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Another one is the speed that you travel at. However, there are laws that circumvent you from speeding and also traveling to slow. Going slower saves gas but can take a life.
There's a few items I don't agree with.
Wheel alignments are to keep the car tracking properly. That is something that needs to be done as needed not as normal maintenance. If your car can't maintain an alignment you do have another problem.
Cruise control actually burns more gas because it uses more resources. Lightly place your foot on the pedal while using cruise control and you will feel the pedal moving up and down. This is due to vacuums and other mechanical and electrical components at work. Just keep that foot steady and the speedometer consistent.
Shifting faster in a manual vehicle will not safe gas but can become waste of gas. It takes more fuel to accelerate when in a gear to high due to RPM to gear ratio. Example. Try taking off from a stop in 2nd or 3rd gear and see what happens. This is the same theory and shifting to soon while moving.
Cutting corners on the type of gas recommended can become costly. Having to replace fuel injector and other items unnecessary will definitely not affect your gas budget but will still hurt you in the pocket on the bottom line.
I have no problems with the styling. The LX looks quite good in person. I pulled up behind a BMW 540 at a stop light and felt like I was in a bigger car. I probably was.
PS: Trust me, never take advice on either money or cars from someone that just bought a Ford Expedition.
PS: The same person who bought FORD Expedition( My American brother -in-law), also bought me a first car when I had no money, let me stay his house for 2 years free, and help me go through all those hard ESL classes. Without him, I would not have life like I have now. Should I listen to him ,or listen to you?
After the fill up for the trip, all trip readings were zero'd. The mpg's climbed slowly, but did hit 29 at one point. The A/C was definitely on. Remember, this was almost all highway for the 250 mile round trip. I didn't have to stop for tolls as I have EZ PASS and one highway has high speed EZ PASS ( zoom thru @70). It takes a bit of fuel to get the Sonata up to speed, so it's best to keep it rolling. Keeping it at 70 mph is also a fuel saver, push 75 and the mpg increases extremely slowly. The fuel gauge on the car is pretty accurate and supported the mpg read-out.
I also want the autodoorlocks (but Hyundai has that covered with the service bulletin; I've bookmarked it to help find it easier when the time comes!)
Hey, if Hyundai is emphasizing safety features, they should have noted both of these, too, since they are also safety features....
The Auto Lights feature must be set on the "light" lever to work. If set the lights go on any time it darkens, as in a parking garage and some tunnels. It's not sensitive enough to turn them on when the sky darkens during a rain storm. That would be nice since in NJ, head lights must be on if the wipers are on during a rain storm.
I almost leased a Sonata, but I think I'll wait around to see what other incentives come out in the next few months. I had the salesman and sales manager tell me that Hyundai is really trying to push leases on the Sonata right now instead of offering heavy discounts on the car itself. Because of the lack of discounts, they claimed it would be cheaper to lease for 3 years and then buy the car after the lease is up. (For a 4 cylinder model, the current offer is $199 a month, $2000 down, for 36 months.)
Although the V6 had plenty of power and pickup, I think the 4 cylinder model had slightly better handling. I wish the non-power seats were as adjustable as they were in the old Sonata (or even the Accent or Elantra, which cost almost half as much!), but they were still comfortable. Fit and finish seemed fine on all the cars I checked, although the front doors on some of the 4 cylinder models seemed to be slightly difficult to open when compared with the American-built V6s.
Maybe it's just me, but there was a slight bit of vibration through the steering wheel at highway speeds in both models I test drove. It wasn't like the minor vibration when I test drove a Camry a few months ago, thankfully. I guess having a more annoying issue with shimmies in my Elantra in the past has made me ultra-sensitive to even slightly unbalanced tires. I don't recall any sort of shimmy when test driving an Accord (around the same time I test drove a Camry), but to be fair, the brand spanking new Civic I test drove had a slight shimmy and rotors that were about ready to warp even though the car only had about 50 miles on it!
Any idea of how to just operate the outside air and fan speed without the A/C? Seems you have to turn the temperature dial above the outside air temp. for it not to work. The A/C is on even when "automatic" has not been selected and the car temp. is above the dial setting.
http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/brochure/info/tmpInfoTireMathNS.jsp
Since the width is the same, I doubt there will be any rubbing issues. As far as your speedo and odo are concerned, I think that size is a bit off but not too bad.
Black leather interior
Navigation
Rear middle headrest
Driving lights
Back-up sensors
Side signal lights
Bluetooth
Is there a way to easily get a Korean version of the Sonata in the States? If so, would the warranty still hold?
I know somewhere a marketing person decided who gets what, but I'd think they could make one car for everyone and save time/money.
I think some people would pay for these additional features... (I would. If I'm going to drop $23K on a new car, I'll pay a little extra for everything.)
Also, as someone said somewhere, it'd be nice if the four cylinder came with the ability to have an 'LX' type package (leather seats, power seats, better tires/wheels, etc.)
Is there a way to turn them on in the U.S.? This is what I picked up from www.hmaservice.com, a site where one can learn all about Hyundai cars directly from Hyundai (which is pretty cool, if you think about it!)
From www.hmaservice.com, a search for DRL comes up with the following diagrams, below (as well as a search on the Body Electrical System). [N.B. The text copied, but the accompanying diagrams did not. Search the 'Body Electrical System' for DRL and you'll see the diagrams.]
From what I read below, it would seem that the DRL circuitry is contained in the DRL Unit (A), below (which would seem to be the same lights unit as on the U.S. versions), and that possibly a resistor is present under the Right Head Lamp Assembly?
Could one simply add the resistor (if absent) to U.S. Sonatas, and/or add a DRL unit (if not present on U.S. models) to the Junction Box (A)?
* * * * * * * * * *
SERVICE MANUAL
Applies to: Sonata 2006
GROUP
Body Electrical System Daytime Running Lights
INSPECTION
The daytime running light unit (A) is integrated in the junction box.
Check that the light operate according to the following timing chart.
If the daytime running light is not operated well, inspect the connector and terminals to be sure they are all making good contact.If the terminals are bent, loose or corroded, repair them as necessary, and recheck the system.If the terminals look OK, go to step 4.
Make these input tests at the connectorIf any test indicates a problem, find and by using ETM correct the cause, then recheck the system.If all the input tests prove OK, the junction box must be faulty; replace it.
* * * * * * * * * *
SERVICE MANUAL
Applies to: Sonata 2006
GROUP
Body Electrical System Daytime Running Lights
INSPECTION
Check for continuity and measure the resistance between No.1 and NO.3 terminals.
Standard value : 2.5Ω ± 5%
If resistance is not as specified, replace the DRL resistor.
* * * * * * * * * *
SERVICE MANUAL
Applies to: Sonata 2006 GROUP Body Electrical System Daytime Running Lights
REPLACEMENT
Disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal.
Remove the right head lamp assembly (Refer to the head lamp).
Disconnect the connector and then remove the DRL resistor (A) under the right head lamp after loosening the bolts (2EA).
Installation is the reverse of removal procedure.
* * * * * * * * * *
SERVICE MANUAL
Applies to: Sonata 2006
GROUP
Body Electrical System Indicators
SPECIFICATIONS
Items
Specifications
Rated voltage
DC 12V
Operating voltage
DC 9 ~ 16V
Operating temperature
-22°F~167°F(-30°C~ 75°C)
Insulation resistance
100MΩ or more
Dark current
Less than 5.5mA (12.8 V) - BCM ＆ Receiver
Less than 4mA (12.8V) - BCM
Rated load
Burglar relay
Horn relay
Tail lamp relay
Security indicator
Head lamp relay
Rear defogger relay
Power window timer relay
Seat belt warning indicator (Driver/Assist)
Key hole illumination lamp
Room lamp
Intermittent wiper relay
DRL relay (For CANADA)
Door lock relay
Door unlock relay
Hazard lamp relay
Driver door unlock relay
Trunk lid lock actuator
DC 12V, 200mA (Inductance load)
DC 12V, 200mA (Inductance load)
DC 12V, 200mA (Inductance load)
DC 12V, 1W (LED load)
DC 12V, 200mA (Inductance load)
DC 12V, 200mA (Inductance load)
DC 12V, 200mA (Inductance load)
DC 12V, 1.2W (LED load)
DC 12V, 2W (Lamp load)
DC 12V, 21W (Lamp load)
DC 12V, 200mA (Inductance load)
DC 12V, 200mA (Inductance load)
DC 12V, 200mA (Inductance load)
DC 12V, 200mA (Inductance load)
DC 12V, 200mA (Inductance load)
DC 12V, 200mA (Inductance load)
DC 12V, 200mA (Inductance load)
www.hyundai-motor.com/
Everytime I try, I get a 'page cannot be displayed' error page, whether in MS Internet Explorer or Firefox. Any one else able to get the page?
Interior pic of V33 Sonata shows NAV unit in the top center of dash with everything else in the same spot. Radio tuner must be part of the NAV unit.
With the exception of the three LX models on the dealer lot, all of the 2006 Sonata GL and GLS trim lines were manufactured in Korea. And, each engine in each model - Inline 4 and V6 - was also manufactured in Korea. Thus, it appears that the Sonatas appearing at dealers here in central Illinois are still manufactured in Korea, not at the new USA plant. Evidently, the new plant is yet to come on line for engine manufacturing. I was a bit surprised, especially as stated above regarding the marketing emphasis placed on the USA manufacturing facility.
It looks like Hyundai has a winner here. However, the local dealer continues to mark the cars up over MSRP. The LX is marked up around $1K over MSRP. If this dealer really wants to kill the sales for the new Sonata, this is one way to do it! Whereas, the local Honda and Toyota dealers are moving all models at only $100 to $200 over factory invoice. This is a truly short-sighted sales strategy on the part of the local Hyundai dealership. Maybe this explains why they have so many units in stock!
I do have one suggestion for Hyundai on the Sonata. Make the power driver's seat standard across all lines, and not an option on the GL and GLS. One would presume the anticipated competition is the Accord and Camry The Camry LE comes standard with a power driver's seat. Small feature, but not overlooked by the buying public. Otherwise, the car is appointed very well.
And it's probably true, at least partially. Aside from lack of a few options, I'm pretty sure Hyundai will car more about quality control and safety features on US bound cars than they do on KDM ones.
So don't feel bad, being in the US is certainly a blessing for car lovers, for the most part.
Plus, I'm 99% sure that the warranty will NOT be valid even if you find some way to get the KDM version of the car.
The US owners are very demanding of quality in their cars. That is what started/caused the migration to Japanese cars. That is what is forcing GM/Ford/Chrysler to improve. That is what has caused some manufacturers to disappear from the US market. Remember Yugo, Renault, Peugeot, Daewoo, etc.? For exports to US and Europe, many far east manufacturers have separate lines with more quality checks and care in the processes.
The far east markets, like China, etc with the exception of Japan, are more/very tolerant of lower quality products because of their "culture" - i.e. the lower quality is what they have used to for many past generations. But that will change in the future as they wise up to our US level of quality expectations.
It looks awesome! Hyundai has designed the body to be sorta like Camcords yet so much more unique and classic looking. So, as y'all bicker over tiny details you like or don't like about the new Sonata I'll enjoy looking at this car and digging it's hot new looks. As far as build quality and long-term reliability goes, I think it's time to dump this stupid American paranoia about Korean cars and HyunKia's ought to hold their value just as well as a 2006 Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. Oh, take a look at your Warranty, too. BTW-your Long-Haul Warranty is not a fake and Hyundai-Kia are not trying to "rip you off" in regards your Warranty. The Long-Haul Warranty is real and it works and it protects you. I am on my 2nd Kia in a row and the Warranty has not irritated me but has protected me, though the petty pickups it's covered have not been serious nor many. The work was done quickly and it was done right by my dealer's service department at no charge to me. The dealer is a big part of the happiness equation and it sounds like Toyota and Honda dealers in America don't totally get that fact by following this thread.
Oh, about my '01 Kia Sportage. I recently got new Toyo SUV tires for it, replacing it OEM Hankook tires. Guess how many miles were on the OEM Hankook's? No less than 103,235 miles! I honestly can't believe it. I've reached around 55,000 miles before on one of my cars, but into the 100,000's on a single set of tires without a single blowout! And people don't trust these cars? I also have yet to need to change even a single lightbulb on the nice looking small SUV. As Scion produces good cars at fair prices, that look tempting, my '01 Kia Sportage 4x4 continues to absolutely delight and amaze me for it's reliability, good looks and absolute sturdy build quality. It has saved me in the Missouri snows twice before and now I'll pop it into a South Dakota winter and see how it proves.
Enjoy your hunt for value and pleasure in automobiles with the '06 Hyundai Sonata. You are getting a bargain on wheels and this one should turn the silly resale tide back on it's head. The swallow-up of Kia by Hyundai early this century helped them and Hyundai is building fine cars and SUV's as well. Soon there will be a Hyundai minivan from what I hear, too. The South Korean HyunKia machine has arrived in America and worldwide and there's really no reason resale value should not be there now. Ignorance of the buying public drives resale value? Throw Goldmember a bone please!
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Oh, resale value? Pffft-what a joke. If you want something to worry about with Kia and Hyundai rigs, worry about this. The American buying public is too stupid to consider them as worthy as a Honda or a Toyota for holding their value. What'd'ya do about that? Well, buy one and keep it well-maintained and beautiful. Don't trade it in in two or three years or you'll suffer from an "under" condition on your loan, or negative equity, if you financed your car purchase, when you try and trade in again. Why should this condition exist, Kia's and Hyundai's losing their value quicker, you might wonder, as you enjoy the absolutely beautiful new 2006 Hyundai Sonata? My answer is I don't know why this condition exists.
Kia and Hyundai vehicles are well-built and will last and they look great and they offer that fantastic Long-Haul Warranty to protect you. It's time for resale to equate to reality in this country. Quit your blatant lies and ignorance, it's pathetic to observe. It's not a financial worry, it's an observation of bigotry and ignorance that really shouldn't exist any longer. Now, tell us how you really feel, iluv!
Yee-haw! 2001 Kia Sportage 4x4 with 103, 350 miles and I just replaced my OEM factory Hankook tires! Nary a light bulb has burned out yet! And Toyota's RAV4 is a better rig with higher resale value? Where's the brains in that, consumers? Huh?
Roll on!
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
my only 'gripe' is the interior styling. the dash is rather ugly imo. the instrument cluster is very conservative with none of the hitech appeal that the accord has. the ac unit looks like an old transistor radio and the green/black lcd displays are just early 90s retro. the radio itself is equally as unimpressive looking. to be fair the camy dash bugs me equally as much. here's hoping future models come out with something a little bit more dramatic.
Now there was one thing that I was told by a salesman years ago and I did my own observation. He said that you don't see any Honda's at rental car locations. That is because a Honda will sell it self and doesn't need the help of the rental car locations. He said this also helps Honda keep there value because they don't have to worry about bulk discounting, thus reducing the price of the cars.
The rebate item is true, you never saw honda or toyota offering rebates until now and they still are not rebates when you consider the up mark on the cars price.
Quality was an issue but not anymore.. So look out Honda and Toy.