2013 and Earlier - Hyundai Sonata Prices Paid and Buying Experience

sty1

Hi xj, thanks for your input.

Again I noticed that the cash price already has the Hyundai rebate tacked in. Grrrrrrr.

I do understand from reading this forum - and you have confirmed it once again - that the price could be affected by the length of time it spends on the lot.

So it looks like the above cash price was due to the fact that the odometer has already logged 350 miles. That price is super low - $3k LOWER than the Invoice price for the Sonata Limited.

wcw1

Whats not to believe?
I bought a 2007 Sonata LTD Ultimate with floor mats.

MSRP $25,430
Invoice $23,764

I paid
$22,800 Selling price
+ 1,368 Florida sales tax
+ 195 License
- 1,500 Total Rebate
$22,863 OTD

cableguy06

wcw1 - this sounds very reasonable and I believe you. I paid $22,150 OTD for a 2007 Limited w/Ultimate Package back in August.

sonataguy07

That was fast... I sent the Shiwala Concord Hyundai quote to another bay area dealer - he took a look at it and whoa we got a winner!

Too bad I cant match cableguy or wcw's basement prices. Hey this is &*#@ing California after all! I did match wcw's price before TTL though.

I got $23,500 after rebates - and they threw in floor mats as well! Build date is almost four months old and I got the color I wanted. Can't complain at all!

So Sty1, go out nad make it happen!

shiwala

Wow, I feel so privileged to have something named after me. :P Good deal on the car!

jack47

According to Edmunds, Hyundais without XM radios are in "limited production"....which would seem to indicate that they are going to be manufacturing most cars with XM and charge an extra $300 for something that, I'd bet, the majority of buyers don't want.

Like radios were in the early days of radio...XM should be an option.

Looks like the South Koreans are just as arbitrary as Detroit.

backy

I think the term they used is "limited availability", meaning new Sonatas will have XM standard, as Hyundai promised quite awhile ago (not just the Sonata, but eventually all their cars).

The extra charge just for XM is something like $150 list. That's less than most other automakers charge for it, when it's optional. Why it's more on the Sonata Limited, I don't know.

AM radios were options on almost all cars in the not-too-distant past. Now there's laughter and derision when an AM/FM/CD (at minimum) sound system isn't standard on a car.

If you want a mid-sized car w/o XM (or any radio for that matter), the Elantra GLS is available w/o any kind of radio.

bhmr59

I think I read there are two other new features included in the $300 extra charges for vehicles equipped with XM. One was the new audio steering wheel controls (and I forget the other).

backy

The updated audio controls are on the GLS too, and the price increase was only $150 on those. It would be funny if Hyundai actually charged more for a feature (seek control) that the car should have had all along.

sonataguy07

I have a question for you guys.

Yesterday when I got the car, I was given two keys and I was told there is NO VALET KEY for the Sonata Limited????? Is that true? Or is the dealership pulling my leg?

I believe I should be able to request for a valet key from HYUNDAI itself or one of its other dealerships don't I? And that should be NON-chargeable?

PS A friend at work told me I need wheel locks for my Sonata Limited cause it has alloy wheels. What is your suggestion and where could I buy one with a good quality and at an affordable price?

shiwala

There's a valet key- ours came with one.

sonataguy07

Hi Shiwala dude

Should I be able to get a valet key at ANY dealership - since the dealership I bought at DIDN'T have it?

When I received the keys I did ask - and the dealer said they dont have valet keys. I just thought to myself that's strange Hyundai doesnt have it.

shiwala

I don't know about going to just any dealership...maybe you should contact Hyundai corporate or customer service and ask. I'm thinking you can use the ID tag that came on your key ring to have one made.

kst1

Hi! First post here. We are thinking of getting rid of our SUV and buying either a Hyundai Sonata XLS or Honda Accord LX. Just starting to explore the 2 cars online. Dropped the Camry altogether.

On the Sonata with XM radio, would there be a monthly subscription to that service? Also, does anyone know if the newer Sonatas come with a Tire Pressure Monitoring system. I had read somewhere that this will be made standard soon. I am in the Central Valley in CA, so if anyone can recommend a good dealer (Fresno/Modesto/Stcokton areas), that will be great. Thanks a lot!

jack47

buying either a Hyundai Sonata XLS or Honda Accord LX. Just starting to explore the 2 cars online. Dropped the Camry altogether.

I'm in the exact same situation...

XM is a monthly subscription (around $13 I believe) but you certainly don't have to subscribe. Who the h-ll wants it...especially if you have a six selection CD player.

If I can't get a black/black Sonata Ltd w/o XM I'll just move on to the Accord and wait for the redesigned '08.

Take that Hyundai. :P

tictac3

Does anyone have this information for various terms?

backy

First 3 months of XM radio service comes with the car; after that you pay a monthly fee as previously noted.

Hyundai doesn't mention TPMS on the Sonata and they are not shy about mentioning it on other vehicles, e.g. the Santa Fe, so that leads me to think it's not on the Sonata now. But you're right, it's a standard that all cars will have to have in the near future.

craigbrooks

Backy,
Why do you think TPMS will be a standard in the near future for all cars? Cars with run flat tires I can see but...

Free XM for 3 months sounds good. If you don't renew you still have it for later when you move to somewhere in Oklahoma or somewhere in the middle of nowhere.

kyfdx

New regulation..

NHTSA TPMS regulation

sonataguy07

A friend of mine suggested I get one. I wonder if any other Sonata Limited owners even "bother" to get one?

Just checked at Kragen Auto online and they don't have wheel locks for our model "yet".

mstem

Here is one guy that definitely wants XM radio in his new Sonata! Once you experience it, it is very difficult to go cold-turkey. I am researching options now, as my Limited has a build-date of August 2006 and as such the XM option wasn't ready. I had the service for 15 months in my Toyota Avalon and loved it. I transferred that subscription to my home receiver so I could continue the experience. Folks said the same thing about regular televison, and then they discovered cable TV. Once you realize how great radio can be without the incessant commercials and inane chatter, you will never go back to standard FM. Give it a try...

jack47

Now I'm concernrd, that knowing this, my seeing eye dog won't bark anymore to warn me that I got a flat tire before I turn the key in the ignition.

craigbrooks

jack47,
:surprise: I think I've followed you before!

jack47

I think I've followed you before!

That was probably the time the stupid dog was driving. He's a very slow diver...especially when he's in the left hand lane. :shades:

nawaff

I have the following offers from local dealers here in Boston, MA. What do you guys think I should go with?

Option 1:
2006 Sonata XL
w/o premium package
20,000 miles
Negotiated price: $14,000

Option 2:
2006 Sonata XL
w/ premium package (sunroof, cd changer, subwoofer)
13,000 miles
Negotiated price: $15,500

I need to close a deal by Friday evening. Your feedback will be greatly appreciated.

jack47

I always wonder why someone turns in a one year old car with low mileage.

Just make sure you're not buying someone else's problems and/or that the dealer will honor all warranties.

Have you considered a brand new 2007 GLS with slightly less bells and whistles?

craigbrooks

Jack,
There are a lot of Sonata's that just came off Hertz rental fleet. I would do a CarFax on any used vehicle I bought. That will let them know where the car came from.

I paid $14000 for my 06 GLS and that was our cost. I'd do the CarFax and if it was clean go for the LX with the bells and whistles. Finally someone here who decides to look at a used Sonata. If you're going to keep it for awhile buying used saves you a TON of cash.

bhmr59

Your question comes down to personal preference more than which is a better value.

If you want the things in the premium package go for that one at $1500 more.

I don't care to have the stuff in the premium package and while your option 1 has 7K more miles than your option 2, the milage difference doesn't mean much if you plan to keep the car for several years. Both appear to be good deals.

Without checking, I think the premium pkg was about $1K. If so, you are talking about a $500 difference for a 7K difference in miles. You have to make that decision for yourself.

nawaff

One is rental fleet the other one is a single private owner:

Option 1:
2006 Sonata XL
w/o premium package
20,000 miles
Negotiated price: $14,000
Clean CARFAX - Rental Fleet


Option 2:
2006 Sonata XL
w/ premium package (sunroof, cd changer, subwoofer)
13,000 miles
Negotiated price: $15,500
Clean CARFAX - Private Owner

I was told by a friend that fleet cars are usually well maintained. I do plan on keeping the car for a long time. I'm selling my current car which I had for 9 years.

backy

Why is the private owner selling it? Does the owner have all the maintenance records (won't be many for 13k miles, but should have at least a couple of oil changes and a tire rotation, and can check if any problems were taken care of)? What is the car's condition? Should look brand new at 13k miles, if so it shows the owner took good care of it. Look for collision damage, e.g. mismatched paint. Ask the owner how they drove the car when it was brand new--see if they broke it in gently. That's one advantage a privately owned car has over a fleet car--you can be sure the fleet car was NOT broken in properly.

nawaff

Thanks for the advice backy.. I will try to look for collision signs. The car is being sold by a dealer.. the CARFAX shows that it was privatly owned as opposed to fleet/rental.

mort4371

Also, does anyone know if the newer Sonatas come with a Tire Pressure Monitoring system. I had read somewhere that this will be made standard soon.

My newer-build SE has it, FWIW...

craigbrooks

Backy,
The owner probably traded it in because he HAD to have XM AND search controls on the steering wheel. :surprise:
Some dealers like ours will sometimes let you talk to the previous owner. I have allowed that to happen a few times with very positive results.

market

Who is this dealer? where in illinois, did they say they had rebates during the time of quote? or is this message from a dealer who is trying to advertise this price, so people would call or come and see only to find that deal doesent exist, or it was a program car, that was already sold, blah, blah, blah blah blah, blah, etc.

kst1

Also, does anyone know if the newer Sonatas come with a Tire Pressure Monitoring system. I had read somewhere that this will be made standard soon.

My newer-build SE has it, FWIW...

Thanks for the info. Funny thing is that Hyundai's website still does not have a mention of TPMS anywhere. They also show that the 3 Sonata trims without XM have been discontinued. So, all Sonatas will now have XM standard.

88528

I am from the Philly sub. I am in the market for a 07 Sonata GLS with premium package. The best price I can get is $17700 OTD. Is this a good deal? Thanks.

Also I saw earlier posters about 06 Azera SE for 19-20K base. The best I can get is ~$23500 OTD after I called all the dealers.

trunvestr

I just purchased a 2007 Limited Sonata with the 08 package. I included the mud guards, wind deflector, and car mats and the price with all fees and rebates but before taxes was about $21,777. Perhaps it could have been had for less but I had shopped around since before November and got nothing but double talk from the NY dealers. So I took a short ride to NJ. I dealt with the internet manager at Towne not a salesman.

I tried Millennium in NY but the salesman would never give me a quote over the phone or via email. Then they had the nerve to tell me that they had met their sales number for the month and that Hyundai would give them $1,000 for every additional Hyundai they sold. They claimed they wanted to pass that on to me. When I said give me an OTD price I never heard from them again. The Valley Stream salesman didn't want to give me a price because then I would "shop around". Yes, I would, to get the best deal for me. At Plaza Hyundai they actually told me they could let me have it for $26K with no taxes. Please! Nemet Hyundai said the car I wanted was discontinued even as I assured them it wasn't.

So Towne Hyundai was the best for me.

sligg

Trunsvestr,

You have substantiated my claim that NY dealers want to play games.

If you haven't signed for the car, Maxon Hyundai (Rte 22 NJ) just sent me an email stating that until January 31 they are discounting their inventory $1500 below invoice. It may be worth a shot but I'm sure you are tired of the search.

I'm no longer interested in the 2007 Sonata. From the forums, the car has a number of problems so I will wait for the 2008 which will have folding side view mirrors. The redesigned 2008 Honda Accord will be released in the fall of 2007. I will be looking at that car.

The NY auto show will be in April 2007 which I will attend.
The last one, Hyundai gave $500 discount coupons.

The problem with NJ dealers is that they charge whatever they want for the document fee. The state does not cap the fee. Most of the dealers charge close to $300 as compared to $45 in NY. I had problems with Global and Towne getting my deposit back after the deal went bad.

But does it matter what part of the country, dealers are much the same.

Sal Liggieri

jack47

....I'm no longer interested in the 2007 Sonata. From the forums, the car has a number of problems so I will wait for the 2008 which will have folding side view mirrors. The redesigned 2008 Honda Accord will be released in the fall of 2007. I will be looking at that car....

Great minds think alike.

I have come to the exact same conclusion (although I don't care one way or the other about folding side view mirrors).

BTW, I, too, am from NJ. And the only ones worse than the NJ dealers are the NJ politicians.

sligg

Do you think NY politicians are any better. It's the same ballgame no matter where you live.

I'm not kidding. I just don't see any Sonatas in the NY metro area. Walk through any parking lot and all you see are Toyota, Honda, Nissan. Where is Hyundai?

From the web, Sonata sales have taken a substantial hit and yet dealers act as if people are lined up outside the doors waiting to buy. And yet when I visit a dealer, I'm usually the only potential buyer in the showroom. I don't get it.

I have never seen the Azera on the road. Their sales can't be too good. My opinion: The Azera is a dead duck.

The Sonata will always be ranked behind the Japanese cars. Too many people have the perception that it's a cheap car and not well made. Tough to overcome this image.

trunvestr

Sal, Towne offered $1,700 below his invoice. Before taxes it was about $21,777 not body came close. You're right about the high fees for ttl but they were STILL the lowest.

sligg

Have you verified the dealer's invoice comparable to the published invoices on the net? They might be the lowest so far but does that give them carte blanch to zap you with their rip-off fees?

Global Hyundai in NJ: Every car came with pin striping, window etch, and other goodies, and if I remember the doc fee was $289.

Are you being hit with additional charges? Challenge the dealer on the doc fee and any other exorbitant fees?

I'm getting to understand the Bobst method where you dictate the OTD that you will pay. It's your money, why give the dealer what they dictate. Bear in mind, the Sonata is not selling so maybe you are in a good position to call the shots.

trunvestr

Like I said the price was easily the lowest for what I was getting regardless of the fees. Yeah I wish the fees were zero. Timing is everything. I just hope all stays well with the car. Shopping for a car should not be a life long trek. I agree with your assessment of the wacky salesmen that are trying to make big profits on each car sale as opposed to a smaller margin but moving the product. Perhaps if more were on the street then it would become contagious and others would want to buy the sonata.

delaluz

Fitzmall in Maryland just north of DC has their prices posted. A GLS with auto & the premium package lists at around $16,400 plus whatever sales tax and license fees Penn has.

wcw1

Fitzmall in Maryland Has a Sonata Limited with Ultimate package, floor mats and a NAVIGATION SYSTEM for $24,155.

Anyone know about a Hyundai Nav package on the Sonata? It could be a dealer added after market system.

trunvestr

Just make sure that the Limited with the Ultimate package is a model 26462 NOT 25462. The latter has an older build date without some of the audio enhancements that were mentioned here in earlier threads. The last time I checked Fitzmall in MD the only Limited that they had with the recent build dates (26462) had the Platinum package not Ultimate. Just make sure you're comparing apples with apples.

88528

Thanks for the information. I bought my GLS with premium package for $17500 OTD. It's not without a fight, but I got it from one central NJ dealer.

bhmr59

I was recently on the Elantra forum.

You can get a really good portable GPS/nav for 50% or less than what a built-in factory unit will cost. Plus you will be able to use it for all cars in our household and if you fly on vacation or business you can use it in your rental car.

Top brand of portables include Garmin, Magellan, & Tom Tom.

I don't have a nav, maybe I'll need it some day. Helped a friend find a Garmin nuvi 360 (list price $965) for $500. I'm sure there are higher end units out there, but this nuvi 360 does plenty of stuff. (Heck, I don't use all the features of my cell phone.)

mstem

Excellent advice on the use of portable naviagation systems compared to over-priced, in dash versions. As an aside, I am still in shock that the model bhmr59 mentions in his post (Garmin Nuvi 360) was given to me free with the purchase of my 2007 Sonata on December 30th. The dealer was having an end-of-month/year push and advertised a "free GPS" with every Sonata that weekend. I expected a low end, black and white leftover device. Shocked when they gave us the Garmin. The splash screen, upon booting it up, shows the Hyundai logo; other than that it is a box-stock Garmin Nuvi 360. Since they made these for Hyundai, just curious if anyone else saw or took advantage of this promotion?

jimbob76

2007 Sonata LTD Platinum in Houston, TX. I guess I'll call it 2007.5 since it's the XM upgrade.

- MSRP: 26,295
- Invoice: 24,599
- Selling Price: 23,325
- Rebates: 3,450 (with balloon financing - would have been 1,000 otherwise)
- Balloon: 4.35%, 52% of MSRP after 30 months with 12k/month allowance
- Extras: 1,259 for 10 year / 100k extended warranty. Initial offer was for 1,999.
- Out the Door: Too confusing because taxes are complicated with balloon. Fees were 199.

Regarding the extended warranty, I'm not sure how happy I am that I got it. I got a deal that was comparable to what I would get from WarrantyDirect but I've never owned an extended warranty and it feels weird paying for something now that won't kick in for 5 years when the standard warranty ends. Is it possible to cancel this and get a refund? I asked what they do if I turn it in after 30 months and they said I got a pro-rated refund. I wonder now if I get back 75% (90 months left out of 120) even though it couldn't have possibly been used since it's only been 30 months and the original warranty is still in effect.

I can provide details on dealership, monthly payment, how the balloon works, etc. if anyone expresses interest.

I'm very happy with my purchase though I've only owned the car for a week. The only thing I really miss that was in my previous car, an Acura CL-S, was the memory seats/windows that were tied to the remotes. Since I split the car 50/50 with another driver whose 6" shorter, it's annoying to have to rearrange the seat and all of the mirrors everytime we switch.

~Mike