Hyundai Sonata 2006-2007

craigbrooks

Sandman,
I work for a car dealership.......oops did I say that out loud? Now I am open season for all those car dealer hating people in the forums.

I work for a multi franchise dealership in Montana. We have Chev, Pontiac, GMC, Ford, Mercury, and a used car superstore (normally 350 - 400 used on the ground on any given day). Our buyers thought the Sonata was a good buy and a great car. I work in the "special" finance end of the dealership as an F&I Director.

I could give you the name of the dealership but I don't want to be spanked by Karen again, or come to think of it I might.

I love my car. Bought it Oct 21, 2006. Have had some issues with ticking/knocking but am getting used to it after some various changes, ie: oil and gas octane and tips from Ray. My car was built 4/30/05 in the Asan plant in Korea. GLS, I4, sunroof, 16" alloy wheels powder white pearl. No thunks just gas sloshing. I have driven other Sonata fours that we have in and they make the same noise. I am so used to V-6's I wasn't ready for the 4 cyl noise.

I wanted a four cyl and thought this was the one. I had been reading about Hyundai in passing the last few years and thought I would like one. I did not drive a Honda or Toyota for comparison. The Toys, Hons and Niss we had in stock, and I only buy from my company because I can buy at cost, were higher mileage almost double and $2000 plus more in cost. I liked the 5/60 warranty to second owners. I also love the gas mileage I get around town and the styling of the Sonata. Right now the computer reads 25.1 avg MPG. I would recommend one to anyone who asks.
Craig

mort6

My new Entourage has a vibration coming through the stering wheel @ about 70 mph. Any idea what this could be?

pekelopd

Most of the time when you have vibration in the steering wheel while driving (in motion) it tends to be a wheel out of balance. Have you hit any large potholes recently or scrapped any curbs?? If not I'd guess you should have the dealer check it out. Wheels should have been balanced when you got the car. Any other thoughts, forum members?

ray_h1

A vibration that doesn't respond to having the tires rebalanced may be due to one or more defective tires. (It does happen.) I had an occasion in the early '80s in which the rear tires of a set of four brand new tires purchased the night prior to starting a vacation were both bad - the tread belts had shifted in the casing during production causing the tread to "squirm" - and the vibration was most pronounced right at Nixon's "double-nickle" 55 mph national speed limit of the time. (What a wonderful vacation that turned out to be... :mad:) Once the new rear tires were replaced under warranty, end of problem.

mstem

Just wanted to jump in and say Hello! I bought a new 2007 Sonata Limited V-6 with sunroof/radio upgrade package last weekend. Have to admit I am very satisfied so far. I came out of a 2006 Toyota Avalon Limited so I was a little worried but am pleasantly surprised at how smooth the transition has been. We bought a 2006 Hyundai Tiburon GT for the wife on Thanksgiving Friday, so I have been looking at Sonatas and Azeras the last month or so. Hope to be a regular here in the future. Thanks for listening... Mike

cableguy06

Welcome to the family my friend! I hope you both enjoy your new cars.

jack47

Just out of curiosity....why did you "come out" of an only one year old car...and a more or less top of the line Toyota Avalon for a, er, Hyundai?

jhopkins1

Finally took car to shop. 5 error codes found- P2106,P1295,P2135,C1611,C1513.
Not sure what they mean, but esc off and engine light have not been coming on. Knock on wood, this will work.

mstem

LOL! Probably a good question really... I enjoyed the Avalon, and when I bought it a year and a half ago I had a very long commute. Circumstances changed, I now work five minutes from my house. I was going to "step down" to a Camry, but started to take a look at the Sonata/Azera lines when we bought my wife the Tiburon in November. It was hard to justify the $6K price difference betweeen a loaded Sonata and the equivalent Camry. Don't get me wrong; the Avalon Limited is a wonderful vehicle. I just didn't need it anymore, and I found a buyer who appreciated the care it received during its short life with me.

jack47

Thanks for the reply. Wow...five minutes from home.

Congratulations...and good luck with your new cars.

BTW, I'm looking to trade in my old low mileage '95 Camry(which still runs like a charm) for a Sonata Limited...but as I will only accept a black/black I may have a wait. I'm in no hurry (although...laugh...at my age I can't wait forever...).

jmonroe

...for a Sonata Limited...but as I will only accept a black/black I may have a wait.

Are these really that rare in your area?

When I bought Mrs. jmonroe her '06 LX in June 2006 (color: Aquamarine) the dealers I went to had a couple black/black to choose from.

They sure look good when they're clean but I didn't want to spend that much time getting it to look like that.

Nice car you should like it.

jmonroe

dwheels

I just traded my 02 Passat turbo for the last silver 06 LX with sunroof/audio on my dealer's lot. I love the value. I drove everything from a Mercedes c280 4matic to Mazdaspeed 6 and 3; Camry, Avalon and Accord included. When I added up all the numbers I couldn't get past what a deal the Sonata is. It feels substantial like the Benz, and everything is where it should be like the Toyotas and Accord. I had the dealer put the small rear spoiler that is on the 07 "Special Edition" and it looks great. Drives great, too. I was a regular on the Passat web page, so now I guess you guys are stuck with me.

craigbrooks

Welcome to the club! We just sold an 06 GLS V6 with 15K on it to a couple and she came back in to tell us how much she loves her Sonata. Loves it more than her Subaru. I told her about the 147 MPH speeding ticket in Arizona so she went out and found the car runs great at 120!

The good thing about the Sonata is you don't see people talking about BIG problems like on other boards. Just small ones.

joe131

I don't know about you, but to me a 147 mph speeding ticket WOULD be a BIG problem!

dwheels

Thanks for rolling out the welcome mat. Thae fact that all of my driving is done in and around Chicago precludes me from having to worry about big speeding tickets. However I do surprise some unsuspecting Eurosedans from the stoplight once in a while. Hey - I'm only human.

txn428

Hi all,

I am aware that there's a 12v power outlet inside the trunk, but I can't find it. Is it only available on 2006 models?

Thanks!

pekelopd

When you open your trunk, look to the right side panel. It should be just above the small pocket/bin.

bhmr59

The '05 also has the power outlet on the right side panel, just about directly across from where the fuel filler is on the left panel.

The power outlet is "off" unless the engine is "on" (in the '05).

balthazarw

Whats the diff?

Understand that there are 4 vs. three levels.

Newest 2007s have XM radio.

Possible different packaging of options - that I will research.

But - are they assembled in same place?

Are there problems commonly found in 2006s that have been fixed in 2007s?

Any reason NOT to bypass a 2007 for a 2006 if it is $1000 or so cheaper?

thanks

wcw1

Does anyone know if Hyundai is giving the dealers a $1000 marketing assistance? I am not talking about the rebate. I asked a question in the Prices paid forum as to how Fitzmall in Maryland as well as other internet dealers can sell the same car for about a $1000 less than Fitzmall in Florida. My local dealers will not even try to match the Fitzmall Maryland price but will match the Fitzmall Florida price. An internet dealer in Massachusetts told me there is a $1000 marketing assistance from Hyundai. This would explain the $1000 difference.

Also does anyone know what the hold back is on Hyundai vehicles?

:confuse:

craigbrooks

Two things

1. I wouldn't be afraid of the 06. Only one problem has been reported here and it is being taken care of by Hyundai. Unless you want the extras that are coming out the 06 is as good as the 07.

2. It sounds like Fitzmall has been good to a lot of people here. Don't you think they should make some money on these car deals?

No offense anyone.

targettuning

The three previous trim levels were renamed for 2007. They are as follows:
1.GLS or base model. 4 cyl only..5 speed manual or 4 speed auto.
2.SE... V-6 5 speed automatic only
3.LIMITED...V-6 5 speed auto only. adds leather heated seats and other extras.
There is also a Platinum package (added to the Limited) which adds some badges a spoiler I think and has special interior trim and black leather. I have never seen one of these, they are sold in limited numbers
XM radio has been or will be added soon.
All U.S. and Canada production is made in the same place..in Alabama.
As problems are identified future production has the "fix" incorporated. In addition,Hyundai issues TSB's that address problems on those vehicles manufactured before a problem became known and fixed on the production line.
To pick a 2006 or not to pick a 2006 (verses a 2007) is a personal choice. I personally am looking for some of the things that have been added for 2007 (XM radio..a new color I like).

duke16

The 2006 4cyl's were made in Korea,whether thats still the case I don't know.

backy

Not all 2006 I4s were made in Korea. As of October 2005 all Sonatas for the U.S. and Canada were made in Alabama.

ctc1

I believe I4 engine is still built in Korea. Car is assembled in US.

backy

Yes. I was talking about the car, not its component parts. I think many of the parts/assemblies for both the I4s and V6s come from Korea, don't they?

pekelopd

According to the window sticker from my '06 GLS I4 (built 2/27/06 plate on B pillar).... 28% US/Canada parts, 72% Korea parts. Final Assembly point, Montgomery Alabama USA, COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Engine-Korea, Transmission parts-Korea. The V6's will be different numbers since the V6 is made at the Montgomery plant. Anyone with the info/stats from a V6??

txn428

I've looked on the right side, but I didn't see it. However I did noticed it when I did a test drive on the 2006 LX (Limited for 2007). My car is a 2007 SE (GLS V6 for 2006) which is one trim level lower. I wonder if that's the reason why mine didn't come with one.

Thanks!

acurattle

My 2006 V6 GLS has one on the right panel. Maybe they dropped it in the 2007.

hotrod54

I thought the 07 had a power port in the trunk, but I can't find it on my 07 LTD...I had looked at a lot of 06's before buying the 07, and never thought to look when I bought it...my 03 had one on the right side, and I did use it for auxillary electronic equipment..I'm kinda disappointed about it.

johnap2

They are in the 2006 Sonata, but not on the 2007 model year.

johnap2

What does an Entourage have to do with the 2006/2007 Sonata???

mstem

Is there a "dealer fix" that involves a setting that will auto-lock all doors once the vehicle is moving? Is this a quick fix? And, finally, to anyone who might have had this done, do they then all "unlock" once the vehicle is put stopped and put into Park, etc? thanks in advance...

targettuning

Yes there is but don't consider it a "fix" but instead a dealer enabled personal preference. This means some don't want it and some do so you pick to have it enabled if you choose or not. It involves a short proceedure that the dealer may or may not try to charge you for but [non-permissible content removed] if they do charge and you will probably get it free...

hotrod54

my dealer asked me if I wanted it done and when I said yes, it literally took 3 minutes, no charge. They do not unlock when car is put in park.

delaluz

I've owned a 2001 Elantra Limited and a 2006 Elantra GLS and I'm ready to buy either a 2007 Sonata GLS or another 2007 Elantra GLS. Based on FitzMall prices the price differential is around $1,700. So I would get a lot more car if I go with the Sonata. However I'm concerned over some of the reported problems and wonder if they've been fixed. BTW I'm looking at the 4 cylinder automatic:
1. Based on comments form this board it appears that the rear "k-thunk" is either fixed on newer Elantras or can be fixed for free by the dealer. Correct?

2. Is there a front "thunking" noise that Hyundai hasn't fixed yet?

3. Has Hyundai fixed the "gas sloshing" noise? Do all Sonata's experience this?

4. Any other problems I should be aware of?

I don't mind spending the extra $$ for a better equipped and better riding car. However, I'd hate to spend the money and listen to a lot of sloshing and thunking.

BTW, the FitzMall price differential between the Elantra SE and the Sonata GLS with package 2 (power seats & audio controls on the steering wheel) is only $700.

backy

Did you mean a rear "k-thunk" on newer Sonatas? I haven't heard of any "k-thunk" issue on the 2007 Elantra. :confuse:

FWIW, I've driven Sonata rentals (2007s) for many days and miles, and test-drove 2006s a few times, and have never noticed any gas sloshing noise. Nor "k-thunk" noise for that matter.

P.S. I didn't know there was an Elantra Limited for 2001. I thought there was only the GLS and GT (hatch), at least in the U.S.

delaluz

I had the hatchback with the leather seats. I just checked my paperwork and it was a 2002. Sorry

delaluz

Anyone know of a site that has good pictures of the 2007 exterior colors? I visited my local dealer today it was drizzling. Here's what I saw along with my ratings:

1. the bright silver with black leather OK+
2. bright silver gray interior OK
3. Aquamarine (looked kind of dull)OK- with beige; might look a lot better in bright sun and black interior. Unfortunately in Raleigh, NC the black interior would get mucho hot.
4. Natural khaki with beige OK++ looked very classy
5. Silver blue with gray leather OK++
6. Dark Cherry OK-. In the overcast lighting this looked maroon. It didn't look like anything at all in the brochure.

pat

There's a color chart in the pictures section here: 2007 Hyundai Sonata. But be aware that you can't really see the exact color on any website because there can be so many variables in your monitor and the website. The best thing to do is go back when it's sunny outside, but you probably know that!

mamamia2

The gas sloshing noise is noticed only when the gas tank is about 3/4 to full. And it's not a real issue, and not always noticeable. I can detect it sometimes when I stop the car. As much as I know it is still "available" on the '07. But certainly not a reason not to buy the Sonata!

lxs333

I hope that Hyundai can finally figure out having GPS in their cars! I just got rid my 06 sonata V6, a lot of noise, unpredictable gas mileage, bad brake pedal feel and numb steering..now I'm driving my 07 Accord V6, much better feeling about driving to work every morning now:)

mamamia2

Weird, lxs333.... We own both the Sonata (4 cyl., though) and the same generation Accord V6 (a 2005 EX). Our Accord has MORE road noise than the Sonata, same braking quality (though the V6 Sonata has even larger, better brake discs), and too soft of a steering wheel which makes driving the Accord at high-speed feel like floating...

In general, even though comparing the 4cyl. Sonata to the V6 Accord --- I don't feel ANY inferiority driving the Sonata, except, of course, the difference in engine power.

joe131

Unpredictable gas mileage? What's that mean? How many miles did you drive it on those tanks when you tried unsuccessfully to predict mileage?

delaluz

I just went back today at lunch (sunny day). Here's my updated rating:
1. Khaki with beige interior.OK+++ very classy looking. It looked gold today. Last Sunday when drizzling it looked more green (but still looked good).
2. Silver blue with beige. OK+++ very sharp looking. Much "brighter" than the regular silver model. Only reservation is that I'm a wolf pack fan and in certain light it looks like the Tarheel blue.
3. Red OK This car is really a maroon color in bright sun and in overcast light. It doesn't look anything like the car in the Sonata brochure (which looks very hot) IMHO.
4. Aquamarine with beige. OK. This looked a lot more aqua in the sun than when overcast. I think it would look better with a dark interior.
5. Silver with beige. OK It doesn't have the "pop" that the silver blue one does.
6. White with beige. OK

Anyway I think the Khaki with beige is my preference now. It looks very class, almost a Mercedes color. The Silver blue is very sharp looking exept for the Tarheel factor.

jack47

Khaki with beige interior.OK+++ very classy looking

Yeah, I thought that, too, about the jeep I once drove during the Korean War.

Now black with black leather...that's truly upper crust.

craigbrooks

Khaki with biege interior.....sounds cool. Are you buying that one? I have a powder white pearl/grey interior one and thought that was a great color. Darn maybe I bought too soon. :surprise:

backy

Black with black leather... didn't Model Ts have that?

joe131

why would a person really care what another person thinks is an attractive color? unless that other person is the spouse?

backy

I agree. Personally I think the khaki/tan combination is pretty sharp.