I'm a first time car buyer, looking to purchase for long-term, and will pay it off (not interested in interest).

Looking for v4, EX, EX-L, SE, Limited type package. Though people seem to be buying the GS.

Do the GS models come with sunroof? SE? Hyundai's website doesn't really say, but I hear people talking about it.

SE is only v6 right?

What would be better GS or SE with the "package" purchase or just go for Limited?

So if your car is totaled, insurance is only going to pay the current market value of the car? That means down the road you won't get much for you Sonata ... ???

When should I buy? I'm gambling that the 2009 will eventually have better rebates, incentives, and sales.

My budget is less than or equal to 25K out the door (i.e., everything, tax, license, etc.)

The Internet is great for research...but you need to get out and drive both cars.

We drove the Accord, Camry, Sonata and Altima all in a single weekend and brought home a Sonata Limited. For the money, the other cars did not come close.

The nicest car IMO was indeed the Accord, but equally equipped they were over $5K more...so it was an easy decision.

You can get a totally loaded 08 Limited with a V-6 for a hair over $20K right now. If you don't need the latest interior mods the 09 has, that will be a hard deal to beat.

My wife is somewhat spoiled and loves here limited...it rides like the baby Lexus and is just as nice IMO. It is a steal at under $20k.

As for the insurance issue...you need to check your policy. You can always add gap coverage to cover your lack of equity. A better plan is to always put at least half down on a new car and you wont ever have to worry about it. Putting nothing (or some insignificant amount down) is why so many folks are seriously upside down.

Drive em all and see what you like. Lay out all the prices, options and come up with a checklist and make an educated and calculated decision...then go make a deal.

I'm liking this site, CarBuyingTips.com, even includes spreadsheets to work out the numbers. And **** off sales people cause their abusive emails or responses are posted on the site.

I don't like the interior of the 08. I like the exterior. As someone stated, 09 interior, plus 08 exterior, money!

Obviously more research to be done. Hadn't considered budgeting for cost of owndership yet.

I like that 09 Sonata has 60/40 rear split seat. I don't like that 08 accord doesn't have that.

This post has been edited by hyundaiorbust: May 26 2008, 12:57 AM

I think the reliability of the Sonata is right there with the best. Hyundai has done a marvelous job in that regard. Warranty is also a consideration, and Hyundai has the best.

It takes a few years for perception to catch up with reality, so the Sonata's resale value is too low at this time. As soon as people start to realize they are reliable cars, I think the resale value will improve.

If you time it right, you can practically steal an 09. The cost of ownership for the Accord and Sonata are about equal, but the Sonata is easier to get into.

Regardless of price and resale, I think a test drive will convince you the cars are very close in quality.

This was a dilema of mine also, but for the price you can't beat the Sonata. I looked at an 08 Accord EX-L V6 w/ NAV & it was just a little over $32k. The exact same car as what I bought but mine is an 09 Limited V6 w/ NAV & the sticker was $27,800 & had a $1,500 rebate, Honda wouldn't budge off the price, so I bought the same car for almost $6k less & got a year newer! That was what sold me!

Trying to get in while it's cheap-er also. If Hyundai continues, their cars are going to start costing more, the 09 Sonata is good example.

$24,793 out the door here, Accord was number 2, they wouldn't budget and I like the drive better on the Sonata.

Good luck!

buy the Sonata, use the money you saved to buy a HD TV, and surround sound system... You get a new car and an upgraded in your living room; that is a win win!

2009 SE is your model then. SE has the same euro-flange alloy as in 08 and the 2009 grill (azera like). But SE may be only v6 and that too with sport tuned suspension (read harsher ride for tight cornering ability). If you are looking for soft and noise free ride, you may not like SE much.