I've finally got the clearance from the insurance company for the new engine. They are putting in an engine with an equal mileage and similar condition (that's what they said) , My 2006 hyundai sonata is a limited edition. I bought it at 17599 + tax from carmax when it had almost 15k. Now the dealership is offering me a deal . They want me to trade in the used car (17k , advising me that the car is going to have problems later) , for a new one. I was looking at the santa fe after rebates and it sounded like a good deal to me but driving in a sonata was a different experince. How do santa fe's compare to sonatas ? What do you guys suggest? I don't mind trading it for a new sonata but it's just that 24k for a limited edition is a little expensive for me.
almister
+1
and now they want to make even more money by selling him a new car for MSRP.
It's a matter of personal taste, but I liked SantaFe. It drives just like Sonata and feels the same. I don't know about replacing Sonata with SantaFe, but I'm thinking about getting it as a second car.
BTW - SantaFe is even more expensive. It's MSRP is just under 30k.
Dear al,
I own and love both my 2001 Sonata and 2004 Santa Fe. Identify how you intend to use the vehicle.
a) Will you be towing any trailers?
B) Does your wife need a vehicle to load up with cedar mulch, concrete, fencing, redwood decking, and dripping wet flower pots?
c) Do you have to routinely drive in snow 12 inches or deeper in the winter?
If no, buy the Sonata!
Byron
I own and love both my 2001 Sonata and 2004 Santa Fe. Identify how you intend to use the vehicle.
a) Will you be towing any trailers?
B) Does your wife need a vehicle to load up with cedar mulch, concrete, fencing, redwood decking, and dripping wet flower pots?
c) Do you have to routinely drive in snow 12 inches or deeper in the winter?
If no, buy the Sonata!
Byron
Try the Santa Fe, you drove the Sonata but Im sure you will like the Santa Fe because it will be a different car I guess. Both cars are really good, Sonata is fast while Santa Fe has the smoothness of an SUV. Try to see which deal is better 
Here's my take. . . .
The ball is in your court here. Come up with the price that you are willing to pay, both for a new sonata and santa fe. Check Edmunds and other web sites to help with pricing.
Tell the dealer to make you an offer. Counter with your bottom line price. Tell them to hit that price if they want your business. Keep in mind that Hyundai is offering rebates and has an initiative to grow market share. Be very upfront about your desire to have them not waste your time. They hit your price: deal. If they don't hit your price: don't waste your time at the dealership.
In the meantime you have you will have your (repaired) sonata. The dealership is telling you that you will have problems down the road to try to bait you - make you panic and think that you better get rid of the car while you can. . . just games
(Food for thought: ask them why there would be problems down the road if their people are doing the repairs . . . are they not qualified? Are they not willing to stand behind their own work?)
The ball is in your court here. Come up with the price that you are willing to pay, both for a new sonata and santa fe. Check Edmunds and other web sites to help with pricing.
Tell the dealer to make you an offer. Counter with your bottom line price. Tell them to hit that price if they want your business. Keep in mind that Hyundai is offering rebates and has an initiative to grow market share. Be very upfront about your desire to have them not waste your time. They hit your price: deal. If they don't hit your price: don't waste your time at the dealership.
In the meantime you have you will have your (repaired) sonata. The dealership is telling you that you will have problems down the road to try to bait you - make you panic and think that you better get rid of the car while you can. . . just games
(Food for thought: ask them why there would be problems down the road if their people are doing the repairs . . . are they not qualified? Are they not willing to stand behind their own work?)
Dear almister,
Maybe your dealer is offerring a deal becasue they smell blood in the water! Your car is now listed on CARFAX as a flood damaged car and likely lost 40% of its value in one event. How much are they offerring you for a trade, if we can ask? Will they cover at least the amount you owe so you are not "upside-down" on your car loan?
Byron
Maybe your dealer is offerring a deal becasue they smell blood in the water! Your car is now listed on CARFAX as a flood damaged car and likely lost 40% of its value in one event. How much are they offerring you for a trade, if we can ask? Will they cover at least the amount you owe so you are not "upside-down" on your car loan?
Byron
Only SUV I've ever driven and LIKED was my old Honda Element. But for the most part, I hate SUVs......unless you really need the room stick with the sedan.
Most SUVs don't drive as nice as cars....higher center of gravity....feels like a car on stilts somewhat and the gas mileage almost always sucks....you'll probably be in the teens in a Santa Fe.
I've always hated SUVs.....just too big and clog up the road. Give me a sedan any day.
Most SUVs don't drive as nice as cars....higher center of gravity....feels like a car on stilts somewhat and the gas mileage almost always sucks....you'll probably be in the teens in a Santa Fe.
I've always hated SUVs.....just too big and clog up the road. Give me a sedan any day.
I drive both of them back to back all the time at work. I would choose the Santa Fe just because I like suvs and I feel safer and like being higher up. Go for the 3.3 with the 18 inchers. The 16 inch wheels give the Santa Fe a choppy ride.
The Santa Fe is a nice ride but I love my Sonata. You might hit the middle ground and try the new Veracruz.. It is a spiffy rig with the 3.8 and rides really nice. It is not quite as trucklike as the Sante Fe and looks to be a little less $$. Just be careful as it sounds like the dealer is playing on your fears to twist your arm into something.
Good Luck,
Ray
Good Luck,
Ray
I agree with Ray, don't jump yet. Have the engine replaced and drive it. Check with your DMV to see if the title will be labeled "flood". I can't see why it would be.
You may never have any problems. Is there a minimal warranty on the new engine?
Take the "wait and see" attitude for awhile.
You may never have any problems. Is there a minimal warranty on the new engine?
Take the "wait and see" attitude for awhile.
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