Should I Buy An '04-'09 Sonata Or '07-'09 Elantra?, need some serious advice Options

[nonlinear]

i'm planning to buy a new car this December and have been doing a lot of internet research, and i've pretty much narrowed it down to a '0-'09 Sonata or '07-'09 Elantra. I would like to keep things under about $12,000 but i'm young and would prefer to spend less and invest more if possible.

Initially, I was gonna go with a Sonota. I thought it was a no brainer because it seems to have more/better features than the Elantra (e.g. steering wheel audio controls, V6 option cause I enjoy power). However, when I began to look at gas mileage, it seems that the Elantra might be a better choice. The newer Elantras also have the redesigned interior that didn't appear in the Sonata until '09, and i'm afraid that year Sonata is pretty much out of my price range, especially in the options I want.

I'm just curious is you guys can give me some advice on which would be a better car for me. I'm going to test drive several cars of both models, obviously, but thought this would be a good starting point. Can anyone give advice on the Elantra power? I understand it will be less powerful than a V6, however will it be 'weak' like my '88 Excel was, or my '91 Cavelier? or does it have a bit of pickup? what about fuel economy vs. power between the 4 banger and the V6?

what about ride quality and interior fit and finish between Elantra and Sonata? does the Elantra feel cheap compared to a sonata?

and finally, how do you guys think these cars comapre in general? is the Sonata a far superior car, or is it more of a size difference?

Thanks

This post has been edited by nonlinear: Nov 15 2009, 06:01 PM

[KIDRoach]

I don't know if this would help but I just had my Sonata a couple of days ago and so far it's been great. (Drove it 50 miles so far)

Before I start though, I believe the last remodel for Sonata was 2006. 2009 is the major interior remodel.


I used to own a 2004 Elantra and I believe the HD models still uses the same engine as the XD, so power comparison should be similar. After owning an Elantra, I was leaning on buying another Elantra again, this time the new HD models.


I put a lot of research into my purchase and I came up with a 2006 Sonata. First thing on my mind was safety feature when traveling on highway. From my research, I saw that the Elantra didn't have stability control/traction control and abs. This was crucial on my list, especially after the accident in which I lost the Elantra. In addition to that, the Sonata has airbags all around.


Power-wise, I can definitely tell the difference between the Sonata and the Elantra. The V6 Sonata is much more stable on highways. Its power is undeniable (240 hp). Compared to the Elantra, with 170 hp, its difference is noticeable. It's really hard to go up above 60 mph on the Elantra but on the Sonata, it goes right up. The Sonata is also much more stable than the Elantra. When driving the Elantra on the highway, it feels like if I just suddenly tilt the steering wheel, the car would spin. On the Sonata, the steering wheel doesn't feel wobbly at all.

Price was also a huge concern for me. My budget was around 10,000 , with 12,000 maximum out the door. I was trying really hard to find a Sonata priced below 10,000 out the door. When I looked at the 2007 Elantra, almost none of them are priced less than 10,000, before tax and doc fees. When I compare the features that I would have in the Sonata and Elantra, it wasn't that hard to pick. Sonata is definitely best for your money. I do really like the interior on the new HD though. It was significantly better than the interior of the '06 Sonata, but is about the same quality as the '09 Sonata. If I could find an '07 Elantra priced below 9,000, I would probably buy it, but as it turns out, I bought the Sonata.

Finally, the Elantra uses timing belt, and Sonata, Timing Chains. With the mileage that I'm going to be looking at, the Elantra would be looking at the timing belt replacement within a year. Sonata uses timing chains, so that would cut down on about $500 that you're going to spend. (60k maintenance for Elantra is probably around $1,000 while Sonata probably around $450 tops)

Hope this helps! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

This post has been edited by KIDRoach: Nov 15 2009, 03:39 PM

[lovemysantafe]

The Elantra's 140 horsepower four-cylinder won't take the tar off the road but it will certainly get the job done and I don't think you could really compare it to an '88 Excel or a '91 Cavalier. Automotive technology has advanced greatly in the last 15-20 years and you really need to drive each of these cars to figure out which one is for you. They are both great machines.

Either way, you can't lose. Good luck. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/thumbsup.gif)

[MS Fowler]

I have an 03 Elantra, and I don't know what the above poster is talking about when he says that the Elantra had trouble going over 60 mph.
Mine can exceed any speed limit in the country. Yes, other cars can get to illegal speeds quicker, but the Elantra is capable of getting you as many speeding tickets as your license, and wallet can tolerate.