Hyundai Sonata 2006-2007

krika

can someone pls suggest me what to use to clean the grease on my LX '06 wheels. i bought a tire cleaner from Autozone and it says not to spray on magnesium and aluminium wheels, it will cause permanent damage. should i absolutely not let a drop of it fall on the wheels??? what are LX 17" wheels made of???

craigbrooks

I use soap and water on mine and a bristle brush. I have never used a tire cleaner. Our shop uses something called "hotshot" they just spray on then rinse off. Seems to work ok and they use it on all wheels.

hotrod54

I believe they are aluminum. The important thing is they have a clearcoat finish, and you do not want to use anything that will harm that finish.

lightfootfl

Thinking about the top speeds, times, etc of the various vehicles, primarily the Hyundai's I was wondering if the top end is now limited in the Sonata or Azera. I know of the Sonata being able to top out in the 140mph range, but was told that most US made/assembled cars are now limited. Does anyone have any info on this? Also, does that apply to or affect the "speed tests" of 0-60, etc.? Most of what I have heard here is that the 2006 was faster than the 2007, and ?? dunno about the 2008's yet. Just curious. :confuse: Before someone asks, no I am not going to try it out myself. I think I personally will top out with my 2006 Sonata LX slightly (?) below its capabilities. (Like maybe-90mph)

rl55

I live in Florida and lovebugs are a problem. I own a 2007 Hyundai Sonata SE. I have lovebugs over my grille, hood, and bumper. What's the best way to clean them off safely. My car runs excellent with no problems (10,000 miles in 9 months). It's a great car. My only wish is to upgrade the steering wheel radio control to change tracks and channels.

pekelopd

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyundai_Sonata Read the last paragraph on "Fourth generation (2005–present)"

V6 Sonata clock as high as 147MPH... I4 approx 120MPH+-

No governer/speed limiter in '06 or '07's. I've gotten my I4 up to 85 and still smooth as 50. Someone else in these forums got their I4 up to 120 before he ran out of safe roadway.

pekelopd

Cleaning off the bugs is not something common up here in NYC, but maybe you'd consider getting a mask/bra for the nose of the car. Also, if you give the car a good wax job, it will definitely be easier cleaning the bugs off after. Just make sure you don't get wax on the black matte finish parts of the car such as the grill or window frames. Turns blotchy and takes a long long long time before it fades away. As for the audio control, there's a thread on it and many owners have been able to upgrade it with either a little wire splicing or a simple remove and replace depending on the head unit you have (single cd or changer) Peruse this thread and check out the various links, some include photos with step by step instructions, web sites to purchase the part etc... I've purchased the parts, but just haven't gotten around to changing it yet. Me personally, am trying to find a way other than splicing, something cleaner.

johnm1, "Hyundai Sonata Audio Questions" #1, 2 Mar 2006 11:45 am

Hyundai Sonata Audio Questions

sandman46

Living in South Florida and driving to North Florida years ago on the way to college, I'd spray Pam on the front of the car until I reached my destination, then wash it off. The love bugs washed right off with no problem. Not sure how Pam will affect the clear coat though. I'd always wax the car after washing them off with excellent results.
If your problem is that bad, why not have a detailer use some cleaner product and then wax the whole car? I seem to remember May and August as the bad times for love bugs, exactly the times we'd be driving back up to school.
Let me know what you decide to do. We're going on a short jaunt up to Stuart about noon and hopefully I won't run across them.

The Sandman

lightfootfl

It was that comment re: limiting, that was partially behind my question. I personally have had mine up to 100mph and have been completely impressed with its smoothness and overall quality. I did have a minor problem with the steering assembly, a squeak type sound at the hard end of turn,but they replaced the unit and it was fine until this last week, and I noticed it again. Hmmm, but that is something else. I was questioning if they (?) have actually placed any limits to the top end of the Sonatas.

mamamia2

Few ideas I "stole" for you from the Hyundai-Forums Sonata board:

Use Turtle Wax Bug & Tar removal in the spritzer bottles - cheaper at Walmart. Shake well before using and leave it on for a couple of minutes before wiping off.

Or another idea from a guy in Louisiana:

You're better off cleaning with gentle car wash, letting it soak, and using soft wash cloths. Wax the areas that catch bugs, (the frontal areas) and keep them freshly waxed and the bugs are easier to wash off. I'm waiting for 1 of our famous "love bug" swarms. I will protect by leaving the wax haze on. Looks like crap, but everyone else does it too!

sandman46

Hit love bugs on both ways of the trip. Will get the car cleaned up tomorrow morning. Saw that green color Sonata at a stop light and was very impressed with the color. Had tinted windows so have no idea what interior color it had. Very sharp looking though. Prefer the silver and blue colors but could live with the green.
Wish other car company's would put Michelin tires as their OEM tires. Not impressed with the Goodyear RS-A's that came on my car. Have to give it to Hyundai, they seem to put their $ into parts that make their cars a real bargain. Wonder if the Elantra's also have the better Michelin tires also?

The Sandman

hotrod54

While waiting for service, I was looking at Elantra's and they all had Hankooks.

briank4251

I just bought myself a brand spanking new 2007 Hyundai Sonata GLS in silver 4 days ago. Of course, the "novelty" of owning a new car hasn't worn off yet, so I guess it's normal to roam the internet in search of how your new car ranks with the others. You type in keywords like "Hyundai Sonata" or "Sonata vs Camry", then WHAM... you run head-first into this site, which has a vast sea of information only a Sonata lover can enjoy... kind of like "Sonata porn".

In 3 hours of reading the posts in this forum, I learned more about my new car than I know about my own girlfriend... I guess that says something positive (or it says that I'm a real dork).

Whatever the case, is this forum really that cool, or should I be locked up in a psych ward, with a roommate named Bubba?

briank4251

Thanks! I just checked it out and it looks worthy to explore. -Brian

craigbrooks

... I4 approx 120MPH+- :surprise: :shades:

hotrod54

Criminy, stay away from Bubba! This is a relly good forum, lots of knowledgable people with a passion for cars with a big tilt for the Sonata. Enjoy your car and keep us posted along the way :shades:

slatcher87

hello... I was looking for one of these places .. .. learned a lot here.... I bought a Hyundai Sonata LX 3.3L V6 last month which had about 15k miles on it.. almost. I test drove the car and loved it.. I bought it from CARMAX. I had heard CARMAX as being a good dealer for used cars. I noticed the grinding noise after a few days. I took it to CARMAX (under 30 day warranty) and they said they would have to take the car to the dealer. I get a rental car (yay). The dealer took almost 2 weeks to get me back my car. I went to the dealer every 2 days to check and they couldn't figure out the problem for almost a week. After a week, they told me it was a timing belt sensor . Now, I'm not completly sure if that was it but that's what they told me. They said so far they had only 1 sonata which did that. They told me they would have to take the motor out and fix it, which would take about another week. I waited. They fixed it.
I got my car back but now when I drive it, I get this whiiizzzing sound. It sounds like zzzzzziiiizzzzz.. Can't describe it. I noticed it mostly happens when I'm turning the car and giving it some power and also, during cold stars when I'm backing and turning ..... I went to the dealer yesterday and scheduled an appointment. Is this a normal issue? .... has anyone else experienced this? Thank you..

jal012773

My '06 GLS V6 has started making a sound that reminds me of my father's Pontiac mini van when it goes over uneven pavement. On a smooth surface, my Sonata is whisper quiet, but going over a fairly rough asphalt surface, it makes a creeking noise like the entire roof is shifting back and forth. I've noticed that it mostly goes away when I tilt the sunroof (or is it just drowned out by wind noise?) Also, when using the A/C, I can hear a "clanking" noise from behind the dash, sounds like the timing chain on an old car. Has anyone had either of these problems? I'm hoping to get into the dealer next week. The car has 12k miles.

krika

my LX '06 reached 120 mph very easily and smoothly, didn't have the guts to push further. not that the drive was violent or anything. later i just let it roll by until it reached 90 mph when a cop got me - $177 off my wallet.

hotrod54

The car does not have a timing belt, it has a timing chain and they are jerking yours. There is no such thing as a timing belt sensor on any car ever made...zero, zip, nada. As for the other noise, it sounds like it might be the power steering pump...I just had mine replaced on my 07. Hope this helps.

bobad

There is no timing belt sensor. Perhaps they said a timing chain tensioner

jal012773

No one has said anything yet. I haven't taken it for service yet. The timing chain sound is what I think it sounds like. Do auto makers even use timing chains anymore, or do they all use belts? I'm pretty clueless when it comes to this stuff.

bobad

Better engines use timing chains these days.

craigbrooks

"Better engines use timing chains these days"

such as the new Hyundai engines.

slatcher87

thanks for your reply... should i be worried about the noise for the time being or just learn to live with it? It doesn't happen when the car is back to its normal temperature, only during its cold and warm up process. ...

mamamia2

I used to have a WHEEZING noise coming fom the engine compartment. But that was there always when ACCELERATING, cold and warm engine too. Turned out to be the Power Steering pump.

If you drive at, say 40mph, shift to N (Neutral) and push the gas, check if you hear the noise while the engine is racing... That's what I got.

bobad

... should i be worried about the noise for the time being or just learn to live with it?

Hyundai has a TSB out on the timing chain tensioner noise, and will repair it free of charge. If it were me, I would take it in at the first opportunity. It will take about 1 day to fix, and your dealer will give you a loaner.

joe131

Dealers are not required to furnish loaners during warranty repairs.
If you are lucky your dealer might decide to give one to you.

mdm4

Would you be so kind as to tell me who quoted you $700 for the extended warranty? I just purchased a 2007 Sonata and would like to purchase this warranty. Thanks Mark

mamamia2

I purchased the EW with the purchase of my car. I know EW is now significantly HIGHER, and as much as I understand, it's no longer a Hyundai own extended warranty but going thru a 3rd party...

cajuncycler

Just thought I'd check in periodically. My 2006 Sonata GLS is a year old this month. It is still running flawlessly, still a blast to drive. Not one service issue as of yet with 7500 miles on it. Had one of my Michelin tires go flat for no reason one night and it had to be replaced but can't fault the car on that one. I still can't get over the fact that I got the car for less than $17,000 and it has been superb. I even towed a motorcycle on a trailer with it to the Texas Hill Country and back getting 23 mpg doing so. This is truly an incredible car.

franmart

I have a 2006 sonata and want to replace the cabin filter does any one but the dealer sell them

hotrod54

I believe it is a dealer item only.

craigbrooks

I heard Fram offers one. Check your local auto parts store. Also check online, some places offer them. You can make your own (2 of them) out of a 20 x 20 pleated filter. Just cut to fit and insert in the holder.

mamamia2

Yes, you can save lot of precious $$$ by getting a 3M home-furnace air filter at any Home-Depot... Buy the most expensive one, Filtrete Maximum Allergen Reduction Filter (purple cover), which uses the same material your Hyundai filter is made of, and CUT IT TO SIZE.

You can decide how "dense" you want your filter to be, by squeezing more folds into the frame (before cutting the filter).

From an average size filter (like 20x16x1 or larger... do the measuring) you can get 2 and probably 4 filters for your Sonata... for about $15 or less...

craigbrooks

Good idea Mamma! Just don't make it too dense. If you do you will sacrifice airflow.

franmart

Is IT hard to replace the filter from the back of the glove box there is a small clinder that holds the box in place do you remove the part from the clinder on the side of the glove box

craigbrooks

Yes then you squeeze the glove box so it will hang down and give you access to the filter.

geffen

I've been checking out the used 06 Hyundai Sonata i'm looking at the 3.3 V6 GLS model how is the build quality? Are there many issues? I've seen a few postings where there were engine grinding noises? were these on the older Sonata's?

jeffc

I now have the infamous rattle in the dash (somewhere on the passenger side) that like others have said, seems to be worse in the morning when it is cooler. By afternoon ( when temp is higher) it is gone when I leave work. Sounds like a loose screw or something, definitely a rattle and not a squeak.

Has anyone ever found the source of this? At first it sounded like it was all the way at the end of the dash, but when I lean over, it then sounds like it is just right of the radio or so.

Any ideas? Other than this, no complaints, have had this GLS V-6 since Nov of 05, almost 12,000 miles and love it. I just hate rattles, once they start thats all I can focus on ( drives my wife nuts).

jal012773

I have had my '06 GLS V6 for a little over a year now. With 13,000 miles on it now, have only had one warranty issue, the clock spring in the steering wheel was making a lot of racket whenever I turned the wheel. Dealer replaced the clock spring, but it still makes the noise, just not as loud. Also, the sunroof "squeaks" (rattle from above) over rough or pavement transitions. Dealer put some lubricant around the glass and stopped it for about a week. They said if it continued to bring it back and they would order a new glass. Over all, I've been completely satisfied with my car. I love it!

mamamia2

We own an '05 V6 Honda Accord as well (which we purchased prior to the introduction of the new Sonata), and I can tell you there is NO difference in build quality between the Accord and the Sonata. The V6 Sonata may have some issues which can be fixed under warranty, like the Timing Chain tensioner that in some V6 Sonatas is noisy on cold startup. But again, it's all covered under warranty.

I see no issues with the Sonata to 'cause you ANY hesitations when making a decision to buying it. The difference in price compared to its competitors (the Camry-Accord = CamCord) is WELL worth it.

geffen

I noticed theres a huge difference in pricing between the Accord and the Sonata, i'll be test driving some Sonata's this weekend.

mamamia2

Yes, still a big, roughly $4,000 difference between the CamCord and the Sonata. But that WILL change in the future, when Hyundai gains its reputation and proves to be a major player in the automotive industry. Just as Japanese cars did in the mid 70s...

Hyundai is on the right track with fine cars like the new Sonata, Azera, new SantaFe and Veracrus.

Notice how Korean electronics have become major world players, like LG and Samsung....

bobad

Notice how Korean electronics have become major world players, like LG and Samsung....

Exactly. I'm looking at you right now through a 19", crystal clear Hyundai Imagequest LCD monitor. It's 3 years old now, and still as good as new. Samsung and LG (Lucky Goldstar) have a sterling reputation among discriminating computer enthusiasts.

Hyundais are a gift at the moment. I'm sure it costs just as much to manufacture a Sonata as it does an Accord or Camry. Hyundai is still making a profit from Sonata, so you can imagine the obscene profits made by H&T!

cxc

A lot of people talk about a higher resale value of Honda and Toyota cars. One gets to be very careful. For example, one can buy a 2007 Accord SE auto for $22,000. Five years later you would sale it for $11,000 if you could find a fool. It is pretty good! Unfortunately, that $11,000 is not the money in 2007, but the money in 2012. One must discount it. Let us say that we have 3% inflation and 5% return for T bonds. Each year our dollar must be discounted 8%. After discounted 5 years, the today’s value of the $11,000 in 2012 is about ~$7,500. The true depreciation is $14,500, and not $11,000 that they would like you to believe.

mamamia2

It's all very nice and good lesson in basic economics, cxc, but the REALITY is still there: at the moment the Sonata (as well as any Hyundai cars) have a relatively LOWER resale value than it's major competitors, the Camry and Accord. That's a fact that WILL change in the future.

dudleyr

You can get that Accord SE automatic for $19,000. That changes real depreciation.

bhmr59

Forgetting the inflation & T-bills, suppose you could buy a 2007 Sonata SE for $16,650 (as we did in Feb), will the Sonata value (trade-in or private sale) be anywhere from $2400 to $5400 less than the Accord SE? I think not.

bobad

I agree cxc. Your trade in value will certainly be horrible if you lay down and take what the dealer gives you. If you take care of your car and sell it privately (retail), you can get top dollar. All used cars sell in a range. Would we rather get top dollar, or bottom dollar? It's our choice. If you play it smart, you can always get top dollar. Getting $1-2K above "book" value is not unusual at all. You can make your own "trade in value".