2013 and Earlier - Hyundai Sonata Prices Paid and Buying Experience

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Comments

  • rhduke00rhduke00 Member Posts: 129
    Page 1-3 of 2006 Sonata Owner's Manual:

    "...You can contribute to the economical operation and durability of your Hynduai by observing the following recommendations during the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km)

    Don't drive faster than 55 MPH (88 kmh)...."
  • suzannaflsuzannafl Member Posts: 84
    Planning on buying this week-end to replace my beloved 15 year old Accord that has 194,000 miles.

    Internet price for Pearl White Sonata LX with sunroof is $20,700.
    $22,566 out the door.
    $1,118 for extended 10 year bumper to bumper.
    Prices seem in line, looking for second (or more) opinions.

    Also, what do you think the chances of this car lasting as long as my Accord?

    Thanks,
    S
  • miamixtmiamixt Member Posts: 600
    I just put the Manual in my Car, sorry. I am not sure there has been one Car I've kept to 55 during the first 1200 Miles. My car came with a 110 miles/six month demonstration period, so the Engine is somewhat broken in by total strangers who did lord knows what to it. Plus I've had the V6 carefully up to about 80 and it is smooth yet it growls, what a great Car!
  • miamixtmiamixt Member Posts: 600
    Your price seems too high. How much are the Rebates?. And don't buy the Warranty. You are getting America's best factory Warranty program to begin with. My out the door price was $3000 less. I'm still amazed my deal went through, and a couple of us have scored an LX out the door for less than $19,000. I can't explain it, aside from repeating what another Poster observed: "They seemed to be buying my Business". In my case, the Dealer needed to sell a car, more than I needed to buy it, now that's weird?. Best time to buy a Car is when no one else is present in the Showroom, on a really bad day or Week for them. A bad Month is even better :P Good luck on the LX, you'll love it!
  • suzannaflsuzannafl Member Posts: 84
    A friend of mine got $3,000 worth of rebates.
    My price includes a $1,000 rebate for V6 or something like that.
    I'm not financing through HMFC, so not taking that rebate.
    Nor eligible for the repeat buyer or anything else.

    Where are you located?
    When did you buy?
    I don't think I am going to find a dealer needing to sell!

    S
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    The invoice on this car is $23,065. Since it looks like you are only getting $1000 in rebates, it looks like you are getting an excellent price. You might consider financing through HMFC just to get the rebate--you can refinance at any time.

    Also you do not need to buy the extended warranty now. You have until the car is one year old or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. The extended warranty will do you no good in the first year unless you drive more than 60k miles. So you may want to wait and shop around in a year. You can buy the extended warranty from any Hyundai dealer. If you really want to buy it now, perhaps letting the dealer know that you know that you can wait will result in a better offer on it.

    If you take good care of the car, it should last a long time. The quality of Hyundais is superior to that of Hondas from 15 years ago.
  • suzannaflsuzannafl Member Posts: 84
    As long as it is before the first payment, my credit union would flip the loan.
    Any time longer, I have the used car interest rate which is a point higher than new car rate.
    I have to have the loan at least 3 months or Hyundai has a penalty.
    So I don't think the aggrevation is worth the few hundred dollars.

    Thanks for the extended warranty info, I'll wait on that purchase.

    I know since I keep cars it is really not an issue, but I'm finding the Hyundai depreciates alot, quickly (compared to Honda).
    I always liked knowing I had some "equity" in my car.
    Should that be a concern?

    Thanks.
    S
  • miamixtmiamixt Member Posts: 600
    Backy is the voice of reason, and will be giving his Kids both Elantras soon, so he can get an LX. Save the $1100 on the Warranty for now. Also, see if you can qualify to finance just $10,000 through HMFC to obtain the additional $1000 discount. While there is no special A.P.R. rate offered, you can refinance after, at no penalty. I understand what you are saying about the other 1 point. I finally wasn't approved and paid Cash , yet the $1000 rebate was built into my deal, and wound up being a 'deal saver'. I notice you live in Florida?. I live in South Florida, and another Floridian from New Port Richie wound up with a $18.1K LX. If I use creative Math I can beat those figures too. Can you obtain a junker Hyundai for the other $1000 rebate. And the new National Commercials are touting up to $3500 in rebates, with the $500 Auto show coupon, find an Auto show?. Yes Hyundai's depreciate more than you think. Whatever you do, the price you mentioned was OK, but the Car you are buying is way OK!. Good luck, let us know what happened?.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Ask the dealer for the documentation that says there is a penalty if you do not make at least 3 payments. In most states there is NO pre-payment penalty. Some Hyundai dealers have been reported to tell buyers they must make 3 payments because there is an incentive to the dealer to do so. Some lenders will give new car rates up to 6 months or so--too bad yours requires flipping before the first payment.

    The higher rate of depreciation on Hyundais vs. Hondas is made up for by the lower purchase price. For example, I assume you have priced a comparable Accord V6 with leather and sunroof, and you know that it will cost you thousands more than the price quote you got on the Sonata LX. The fact is, it will be some time before you have equity in any new car; they lose thousands almost the moment you drive them off the lot. Since you keep cars [awhile?], it is not an issue.
  • kman54kman54 Member Posts: 12
    Backys right.....Have the salesman show you where that 3 month rule is stated in the Hyundai Installment Contract. Chances are its not there. It wasnt in my case. I paid my Hyundai Contract off in 2 weeks and was only charged the interest due from the date of sale on the car and the date of payoff from the new refinance company. Get that extra 1000.00 rebate! Its worth the time you invest to make it all work.
  • suzannaflsuzannafl Member Posts: 84
    You mean, have two loans on the car?
    Can I do that?

    My quote is from the New Port Richey dealer.
    Also have one from Fitzgerald in Clearwater which is higher when I add back the $1,000 for not taking the HMFC loan.

    The other guy's $18.1, do you recall if had all the rebates? fees? tax?

    Thanks.
  • tb88tb88 Member Posts: 242
    ....Have the salesman show you where that 3 month rule is stated in the Hyundai Installment Contract. Chances are its not there. It wasnt in my case.

    It is a Florida State Law which says: If loan is paid off within 6 months; they MAY charge a doc. preparation fee not to exceed $75... It is on the back of the Financing contract in Florida.
  • miamixtmiamixt Member Posts: 600
    I had no idea you were in New Port Richey too. Of course I have no idea where it is here in Florida.

    "You mean, have two loans on the car?
    Can I do that?"

    I don't think so, but you also might have other options to take advantage of the $1000 HMFC rebate. Remember, I didn't qualify, yet received this amount, as it was figured in with the original sales figures.

    "The other guy's $18.1, do you recall if had all the rebates? fees? tax?"

    Yes, and it was recently posted here, along with my numbers. He and I both got $3000 rebates, he did not have the Sun Roof and 6 Disc upgraded changer. You can do without one or the other, possibly both?. Helps with resale value though, and they sure work great!

    Thanks

    Good luck. With this area specific inside knowledge for Florida, I believe you can negotiate more Car for less money if you take some time!
  • michieroomichieroo Member Posts: 2
    I'm in Tulsa and have been looking at the Sonata GLS V6 with no options. I've only been to the Hyundai dealership here and I would not wish that experience on anyone. I've talked with the Automax and Edmond Hyundai and neither were willing/able to come even close to Fitzmall. Same story with B'ville and Kent Dobbs (Springdale, AK), but they were at least willing to try to earn my business. I'm still talking to Vandergriff in Arlington, but if that doesn't pan out, I'm going with Fitzmall and shipping and still saving money. Hope this helps.
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  • phill1phill1 Member Posts: 319
    I attended the FT Lauderdale Auto Show last Fri. Mar.17, and picked up at the Hyundia exhibit a form explaining the Auto Show`s $500. rebate good on Sonata`s purchased by Mar. 31, 06 The Hyundia Gals said that although the printed ad specified only 7 Hyundia Dealers in Miami-Dade and Broward County, Hyundia would honor the Rebate anywhere in FL. Even gave the name of the Hyundia Southern Area District Sales Manager as a reference. Has anyone had luck with this $500 rebate outside of Miami-Dade or Broward County? I bought my Sonata the day after the Auto Show at FitzMall in Clearwater FL and as you might expect, they said ( say what?) neverheardaboutit. I had the dealer fill out the Factory Rebate form for the $500. (pending) approval with rebate (IF) issued to be sent to purchaser and (NOT) dealer just in case I get the matter settled.
  • kman54kman54 Member Posts: 12
    Sorry to hear about that bad experience with the Tulsa dealers JDalton27. Heres another idea for you. CarsDirect offers great prices and no hassles from the dealer. Give it a try. If you are having trouble with your local dealers and Fitzmalls are just too far away then get a quote from CarsDirect. They are very easy to work with. It might surprise you and if nothing else help you in getting the deal you want from the dealer closest to your home! It sure worked for me in Georgia! Good Luck!
  • suzannaflsuzannafl Member Posts: 84
    We went to the dealer to checkout their Sonatas.

    Had trouble getting the seat comfortable for my back.
    Also had trouble setting the left mirror for the blind spot.

    They ended up sending the one that was behind several cars home with me, so I can check it out without pressure.

    Right off the bat, while driving to a gas station, I noticed it was a really hard ride.
    The other one I drove didn't seem that hard.
    My husband thought it may be the tires.
    Later on the way home, it didn't seem that bad.
    Still not a smooth ride.
    Is this typical?

    The odor coming from the vent makes me queasy.
    My husband says it's from the brakes and will go away.
    Is he right?

    The driver seat is very hard, spent alot of time trying to find a comfortable setting.
    I am at the age where my back hurts and I need to watch my posture and sit straighter.
    Then being tall/long waisted, has me almost hitting the ceiling when I sit straight.

    What should I check out tomorrow morning?

    They told me they had quoted the lowest price already.

    Thanks.
    S
  • tb88tb88 Member Posts: 242
    Check the tires : they should be 30 PSI (air).
    Many are left at 50 PSI after shipping.
    That may be the cause of the rough ride!

    With back problems you should then consider the GLS not the (leather Seat) LX. The seats will not get any softer with age!

    Also the GLS has softer ride due to different tires!

    Is this from NPR? I didn't know they let you keep the car overnight... that's good!

    Check for any noise while driving.
    Check when the car was manufactured: there is a plate (close to the bottom) facing outside between the front driver door and the back door!
    It shouldn't be more 4-6 weeks... if not it has been sitting there for a while!

    There shouldn't be any odor coming from the vents!!
    It could be from heavy traffic fumes of US-19 vicinity.
    Drive it Sunday morning when there is little traffic and see if you still have the odor!
    There is a sensor which will close the vents when there is a certain amount of pollution outside! It has to be activated (pressed/Lit): it is the little button to the left of the Large Right Knob(Fan control): it has the letter A in a circle: (A for air).
  • coolblue2coolblue2 Member Posts: 3
    Just bought the GLS w/ sunroof for $16.2K. I went ahead and added the 10yr/100K mile 0 deductable for another $1,400. My wife kinda wanted the piece of mind, and I just don't have much experience w/ Hyundai so wasn't sure of 60K would be good enough. Plus, we plan on putting 18K+ per year on the car, so 60K would only last 3-4 years. Just not sure if 40K is worth $1,400 for coverage. :confuse:
  • miamixtmiamixt Member Posts: 600
    Wow, testing one overnight!. I have never done that prior to Sale. My Car had 120 Miles on it, I bet someone got to take it for an extended test?.

    About a hard ride. The Sonata is stiff to say the least!. Sure drives great though!.

    About the Seats. To me it looks like the passengers would be more comfortable. The seat is power adjustable and leather. That's the best I can say for it. Hyundai is not known for total comfort seats. You can however adjust it so you are sitting straight up, but I too find myself hitting the roof with my head. Was it worth the extra cost, yes!

    My Car has no odors, and just a limited Leather smell :( as I was stuck with one of the older units as referenced above :D It even has a couple scratches from Hurricane Rita, Wilma, and Andrae, a local gang member. I also paid $18K for the Unit :) :P
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Have you tried moving the seat cushion lower? Try lowering the back of the cushion all the way, then raise the front until it is comfortable. You might also try adjusting the lumbar support.
  • mejozamejoza Member Posts: 17
    My goodness....how'd you get down to $16.2 for a GLS w/sunroof? That sounds to good to be true!
  • suzannaflsuzannafl Member Posts: 84
    Yes, was at NPR.

    Both the cars have the odor.
    It's not traffic, can still smell it when we got home and walked around the running car.
    I wanted to see what it looked like with the lights one.

    This Sonata is dated 12/22/05 and has 30 miles, 28 of them are mine getting back to Tampa.
    The other one was also in December, but don't recall the exact date with about 30 miles also.
    They have a third Pearl White, but didn't I look at it.

    Is leather the only difference between an LX and GLS?

    I really like the moon/sun roof, but it is hard to tell if it is closed properly.
    And what if one bumps the button and doesn't realize it is not closed all the way?
    The summer rains in Florida, my Dad taught me to never leave windows open.

    The cars are dirty. Not that I am complaining but they didn't clean/wash it before I took it.
    Will have to do it to really see the Pearl metalic paint and to check for scratches.
    And how does the door and console get so dirty?
    You should see the black/dirt marks.

    S
  • rhduke00rhduke00 Member Posts: 129
    As tb88 says, Hyundai recommends the tire pressure be 30 PSI. However, this is cold tire pressure. What this means is that you should check the tire pressure after the car has been setting for at least three hours. Otherwise you run the risk of under inflating your tires. I like my PSI at 35 because I get a little better gas mileage and the ride is still smooth in my 16" high profile GLS tires. After I've driven about 15 miles on the interstate, I notice that the PSI will increase from 35 to 40 PSI.
  • tb88tb88 Member Posts: 242
    It's not traffic, can still smell it when we got home and walked around the running car.

    Oh ... it must be some chemical used on some parts during manufacturing... which will be gone/burned out after 100-200 miles... Now I remember what smell you are talking about! It could be the catalytic converter...

    The car must have been sitting in the lot for almost 3 months and that explains the dirt on the outside but not the inside! Plus the last 2 days it was quite windy / blowing sand/fume and pollution from US 19.

    Usually car dealers wash their cars weekly!

    I bought mine end of Feb. and it was manufactured End of Jan. 31 days to be exact: It wasn't dirty inside but the tires were at 50 PSI.

    Now if you decide to switch to the GLS V6, make sure they adjust the price accordingly: subtract at least $2,000 for a GLS V6 with Sunroof and/ or -$3,000 without sunroof.

    If you are buying the extended warranty ask them to also give you a 2nd year Free Maintenance... The 1st year is Free anyway (3 oil-Filter changes).

    Now for the difference between the GLS-LX:

    1- LX has Automatic Temperature Control which I don't like and therefore don't use because it is a gas guzzler. Use the manual control instead!
    2- Leather Seats
    3- 17" Tires and luxury Wheels
    4- Automatic Night dimming rear mirror.
    5- Garage opener (button in the rear mirror)
    6- Compass also in the rear mirror.
    7- Telescopic Steering wheel


    All of the above not found in the GLS or are Options.

    I can't think of anything else right now!
  • rhduke00rhduke00 Member Posts: 129
    In addition to the differences that tb88 mentioned, you also get standard on LX:

    8. Power Driver's seat
    9. Heated Front seats.
  • phill1phill1 Member Posts: 319
    I know freshness is very important in beer,bread,milk and other perishables, but cars too? The Sonata GLS with I4 and Sunroof I recently puchased had a manufactured date of Nov.30, 05. It was sitting at a dealers lot in Orlando before FitzMall located it for me and had it driven over to their dealership in Clearwater where I ended up happily adopting it. Most vehicles are first staged in large lots at assemply plants and later driven onto rail cars for shipping or trailers for truck delivery. Often there is 3 or more weeks from when the car is made till it gets dropped off at dealership, even longer sometimes with Holidays slowing the process. My Sonata was (sitting) for perhaps 2 and a half months before I purchased it but the only tell tale sign I noticed was it was filthy with dirt and pollen and the interior windows also had a film. Both conditions were easily washed away. I would suggest, if you find the Sonata your looking for with the trim level and options you need and last but not least in the colour of your preference, grap it regardless if the "Born on Date" is a couple of months earlier. Hyundia dealers Cannot order specific vehicles with particular options and colours. They must Pick from whats available in their next allotment or otherwise try to swap with another willing Hyundia Store. I have yet to find any mold or decay on my (almost 75 day ole new GLS) and no odd smelling fumes either.
  • lightfootfllightfootfl Member Posts: 442
    Re the rebate :)
    I too live in Florida (Pensacola) and I financed thru the HMFC to get their rebate, and within 2-3 weeks did a refi with my credit union, no problems at all. No penalty, nothing,in spite of the wording on the forms. Saved money, except for the paper costs which were minimal, and the interest charged, of course. All of this accomplished since Feb 9. Good luck on your decision. :)
  • suzannaflsuzannafl Member Posts: 84
    When we talked about this yesterday at the dealer, the sales rep said they require the 4 months (I originally mistyped 3) or a penalty of $75 plus the $1000 is charged.

    Guess they've been called down on it or something has happened to them.
  • coolblue2coolblue2 Member Posts: 3
    I got a quote from another deailer for $15.9 GLS w/o sunroof, but they had to order it. So I went to another dealer and have them match the deal. Turns out they only had the color we wanted w/ sunroofs, so they gave it to us for only $16.2 since we didn't 'really' want to sunroof.. Not that I'm complaining or anything. A local dealer is selling the GL for $14.8, which is were we first started of course. My wife just liked the GLS better.

    Anyway, whats the going opinion on the warranty around here? I've seen a couple posts say don't get it.. but not much else. I'm thinking I may cancel it tomorrow.. :confuse:
  • kman54kman54 Member Posts: 12
    Take an Azera for a spin if the Sonata is not comfortable to you. The Azera may well have the comfort your looking for. Hopefully, as dealers are given more Azera inventories in the near future they will begin discounting them more than they do now.

    I havent noticed any odors and the Sonata is very comfortable to my back. But that is me, and if you are not comfortable in the car you will be unhappy as the years go by.

    As far as the ride goes, some folks in this forum are reporting a softer ride in the GLS version of the car with the 16in wheels vs. the 17in wheels on the LX.
    I own the LX version and like the feel of the ride so it works for me.

    Good Luck.
  • lightfootfllightfootfl Member Posts: 442
    That is very possible, but I wouldn't trust what the local dealers say about it. I don't know how you would be able to check it out further though. I can just tell you how my deal worked out. Try telling them that if that is the case then maybe you will just have to reconsider the idea of a purchase at this time, see what happens. Hey, anything is possible.
    I wish you the best.
    By the way, the ride etc is better in the GLS with the different tires, but I found the LX to be better for me. Thank is why it is always better to try them out yourself.
  • w9cww9cw Member Posts: 888
    miamixt wrote: "Wow, testing one overnight!. I have never done that prior to Sale. My Car had 120 Miles on it, I bet someone got to take it for an extended test?."

    Depending on the dealer, you can get extended test drives (keep it for overnight, etc.). Some manufacturers also promote extended test drives. In 1991, when I was considering a SAAB 9000, SAAB corporate offered extended test drives. I picked-up the car at the local dealer in Indiana on a Friday, drove the car to a family reunion in northern Michigan, and returned the car Monday afternoon. The total roundtrip mileage was just a bit over 700 miles.

    With your car's mileage, the more likely scenario is a dealer trade. This may explain the higher mileage on your car. A new car delivered to the dealership typically has less than 30 miles on the odometer. Of course, the possibility does exist your car was used for test drives by other prospective buyers.
  • tb88tb88 Member Posts: 242
    Anyway, whats the going opinion on the warranty around here?

    It is a matter of how comfortable you are without it!
    If you can sleep without it then don't spend the extra money... if it were $500 or less I would buy one may be, but not $1,000 +.

    What guarantee is there that you will still have the car in 5 years?
    What if it gets in an accident? stolen?

    I personally would not spend/finance the extra cost.
  • tb88tb88 Member Posts: 242
    I don't think it was illegal to reset the odometer of new cars to Zero; if it starts running high on miles from test driving... few years (decades) ago

    Nowadays they have to certify (on paper) the actual miles...
  • miamixtmiamixt Member Posts: 600
    plus charges $75?. That can't be true. Many others have re financed. If you don't take advantage of the "Up to $3500" in savings, you can't possibly get that good deal!
  • bhmr59bhmr59 Member Posts: 1,602
    My '05 Sonata doesn't have auto door locks (wish it did) by my previous car, '91 Chrysler conv had auto door locks. Owners' manual stated the auto lock feature was an extra safety feature to keep the doors closed in the event of an accident. It had nothing to do with protecting you from someone on the outside trying to open your door at any speed.

    Occupants could open the door just like in any other car.

    Just got back from vacation. We got creamed from behind in the rental Maxima, which had auto door locks. The right rear door was bowed out, but remained closed which would have helped prevent the rear seat passenger (if there were one) from being thrown from the vehicle. Front passenger's golf cap got thrown out either the rear window or right rear window. If the r. rear door had opened a passenger, even wearing a seat belt, could have been thrown from the car. Our replacement rental, Chev Malibu (Classic) had auto locks which engaged as soon as putting the car into reverse or drive.

    Folks, auto locks are a safety feature. I suggest that any of you who are ignorant of their value read your owners' manual before posting an uninformed opinion.
  • mountfr1mountfr1 Member Posts: 9
    Hi, am really hopin you can help me. My hubby and I went to test drive the Sonata. I really liked it -- fully loaded witha price of 20,400 if we finance w/them or 19,400 if we don't. My husband wasn't happy about the 20,400 vs. 19,400 and asked to see the financing papers but the salesman woudln't show it to him. My husband figured it was there way of tricking us into buying their financing. My question is: if we finance thru Hundain is it true we can re-finance with our fin. co. later without a penalty. If not, should we just pay the 20,400. Hope to hear from you. Many thanks for all your help. PS: They were out of the beige color so I might hav to settle for the white powder (my 2nd choice). :-(
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    They MUST show you the financing papers before you sign them--that is the law. I would go to the sales manager and demand to see the financing papers.

    In most states, you can refinance without a penalty. Some states allow for an optional penalty. But you need to see the papers to see what if any pre-payment penalty applies.
  • 94hawkskin94hawkskin Member Posts: 116
    I would ask to see what the penalty is if you refinance right away. Most states do not have a penalty. SOme do, but it is usually less than $200, which would still save you at least $700 so it is worth it.
  • pusterracingpusterracing Member Posts: 186
    "I would ask to see what the penalty is if you refinance right away. Most states do not have a penalty. SOme do, but it is usually less than $200, which would still save you at least $700 so it is worth it."

    It's not actually the state that has the penalty, it is the finance contract/finance company.

    WHENEVER I purchase a new vehicle, if I am not going through my private banker (who already knows my preferences), I ALWAYS make sure there is no prepayment penalty. That means, NO penalty at all. So, if I pay it off in 30 days, I only pay 30 days of interest charges. If I refinance with a better rate from a different company....no penalties. If there are prepayment penalties, I finance elsewhere. If the dealer won't give me the same deal if I don't finance through them...I shop elsewhere. They aren't the only dealer of a certain make.

    Just make sure in the contract that it states there are no prepayment penalties. AND HAVE THEM SHOW THAT SECTION TO YOU AND MAKE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND THE WORDING. If there are no prepayment penalties then one should be safe in refinancing later down the road with a different company.
  • sandydebsandydeb Member Posts: 19
    Just helped my roommate get one. $16,445 + taxes here in Richmond, VA. Includes $1000 dealer disc + $1000 HMAC financing + $400 new college grad

    Mostly hassle free. Got quotes from various dealers. This was the best. They offered 7.95% APR + 60 months financing (60 months thing is compulsory for some HMAC discounts). However he is refinancing it through a credit union at 4.5% so he doesnt care about the HMAC financing terms. Only the cash discount matters :)

    I understand there could have been more bargaining but we didn't even try it. Anything below this would simply become ridiculous for the seriously nice car that this is!
  • mejozamejoza Member Posts: 17
    Well guys, I'm not going to blow anyone away with an amazing deal I got. I didnt have any great rebates or 10 high-inventory dealers playing dueling offers for my business. I live in a one dealer/per make town and I may have done slightly better if I drove 3 hours to major city.

    One thing I did do that I can't ever do again is buy my first brand new car. A '06 Sonata GLS 4cyl in Steel Gray. Its also the first non-domestic(?) vehicle I've ever purchased. I'll take delivery Wednesday.

    Sonata is a car I've had my eye on for over two years now. I watched with interest as the reviews seemingly got better with each new model of Sonata. I did my research, looking for safe, relaible, affordable and roomy transportation for my family (I can't afford a mini-van). Time after time no matter how many times I was tempted by the Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi and Scion badges, Sonata shone through as the most logical, most-for-my-money choice.

    I'm now part of the club :shades:
  • sandydebsandydeb Member Posts: 19
    Dear bhmr59

    As far as I am aware of what goes on in most cars, flicking the small 'door lock' lever does not jam an iron bar through the door and the car's body frame(ala movies where you jam a crowbar though the door handle.)

    That 'door lock' lever simply disengages the latch that you tug on to open the door from the door opening mechanism. So all that the door lock does is prevent people from opening the door accidentally by tugging on the latch (by deactivating the latch). The door is still shut close by the same mechanism irrespective. So in case of a collision, the 'door lock' plays absolutely no role. It should logically be renamed 'latch deactivator' instead of door lock.

    Auto door locks are a 'nice to have', not a safety feature. I would encourage you to do a little more research before accusing others of posting uninformed opinion and calling them ignorant.

    Thanks.
  • suzannaflsuzannafl Member Posts: 84
    I drove the Azera today, and you are right, it is very comfortable.

    I kept adjusting the Sonata's seats and found a setting that didn't feel bad.
    I was ready to buy that car.
    But by the time I drove back to return the Sonata, my neck was hurting.

    I sat in the GLS with cloth seats, and it is much more comfortable.
    I like the softer feeling. My husband likes the leather.
    I could feel the lumbar support too.
    So this one could work.

    While we were waiting, I sat in a Azera with leather seats.
    The seats are wider and softer.
    And the head rest fit my neck/head better.
    But the price is out.
    Our sales rep showed us one with the suede/cloth seats.
    Very comfortable.
    So I drove it.
    A very nice ride.
    Beautiful car.

    The Consumer Reports magazine that I had in our truck didn't have a review on the Azera.
    They let me read copies of favorable articles from several car magazines.
    I couldn't agree to their price without doing research.
    They didn't take my counter offer (which was pretty insulting).
    I was planning on reading about the Azera, talking to you all, finding out the right price, crunching numbers, checking my budget and calling them in the morning to find one in Pearl White for me.

    But now I am reading that it has a terrible safety rating.

    Now what do I do?
    Suzanna
  • joe97joe97 Member Posts: 2,248
    In addition to the response I posted in the Azera: buying experience, and if safety ratings are utterly important, then Sonata would be the perfect subsitute (5 stars all around, which is rare, even for NHTSA standards :) ; above average for IIHS studies). That said, I've still got the soft spot for the Azera, but it's up to you - can't go wrong with either - ask the owners!!!
  • jdalton27jdalton27 Member Posts: 5
    Thanks Michieroo

    I haven't talked price with them yet, but I did go to Automax South for a test drive and it was a great, low pressure experience
  • sera1sera1 Member Posts: 2
    $500 Factory
    $1000 Hyundai Finance
    $400 Hyundai Finance Recent Graduate
  • mejozamejoza Member Posts: 17
    Well done! I should have held out for some better incentives, but my wife's daily driver went kaput...so we took this opportunity to check out the model car I had my eye on for over 4 years now.
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