just see those people more often.

    I've never been able to find stats on what the average buyer does, I did find one article that just mentions that the average new car buyer is...buying a car every eight years.

    http://www.autoadvisor.com/information/article.php3?a=letsbefrank
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    If it would bother someone to buy a car that finished 4th in a comparo in a magazine, then I can see where a 4th-place finish could be a show-stopper. But this isn't major league sports where only 1st place and some wild cards count. It's the total evaluation that counts. Did you actually read the comparo? Did you see all the positive things the editors of C/D said about the Sonata? And not just about its features, but about the driving experience? The raves about the new interior and exterior? Its velvety ride? Its light and agreeably accurate steering, and fine tracking/self-centering? The slick manumatic that is the most flexible transmission of all the cars in the comparo? That it's an appealing long-distance cruiser?

    If you think the Accord gives you a more "connected" feeling that is worth a few thousand more dollars than a Sonata, then that's where you should spend your money. Personally, I didn't feel more "connected" when driving the 2008 Accord even compared to the old 2008 Sonata--you know, the car that today costs about $7000-9000 less than a comparable Accord. Maybe if these were sports cars that I'd be taking on the track or through winding mountain passes at breakneck speeds on a regular basis, rather than family sedans, there would be a meaningful difference worth substantial bucks. As it is, I don't see it. I more see the value of the velvety ride in quelling the ever-present potholes in the Rust Belt, the huge, airy, ergonomic interior and big trunk in carting my family and friends and our stuff around town, and the long warranty in minimizing operating expenses over the first ten years I'd own the car.
  • joe97joe97 Member Posts: 2,248
    It's funny, everyone who justifies the horrible Hyundai depreciation uses the "but I'm going to drive it for 10+ years!" excuse.

    Ownership period and upfront savings aside, I wouldn't say Sonata's depreciation/resale value is still horrible, neither are most other models in the fleet. While the Sonata's still below average, it certainly has come around and the tides are changing for the good. These kind of things take more than overnight to change, and for the perception to overcome.

    FWIW, the upper echelon of the Hyundai fleet has really been the catalyst in the improvement of the image, in my opinion. The depreciation/resale value for those models has been surprisingly good, and it's been spreading some of the love to the rest of the line.
  • lilengineerboylilengineerboy Member Posts: 4,116
    Maybe if these were sports cars that I'd be taking on the track or through winding mountain passes at breakneck speeds on a regular basis, rather than family sedans, there would be a meaningful difference worth substantial bucks. As it is, I don't see it. I more see the value of the velvety ride in quelling the ever-present potholes in the Rust Belt, the huge, airy, ergonomic interior and big trunk in carting my family and friends and our stuff around town, and the long warranty in minimizing operating expenses over the first ten years I'd own the car.

    I don't understand why people accept that sedans have to be dull. If its a price thing, then okay they won't spring for sway bars (pardon the pun) and the car will wallow (re: Corolla) but saying handing isn't important because its a family car is kind of a weak argument. If anything, it should be more important because there are times when everything important to me in the world is in that vehicle and I want to avoid cell-phone toting soccer moms (and dads) in behemoth vehicles they shouldn't be driving.

    The times when I am alone in the car, I like it to feel responsive, not dead. I felt the '93 Accord EX (with some minor suspension work) and '96 Contour SE were both much more fun to drive then my present '07 Accord, and that new Accord was more fun to drive then the Sonata, though not as much fun as the Mazda and VW.

    I guess it comes down to what that is worth to an individual. If there is no priority based on a vehicle being fun to drive and rather a joy is found by paying the least possible amount for transportation, then that changes things considerably. Also, since the Hyundai is virtually worthless on resale market, there are opportunities to take some of the savings from initial purchase and modify undesirable characteristics of the car.

    For example, I am sure shocks, springs and a good set of sway bars would do wonders for the handing, and a plus 1 tire/wheel package would help as well, but that puts you at $2k in modifications you will never get back out of the car, although it would make the ownership experience more enjoyable.
  • lightfootfllightfootfl Member Posts: 442
    Really, ?? When it comes to buying new, I think that every automobile sold today loses pretty close to that amount as soon as it goes off the lot. IMO
    van
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Did I say family cars have to be dull? Did I say handling wasn't important? I was talking about how where I drive my cars. They are driven mostly on city and suburban streets and freeways in the Midwest, with a very occasional trip of a few hundred miles. I don't want a car that wallows. My current car, a '04 Elantra GT, has sport-tuned suspension and steering and handles just fine, thank you. I haven't read a review that says the 2009 Sonata wallows. The 2006-8 Sonatas I've driven (over a dozen of them) didn't wallow. They weren't sports cars, but they had perfectly fine steering and handling for how and where I drive a car.

    If you value who is in your car, then I would think you would appreciate a car like the Sonata, which was the first car in this class to offer stability control standard on all trim levels. That was nearly 3 years ago. Today there's still only two mid-sizers with that safety advantage: the 2008 Accord, and the 2006+ Sonata. Even today, in 2008, there's still some mid-sized sedans where you can't even get ESC on some trim levels, e.g. Altima I4, Mazda6i, base Malibu, and base Aura. And the Fusion and Milan don't offer it at all. :mad:

    Have you driven the 2009 Sonata, which has suspension improvements from the 2006-8 cars? Or how about the 2009 Sonata SE with its sport-tuned suspension and steering (also the B&M short-throw shifter, on the I4)? As soon as I can find one, I am going to give it a try. It already has upgrades to the suspension, including the rollbars, and larger wheels compared to the base Sonata. Who needs to spend $2000 more for that kind of stuff. :)
  • lilengineerboylilengineerboy Member Posts: 4,116
    Did I say family cars have to be dull? Did I say handling wasn't important? I was talking about how where I drive my cars. They are driven mostly on city and suburban streets and freeways in the Midwest, with a very occasional trip of a few hundred miles. I don't want a car that wallows.

    I have had 4 Sonata rental cars and one Kia Optima rental. I felt the steering lacked precision and feel, and the suspension was tuned on the wallowing domestic car of yore more than the best European cars of today. It went everywhere I needed it to go but in no way did it make me feel the journey was part of the fun.

    If you value who is in your car, then I would think you would appreciate a car like the Sonata, which was the first car in this class to offer stability control standard on all trim levels.

    I know I am in the minority, but I don't really like a system that lowers the handling limits of a vehicle to be dumbed down to the level of the driver. If it standard and mandatory (as it will be soon) so be it, but I am not so excited to pay to have driving control taken from me.

    Have you driven the 2009 Sonata, which has suspension improvements from the 2006-8 cars?

    I am trying to get past the mid-90s Acura styling right now. Its not any more bland than anything else, and its certainly not worse than the Peugeot meets 5-series styling of the new Accord.

    Or how about the 2009 Sonata SE with its sport-tuned suspension and steering (also the B&M short-throw shifter, on the I4)? As soon as I can find one, I am going to give it a try. It already has upgrades to the suspension, including the rollbars, and larger wheels compared to the base Sonata. Who needs to spend $2000 more for that kind of stuff.

    I would be curious about their "sport" model and what suspension tuning was done. My guess is that they are still using very generic (even if name branded) tires (which is probably appropriate for this market segment) that I personally will not be willing to pay extra for over the base tire/wheel combo.

    Things that would impress me about the package would be if it had a lower vehicle hight than the other packages (like my Contour SE) and if it had the option of a dedicated summer tire, since all seasons are a compromise tire in any performance sense.

    Since the MazdaSpeed6 is gone along with the Legacy wagon, there really isn't a vehicle in the "midsized" category I would want to own. Maybe the Legacy GT sedan but Legacys are pretty pricey and not the value they have been in the past.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    I felt the steering lacked precision and feel, and the suspension was tuned on the wallowing domestic car of yore more than the best European cars of today.

    I'm not surprised the Sonata and Optima are not tuned like the best European cars of today. Those cost, what, $40k+? Maybe Genesis will be closer to what you expect, if you want to compare suspension tuning to the best European cars of today. Maybe the Sonata SE is closer to what you want, but I doubt it will meet that standard. Did you notice any difference at all between the Sonata and Optima? The Optima is known for having crisper handling than the Sonata, at least the 2006-8 Sonata.

    I am trying to get past the mid-90s Acura styling right now.

    So you haven't seen the 2009 Sonata yet, have you? The car got a front-end restyle along with the new interior. I don't think you'll find it looks like anything like a mid-'90s Acura. C/D said it's "Lexus-like." I don't know about that, but it doesn't look like any mid-'90s Acura I can think of.

    You can read about the suspension tweaks in the 2009 Sonata SE here:
    http://www.hyundainews.com/Media_Kits/2009_Models/Sonata/Press_Release.asp
  • gooddeal2gooddeal2 Member Posts: 750
    Really, ?? When it comes to buying new, I think that every automobile sold today loses pretty close to that amount as soon as it goes off the lot. IMO

    I lost about 5K on a 3 years old Altima.
  • lilengineerboylilengineerboy Member Posts: 4,116
    I liked that press release, I will with hold further judgement until I can see it in person and try it out. I still don't really care for the styling on the front, the back is just plain but not anything bad. The interior reminds me a lot of my Accord now, except it has a stereo that can actually do something besides take up space in the '07 Accord.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    Got an internet quote from a midsize Birmingham area dealer on this vehicle, here's the meat of the e-mail:

    Thank you for your interest in our 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ!

    I can offer you this vehicle for $28,159.73 plus tax, title and fees. If you can prove ownership of OR have someone at your residence with a 1999 or newer Non-GM product, there is an additional $750.00 rebate that can be applied to your purchase.

    That price is silly-high.
  • jeffyscottjeffyscott Member Posts: 3,855
    Wow...$28K for a Malibu! Of course I'd have the same response to a $28K Camry, Accord, or whatever...never having spent close to that amount on any vehicle.

    The MSRP for that Malibu with every possible option (which adds about $1500) is $28,960. Depending on what is on it that price is about $1000-2500 over invoice. There is no general rebate on it. They do have as low as 5.9% financing, but that is not much, if any, discount from market rates.
  • sparklandsparkland Member Posts: 120
    I want to get a Polished Metal EX-L 4 cyl Accord with a black leather interior. My dealer has quite a few of this model with gray leather interior.

    The reason I want the black is because it won't show dirt quite so much. Does anyone who has the black leather have any comments for or against. I know heat is an issue, but that is why the car has AC.

    Thanks, Brad
  • scwmcanscwmcan Member Posts: 399
    And how much are an Accord and Camry with the same equipment ? Are they thousands more or about the same? (I honestly don't know at the moment and am not going onto the US sites to find out right now (still busy shoveling out of the latest snow storm). I am just wondering if that fully loaded malibu is still cheaper than the big two competition or not (I know they prices aren't as far apart as they used to be though)
    Scott
  • jeffyscottjeffyscott Member Posts: 3,855
    And how much are an Accord and Camry with the same equipment?

    I'm not sure if equipment is the same, but it appears Camry tops out at MSRP = $31,520 and invoice = $27,938 and Accord at MSRP = $30,260 and invoice = $27,404. The Malibu maxes out at MSRP = $28,960, invoice = $27,229.

    The difference in MSRP is much greater than that for invoice, the three are within $700 of each other on invoice, while MSRP range is about $2600.
  • drwilscdrwilsc Member Posts: 140
    With the current $2000 worth of rebates, you can get a loaded 2008 Saturn Aura XR (practically the same car as the Malibu LTZ) for about $26,000. This includes leather interior, sunroof, 3.6 liter V6, adjustable pedals, and other such features. I actually bought my 07 XR, similarly equipped, for a smidge less than $25,000 with the rebates available at that time. This also buys you into the friendly Saturn dealer service network.

    I have to agree that $28,000 is a bit high for these cars, they make more sense in the low-to-mid twenties, depending on the trim level.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    One reason my folks weren't looking at the Accord was that it had gotten too expensive. Dad thought a Chevy would be a good value purchase. At this price, he'd just get an Accord since it can probably be had cheaper than this quote.

    I think they're test driving one of the best bargains on the market this weekend, the 2008 Ford Taurus. Less than $21k OTD for an SEL with power pedals, 263hp V6, giant interior/trunk, although ho-hum styling, etc. This will be mom's car, and she liked the Taurus she looked at (never got in).

    They are interested in a comfy highway cruiser for traveling, including V6 power. Their other car is a 2007 Civic which they love, but don't like particularly well for trips (sits a little low, and isn't the most comfortable car in the world, although they like the 30+ mpg they get in it). That car is a hoot to drive!

    My folks looked at a Hyundai VeraCruz Limited and were VERY impressed, but didn't want to spend over $30k. Dad sad the Sonata felt like it was trying to be an Accord and failed. They haven't had seat time in an Azera yet, but I suggested they take it for a test drive.

    So, anyone with suggestions on what my folks should drive next (excluding Chrysler, which they will never purchase again)? The goal is $25k or less, comfortable, powerful for the highway, doesn't have to be a "fun" car.

    I've suggested Azera and Taurus, as they are both available under $25k (their target price) and both have good highway power and comfortable rides.
  • tenpin288tenpin288 Member Posts: 804
    Dad sad the Sonata felt like it was trying to be an Accord and failed

    Was the Sonata they looked at a 2008 or a 2009 model? If it was a 2008, they might want to revisit the Sonata after the 2009s are available in their area. Just a thought.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    I suggested that idea to them, because I'd bet money it was an 08. I doubt they go for it though. My dad had a 2003 and a 2005 Accord, cars that he just got bored with because he put so many miles on them, which is why he really changed up with this atomic blue Civic.

    "Whatever your mom decides she likes, we're getting." - Dad

    Maybe SHE needs to see the 2009 Sonata. :)
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