If you like the looks you should consider doing a google search for the 2018 Sonata. It's about to look completely different you might like it more to wait.
Most of the transmission quirks are with the 7 speed DCT in the 'Eco' model, the regular 6 speed automatic in the other models has been very reliable.
As far as the engine issues, most so far seem to be with the 2011-2014 (YF) models. I haven't heard of an engine failure in a 2015+ model, but most of those still have under 80k miles, which is when the problems usually start to show up.
My advice... if you're the type to keep a car a few years and then trade it, Hyundai is probably fine (if you get a really good deal)... but if you buy cars to drive for 200k miles, then go with Toyota or Honda.
The 6 speed automatic is reliable. Engine issues were limited to a few engines that basically were not cleaned properly after honing and machining. Out 2008 Sonata is still on the road at 250K. While Toyota and Honda may have the reputation of reliability, none are without fault. Some Toyotas have suffered oil consumption issues. Some Hondas have transmission issues. We have a friend that is a musician and commutes a lot. She had a 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid. At 55,000 miles, she called me because with around 3,000 miles since her last oil change, the dipstick was nearly dry. Do a little research and come to find oil consumption is a known issue. She didn't want to deal with it. I took her to our Kia dealer (Hyundai / Kia are the same company) and she traded it on the spot for a 2015 Forte EX. She already has 60,000 miles on it and has had no issues.
Eh, I don't buy that story from Hyundai. They went to wet blasting for the '13 model year, so why are '13 and '14 models still failing?
Funny thing about the LF Sonata is that the 1.6T engine in the Eco is probably one of Hyundai's best engines, but it's mated to the DCT tranny. It's a shame they won't offer the 1.6T with the 6 speed automatic.
As far as Toyota... yes, the '07-'09 Camry did have oil consumption issues, but even with people running them low on oil, very few actually seized up. With Hyundai, run it low on oil once, and it's done.
You also typically only see the horror stories on the Internet.
I was debating between the Accent and the Corolla when I was shopping. Toyota has the reputation, but I liked the Accent better. 9 months and not a single issue so far.
Unfortunately, the perceptions will linger, though. I.e. if I'd gotten the Corolla and it needed warranty work or oil consumption at 80K miles, people would say "That's unusual, they're usually rock-solid". If the Accent has problems at 80K, I'll hear "I told you you should have bought a <other brand> instead of that Hyundai ..."
Every Toyota I ever had started drinking oil at ~80,000 miles.
One of them started at 36,000. Couldn't figure that one out until a coworker said "Nice oil undercoating you got there." The oil pan bolts were working loose, so after that every oil change was oil, filter, tighten the oil pan bolts.
No car is completely bullet-proof (wait..I used to work for an armoured car builder...some actually are) but just weather it better than others.
The engine recall was on the YF Sonata (2011-2014). I haven't heard of any issues on LF's. My '15 sport runs strong. The only Sonata with a dual clutch tranny is the Eco model. Hyundai doesn't have CVT transmissions. The 6 speed auto is in all Sonatas except Eco & it's a strong tranny.
If you buy one, just make sure to use full synthetic 5w-30 oil. If you use cheap conventional oil with the 7500 mile oil change interval, you'll end up with a sludged engine that won't last very long.
I leased a 2017 Sonata. I read Consumer Reports which I have found to be helpful. They recommend this car and predict it to be reliable. Toyota and Honda have nice cars, but they are more expensive. For me, the test drive makes a difference also. Good luck with your choice.
Glad you like your Sonata. I'm going to drive one and see. I like Honda's also but Hyundia's are definitely less. agree the price is right. Unfortunately I couldn't go this week as planned and now it looks like the extra discounts they had for March are over. If I like it may wait and see if there is a new deal coming up.
Might as well check out the Optima as well. They're basically the same car underneath, just styling differences. I'm not sure which one you could get a better deal on.
At the recent George Washington sales, the Hyundai dealer was taking $6000 off the list price so I could not ignore the deal and traded in my 2009 car for a 2017 Sonata SE with the optional Homelink mirror. I have only 1070 miles as of today but I am happy especially with the Android Auto which beats the built in navigation system and will ALWAYS be up to date with Google maps. It would be nicer if the Android Auto would work without the USB cable connected.
As someone who sells Hyundais I wouldn't even consider the Tucson. The price, comfort, and options per dollar are terrible - this is true with almost all the popular small CUV's. The value proposition has improved significantly with revised incentives in my area, however. The SE Plus Tucson seems to be the sweet spot.
New incentives came out today - an EYE WATERING $6000 RETAIL BONUS CASH is being offered in Northern California on all 2017 Limited and 2.0T Sonatas in stock. You'll receive an extra $750 if you finance through Hyundai Motor Finance. I'm seriously considering trading my 2014 YF for an LF despite the new 2018 model looming later this year. Money talks - $6750 off PLUS DEALER DISCOUNT (if any) is an insane deal on the Limited Sonata.
My 2014 YF Sonata hasn't had any issues in about 45k and the three years or so I've had it. I literally BEAT this thing. Floor it at every light cold. I do oil changes at 6,000 miles on regular dino oil too, lol.
I agree about the Tuscon. It's ridiculous that you have to buy a Limited trim to get Android Auto/CarPlay and decent sized head unit screen when thats not the case with a Sonata, Elantra.
my 15' sonata is at 70k miles, not a single issue yet. I do know they did have a recall for their 2015-2016 panoramic sunroofs flying off.... luckily i dont have a panoramic roof nor sunroof =D.
If you are to wait for 2018 Sonata, then wait a little bit for new Camry 2018 and compare them. 6 speed vs. 8 speed; V6, space ship interior, etc. Toyota's reliability ?
If you are to wait for 2018 Sonata, then wait a little bit for new Camry 2018 and compare them. 6 speed vs. 8 speed; V6, space ship interior, etc. Toyota's reliability ?
Everyone has perceptions and they are hard to change.
Hyundai was not making good cars in the 1990's and that perception remains. I think they are good now, but I can show you links to complete engine failures at 30K-40K miles.
1990's Camries were near bulletproof and you go 300-350K miles with little maintenance and downright abuse and that perception remains.
Toyota also has had a LOT of recalls lately. There are two ways to look at that: The manufacturer cares enough about the customer to want to make sure their cars are corrected, or the manufacturer screwed up on the build/design process and didn't make/design the cars correctly to start with.
Personally, my Hyundai has had zero issues, but it is less than a year old. Most of my previous new cars have been Fords, and they usually had one or two breakdowns that were covered under the warranty, and from what I've read, I would expect similar from Toyota.
It also matters a lot what is failing - i.e. a fuel hose or an HVAC motor or a power window switch is less of an issue than an engine or DCT failure ...
I just picked up a 2017 Sonata on Friday night. Sold a Sonata Sport value edition to my buddy on Sunday as well. The deal was too good to pass up for me - refreshed Sonata or not, I received $6000 retail bonus cash, $750 HMF cash, and my sales manager was kind enough to use up $1000 in flex cash coupons and around $2000 dealer discount. A screaming deal. I purchased a Sonata Limited Ultimate package and got rid of my beloved YF. Sorry old gal, but my new LF is much more refined in every way possible. We both traded out of our YF Sonatas.
Didn't take a picture of mine, so here's my buddy with his lol.
The 2.0l in the Tucson is perfectly fine. If you don't need a sunroof I'd actually suggest saving a bit and picking up a Tucson SE Plus if you must go for an SUV.
Depends on the dealership. You've got about a 1k spread between sticker and invoice on the Sport Value. They should if they want to make a deal, but even 24k before incentives is still giving it away.
I got more dealer discount than I thought. Sale price before incentives was $30,745. Sticker price is 33,550. Got 7750 rebates in total. About 25.2k OTD plus my negative and GAP. I'm a salesperson at this dealership so your mileage may vary.
Yeah, the deals are crazy right now. I managed to pick up a 2016 Sport (Standard Package) with under 40 miles for 16.7k out the door. 7.5k in rebates and I decided not to do the HMF cause they said the rates were up in the 6s and I was getting under 3% with a local bank. It was late and they never ran the HMF numbers so I wonder if that was true...but I was tired and the price was already well below what I was prepared to pay. I would have gone for a the premium package but the 16s they had were less than perfect (deep chips on the door). Maybe I should have gone with a limited
Ah well, I can tell I will enjoy this car. I was considering the Eco based on the reviews of the 1.6L engine but I'm happy with my choice now. And to think on April 03, I almost pulled the trigger on a used '16 with 11k miles that would have been more expensive than a brand new one days later.
decided not to do the HMF cause they said the rates were up in the 6s and I was getting under 3% with a local bank. It was late and they never ran the HMF numbers so I wonder if that was true...
Same deal. I took HMF cash and plan to refinance when I can. Hyundai Motor Finance gave me 5.19% tier 1. Gotta make it back somewhere. You only need to make 3 payments with them before refinancing with a lower rate elsewhere while retaining the $750 HMF cash.
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