There's already one Sonata in my family, the one I signed up on this forum with - a 2012 silver GLS. Its my mom's. She bought it based on my recommendation which was just based on what I had read and seen, and she liked it. I don't know anyone else who has one. Nice car, but a little bland for me.

I'm starting to think about a new car for myself. I'm not really into sedans because I don't have kids and dogs to haul around. For the last 12 years I've driven "pony cars" - first a Camaro, then a Mustang. It fit my style, but I'm not crazy about the current versions of them - plus, I could certainly use some extra mpg. The thing is, I like a car that has a unique style. I get compliments on the Mustang almost on a weekly basis. Even random people at the gas station will give a "nice ride..."

I've driven this '12 model and the Sonata seems kind of big. The backseat area is ginormous! Is the Sonata more of an older person's car? I would think that a car this big is better suited for family use or an older person.

The ride seems kind of soft, definitely not sporty. Is there a difference in the ride between a GLS and an SE? Is it sportier? I would really like a bit more firmer ride, sportier handling. I'm not really into mods - my Mustang is 100% stock and handles nice but can be a little punishing on bumps/potholes.

I like the price/value of this car. Other cars I was thinking of are the VW Passat which I think is smaller. How does the Sonata compare? I don't like the Accord & Camry. I was thinking of maybe looking at a slightly used Sonata, '12 or '13 only, in order to get a better price on a better equipped copy. I'd like a sunroof and foglights - and its a shame that they make you get the whole option pkg making it a top of the line model just to get a sunroof.

Another question - with the Nav option, do you have to get a subscription in order to get the street data & updates to it?

I looked at the Accord, Passat, and Sonata. The Sonata won hands down once I drove them. Plus my mechanic voted againsthe VW. He's not a fan as he's seen plenty of them.

No you don't need a subscription for the NAV. I belive they put out an update disc every few years that you can purchase or not.

 

I looked at the Accord, Passat, and Sonata. The Sonata won hands down once I drove them. Plus my mechanic voted againsthe VW. He's not a fan as he's seen plenty of them.

No you don't need a subscription for the NAV. I belive they put out an update disc every few years that you can purchase or not.

I don't have kids, but I do have an 80lbs dog so I decided on a sedan (even though I wanted a coupe ). I test drove a Lexus IS250, Camry XLE, Infiniti G35, Honda Accord. I actually bought an 08 Honda Accord, but on the way home from the dealer experienced some electrical issues, and returned it the next day. I went to the local Nissan/Hyundai dealer to test drive the Camry, and ended up walking out with my 2013 Sonata SE. This was last April. I've had the car for a year, put close to 20k on it and I love it. I feel this will be a car I will have for a very long time and feel great about it.

 

Oh and if you think the Sonata is too big or for "old people". Look into the Elantra... they have some pretty sporty versions of it too...

 

From what I see, most Sonata owners are in their 30's or 40's (I'm 33). If the OP considers that "old", then I guess the Sonata is an "old persons car".

 

Yeah, I guess it depends on your defenition of old. I'm 34.... So if I'm old, then this must be an old person's car...

 

12GLS - the SE trim has sport tuned suspension, larger rims and performance tires. Go take one for a test drive, it is noticeably firmer than the GLS or Limited. I thought my wife would complain about the ride in my SE being "rough" but she loves driving it. I have not pushed it really hard cornering, etc. but it does grip the road pretty well.

If you just really are not into sedans but are interested in Hyundai, take a look at the Genesis coupe.

 

Hey guys, I am 63 years young and I love my Sonata SE turbo. Fast enough to keep me happy!

 

+2 on the 63. I'm 65 years young and also love my Sonata SE turbo. With 274 hp you wont be missing much form your Mustang in the performance dept.

 

30 turning 31 in 3 weeks and I LOVE my 11 Sonata SE... The only thing I want is the 2.0T but that will be next year...

 

I'm have a Sonata SE and and a Camaro SS. Even though my Camaro is 13 years old, it is a lot more fun to drive than my Sonata. I didn't buy the Sonata thinking it was any kind of performance car because it isn't. It's a real nice four door grocery-getter. And yes I got the SE because it handles better than a GLS or a Limited.

Far be it from me to tell anyone what to buy. The only thing I know is if you really like your Mustang, the Sonata may be a big disappointment. Just my 2 cents.

Dave

 

To the op: How about a used G35? Sounds like you might like it.

 

Well, I can't quite afford the Infiniti G37. The Elantra does have a coupe, but I read the reviews on it and it doesn't sound good. The little 1.8 four-holer is almost at the bottom of its class for power. It looks nice though. I'm coming from a 240hp V6.

Does the 2.0T turbo model have the sport tuned suspension?

The new Genesis is kind of expensive and there aren't many used ones from 2012 on the market. I like the Hyundai warranty. Mom's GLS hasn't needed any work and had good delivery quality so they seem to be putting out a good product.

 

The "sport suspension" is only available on the SE regardless if you get the 2.4 or 2.0 engine. It is not available on the GLS and Limited.

 

The "sport suspension" is only available on the SE regardless if you get the 2.4 or 2.0 engine. It is not available on the GLS and Limited.

SE Turbo
Independent Strut Front Suspension With Coil Springs and Shock Absorbers and sport Ride Type (Standard)
Independent Multi-Link Rear Suspension With Coil Springs and Shock Absorbers and sport Ride Type (Standard)
18" Wheels
Curb Weight 3338


Limited Turbo
Independent Strut Front Suspension With Coil Springs and Shock Absorbers and sport Ride Type (Standard)
Independent Multi-Link Rear Suspension With Coil Springs and Shock Absorbers and sport Ride Type (Standard)
18" Wheels
Curb Weight 3452


Limited
Independent Strut Front Suspension With Coil Springs and Shock Absorbers (Standard)
Independent Multi-Link Rear Suspension With Coil Springs and Shock Absorbers (Standard)
17" Wheels
Curb Weight 3316

 

For interior I really like the Sonata. It's also very roomy. I like the sporty styling of the Sonata as well (I'm 30).
The doors are kind of flimsy, the road noise is horrible,and my clear coat has new scratches weekly. I think this is where the Camry/Accord pass the Sonata in terms of finishing touches.

 

I went from a Mustang to a Sonata, and I am happy. The difference in driving dynamics isn't that significant (mine was a 2006 Mustang), although the acceleration is different since I went with the Hybrid.

I stepped to the Sonata for space - my wife and I had a second child, and the Mustang wouldn't hold the infant car seat without practically removing the front passenger seat.

I looked at the Infiniti G series, but to get one in what I was willing to spend, I had to look at the G25, and it is a little soul-less car. Nissan, Honda, and Toyota don't have anything to excite me. The Sonata was the best sedan fit for me.

Personally, I will probably get something sportier in a couple years, mainly because I miss my convertible top. But I may also keep the Sonata for the family drives!

 

Now I'm disappointed to see that they only offer the SE with black interior. I don't like it so dark. From what I can tell, they offered SE with grey and/or beige in 2012 so I'd be stuck looking for a used one....

 

I'd look into the genesis coupe, either 3.8 or turbo, look at the track edition. My friend has one its in the 13s 1/4 mile, but still good on gas

 

I went from 700 horse power to the 2.0 and the difference on the mid speed area isn't noticeable. When passing on 2 lanes (flooded with them in this area) I have can't tell a difference. Now takeoff and top end.........that's a different story. Nice going from 10 mpg to 30 though.

 

You are absolutely correct Dysan911. I have a 2013 2.0T and I like the car. But performance wise it does not compare well to my Acura TL 3.5 V6-- nor did I expect it to . . . It's a nice car for the money however (and about $15K less than the Acura).

 

One thing I've noticed especially on the used market is that there are FAR fewer SE models on the market than Limited or GLS. Since the SE has a sportier suspension that's the one I'd be more interested in. But they don't seem to be too popular? That's the impression I get. Or else maybe nobody wants to part with one! I wonder why.

 

There's so many GLS models out there because that's what rental companies buy. I saw four of them being unloaded at the local Chevy dealer yesterday to be put on the used lot. No doubt they were all ex-rentals (along with the Chrysler 200).

My own car was a rental, but I modified it a little so it doesn't look so bland.