Camry XSE 2023 vs Kia K5 vs Hyundai Sonata

TopGun777

Advice needed......

Hello all,

I have always wanted a Camry XSE however I was disappointed by how dated the interior is. The tech is behind. That said, the exterior super sexy and sleek. I want the two-tone black top on whatever color I pick.

I test drove the Hyudai Sonata and blown away by the tech and safety of the car but the exterior is not as attractve to me as the Camry.

Kia K5, very sleek both inside and out but it's a Kia.

A friend of mine who is a car enthusiast and works with auto auctions for a living, told me the Camry is the way to go because of it's realibility and the #1 selling sedan 20 years for a reason. He told me the Sonata and K5 he always picks up because they have a lot of problems but hardly ever gets camry's.

Unfortnately, I believe the camry is going to get a redesign in 2024.

Is the Camry the way to go out of these 3? Should I consider something else?

stickguy

first question, how long do you plan to keep it? assuming new. If so, buy or lease?

they are all good cars. And the K5 is a Sonata underneath, but with an (IMO) better looking body.

Other options are the Accord, if you can find one (great car) or the Legacy (AWD if you want that). But both could be hard to find now.

VW still has the Jetta. Might be a good value buy.

pretty much though, they all have their plusses and minuses, so pick the one you actually like the best and want to live with. Or the cheapest, some people do that instead!

TopGun777

stickguy said:

first question, how long do you plan to keep it? assuming new. If so, buy or lease?

they are all good cars. And the K5 is a Sonata underneath, but with an (IMO) better looking body.

Other options are the Accord, if you can find one (great car) or the Legacy (AWD if you want that). But both could be hard to find now.

VW still has the Jetta. Might be a good value buy.

pretty much though, they all have their plusses and minuses, so pick the one you actually like the best and want to live with. Or the cheapest, some people do that instead!

Thank you for replying!

How long do I plan on keeping it? Good question............It depends if I get bored and how much money I'm making at the time but if I had a crystal ball, I'd say 4-6 years.

Since leasing costs as much if not more than buying, I'm favoring to buy.

I like your answer in that they all have their plusses and minuses. So get what you like best. That is the truth! I was just wondering if there are other things to consider. Thanks again!

oldfarmer50

If you’re only keeping it 4-6 years get whatever you find more attractive. Both Hyundai and Kia have extensive warranties. Toyota has a better reputation for reliability but that may not make a difference in the short term.

You may also have to factor in availability. Are you willing to wait perhaps months longer to get one over the other?

kyfdx

@TopGun777 The Kia and Hyundai are "twins". Virtually, the same car underneath. If you'd be happy with a Hyundai, no reason not to get the Kia, if you like the looks better.

nyccarguy

TopGun777 said:

Advice needed......

Hello all,

I have always wanted a Camry XSE however I was disappointed by how dated the interior is. The tech is behind. That said, the exterior super sexy and sleek. I want the two-tone black top on whatever color I pick.

I test drove the Hyudai Sonata and blown away by the tech and safety of the car but the exterior is not as attractve to me as the Camry.

Kia K5, very sleek both inside and out but it's a Kia.

A friend of mine who is a car enthusiast and works with auto auctions for a living, told me the Camry is the way to go because of it's realibility and the #1 selling sedan 20 years for a reason. He told me the Sonata and K5 he always picks up because they have a lot of problems but hardly ever gets camry's.

Unfortnately, I believe the camry is going to get a redesign in 2024.

Is the Camry the way to go out of these 3? Should I consider something else?

You've got your answer right there my friend. Stick with the Camry. You won't be disappointed.

TopGun777

oldfarmer50 said:

If you’re only keeping it 4-6 years get whatever you find more attractive. Both Hyundai and Kia have extensive warranties. Toyota has a better reputation for reliability but that may not make a difference in the short term.

You may also have to factor in availability. Are you willing to wait perhaps months longer to get one over the other?

Thanks! The dealerships where I'm have all inventory I'm looking at or just about to get it.

TopGun777

kyfdx said:

@TopGun777 The Kia and Hyundai are "twins". Virtually, the same car underneath. If you'd be happy with a Hyundai, no reason not to get the Kia, if you like the looks better.

Thanks for confirming they are the same.

TopGun777

nyccarguy said:

TopGun777 said:

Advice needed......

Hello all,

I have always wanted a Camry XSE however I was disappointed by how dated the interior is. The tech is behind. That said, the exterior super sexy and sleek. I want the two-tone black top on whatever color I pick.

I test drove the Hyudai Sonata and blown away by the tech and safety of the car but the exterior is not as attractve to me as the Camry.

Kia K5, very sleek both inside and out but it's a Kia.

A friend of mine who is a car enthusiast and works with auto auctions for a living, told me the Camry is the way to go because of it's realibility and the #1 selling sedan 20 years for a reason. He told me the Sonata and K5 he always picks up because they have a lot of problems but hardly ever gets camry's.

Unfortnately, I believe the camry is going to get a redesign in 2024.

Is the Camry the way to go out of these 3? Should I consider something else?

You've got your answer right there my friend. Stick with the Camry. You won't be disappointed.

I appreciate it. My hesitation with the Camry is that it is a bit dated in the tech department and that I'd be buying the last year of the model right before the redesign and I don't want buyers remorse.

stickguy

My rule of thumb is, never buy something you have to talk yourself into. That rarely works out, and often leads to quick buyers remorse.

TopGun777

kyfdx said:

@TopGun777 The Kia and Hyundai are "twins". Virtually, the same car underneath. If you'd be happy with a Hyundai, no reason not to get the Kia, if you like the looks better.

Thanks for confirming they are the same.

TopGun777

stickguy said:

My rule of thumb is, never buy something you have to talk yourself into. That rarely works out, and often leads to quick buyers remorse.

Yep. I just drove the Camry I want but the dash is just too dated for me to commit. So I'm holding off. I'll have to look for something else.

Sandman6472

Trust me, don't purchase something you really don't love. I did a few years back and within 2 weeks, knew I screwed up, big time. After 375 days, it was gone and, never looked back. Had to listen to the wife say she told me so for a few weeks after, but that was the least of my issues. Got into something I still own...and love, and plan on keeping for awhile longer.
So listen to your gut, it's usually right on mark and you won't make a illogical & costly mistake like I did!

TopGun777

Sandman6472 said:

Trust me, don't purchase something you really don't love. I did a few years back and within 2 weeks, knew I screwed up, big time. After 375 days, it was gone and, never looked back. Had to listen to the wife say she told me so for a few weeks after, but that was the least of my issues. Got into something I still own...and love, and plan on keeping for awhile longer.
So listen to your gut, it's usually right on mark and you won't make a illogical & costly mistake like I did!

Thank you so much @Sandman6472! Very well said and I'm at peace that I didnt sign for a car I almost want at an inflated exaggerated price. I'm in Broward county as well so we are in the same neck of the woods.