2013 and Earlier - Hyundai Sonata Prices Paid and Buying Experience

smith20

I would think that incentives would at least be equal and maybe better. When I bought a Hyundai in 2004, the incentives increased gradually from the fall (of 2003) through the winter and peaked in the spring. I think in general rushing to make a purchase probably hurts the consumer more than it helps them. They have the incentives expire each much because the psychological rush-to-buy-now-before-it's-over effect is exactly what they want.

I'm certainly no expert though, just passing on my anecdotal experience, and perhaps someone can make a good argument why to buy before Saturday.

gmctruck

"I just got my $2000 deposit back on a cancelled deal after 15 phone calls and several faxes. I have now cancelled 3 deals on 2006 Sonata LX."

Care to explain how that happened?

"Dealers sure are a work of art. How can you play with them at their game and on their premises and expect to win?"

You don't play on their premises at all. If you do, they have the advantage. Deal through the internet and avoid the sales pressure and hassles. I go to the dealers for test drives, but I won't play their games in the showroom.

gmctruck

I agree. They are not going to stop selling cars tomorrow just because the "deal of the day" expired. Watching some of those car dealer commercials cracks me up. "You must buy today to get this deal" Then the next day you see the same guy on there pitching a different "hurry in now" special.

bhmr59

You don't play on their premises at all. If you do, they have the advantage.

Good point. One should know what he is willing to pay before entering the lion's den. Local Salesman in Bridgport, CT thought he had a "mark" because I was referred by someone he leased a car to. This was early April, before the '06 was available. I was going to buy that day. Sticker was $19,594. Salesman said there was only $1150 mark-up (after the $500 adv fee) and he would knock off $500 in addition to the (at the time) $1500 rebate. So he was offering $19,594 less $500 discount, less $1500 rebate, plus $398.50 dealer conveyance fee for a price of $17992.50 before TTL. It took at least a half hour to get a price from him, with all the qualifying stuff he was trying to do (after I told him my credit score of 766 and that I would be putting $7 to 7.5 thou down).

He wouldn't budge giving the line of crap about how limited the GLS SV was, blah blah. Told him I'd pay no more than $17K plus TTL and that I thought he was $1 to 1.5K too high. After wasting 1.5 hours, I walked and said I'd get back to him. 3 days later he called me & I didn't take his call. He called the next day, again I didn't take the call. Fifth day (Sunday) he called and left a voice mail saying they just got a new load of GLS SV in just about every color. Meanwhile, on Friday, my father in Naples, FL contacted O'Brien Hyundai, told them what I wanted and that they'd have a clean deal with no Barbara Streisand if the deal was fair. Monday morning, just before I was going to call Bridgeport guy, Naples guy faxed me an offer & I jumped on it. O'Brien's price was $16705 including $479.50 dealer conveyance before TTL. OTD was $17826.

Bottom line, Edmund's TMV and CarsDirect gave me an idea of approximately how much I should pay. Do your research through the internet or other sources and tell them how much you will pay. Don't let the salesman tell you how much you will pay AND don't get sucked into the "it's only $10 a month more" scheme for 60 months.

sligg

The dealer kept my deposit for 5 weeks. I called them, sent faxes and they totally ignored me. I put in a dispute with the credit card company but surprise-dealer credited my charge card with no action from the card company.

It did help that my brother-in-law knew some "good" people.

I'm really turned off buying a new car, it's a lousy experience and it would be no different with any other make. I'm going to wait another year when Camry and Accord release their 2007 new design. By then Hyundai will fix all the flaws currently wrong with the 2006 Sonata and the competition should heat up.

Even with the advent of the internet, the car industry is still a snake pit.

smith20

Even with the advent of the internet, the car industry is still a snake pit.

That probably is still true, but from my car purchase experience I think it's at least a mitigated snake pit. We tried both in person negotiations and internet/phone last year. The in-person experience was HORRIBLE and the internet/phone negotiations led to a purchase with no stress at all. I don't expect they're all like that, but the difference was so stark that I can't imagine the in-person ever being better than remote negotiations. I won't ever set foot in a dealership again until I have a price established via email/phone first.

Kirstie_H

Let's be careful about sweeping generalizations - there are some vehicle industry professionals who participate on these boards regularly, and who are very helpful. It's a shame you dealt with a salesperson/dealership who was a huge turn-off and made the process difficult.

kirstie_h
Roving Host
Host, Future Vehicles & Smart Shopper discussions

linilan

Just bought Sonata 06 GLS 4-cyl
OTD: $17,900 after $2000 incentives
How's the deal?

sligg

Sweeping generalizations?

I have visited 11 Hyundai dealers and they are all the same. They are like vampires-waiting to suck your blood. Is there one dealer you know of that will treat you like a customer and not a patsy to be plucked, fleeced, ripped-off, etc...etc!

Is there any dealer that doesn't play the 4-square game? Part of the 4-square is the finance office which has to be the biggest con of all. Make sure your underware is firmly secure to your body because they will take these also.

danf1

You are obviously distraught by your experiences. If you want to buy a car do yourself a favor. Get pre approved for a loan. Go into a dealer with an offer for what you will pay out the door. Give the dealer an opportunity to beat your finance rate. If they cannot, give them your check. This eliminates any potential "con" in the finance office.

This process is only as difficult as you make it. Sending out blast faxes to 30 dealers and going in on the defensive is going to make this a very unenjoyable experience for you.

Remember that a dealership is open to make profit. It is not a bad thing in and of itself. That said today is the last day of the month. Everybody could probably use that one more sale.

backy

None of the four Hyundai dealers I have shopped at in my area act like vampires waiting to suck my blood. None of them have played the 4-square game with me. The only real negative experience I've had in five years with these dealers is that on my last Hyundai purchase, the sales rep "forgot" to mention that the car I was buying (which I knew they had to bring in from elsewhere because they didn't have what I wanted in stock) was actually a unit HMA had used for six months as a demo in regional auto shows. But when I found out and complained, they made it right with me by tossing in a 3-year maintenance package for free. At least I know that car was never sitting on a lot exposed to the elements all that time.

sligg

Anybody see the 2006 Ford Fusion yet? Should be comparable to Camry, Accord.

anita46

I never bought a new car before and as I did my homework with regard to the car features and negotiating the price, I was not prepared for what happened at the financial office. I was offered 3 versions of a package that included lo-jack and "gas and go" service. I thought, this are the versions of the "regular warranty" and I just have to chose one. I have chosen one option and the guy showed me only, how my monthly payments will change (it wasn't much of a difference). He said, I have to increase a down-payment by 2 K, but he never told me how much is the price for what I was just maneuvered into. When I analyzed the car price at home and called him, he said, I purchased a package for almost 6K.
I did pick-up the car already. Is there a way of resigning from lo jack and "gas and go" in this case?
I'd appreciate your enlightening me, as I really do not know too much in that area..

Thank you.

nortsr1

I can only say thay you did not do your homework before your purchase.Not only that, you didn't read what you signed and that finance person took you to the cleaners.... and I mean he took you to the cleaners!!!

danielle1

I have found sharks out there ie Maxon Hyundai Union NJ and Giant Hyundai in Little Falls NJ. These 2 dealers thought I was an idiot.. Lets say 450-480 for a base GLS per month vs 350 per month. I had a trade with a payoff amount due( I knew I was going to carry some cost over but these guys were outrageous and they wanted to give me nothing for my trade.
But found a fair place Global Auto Mall in North Plainfield that gave me a fair deal with a little bit of drama but I got what I wanted for the price I wanted.
Do your homework and walk when you are being treated badly.

backy

Some states (MN is one) has a 3-day right of rescission on contracts, which means you have 3 days to cancel the contract. If this kind of thing exists in your state, the terms would be spelled out in the contract.

jaydi25

I'm currently financing a 2002 Dodge Neon which I've constantly had problems with (and every dealer I've encountered has made a point to tell me how horrid Neons are). I'm paying WAY too much for that piece of you-know-what and I'm ready to purchase a real car, preferably the 2006 Hyundai Sonata GLS.

What is the process of switching from financing to leasing if I still owe on this car? How do the interest rates vary--are they significantly lower when leasing than financing? I've asked dealers this question but can never get a straight-forward answer. If anyone can help with this, it would be very helpful.

And also, if anyone has any idea on how to get rid of my atrocious vehicle please let me know.

haefr

"And also, if anyone has any idea on how to get rid of my atrocious vehicle please let me know."

Given you owe on it and no sane person wants a second-hand Neon, about your only option is to drive it off a cliff. (Don't forget to wear a parachute - you might change your mind.) Kidding aside, you're gonna take a bath selling or trading that car. But, the longer you wait, the worse it'll be. Also, do you owe more on your Neon than it's worth? If so, guess who's gonna have to make up the difference one way or another. What this means in simple terms is if you find a dealer willing to take your Neon in trade and buy down your remaining loan, that amount (and maybe more for administrative costs) will be tacked on to your replacement car's lease.

anita46

Thank you for the information. I went to the dealership today, but the financial department was closed. So I do have an appointment for tomorrow and I'll try to amend the contract or eventually cancel it.
Thanks again.

jaydi25

Thank you very much for your honest (and hilarious) response to my posting. I've been told this many a time, and I'm prepared for it. It just sucks because it limits my choices for a new car--one that sells for 19,000 will be sold to me for a few thousand more because of that loan being tacked on.

On the other hand, I have been told by various dealers that the interest rates for leasing is significantly lower than financing, so maybe I still have that to look forward to.

backy

The Sonata GLS still has that $199/month lease in effect. Not a bad rate for a car like that, especially now that Honda has raised the lease on the '06 Accord LX to $239.

kyfdx

There is no 3-day "right of recission" on car deals... in any state... So, don't get your hopes up on that front...

Once it goes over the curb, the car is yours..

regards,
kyfdx
Host-Prices Paid Forums

anita46

Ouch.. but the sales manager confirmed today, that there is a 72 hours (he said exactly: 3 business days) period to walk away from the deal..

There is no siggle word about cancellation in the contract, though..

backy

The last car I purchased via a loan (back in 2000) did have a 3-day right of rescission--but now I can't find the paperwork to determine if it was part of the finance contract or a policy of the dealer.

line3

ifyou havent already, i'd suggest checking the details of the contracts for the extra add ons.. when i bought my 06, the dealer sold me some maintenance contract saying it includes all required services but later i found out it was only oil changes so i cancelled it.. the maintenance contract has info on policy cancellation so i;m thinking some or many of these maintenance/warranty/service type contracts have a cancellation policy of some sort

rick2456

I finally decided on the Hyundai GLS V6 with the premium option package. The only reason I didn't go for the LX, is that leather in the south is stupid. I paid $21.500 out the door after much haggling, BS etc with the dealer in atlanta (Ed Voyles). This including the grand rebate with hyundai financing. (4.49%, 60 months). So far, so good. Rides like a champ and smooth as silk.

Rick

anita46

2006 Sonata LX - no sunroof - car price $ 19,195 (after 2,000 rebates);

Hyundai 6 years service "Gas and Go" $ 1,000 (has a small list of minor excluded items and gives VIP card with discounts);
Satelite Lojack $ 1,295;
5 years Vehicle Theft Replacement policy $ 2,295 (covers up to $ 5,000 of the difference between the car value and a book value payable by the insurance - couldn't cancel that one).

Including other fees of 220.50 and tax 2,159.50 it comes to the total of $ 26,165.
Dealer financing rate 5.69; will refinance with my bank to 4% and pay it fast.

That is my first experience with car dealers; I'll be better prepared next time. However, I've learned today, how tricky the warranties are and that the most important items are covered for 1 year only and after 3 years that list is reduced much further.. That is why I kept "gas and Go" service, but got it $ 1,000 cheapper this time.

bhmr59

If you have time to change the deal, get out of the 5 year theft replacement policy. You're paying $2295, against a possible GAP loss up to $5,000. That's almost half of the "benefit." You're betting 1 to 2 that your car will be stolen and not recovered (or totaled due to the theft) in the next 5 years and that the amount you owe will be more than the loan balance.

You can get GAP insurance from your car insurance company for cheap and that will cover collision and other causes of loss in addition to theft.

The longer you own the car & make payments, the lower the GAP will be between ACV and the amount owed. Depending on the % you finance and additional prinipal payments you make, the GAP may not exist for very long.

I'm not familiar with "gas & go" but $1K sounds like an expensive dealer add-on. $1300 for lojack also seems like the dealer is taking you for a ride. If your car is stolen and the bad guys smash it up, you will have paid $1300 to find the smashed car plus $2300 to cover any GAP that may exist. That's $3900!

Is there a history of cars being stolen in your locality? Looks to me like the dealership is selling you a bill of goods. If you already bought the car, you may be able to cancel the extra junk the dealer loaded you with.

jaydi25

Yea, but that's with how much money down and with what interest rate?

danf1

2100 down, money factor of .00018. That is about .432% interest.

anita46

Thank you for taking the time..
I realized after the fact that I don't want that 5-year anti-theft policy, but I was told, that it cannot be cancelled and that there are engravings on my windows done after the deal was signed. So, I am aware now (to late unfortunately) that I was maneuvered into spending money on something that is good for the dealer and not really for me. Gas and Go for 6 years covers (except brakes and small items) all the major parts, including those covered only for 1 year under the normal warranty. Initially it was 2 K, reduced to 1 K when I wanted to cancel. I was told, that it is specifically important for all the electronic equippment, including the computer, that is not covered for that long under the regular warranty.
About lo jack he said, that there are different types and that the one I have installed is satelite and more expensive. I didn't know about lo jack before and liked the idea, so I paid the price for lack of knowledge and trust...

I could still walk-out yesterday, but going there back and forth and all that emotional exhaustion - I finally gave up and have to pay for that comfort...
I really didn't know that there are such sharks out there; didn't buy any car from the dealer yet.

Thanks again.

backy

The factory warranty does cover the computers in the car, but only for 5 years/60k miles. So you did get an extra year's worth of protection on those and other parts. For future reference, you could have gotten the Hyundai extended warranty on the car, which extends the 5/60k "bumper to bumper" warranty to 10/100k and makes it transferrable, for around $1000 (maybe with some negotiation needed for that price).

bhmr59

Sorry that that Sharpie burned you. But we all make mistakes. The thing we have to do is learn from our mistakes and not repeat them.

I'm an independent insurance agent and you wouldn't believe some of the BS I've heard from clients, told them by a dealer, when the client is buying a car. In the future, if a dealership tells you that X or Y will do certain good things for your insurance premium, check with your agent before signing for the (sometimes) junk they are trying to sell you.

It's odd how upset some people get about a $100 increase in the cost of their insurance with an agent they have been doing business with for a long time (agents don't set the premium and can't negotiate the way car dealers do) and think nothing of paying big bucks for dealer add-on that are, at best, of questionable value. Some people even get mad at their agent because they do not get an insurance discount that the dealer "promised" them. They've dealt with an agent for years and then go buy a car, usually from someone they just met, and then get mad at the agent for not being able to get a dealer promised insurance discount. Something's not right with that picture.

jaydi25

Oh, that's not too bad at all.

Thanks.

anita46

Thank you again - you seem to know it all.. I hope that my Sonata will serve me for quite a few years, so I won't have to buy another car at least for a while. I feel strange in it (had Honda Accor before, purchased used from a friend). I feel like Honda gave me a better visibility while driving; I find myself turning my head to the sides and feeling uncertain; it'll take me some time to adjust. Other than that, the car is fine and all my friends are impressed with its "loads". What I find strange, however, is that it doesn't have a warning sound "lights are on" and I have to remember about it.

About insurance: for 10 years I was with Country Wide, had only one small and no-fault accident and good account standing.The day I purchased the car I called my broker - no response (office closed, as I found out later). I then called the main office and nobody there wanted to help me with an insurance for the new car.
They kept sending me back to the broker and when I finally got someone to listen, they faxed me the form, I sent it back and that was it. Didn't pick-up the phone anymore. So, I could not pick-up the car, went home and got on-line to purchase ANY insurance.. Unbelievable, but true ! I got a policy for 6 months from E-surance (I find it very expensive - even for NY) and will shop for another policy once I'll get a registration and a title. All together that purchase wasn't a nice experience, but I finally have my car and found this Forum, where I see people, who are willing to take their time to give advice and/or share their experience. That is valuable!

Thank you.

backy

What I find strange, however, is that it doesn't have a warning sound "lights are on" and I have to remember about it.

Don't the headlights turn off by themselves when you shut off the engine? I'm surprised if they don't, as Hyundai has had that feature on even their less-expensive cars for years.

Hope you enjoy your Sonata for many years!

bhmr59

As a follow up to backy---In the '05 Sonata the low beams turn off when you turn off the ignition. The parking lights and fog lights will stay on until you open the door. That was a little confusing at first. But it works out to "turn off the ignition and open your door and all the lights will be off." They come back on as soon as you restart the car. Again, that's for '05, '06 may be different.

halflab

Hi folks,
I'm interested in buying the LX V6 with option 2 in about a month. I received a quote of 19,565 plus tax, dest., tags and MV.
I also received a quote from another dealer for an LX demo with 3,500 miles for 19,995 plus tax, dest., tags and MV.
I do not have good credit as I have never had a credit card or credit history.
Are these good prices or can I do better? What should I avoid before signing the dotted line? I'm being very cautious as this is my first car purchase.
Thanks for your help.

mcrupps

I am not familiar with option 2 on the LX , Edmunds only show a 1 and a 3. Does this include any rebates,are you going with Hyundai Motor Finance Company.

halflab

Sorry, my mistake. I meant GLS V6 with option 2. This does not include any rebates and I am not sure if I should go with HMFC due to my credit history or lack thereof.

anita46

Gentlemen, you are both absolutely right! Lights are off the way you described.
I like this car even more now!

smokey4

Sorry to read about some of your experiences in your posts. I've recently bought a Sonata LX (24895 MSRP) with only options to purchase, sunroof & 6 pack cd player. Before I even entered the dealership, I spent about 2-3 weeks reading this forum, playing & crunching invoice numbers on Edmunds.com, viewing any & everything on Hyundai's web site about all rebates offered. When I went to the dealership, I did indeed run into a nice retired salesman of 33 years, he new his stuff, but, I had done my homework as well. This was the only time I was at the dealership other than picking up the car 5 days later. The whole experience was fun, I enjoyed it, and after 3-5 days on the phone from my home dickering out the price, they new I enjoyed it. When the deal was done, I bought the Sonata LX with the sunroof & CD 6 pack for 21264 after rebates of 2k. As close as I can tell, I payed invoice (22839) price for the car plus 425 for advertising fees (23264 before rebates). They won't budge from these ad fees? But let me say anita46, next time remember, EDMUNDS.COM is your friend, your weapon, your knowledge that enables you to walk in there and make the deal you want, and when things don't sound good to you, get up and leave. By the time I bought the car on the phone after 5 days, I had them fax me the deal I said I would do in writing before going again to the dealership. So, when I came before the finance guy, the deal was on the paper, and I could tell that the others had talked with him before I arrived, no BS. We love the car, Deepwater Blue. Good luck in the future, & remember, EDMUNDS.COM.

Kirstie_H

Hey smokey4, thanks for the positive PR

Congratulations on your new Sonata. When you get a chance, stop by the Sonata Owners Club and share your experiences with other owners.

kirstie_h
Roving Host
Host, Future Vehicles & Smart Shopper discussions

egarcia52282

Hi smokey4,

Thanks for the information. We are looking to buy the same 2006 Sonata LX with sunroof/CD changer package. We are not sure if we will go with the Deepwater Blue or the Steel Gray. Which rebates did you get? How much did you pay for TTL? Does anybody know if cars are usually cheaper or more expensive in New York vs. down South (Texas)?

chrono

smokey4 .. what where the exact rebates you took advantage of to get 2K total rebates .. thanks!

smith20

smokey4 .. what where the exact rebates you took advantage of to get 2K total rebates .. thanks!

I'm going to guess the $1,000 Hyundai Owner Loyalty rebate plus the $1,000 HMFC financing rebate.

Additionally there is a $500 general rebate . . . so it could even be $2,500 off if you currently own a Hyundai.

smokey4

Hello egarcia52282, the rebates were the competitors rebate, I bought my son a Chevy Cavalier for college in 03, we still own it, so it qualifies for 1k rebate, & the Hyundai finance 1K rebate, we financed part of the Sonata price to get the 1k, but plans are to pay off balance in 60 days by going with my credit union @ work, 5.2% thru credit union, Hyundai finance was 7.9%. Yes, still there is another rebate for owner loualty, 1k as well, I did not own a Hyundai vehicle prior to buying Sonata. Check Hyundai site for up to date rebates being offered. Here in Indiana you pay 6% sales tax. In my case, 6% of 23264 was 1394.00, the dealership charged 81.50 for processing fee, papers needed to get license at area Department of Motor Vehicles branch. Be sure to get all of these figures before going to the dealership, they love to sell you all kinds of crap! We test drove the Steel Gray, we really liked it, but after seeing the Deepwater Blue, I had to have it, it does show dust awfully bad though, my sons Cavilier is gray, it does'nt show up on it when it's dusty. As far as the cost difference NY versus Texas, stick with the info. you gather on EDMUNDS.COM, start with the invoice price, don't let them push you around, call several Hyundai dealerships, tell them you know what the invoice price is, they will deal if they want to move vehicles, especially if it is close to end of month for qoutas, bought mine on the 30th of Sept., it works!

anita46

Hi, Smoky, congratulations on your new car !!! And lucky you, because when you read The Forum, there aren't many positive opinions about the dealers...

Imagine, I was checking on Edmunds the prices and did some car comparisons, but at that time I didn't notice The Forum. If I could read some posts before my purchase, I'd know what I needed to... Well, now I try not to think anymore about "add ons" and enjoy my car. The other day I tried the option "automatic lights turn-on". It was at the dawn, but lights didn't light. Did you try it?

Thank you.

smokey4

I keep them in the auto mode all the time, they come on when I start the vehicle in the garage, then when I back out of garage in the morning they go out, they work fine, I'm sure yours does too, I keep the switch turned to the auto position, I never move it, I love this feature. It is amazing how many nice perks come with this car for the price, and the warranty is great. I know I've said this before, but we love this car, Hyundai got it right, If you have any questions Anita46, ask away, we are all here to help, have a great evening.

frasierdog

"As close as I can tell, I payed invoice (22839) price for the car plus 425 for advertising fees, (23264 before rebates)"

As close as I can tell you payed $425 over invoice.

There is no such thing as advertising fees. But if the dealer tells you that is what the $425 is for, you feel better. Advertising fees are a cost of doing business, it comes out of the dealers gross profit. It does not get passed along to the buyer.

The $425 you paid goes to the salesman & sales manager. Fleet sales will usually be cheaper, say $150~$250 over invoice.

Target price for the Sonata is invoice - rebates.