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Midsize Sedans 2.0

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Comments

  • syitalian25syitalian25 Member Posts: 303
    I bet you could have talked the dealer into giving you $3000 off to make the base Genesis $30K. The Venza is a nice car but not a mid-sized sedan, I am glad you found something you like though.

    Also I assure you the 2011 Sonata is definitely faster than the Camry XLE.. and the GDI is very peppy. And if the 0-60 is close, wait until you got to some turns and you would know who is going to win that race, especially if it's the SE. And if you equiped the Camry XLE to have most of the same features as the Sonata Limited, it would come to $29K vs. $25,295. I think you were looking for more of a quiet cruiser type of vehicle though.
  • stephen987stephen987 Member Posts: 1,994
    Lemme get this straight: you objected to the Genesis because it's "too green"? And what does Christianity have to do with this decision?????
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 19,256
    guess i hit a nerve there. of course, that was my purpose.
    i did notice that you were against the Hyundai 4 cyl even before it was available.
    we are both old dogs, but i am still able to learn new tricks. :P
    2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • wayne21wayne21 Member Posts: 259
    edited March 2010
    Lemme get this straight: you objected to the Genesis because it's "too green"?

    No. I think the sonata was built for "greenies", not the genesis. My wife teaches and the youth seem to worship the earth - that's where the "greenies" comment came from.
    On the USAA website, I could not get a genesis near 30k OTD or may have considered it. I was also buying safety to protect myself from Tiffannee (with two e's) while she is busy driving and texting her friend asking where she was at (ending her sentence with a preposition, of course) :)

    I, too, am an old dog, but am not afraid of learning new tricks. But staying safe so I can learn scuba is important to me. USAA says talking on the cell phone while driving is as dangerous as driving while impaired. I'll learn my new tricks while staying safe.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    I think the Sonata was designed to cope with the upcoming fuel economy regs--lighter weight than most mid-sized sedans, I4 engines only, etc. Hyundai seems very focused on meeting/exceeding those targets ahead of the mandated schedule. I suppose that could be characterized as "green", although Hyundai would probably call it "blue", per the "blue" versions of some of their cars that get higher fuel economy.

    On the Genesis, another route to that if you really wanted one would be to get a slightly used one for under your $30k target that would actually have a longer bumper-to-bumper warranty than your Venza. :)
  • wayne21wayne21 Member Posts: 259
    edited March 2010
    I'm sure hyundai gave a lot of thought to their decisions and I believe it will prove to be wise. For us, we had only one vehicle to worry about, not a company or business or anything to that extent.

    We weren't interested in anything used and for the warranty, we got a lifetime powertrain warranty. It's probably only at the dealership - I failed to even ask that - but we don't plan on moving anyway. I think it is more likely that toyota will restructure itself under a different name/brand or something when the full effect of the lawsuits hits them. Foreign owned and no union labor? What were they thinking!! :)
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 19,256
    maybe you should have posted on the 'why i did not buy a mid size sedan forum'.
    you will have to start that one. :surprise:
    2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • wayne21wayne21 Member Posts: 259
    Actually, there is probably a lot to be said for that. For the midsize sedan to be the bread and butter for auto manufacturers, I think they may miss the mark a bit. Looking purely at the 6 cyl side (as I didn't look at 4 cyl) I see a lot of issues. For me, and perhaps only me, some of the things that turned me off on the brands I looked at were:

    Nissan - CVT (they own you if you ever have transmission problems and good luck when you want to sell it AND don't let the IRS make your options packages for you as they are too complex)
    Toyota - history of 6 speed transmission issues (I don't see the UA as a problem, but as a government/lawyer issue - again, only me)
    Honda - VCM problems
    Ford - 6 speed transmission unsure what gear it is to be in
    Mazda - didn't really look at them as I once owned an RX-7 and don't want to ever deal with mazda again
    Chrysler - speaks for itself. Lifetime warranty? For the car or the company?

    Perhaps a "why I did not buy a midsize sedan" OR "what consumers are searching for in a midsize sedan" would be a good idea. As for me, I don't plan to buy anything for at least five more years.
  • jeffyscottjeffyscott Member Posts: 3,855
    All of those issues, to the extent they are an issue for you, are surely not unique to midsize sedans. Does your Venza, being, I assume, essentially a Camry wagon, not have the same transmission that Toyota puts in the Camry?
  • wayne21wayne21 Member Posts: 259
    Does your Venza, being, I assume, essentially a Camry wagon, not have the same transmission that Toyota puts in the Camry?

    These were issues for ME and my views only, not necessarily anyone elses. As for the transmission - it does indeed have the camry drivetrain. I stated they have a "history" of 6 speed transmission problems. I believe the issues to be resolved and am not worried about it. Again, just my view of it. Not saying I'm right or wrong, but I felt comfortable enough about it to "put my money where my mouth is" on this one.
  • xmechxmech Member Posts: 90
    Ford - 6 speed transmission unsure what gear it is to be in


    ??? Got a 2010 Fusion (My first Ford, always stayed away from them in the past< but that's another story) and the transmission never seems to hunt or anything. Works as I expect it to, downshifts when I need it, etc...
  • aqua33v6aqua33v6 Member Posts: 38
    As for the "wind noise" on the 2010 Sonata? I've driven just about every car in the midsize class, and the 2006 - 2010 Sonatas are very quiet. On the freeway at 70MPH I have been very impressed with their low wind and road noise. The '06 to '10 Sonatas are just as quiet as any newer Camry I've driven or ridden in (and I have very sharp hearing). I own a 2006 Sonata, and its quietness is one of its many strengths.

    About the 2011 Sonata, you said in a post earlier today:

    "We were rather disappointed. We thought it was cheaply built..."

    ...but then just a couple hours later, you follow that up with:

    "IF the 2011 sonata had a 6 cyl option this year, I genuinely think we may have purchased it"

    Gee, the car sure feels cheaply built... but it has a V6, so I'll buy it anyway! Sorry, I'm just having a hard time calculating this. Genuinely - a real hard time.
  • wayne21wayne21 Member Posts: 259
    OK. Last post for me. Apparently my views are not the same as others... but that's what helps make the world go 'round. Fortunately, we obligated only our finances, are responsible only to ourselves and are pleased with our decision.

    We had followed the sonata for more than a year. We toured the hyundai plant just south of Montgomery (perhaps someone can find out if it is actually within the city limits and bring this to my attention). We pretty much had our hearts set on a sonata and thus the "attachment" to the sonata. First we'd been "excited" about a new car in quite some time. All the hype. All the ads. Etc. Had the sonata come with a 6 cylinder, we most likely could have or would have overlooked a number of other things we didn't care for (I know... how could you not care for something? Why don't you point out what they are? and I've seen the new sonata and there's nothing someone couldn't care for... etc, etc) For us.. and us alone... the ONLY midsize car we cared for was the toyota camry - and we didn't even plan on looking at a toyota. We had never heard of or seen a venza until we pulled into the toyota dealership. (I'm sure someone would like to know how we didn't know about the venza..etc..etc.. The venza isn't a midsize sedan... Did you know they make them in Kentucky where they still have moonshiners?... etc etc) We put a lot of thought into it over the following week. We COULD have purchased a 2010 6 cyl camry XLE for less than a 2011 sonata limited (I know....how can one compare those 2 cars? they aren't the same years... etc, etc, etc) and the 2011 6 cyl camry XLE for not much more than the 2011 sonata. After looking at and driving the camry, fusion and sonata we ruled out the latter two. After we saw the venza and drove it, we opted to look into it. For a couple thousand more we felt we got a far better vehicle than we could have with a midsize car. It takes us a while to save $30 and thus we didn't want to exceed it. We could have bought a more expensive car, but we set our limit at $30k OTD. (Now the financial experts can point out the benefits of zero percent for five years from toyota, or lease vs. buy or whatever makes you happy). We have no debt and wanted no debt. We wanted the best midsize sedan we could get for $30k or less out the door and believe we got a far superior vehicle for our $30k budget. We are happy (I know we could be happier if we had just followed someone else's advice or if we had just done this or that). Forgive me if I offended anyone's logic or decision making processes, but I just thought I'd share MY experiences with the midsize sedan and why we opted NOT to go that route.
  • xmechxmech Member Posts: 90
    I know this debate has died down some so I'm sorry if I'm dragging it back out, but here's why many people, like me, aren't fond of purchasing used:

    Why I prefer to buy new
  • jeffyscottjeffyscott Member Posts: 3,855
    My only point was that what I interpreted as your list of issues with midsize sedans are not unique to the midsize sedan offerings. They appear to be mostly engine/transmission issues and the same engines/transmissions are, of course, used in vehicles other than the midsize sedan from these manufacturers.
  • jeffyscottjeffyscott Member Posts: 3,855
    edited March 2010
    It took me a few seconds to figure out your point with that link...first I was thinking that your concern was that guy's transmission "issue" :D
  • shabadoo25shabadoo25 Member Posts: 232
    Congrats on your purchase, and thanks for sharing your decision making criteria.

    I don't think most buyers in this day and age, and especially in the favorite demo of marketers, use the same reasoning you do, but it's still interesting to hear it.

    Enjoy your new vehicle!
  • rwdfanrwdfan Member Posts: 15
    Hi guys, I have to replace my commuting car in July this year and I have a short list of contenders after researching and test driving a few of those. My list: 2010 Honda Civic LX, 2010 Ford Fusion EX, 2010 Chevy Malibu, 2010 (yes, the older model) Sonata. My concerns: The Civic will go through a redesign for MY 2011, therefore, I'm not sure, my budget is no more than $18,000 OTD (perhaps I would have to buy the Fusion or the Maliby as used cars with less than 25K miles on them). Yesterday, driving through a Sonata dealer, I saw a GLS automatic for less than $15,000 with 72 months financing at 0%. I never had a Hyundai, but it's getting difficult to pass this price level, the car itself has several things standard that the others don't and perhaps by July, there will be additional discount for the ones left on the lot ;) Anyway, they had about a dozen of those in the lot, I don't think they will sell all of them unless they add more discount. Any thoughts ? Anyone has a 2009/10 Sonata GLS 4 cyl. and could provide some insight ? Thank you.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    I couldn't find a GLS Automatic in Birmingham, AL because they were selling faster than I could get to them. I wanted a 2010 GLS with the Popular Equip. Package but the closest one I could find was in Columbus, GA and it was priced about $1,000 higher than what you're looking at here in the SE. Birmingham only had Limited models left, best I could tell.

    I'd go with the Sonata; the depreciation hit has really already happened in part, but you still get a brand new car without the worry of who abused it before-hand.

    Go test-drive one. :)
  • tenpin288tenpin288 Member Posts: 804
    Here's a link to an interesting article on msnbc.com

    Sonata Article
  • rwdfanrwdfan Member Posts: 15
    I saw this car in Columbus, IN. Just south of Indianapolis. I don't recall the dealer name, but it's the only one in the town. I'm seriously considering it, but I will have to wait until July when the lease of my current car expires. Thanks for the feedback.What's the Popular Equip. Package ?
  • rwdfanrwdfan Member Posts: 15
    Thanks for the link, but this is the new Sonata, it's actually a 2011. I'm looking into the previous model, but still new. The price on the 2011 is near $20,000, out of my budget. Thanks anyway.
  • tenpin288tenpin288 Member Posts: 804
    The article is actually about the 2011. They just have the wrong model year in the headline.
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    If you're cash constrained look for a low mileage used vehicle. You'll get a lot more bang for the buck and most will still have factory warranty.
  • shabadoo25shabadoo25 Member Posts: 232
    You can get the base model for a lot less than that sticker price. Unless you mean you really want a $15k sticker and plan on paying $12k...
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    The PEP includes things like audio controls on the steering wheel, a trip computer, automatic headlights, and a power driver's seat.
  • acdiiacdii Member Posts: 753
    I think I discovered why the Camry still sells well. Old people like soft, cushy, floaty rides. Since you can't buy a Crown Vic anymore, and the Grand Marquis is rarely seen on any lots, they go to Toyota. :shades: Us younger people who like a sporty, much firmer ride, go with the Fusion.

    I used to own a Camry Hybrid, the only time that car was quiet was when it was parked. Even with the engine off and in EV it made noise. It was poorly made, had wind noise, the sunroof stuck, and the seat materiel was thin. Toyota quality? NOT! I have over 13K miles on my 2010 Fusion Sport and I don't have a single complaint about it's quality. It took about a week to find many faults in the Camry, and I was very disappointed in the quality. I really don't see the hype in Toyota, I really don't, not after owning a Prius and a Camry. The only thing I guess is the soft mushy ride that old people like.
  • acdiiacdii Member Posts: 753
    Only partially wrong, I admit I missed one part. :) If you are already maxed out on your deductions, where you pretty much got back what you already paid out, which is where it was when I filed the year I got the Prius, it only netted me about $50. I do understand it takes it off the top, and is not a deduction, but if you are in certain tax brackets, it doesn't do much for you.

    The point I was trying to make though is it doesn't take it off the price of the car, you still pay what you pay for the car, it doesn't come off the price of the car, and it wont be until you actually file your taxes that you find out how much you get back with that credit.

    In your example, if you got a $7500 tax credit and the max tax you owe was $5000, and with the credit it brought you down to zero tax owed, you only get back the taxes you paid out, so if you paid out $4500, and would have owed $500, you get $4500 back. So in theory it reduces the cost of the car by $4500, but not the $7500 of the tax credit. So it all depends on which tax bracket you are in.

    In any case, I still don't see it helping to sell a $40K car the size of a $20K Prius. Not with a Chevy badge on it.
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    Correct on all points.
  • kdshapirokdshapiro Member Posts: 5,751
    Never underestimate the residents of California.
  • carstrykecarstryke Member Posts: 168
    i agree with your decision....not only will your friends not bash their head trying to get in and out of your sonata, but the venza has a huge crossover ground clearance (8.1) so you can easily take it camping and stuff, and it will swallow your luggage at 30.7 cubic feet
  • carstrykecarstryke Member Posts: 168
    you get what you pay for........i found that out first hand with my old Kia
  • syitalian25syitalian25 Member Posts: 303
    The 2010 Sonata is a good car, they were easily selling the base model anyways before the 2011 came out - now Hyundai is offering ridiculous rebates to try and clear the leftovers off the lots. It's an incredible bargain, especially compared to anything else you are going to get for $15K. A base Civic? HA
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 19,256
    hopefully he likes how that 19 inch rim/tire combo rides on other than smooth roads, and doesn't have a heart attack after finding out how much it costs to replace the tires.
    are 19 inch rims available on any of the popular mid size sedans? :D
    2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • m6userm6user Member Posts: 3,181
    He got the V6. I think that comes with 20" threads. Good luck on replacing those.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 19,256
    you can't understate rollin' on dub's, especially when you are over 50. :)
    2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • wayne21wayne21 Member Posts: 259
    you can't understate rollin' on dub's, especially when you are over 50

    I think that in reality I've just outgrown (or perhaps outaged) the midsize vehicle market. And maybe the camry (or venza) is in fact my "crown vic". On the bright side of being over 50 (and always living on yesterday's money instead of tomorrow's) the cost of tires, etc. is insignificant. The 30k limit was an arbitrary number for us (9 months savings). Had we wanted to spend more we certainly would have. But we bought what we both saw as the "vehicle of our wants and needs" and are very happy with the decision.

    Enjoyed the forum. May God bless each of you with your car decisions.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 19,256
    edited March 2010
    you don't have to justify your purchase to me or anyone else, but my thinking is you should have posted on a venza forum about why you bought one instead of a mid size sedan, as opposed to pointing out on mid size sedan forum why none of the best sellers did not meet your needs.
    2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Well, he did evaluate several mid-sized sedans before deciding on the SUV. So it's a lot more on-topic than, e.g., recent threads on an hybrid compact hatchback. Or sticks vs. automatics. ;)
  • carstrykecarstryke Member Posts: 168
    edited March 2010
    I would gladly pay for 20's just to stay out of a bargain car (hyundai/kia) :lemon:
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    If you don't want to even consider the car that is considered by the likes of Edmunds.com and Car & Driver to be the best in this class, that's your prerogative. And your money.
  • syitalian25syitalian25 Member Posts: 303
    I got 18's on my Hyundai :-p how much bigger do you need on a sedan? They are not bargain cars anymore
  • bobadbobad Member Posts: 1,587
    No. I think the sonata was built for "greenies",

    No, the Sonata was built to pass government regulations going into effect for 2015 models. Hyundai is trying to get ahead of the curve, and be the first to meet the new CAFE standards for bragging rights ( I guess). But I know what you mean. Much of the "green" stuff is just a scam.

    A lot of hard core 6cyl users are liking the Sonata's i4, saying it has plenty of power. You should have took one for a drive.
  • cannon3cannon3 Member Posts: 296
    edited March 2010
    My 2006 Ford Fusion SEL V6 now has 55,317 miles. Not one problem. No rattles, no squeaks, solid as the first day I drove it off the lot. One thing has popped up. At about 65MPH there is a slight wind noise coming from the right side of the windshield. Radio has to be off to even notice. So far so good. I still enjoy driving the car also. Put Ford on your list of test drives.
  • m6userm6user Member Posts: 3,181
    at Hyundai website. 274hp projected and 22cty/34hwy mpg estimated for the new Sonata turbo. No torque numbers posted. A lot more HP than I would have thought and pretty impressive. Wonder if premium will be required.
  • wolverinejoe80wolverinejoe80 Member Posts: 337
    edited March 2010
    269lb ft torque! and no premium required! yeay~~

    but no manual transmission.. :(

    http://jalopnik.com/5505977/2011-hyundai-sonata-turbo-274-hp-34-mpg-no-manual
  • mz6greyghostmz6greyghost Member Posts: 1,230
    image

    image

    Click me!

    I'm glad to see Suzuki be so excited with the reception of the Kizashi, but I haven't seen any out on the road yet, unless they have dealer plates...
  • ingvaringvar Member Posts: 205
    Agree, I don't care who build a car, I care about how car drives. I use to drive lexus as a daily car, now I'm driving subaru. I love my subaru better than lexus.
  • tenpin288tenpin288 Member Posts: 804
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    More horses than the 3.3L V6 in the previous Sonata, and much better fuel economy (nearly the same as the 2.4L engine). NOW we know why Hyundai isn't offering a V6 in the 2011 Sonata.

    I read an article last night about the upcoming 3 Series redesign. It noted the inline 6 would still probably be offered, but also turbo 4's. Turbo 4's are also slated for the next-gen 5 Series. Hyundai is ahead of the curve. Let's see if Honda and Toyota keep up when they introduce their next-gen mid-sizers in a couple of years.
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