So mom wants a new ride....

[renegade_987]

And I have no idea which is better. She is on a budget of around $15K but 16K-17K is doable. She has it (mostly) narrowed down to 2 models, a 2011-2013 Malibu or a 2011-2013 Sonata. I went with her today and test drove both and even I'm torn. The 2 we drove were a 2012 Malibu LT1 with 43K (2.4L I4) listed for $15,988, and a 2012 Sonata GLS (Base, 2.4L I4) with 40K listed for $16,000. Here's what I need to know;

1. Without factoring in a warrenty (Both include one, Hyundai's is a few years longer) which is going to be more reliable in the long run?

2. Which vehicle will have lower maintenance fees? The Chevy dealer is right down the street from me and the Hyundai dealer is about 25 minutes away if that matters at all

3. ???

Both cars drove really nice and had mostly comfortable interiors (I'm coming from the F150 so it felt alot different) But I felt that the Malibu had the upper hand in power, and both rode very smooth. I need all advice that y'all can give. Thanks!!!!!!

 

[dishdude]

Hyundai's powertrain warranty doesn't extend to second owners, but if they are CPO there should be an additional warranty that applies.

Both are good cars, which did your Mother prefer? Which dealer is willing to negotiate?

 

[renegade_987]

Originally Posted By: dishdude
Hyundai's powertrain warranty doesn't extend to second owners, but if they are CPO there should be an additional warranty that applies.

Both are good cars, which did your Mother prefer? Which dealer is willing to negotiate?


The Hyundai was CPO, but the dealer didn't seem eager to negotiate. The dealer with the Malibu was very open to negotiation, and even more so when they heard she had a trade in. She is pretty split down the middle on which she prefers.

 

[Azeem]

I'd stay away from 2011 and 2012 Sonatas, albeit good looking they might be.My friend's "2011" had a few problems from starter @60 k miles,hard auto shifts,pulling to the side & numb steering, broken shifter lever,carbon build up in the GDI engine.Hyundai themselves are aware of that catastrophic reliability issues and they are working on these bugs.

 

[Rand]

In june 2011 I could get a 6mt sonata for 16274$ out the door.(new)

 

[skyactiv]

I'm not a Chevy fan, but I'd get the Malibu over the Sonata in this case.

 

[AdmdeVilleneuve]

What kind of driving does she do? Retired, or still working (long commute)? What was her last ride? Which one has better sight lines?

I had a neighbor who had a Malibu for a company car he would sometimes bring home. He liked it for long trips; said it was more comfortable than other options available to him at work.

If the Chevy dealer is willing to negotiate some, think I would lean toward the Malibu.

 

[renegade_987]

Originally Posted By: AdmdeVilleneuve
What kind of driving does she do? Retired, or still working (long commute)? What was her last ride? Which one has better sight lines?

I had a neighbor who had a Malibu for a company car he would sometimes bring home. He liked it for long trips; said it was more comfortable than other options available to him at work.

If the Chevy dealer is willing to negotiate some, think I would lean toward the Malibu.


She's still working, but work is about a 1 mile drive there and back, and then it'd be used for running around town and what not. He last ride was an Explorer, so she's used to driving slightly larger cars. She also drives dad's F150 quite frequently.

 

[901Memphis]

The ecotech has proven reliable, I'd go with the Malibu.

 

[SF0059]

Not necessarily a Chevy guy, but out of those choices I'd go with the Malibu.

 

[zzyzzx]

I would also go with the Malibu.

 

[sciphi]

Malibu all day long. The last-gen 'Bu was a pretty solid car.

 

[SLCraig]

If it were me, Malibu.
Too many unhappy people with Hyundai for me to give them my money. (Just my thoughts)

 

[jigen]

Between the two, I'd rather be driving the Malibu.

 

[gregk24]

This is a tough choice, especially since I am not a GM fan...but between the two I would probably go with the Malibu. If she is open to more options then the Accord/Camry of that era would be a far better choice for overall longevity. Many will disagree with that statement but thats ok.

 

[IndyIan]

With such a short commute, is DI a potential problem?

 

[exranger06]

Is the 2.4 in the Malibu the same one used in the Equinox and GMC Terrain? If so, it's a garbage engine and I would stay away.

 

[gofast182]

Originally Posted By: gregk24
This is a tough choice, especially since I am not a GM fan...but between the two I would probably go with the Malibu. If she is open to more options then the Accord/Camry of that era would be a far better choice for overall longevity. Many will disagree with that statement but thats ok.

Absolutely agree. Of the two I might go Malibu, BUT if she's considering a "Korean" car made in America (as the Koreans are still getting their act together), why not consider a "Japanese" car built in America that you know is well sorted with no real question marks?

 

[mrsilv04]

Originally Posted By: exranger06
Is the 2.4 in the Malibu the same one used in the Equinox and GMC Terrain? If so, it's a garbage engine and I would stay away.


"Garbage engine"... how so?

I do love these "hit and run" posts. Make a statement with nothing to back it up, and leave.

 

[exranger06]

Originally Posted By: mrsilv04
Originally Posted By: exranger06
Is the 2.4 in the Malibu the same one used in the Equinox and GMC Terrain? If so, it's a garbage engine and I would stay away.


"Garbage engine"... how so?

I do love these "hit and run" posts. Make a statement with nothing to back it up, and leave.

Timing chain problems and oil consumption problems. My fiancee's sister has the 2.4 in her 2010 Terrain, and it's been to the dealer at least 5 times for timing chain issues and oil consumption problems. Google it, they're both common problems with this engine.