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Comments
I need an opinion, do you think it makes a sense to trade it in next Spring for Santa Fe or XG 300?
I dont think Hyundai has established a 'good' resale profile as yet. You may take a beating.
Unless you have $$'s to burn and absolutely not like the Sonata at all, well then go for the new one. However, getting a new Santa Fe is questionable too. Its too new and it seems that SUV's have maxed out the roads.
No matter what you do, you are going to make some sort of mistake. The idea is to make the 'least'mistake possible.
Good luck,
Tony
As for XG300, read over the brochures and test drive one. How can you be so sure you'll like it? It has a slightly bigger trunk and interior room, but it isn't a gigantic difference. It comes loaded or extra loaded. And since it weighs about 500 pounds more and only about twenty-odd more HP, its performance shouldn't be much of an improvement over Sonata GLS V-6. I'd steer clear of a first year XG300. Let bugs go out of it; I'd be leery of the new 5-speed automatic. My wife's LS8 has the new Jag/Ford 5-speed auto. Lots of problems reported by many owners. Recalls, TSBs, etc. Maybe buy a new '02 or a used late '01 in '02?
thanks for opinions.
I need one more car or track now. thinking of what to buy. used one
http://www.usautonews.com/external/news_story.asp?nolink=1&mail=0&sid=112435
It appears that a good fall season will put Hyundai America over the 250,000 mark.
I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm beginning to get downright smug about all of this (even factoring in the recall). While it is true that 'time will tell', especially in an area such as reliability, I can't help but notice the increasing good signs from Hyundai that they are serious players with serious intentions.
Sonatafan, This could be your next pictorial for us all.
I have heard that plugz either dont last or there is a possible bad batch in the Sonata or whatever. I have the Bosch platinum plus 4s I think they are called in my ranger and they made a great difference in mileage and smoothness of drivability sooooooooooo if the plugs would just show themselves without me having to go scope em out, I may just put them in. They are not cheap, BUT I found them to be very worth it.
Get me in the right direction!!! I am just too lazy to look and it is too hot out there anyways.
Tony in Florida
Yours may not even be affected!
Hang in there.
Tony
By the way, the moderator of the clubs forum mentioned awhile back that we hadn't received our section because she had been in an accident. Seems like it has been a long road to recovery (no pun intended). We could sure use it!
Seen it today, Santa Fe' tommorow, test drive both Saturday maybe purchase both Monday.
What a car, not to let any air out of Sonata. But for 2001 in Canada, Sonata won't be offering the platinum series (ABS, Traction, side airbags), although the GLS is still attractive. Hyundai dropped the 28,200 cdn Sonata in favour of the 31,000 XG300. No upgrades available, car comes loaded.
The XG300 comes with everything the Sonata has and then some, in a larger, more refined piece of machinery. Way to go Hyundai.
Like the colour too. Smoke grey, graphite interior leather, with dark rich woodgrain wrapped around much like a BMW 7 series does. Brushed aluminum shifter with tiptronic. Trip computer, power heated front seats,Auto climate control,frameless doors, solid thunks everywhere,projector headlamps, a grill that lifts with the hood, hoorah! No hood decal or ornament though...shame, I like BMW's. It's got a 3.0 ltre low end grunt motor. Not as high output as the competitions, but I don't give that tremendously high points as it means fuel economy losses for the sacrifice of un-neccesary horsepower.
In my opinion, they've hit their mark with this one. I'm glad I waited instead of buying the Sonata. Athough I still love the new one, much like the rest of you's do. If the Santa Fe is the same as the PLatinum Sonata's content, just with more vigor, I will buy both Monday! Can't wait!
Also regarding the XG300 I haven't seen any here in my area (Long Island New York) but have seen several Santa Fe's at 2 dealers. They look ok but don't knock my socks off. My Sonata gets looks, lots of them. Unfortunately some woman also thought it was her coffee table or something because when I walked out of my office to show the car to a friend she and her friends were hanging around it and she had her pocketbook plopped right down in the middle of the hood! Needless to say I told her off, said "Please move your bag off my car NOW, I just picked it up!!" She didn't even apologize, just said, "oh yeah, i saw the sticker, nice car!" Can you believe the nerve??
It's a good thing this thing has cruise control or I would never make it past the break in period...I was told not to go over 60 for the first thousand miles...can anyone confirm that is correct? For me that will only take a few weeks anyway.
I don't want to know what's inside it. I don't want to know how it works. How to fix it. I want it run.
2. Hyundai must be doing something right. As opposed to Oldsmobile. Excerpt from 10/3/00 NY Times article: "Oldsmobile division announced that it was offering an incentive of no down payment, no monthly payments and no interest for a year... first incentive of this kind ever offered by the company... new incentives come as the division struggles to carve out a distinct identity with new products. Sales so far this year are down 20.7 percent, to 202,001 vehicles."
Hyundai's sales are comparable to Oldsmobile. Too bad Hyundai doesn't get one fifth the press coverage!
I have driven the car and can compare it favourably to my Sonata GLS V6 5 speed.It has a bit more power and is a little quieter.
Sort of an upmarket Sonata with electric everything
It does not have the word `Hyundai' on it anywhere. It is badged as a Granduer.
Even the advertising does not mention Hyundai.
The car is targeted at a market above the Sonata.
The electric drivers seat is a good toy and works very well. My friend is short and his wife is tall and the seat memorises the positions for each driver.
With that caveat, I can say that the Sonata GLS is certainly more than worthy of consideration in this class of vehicle. As an owner I can tell you that the car is quiet, smooth, has decent performance and will save you money over any other car purchase in this class. It has a Camry-like ride with Honda-like steering.
Road feel is a little isolated but the GLS is not intended as a performance sedan.
The Accord V-6 is a 3.0 Liter w/200 hp. It will outperform the 2.5 Liter 170 hp. GLS. You will pay roughly $3500-$5000 more for less warranty and 30 hp. You alone can make that decision.
Good Luck! Tell us how things go, whichever way you decide.
I purchased '00 Sonata GLS Pkg 12 with all options at a GREAT DEAL or so I thought. I was worried about the re-call but I was pacified by the dealer and salesman (should of thought better).
Anyway, I pull out of the dealer last Thursday night..feeling good..new car..great deal..CD player on and 50 miles on the car...
On Friday, as I am paying the toll, going home from a hard day at work, no problem, I am in my new Sonata..WELL, then it started happening..As I approached the toll, (lights were on cause of the rain), my dashboard starting going CRAZY (like in the scene from "Close Encounters" but now of the Sonata Kind)..
So, I pay the toll, and this possessed car wants to STALL (sound familiar?==>sounds like the re-call..no?) I call the dealer and my salesman and the G.M. and they were SO SURPRISED..150 miles on the Sonata and they couldn't believe what was happening...
After much yelling and persuasion on my part to have a rental car ready and a head mechanic waiting (a Friday night at 5pm..yeah right), I limped into the dealership (38 miles north from where I was) and after MORE YELLING and a few choice words on my part, they put me in a Nissan Altima rental (maybe I should of bought that)...
I was assured that my Sonata would be looked at first thing on Saturday morning and they would call me. Well if it were not for my many calls to the dealer and the salesman, I was finally told that my car needs to be seen by their Hyundai Expert Mechanic BUT he won't be in until Monday.
So, here I am on a Sunday morning, paid CASH for my loaded Sonata that I do not even have in my possession for an ILL that (I have a feeling) will take a long time to repair.
Did I mention that now the dealership has stated that maybe my car is being effected by that re-call and I may have to WAIT until the official release of this MAF clamp on the re-call IF that is indeed what it is.
Or is it just a LEMON or is it the electrical system or should I have bought a Toyota..
Will keep you posted...
Soanta in NY Owner---In Despair
Also, the A/C works damn good. Since the heat it is a major factor here in Houston, the A/C performance is very important and mine is so cold, I have to keep the fan on 1 or 2 or I will freeze my booty off!!!!!
LOVIN MY SONATA
Mandy
I have only heard about the no start or stalling symptom of the wiring harness recall. What I meant when I said it is no big deal is that it is a straightforward recall and not like the pistons are hitting the hood of the car or some other major catastrophe!!!
We are hoping Mr GoodShaft has not taken a position at your local Hyundai dealer and you get your car back asap in great condition.
Good luck,
Tony
Mine is slate gray too and looks great. Tinted window film makes it look real nice too. It also helps keep the sun's heat off ya which we have lots of in Florida.
I noticed that the engine gets right up to temp real quick too. When I first got it I would always be concerned that it might overheat in a snap due to our temps and how fast it can heat up but it never leaves the area on the temp cage with those two dots. Mine stays right in between the two.
At the rate you are going you only have 98,500 miles left on the warranty !!!!
Tony
Have to admit that I had mixed feelings about Hyundai before doing my homework - drove about a mid-80's Excell for about 5 minutes before deciding that I'd rather walk - but the reviews I've read and the comments posted here regarding the Sonata and Hyundai's commitment to it convinced me that buying a Hyundia was a viable option. Then my wife and I spent the morning driving all variants of the Elantra and Sonata - 2000 model year only as the dealer was knocking $2700 and $3500 from the msrp. Fell in love with the Sonata 4 cyl and drove it off the lot a little later, a very happy camper with enough left in my wallet every month to take the family on vacation.
Wanted to say 'thanks' to everyone who contributed here (comments from real owners have a ring of truth that reviews can't impart) and will keep checking to see what's going on with other owners and cars. One question. Several sites/reviews said that Hyundai would be happy if they sold 20,000 Sonatas to Camry/Accord buyers. Any idea how many they have in fact sold and what Hyundai's projections are for the 2001s?
We chose ours for its warranty, style, ride and features and of course the cost too.
Got my base model with auto in April and it has been flawless, hope yours is too.
No regrets,
Tony
I want to have an alarm installed on my new Sonata. My friend's husband installs them for my Hyundai dealer and will do it on the side for me very cheap ($275 installed compared to the dealer's price of $695 for the All in One Checkmate). My concern is this: when I picked up the car, the finance rep told me that I could have an alarm installed anywhere but I should make sure it is done by someone good because they have to cut into the wire harness, and if they short out ANYTHING, even a tail light, that it voids my entire 10 yr warranty. IS THIS TRUE?? Also, I'm thinking maybe I should wait to install until I find out whether or not my particular car is affected by the recall. Does anyone know how to find out if a specific car is affected? I picked mine up last week but don't know what the date of manufacture was, it could have been sitting on a lot for several months for all I know. Please help!! Thanks!!
Now the SERVICE MGR. also promised to call me first thing on Monday morning when they looked at my car. Two hours passed, no CALL and now I am pissed AGAIN. I call direct to the SERVICE DEPT. and started yelling (good release) and someone claiming to be the manager answered (it seems they have many for an upset customer). Anyway, he told me the problem was the COMPUTER MODULE and they needed to replace it. Also, while they had the car in the shop they would replace the clamp for the re-call. Now isn't that NICE of them?
I was assured that I didn't buy a LEMON but you know what? I am not so SURE. So today, I am going to place a call to CORPORATE and I want something out of this deal. I will ask them to GIVE me the EXTENDED WARRANTY the dealership tried to sell me for $895. This was the BUMPER TO BUMPER coverage for a total of 10 years.
Anyway, this dealership is north of NYC in the near burbs and will remain mentionless until this CASE is solved; hopefully to my FAVOR.
***THE RE-CALL effects all Sonatas & Elantras with V6 2.5 engines built from 7/88 to 7/00. The wiring harness clamp (they call it MUF) is the culprit*** The NHTSA site has the info***
Oh my...See you till the next report
NY--Still in despair
Apart from that, what about the car itself? It seems well worth it, but is it worth it at 19500? Also, I haven't seen one with a spoiler and would like to know if it 'looks good' with it or if it really isn't worth the extra $300.
Thanks much.
As long as you find a good installer that has been in the bidness for many years and come recommended, it should be a relatively safe bet. About the warranty, unless there is a direct cause and effect relationship between an aftermarket install and a vehicle malfunction, Hyundai cannot blame an item you had installed in your car outside of the deealer service department. At least that's what a HyundaiUSA customer service rep told me.
As to the price I can only say that I paid $18685 for the same car (GLS auto w/pkg. 13 and net, guards, mats, deflector and keyless w/security) without spoiler but that included the $1000 owner loyalty rebate.
Dylbrena---thanks for posting the build date. I'm trying to keep an informal record of various complaints and the dates of manufacture. Usually there is a strong link between them.
It sounds like you got a bad tranny, period. It happens sometimes. Hope everything is A-OK for you from here on out.
New Wrinkle-now my dealer has a few 2000 GLS' available with package 13-the car has some bumper scrapes which will be repainted. They need to install the alarm and the remote keyless though-wonder how much that will be. The price is 17849 plus tax-includes all dealer sneaky add-on meaningless prices.
Given the pending recall-and my dealer was 'surprised' to hear that-do you think its worth the hassle and trouble to buy the 2000 when I can pick up the 2001 (hopefully recall free for now) - at 19400?
1. You cannot tell if the 2001 GLS will be recall-free. The build dates of potential affected units is from 7/98-7/00. Some '01's may be involved. If you can see a build date on an '01
that is more current than 7/00 at least you know the car is very fresh.
2. If you can find an '01 equipped as you like it---for a similar price to the '00---you will save yourself the cost of a grill upgrade.
3. The Silver color is magic with dirt. The car always looks clean from a reasonable distance.
4. My wife's GLS had paint scratches on the bumper corner as well. They repainted the whole bumper, Gratis.
5. I think the '01 at $19400 still sounds a little high but every deal is different. If the color, equipment, availability, etc. are right then you must decide.
6. If you go with a '00 do not be concerned with the recall. Only a few cars have actually been affected but the stalling condition is serious as a driveability/safety issue so Hyundai is damn smart to nip this in the bud.
Hope this helps. Good Luck with your purchase!
My Napoli Blue 2000 Sonata GLS/w auto and PKG 13 is running great and ready for the first oil change. No mysterious dents or noises either. As soon as a put a remote starter on my Grand Prix the Sonata will be ready for the new grill and tinted windows.
I want to thank Sonatafan for the excellent help on his website in servicing the little "beast".
Ross
http://www.usautonews.com/external/news_story.asp?nolink=1&mail=0&sid=112435
The Sept. sales are given.
I just got through looking at the new Elantra. It amazes me that one company can change so much product so quickly and have it look this good. This car, in particular, is their sales leader and they are going to move these by the boatload. Most of the Corolla and Civic owners out there are repeat buyers, many with a strong family tie to the product line. Hyundai will take a large share of the new customers in this class of car with this kind of vehicle. It is very impressive.
It occurs to me that we can say that we were there when things really turned around with Hyundai. Sort of gives you a sense of pride.
The only other thing I find strange but have not pursued it is the door locks. It is my wifes car so I dont really mess with it. She uses the remote key fob device. I dont care for them, I use the old fashioned key.
What I recall is that if I go to the drivers door, I can NOT unlock the rest, BUT if I go to the passenger door, it unlocks them all is I turn it twice like most cars do today.
Maybe I am wrong?!
Tony
now if I remove the ignition key, sound doesn't come again.
I suspect it's alarm.
More, sometimes when I disarm, doors are not unlocked.
Sometimes, I can't disarm at all. I wait some time, then it works.
[non-permissible content removed].
jawabean: your last step could get real messy!
I setup my aftermarket system to lock and unlock the doors with the ignition. Works pretty good. I like the ones that lock when you shift into gear better. While I'm at it I want one of those speed variable volume stereos too!!
I really didnt think the average person used parking lights to park. It seems Hyundai translated it that way, you know when you forget to turn your lights off with the cars engine off. I guess they assume your parking, hence "parking lights".