Hyundai Sonata 2005 and earlier

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Comments

  • pr0tagonistpr0tagonist Member Posts: 7
    i was more interested in hyundai becoming the second largest importer then the strikes.

    impressive.
  • blerner2blerner2 Member Posts: 47
    Nato1/Claywaterfill,

    I've been driving a Passat GLS for the last 3 years and my car needs to be turned in shortly. I love my Passat and would like to buy one, but I didn't want to spend that much and the seats give my wife a backache on long trips.

    I decided that I had enough of leasing and wanted to buy. I wanted a vehicle that was fun to drive, with good handling. I love the tiptronic feature of my Passat transmission and only the Sonata and Chrysler products seem to feature this.

    I had heard about the Sonata and when I went to see one I was sold. I took a test drive alone and this past Saturday with my family. We also liked the Santa Fe.

    I put together what I thought was a fair offer based on Edmunds TMV and also what others had gotten based on the "What you paid for your Sonata" thread in the Town Hall.

    I won't repeat my above post, but as you recall the dealer would not budge on the price of the Sonata and would not come down off of MSRP on the Santa Fe. I even showed him a printout from Fitzgeraldautomall.com, which is an online dealer and asked if he would match their price (which was close to my offer). He refused.

    I had also seen the Elantra GT located on the lot in one of my earlier test drives. The dealer indicated that he gets allocated 1 per month and sells it at MSRP.

    After my poor experience at the dealer I decided to try the Focus and the Protege5, as these are generally regarded as affordable, fun cars to drive.

    The Protege5's ride was great, but I found the interior cheap looking compared to the Focus and it was expensive.

    The Focus had a real sporty feel to it, I could order it exactly how I wanted it (vs. the take what you can get nature of the Sonata), the dealer offered it for invoice minus holdback, and on top of that Ford is offering $500 cash back.

    I decided that I'd rather save the money (got the Focus for $1,300 less than the Sonata.)

    As one gets older, I guess you begin to realize that a car is simply nothing more than a quickly depreciating asset that gets you from Point A to B. I'd rather save my money for added security or spend it on something else.

    With all that said, I would recommend both the Focus and Protege to any prospective buyers wh9o are looking for a sporty,affordable ride. I was shocked at how great they drove, and the Focus has a great sound system (great for a Springsteen fanatic like myself). I would have loved the Sonata, Santa Fe or Elantra GT but right now it's a matter of supply and demand and the Hyundai dealers have the upper hand.
  • lleroilleroi Member Posts: 112
    to save about $25 a mos over 60 mos!?
  • claywaterfillclaywaterfill Member Posts: 534
    I think he bought the Focus because the Ford dealer was nicer to him and more willing to deal on a car. The money saved was just icing on the cake. It does not surprise me that Hyundai dealers might get a little attitude going as well as the Sonata, Santa Fe, and Elantra (esp GT) have been received. I'm sure it will be worse when the Pininfarina-designed Tiburon comes out next year. The strike and the fact that they are now the 2nd largest importer better not go to the dealer's heads. They need to remember the people that got them there--and not turn into Honda dealerships!
  • blerner2blerner2 Member Posts: 47
    All,

    You are correct that the Focus is not in the class of the Sonata.

    While I could have considered a 4 cyl. Sonata (the dealer had several of those on the lot) I was too put off by his not willing to negotiate at least a bit. The Elantra GT was not an option as the dealer indicated that there would be a very limited supply.

    The reason I waited until this time of year to make my offer is that it is widely reported that the 2 weeks before Christmas is one of the slowest times of the year.

    As an update, another Hyundai dealer phoned me today, who I had contacted via the Hyundai website. He told me that he did not have an V6 Sonata's but he did tell me that I could have one at sticker price when he gets one.

    I realize that Hyundai is riding a strong wave now, but greedy dealers will be sorry when supply picks up on these vehicles.

    I'd rather save the $25/mo over 60 months than pay what I believe is an above market price for this vehicle.
  • sonatavasonatava Member Posts: 75
    Considering all the improvements to the Sonata for the 2002 model year, I kinda get the feeling that it'll be like the Santa Fe: a hot seller and hard to haggle down on price. The model I tested, stickered at about 18K something, was either a GLS, or just a V6 with a bunch of upgrades as the sticker had it (ABS, moonroof, etc), but I don't think it was worth sticker price, considering it didn't have the cassette/CD combo. It didn't have the tilt-headrests either. I didn't feel any increase in power for the .2liter enhancement, but maybe it was the funny 2nd-3rd tranny slip.

    Maybe they'll have some financing or rebate incentives in a year or two. Another thing about price is that I didn't have to worry about advertising costs since there wasn't much ado about the Sonata back when I bought mine. Since then, Hyundai's been advertising the heck out of it. I did enter the sweepstakes to win one... www.2002Sonata.com

    I definitely feel motivated to get those sway bars after I did the test drive. Never realized how bad my 2000 wobbled in turns.
  • claywaterfillclaywaterfill Member Posts: 534
    I think after spending their careers selling what was perceived to be junk, dealers are living the high life selling cars that are well received and in demand. Like I said, they think they are Honda dealers now or something. When the tide turns, they'll be sorry they acted this way.
  • nato1nato1 Member Posts: 102
    that Hyundai listens pretty well. Granted we can't re-write history, but why don't we put up some names of dealerships (location) and how the customer was treated? This may change thier song and dance pretty quick.
  • printzprintz Member Posts: 70
    Does anyone have an update on it???....
  • claywaterfillclaywaterfill Member Posts: 534
    I checked the Korea Herald this morning and it has not been resolved yet. It has not gone to a general strike yet, but it is a partial one. The artcle said the last 2 days alone with partial strikes have kept Hyundai from building over 4100 cars. The line with the dispute is the one making cars bound for the US.
  • floridianfloridian Member Posts: 219
    claywater:Wouldn't you just know it that the line that gets shut down would be the one producing the US bound cars ! I sure hope they don't take a page from the UAW sabotage book and start doing nasty things to the cars that show up after delivery. Years back the cars coming out of the Lordstown, Ohio GM assy plant had all kinds of built in surprises such as bolts, nuts etc (yes, even Coke bottles)dropped into inaccessable places in the body to create rattles that no one could seem to locate or cure. Of course the Koreans are probably too honorable to stoop to such things, right ? I hope they don't mess around with the 2003 Tiburons, I WANT ONE !!

    Floridian
  • ufgatorsufgators Member Posts: 58
    Did anyone get the extended warranty with there sonata, and if so is it worth it. I think the warranty is pretty good as it is!
  • hyundaimahyundaima Member Posts: 197
    No such thing as US-bound car line at the factories.
  • nato1nato1 Member Posts: 102
    I did get the extended warranty (Hyundai 10y/100k advantage (H.A. for short)). For the little money that it costs, it's worth the piece of mind. There is no deductible, which makes it even sweeter. The main reason for my getting one is that the 10y/100k Hyundai advantage warranty is fully transferrable to the next owner, not the limitations of the 10yr/100k basic. The other reason was that I really didn't want a moonroof because I don't have a garage to put the car in during the winter, but with the H.A. if it breaks / leaks/ wreaks the headliner, they will fix it. I got it for ~$700. Hope this helps.
    Nate
  • ufgatorsufgators Member Posts: 58
    I thought that the Hyundai Advantage comes standard on all there vehicles (like the commercial says). I did not know there was a basic warranty as well. Can you please explain more!
  • astrolastrol Member Posts: 312
    I think nato1 is just referring to the transferability of the 10/100 Bumper to Bumper upgrade. As to any moonroof repair, Hyundai should fix it with either warranty still in effect---the only difference is the length of coverage.
  • claywaterfillclaywaterfill Member Posts: 534
    According to what I read in the Korea Herald, they said the srike was affecting the line building US bound cars. That's not me talking, that's the Korea Herald.
  • floridianfloridian Member Posts: 219
    Hyundaima: IF this is the case then I guess ALL the Sonatas coming off ALL the assy lines are built to US specifications ? I think NOT !!

    Floridian
  • nato1nato1 Member Posts: 102
    Exactly. The origonal warranty that is with the car is 10yr/100k powertrain, 5y/60k bumper to bumper, 7yr/70k emissions (cali,mass,vermont), 3yr/36k paint, 5yr/ 100yr perforation, 5yr/unlimited roadside. The only problem is if you go to sell the car the 10yr/100k powertrain falls back to 5yr/60k, unless a relative buys it.

    With the 10yr/100k H.A. it pretty much turns into a bumper to bumper package, plus it can be transferred to the next owner.

    In a nut shell, if it breaks, they will fix it, and if it takes too long, they will give you wheels until it's fixed. There is something about inflation protection, but I'm not really sure what that is.

    click here to see fine print version:

    http://www.hyundaiusa.com/

    look under -owner information -service contracts

    Thanks

    Nate
  • oldgreen1oldgreen1 Member Posts: 2
    I am the proud owner of a brand new slate gray Sonata GLS with a moon roof. It was not easy to attain this beautiful car. My wife and I had to endure one of the worst car buying experiences we have ever encountered. My wife and I stopped by Auffenberg in O'Fallon, Illinois on a mid October Saturday. The salesman came up to us all friendly like, and handed us the keys so that we could test drive the gray Sonata GLS. We immediately fell in love with the car. When we returned from the test drive, he was their to greet us, and started asking us the usual qualifying questions as to weather we were interested. The answer was yes!
    I had a 94 Geo Prism to trade in (good body, High miles). I asked him what he would give me for my trade in ? He laughed and replied " for that car, nothing. We wont get $250 for it! I told him fine, then what will he take off the sticker price. He would'nt say. I kept on trying to get him to give me an idea of the cost. All I could get was vague answers. Finally, he asked me what kind of payments could I afford. I answered somewhere in the $300 range. He started pointing at my car, then back to the new Sonata, then back to my car and then back to the sonata. He threw his hands up in the air, then turned his back on us and said "I thought you folks had some intelligence ". " You want a $19,000 car with your piece of junk as a trade in. Then he again said I thought maybe you folks had some intelligence. I was steamed and my wife was crying. We left as fast as we could. My wife didn't want to deal with Hyundai any more. I persuaded her to try one more place. We went to Suntrup in St. Louis. I asked the salesman about the cost of a GLS with my trade in. He looked at my car, and then checked my credit report. He then came back and told me he would knock a couple thousand off the sticker. That would make my payments in the low $300's. We agreed to purchase the car. The draw back was that we would have to wait for one. We said no problem. We waited and waited ,but we finally got the call. The only draw back this time was that it would include a sunroof, which we did not intend to get. We were so anxious after the long wait that we agreed to take the car anyway. It turned out the salesman threw in the roof for no charge. It was an awesome sale, with no added pressure from the dreaded finance manager. I love this car!
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    in the St. Louis area. Their newspaper adds reflected Edmund's costs almost exactly. I was well under Edmunds TMV costs--about $10.8 for the base Elantra, $11.2 for with package 2. This was for an Elantra, not a Sonata. If I was being jerked around on a Sonata, I'd go down the street and price an Optima, can't see that much difference between the two cars.

    Obviously any Prizm (have one of those too) is worth far more than $250. For that kind of money a donation to a charity at Edmunds (or better yet Kelly, since they're usually artifically high on list)
    would give you a lot bigger return than that insulting trade in offer.

    I'm getting concerned that Hyundai's new found popularity is bringing the jerk-ness out in the weak dealers. I think both Suntrup and Dean usually have a LOT of used late model Sonatas listed in Auto Trader, usually for far above Edmunds list price. I suspect you could pick up a 2001 with low miles for $11K or so with a little dickering. One with 18K is listed by a dealer in Godfrey IL for $10,850. Of course, that's for the base car.
  • pr0tagonistpr0tagonist Member Posts: 7
    about the horrible experience.
    i think you should go back to the dealer and report it to the manager, and if that doesn't help, contact hma immediately.
    i am shocked that something like that would happen.
  • ufgatorsufgators Member Posts: 58
    You were able to get the dealer to knock off a couple thousand? That's great! Did they have alot in stock?

    Thanks
  • ufgatorsufgators Member Posts: 58
    Do you guys think that the ABS/TC/Moonroof option is worth it? I think I would enjoy the moonroof, but I can get that by itself?
  • astrolastrol Member Posts: 312
    Depends on where you are and what kind of weather/road conditions you're used to. I personally would not buy a non-ABS/TC car after owning our '00 GLS pkg/13. This is luxury/safety on the cheap. People still comment on how good this car rides and looks. What they can't know without owning one like it is just how safe and sure-footed it is to drive. Nothing sudden or unexpected ever seems to faze this car.

    See you at the Orange Bowl.
  • gchuagchua Member Posts: 14
    Yes, I just bought a brand new 2002, black, 5 spd, GL Sonata - as a semi tuner project (which is why I am working off a "stripped" down car). I am plus sizing the car to 17 inch rims to start. Here's my question - OE tires for the GL are 205 65 R 15. At 17 inch, plus sizing would yield 225 45 R 17. However, OE tires for the GLS are 205 60 R 16. Plus sizing the GLS to 17 would thus yield 225 50 R 17 tires. I am predisposed to go with the 50 series - since I live in Boston and there are plenty of potholes! Has anyone tried this yet with this car?? Will I have problems with the 225 50 R 17s fitting properly in the wheel well of the GL?? Other initial mods will be K&N Air Filter, Performance Exhaust (Tenzo), a front Strut Tower Brace (courtesy of HDK Motorsports) and some interior stuff. Any other good starter mods suggestions? These cars are so new its hard to find info about mods on it on the Internet. Thanks!!!
  • oldgreen1oldgreen1 Member Posts: 2
    I struck my deal in October. The dealer told me he would have priority over several other dealers ( who knows if this was true?) to locate a Gray GLS. It took over a month and a half to find one. I believe my deal was made just in the nick of time, before they realized the shortage. Otherwise he probably would not have made such a good trade in deal for me. Oh by the way, when I dealt, there was only one 2002 GLS on the lot, and it was soon gone. No one else in the St. Louis area had one either at the time, except for the one I test drove in O'Fallon. I drove by the following Monday and it was also gone.
  • nato1nato1 Member Posts: 102
    The plus size should fit, as long as the hub offset is the same as oe. I too am looking for different tires, but in the opposite direction. I would like to get 15" steel with snow tires (I live in northern Worcester county and commute on rt2 & 190) but the problem that I have is the different lug pattern. I guess it's a 114mmx4, not the usual 100mmx4 like honda. The closest I have gotten is a 14" steel, but to me that would yeild way too much tire roll. If you have steel rims that came with your Sonata, and you'd like to part with them, send me email.
  • ufgatorsufgators Member Posts: 58
    What type of gas does the sonata require (regular, mid-grade,premium), and what do you guys like to put in it?
  • harry31harry31 Member Posts: 128
    Where are all the Santa Fes and Sonatas? Nothing but Elantras left in this area. If the Kr. plant is still working, someone has their finger stuck in the pipeline!

    I'll probably end up with a Ford product.

    Harry31
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    I've noticed a ton of Kia Optimas around.
  • nato1nato1 Member Posts: 102
    I have tried all three grades (87,89,92? mobil) in my sonata and I did notice a wee bit of difference using 92 when the engine is really working hard (3500 rpms and up). But the results from using the regular were still very good, no pinging. The recommended is regular. I'll probably stick with 89 for a while and then try the three again after the engine loosens up a bit (5-10k).
  • harry31harry31 Member Posts: 128
    Csandste:
    Thanks for the hint. I didn't realize the Optima was the same platform and drive train as the Sonata. I do like the Sonata styling better - maybe the Optima rebate will soothe the style-blues away?
    While the Wife really, REALLY wants a Santa Fe, ya gotta take what's available, eh? (A 4cyl. Sportage just doesn't cut it.).
    And who knows what the 'BL' will bring out in a coupla' years. =;-)

    Harry31 in Ocklawaha, Florida where today's weather/temp is sunny/83 degrees. Just right for 'new car lookin'.
  • rswillisrswillis Member Posts: 4
    You have a 2002 GLS with a 5 speed? I was told by two dealers that Sonata GLS's and LX's would not be available with 5 speeds until much later in the production year.
  • claywaterfillclaywaterfill Member Posts: 534
    He called it a stripper car. I'm sure he meant "base" instead of "GL." There is no GL this year. Base, GLS and LX.
  • jonbgoodjonbgood Member Posts: 157
    Sorry to be negative but.... I'm amazed to see Sonatas at full MSRP and then some mrkt adjustment on them. Why would I pay 19.5k for a Hyundai Sonata. I can buy a Pontiac Grand Prix GT with one of the top 10 engines in the world for less than 20k - and that includes Onstar. The Sonata is truly a beautiful car to look at but Hyundai needs to remember the other guys are discounting and rebating the heck out of their cars. All the comparisons the Hyundai dealer did for me were vs. full MSRP for all the competitors. You can probably buy a V6 camry for 22k. Granted - thats more than a Sonata but its a Toyota for petes sake! Our last Camry when 187,000 miles before I even started worrying about it. And that was with a 4 cyl engine. Come on Hyundai - bring on some incentives.
  • claywaterfillclaywaterfill Member Posts: 534
    All of the sudden, they are building some cars with demand. Santa Fe was first, now it is Elantra GT and Sonata (esp. with V6). When the new Tiburon comes out, I'm sure it will join this list. I guess they are having their fun, but it can't last.
  • har1bushhar1bush Member Posts: 207
    why not jus get your cars from carsdirect.com? I think they have a decent amount of discount for Sonatas
  • gchuagchua Member Posts: 14
    Yes, as was pointed out, I have a "base" model. Not sure of the nomenclature, but I thought Hyundai referred to it as either a "GL" (without the "S") or simply "Base". Whatever it is, its the 4 cylinder. And, yes, I did look for a GLS 5 speed (to get V6) but could not find any. I had to have a 5 speed - so figured money saved would just go to "tuning" the car. I checked with 6 dealers in Boston area and found only three 5 speeds - white, slate gray, and black. The black one was "IT" - the biggest bonus being ABS!!! Don't know how rare that is... But that sealed that deal for me (winter is here)... And speaking of deals, I definitely was aware of the "shortage" and checked carsdirect.com... Surprisingly (and with hardly any work), I got just over $2,000 off the total MSRP... I did go to the dealer one day before the end of the month... Asked the sales person how many more cars she had before hitting her monthly quota/bonus (2)... And worked it from there... Also got 5.5% financing... Finally, upon delivery I bumped into a guy who had just bought a sweet, black, 5 speed Elantra GT, which they found via a locate... He said he was very happy with the deal - didn't tell how much - but said that he got a good discount off MSRP. They're not a volume dealer, but treat you ok (though a bit disorganized). If looking in MA - try out Mirak in Arlington, MA... They had 2 out of the 3 5 speeds in MA when I was looking... (ask for April)...
  • acelinkacelink Member Posts: 106
    17" alloy wheels and tires of well-recognized brands would cost around two grands or more. For this amount of money, you could improved your car's performance from the services provided from www.extrudehone.com (Ford Contour SVT benefited from it). Then I would get a K&N filter, a performance exhaust (which could also be extrude honed, If I am correct) and spark plugs and wires from NGK. Although 17" wheels and tires look cool, I am afraid they are a bit too harsh and expensive. If I were you, I would go with 16" alloys that are lighter than the oem alloy wheels (check out www.tswnet.com - they make quality, light alloy wheels).
  • satzsatz Member Posts: 15
    Hi about the 17" tires, performance tuning and etc there is someone i know who had 19" tires[he says it rubs if u have passangers] exhaust, cai, headers and 55 shots on a sonta and this guy took a type s rsx without the using his nos and kicked butt ;-) .I wonder what he can do by pressing the red button lol.
    i have a 00 gls and i am sort of changing mine to his config,,,,,
    site is hyundaiproformance dot com
  • satzsatz Member Posts: 15
  • mujhcmujhc Member Posts: 8
    I posted a similar message on XG350 as well. Anyhow I just don't know which one to buy.
    '02 LX black looks incredible....It's the best looking new car in my opinion. And it does
    everything better than other similarly priced cars. It should win 'the most bang for the buck' award. Nothing to complaint about this car really. Only problem I have is I test drove XG350L
    right after. Now what to do? XG does evrything better than Sonata LX, not by wide margin, but
    better nonetheless . Especially handling was more predictable and cornering was better.
    More comfortable longer seats, heated seats are welcome in the windy city. Since the dealer was willing to give more discount on XG than Sonata so price difference was only 4 grand which I think is justified. And celadon metalic on XG looks soooo nice. what to do, what to do?
  • site815site815 Member Posts: 16
    He likes everything but the safety scores....from the 99!

    He tests the 2002, says the 99 has not-so-good safety scores.... this is incompetence!

    One of the main goals of the 2002 redesign was improving safety scores...

    P.S. He tests a stripper and says it should have ABS... ABS is always available... What is he smoking??
  • ufgatorsufgators Member Posts: 58
    I called Hyundai America Headquaters the other day in search for a Silver LX w/package 6. He returned my call with bad news. This car was not at any florida dealership (I live in South Florida), and was not coming any time soon. He said he had a silver LX with no options at a dealer 3.5 hours away. So, I decided to go with the VW Passat. They had plenty of the car I wanted in stock, and it is beautiful!
  • ufgatorsufgators Member Posts: 58
    I still think the Hyundai Sonata is a great car with alot going for it. Unfortunately, the Hyundai dealers have no room to negotiate and very few cars to choose from. When I spend that amount of money on a car, I am not going to settle. In turn, VW earned my business.
  • claywaterfillclaywaterfill Member Posts: 534
    Sounds like you want the XG. You say it does everything better and you would like the heated seats. You say they are willing to deal on the XG more than the Sonata. Sounds pretty cut and dry to me.
  • claywaterfillclaywaterfill Member Posts: 534
    I think you did the right thing. It is absolutely too much money to spend to have to settle for one almost like you want. The Passat is a very nice car. I believe it is Consumer Reports top pick in the mid size sedan category--yes, over the Honda Accord.
  • misterjohnnymisterjohnny Member Posts: 41
    What number did you call at Hyundai? I'm in the same boat, can't find the LX I want. It would sure help if I knew the inventory of the 10+ dealers in So Cal.
  • estoesto Member Posts: 136
    I'd like to know the Hyundai number also (I'm actually looking for a 5 speed Elantra GT
    with ABS - not easy to find).

    Erik
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