Wrecked today. Thinking about a 2011 Sonata

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I definitely want a Sonata after looking at several hundred pictures of them and doing some more reading. I want indigo blue with black/grey interior. I'll probably get a GLS with popular equipment package. An SE with 2.0T would be out of my price range. I'm already impressed that the base engine makes 198hp which will be plenty for a family hauler.

Hopefully I'll have the car next week sometimes. I'll post back. Thanks for the replies, everyone.
 
Originally Posted By: odie
Here's a face off of the 2010 family / midsize sedans , includes SONATA , CAMRY , ACCORD , KIZASHI , FUSION , MAZDA 6 , IMPALA , and ALTIMA . Here's the link www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2010-05-03-sedan-shootout_N.htm . Enjoy .


I find that review completely subjective, baseless and probably biased. I'm not sure what the media gets for promoting Korean cars like they do, maybe a bigger check? No way is the Sonata objectively a better car than all those other fine automobiles. I think a subjective ranking order like this is irresponsible. Anyway I think a buyer should actually test the vehicles rather than rely on a media article to tell them what car is best for everyone.
 
mechanicx, it is something how the Hy-love is burning so hot nowadays.

We have a 2009 Sonata. I wouldn't call it a bad car, but within 500 miles of brand new it was squeaking (windshield), clunking (front suspension), and mis-shifting (transmission) second to third, and continues to do all these to this day. Dealer says they find nothing wrong with it.
 
Oh no, that is sooo not what I want to hear, however my mother's 2007 Camry has some rattles and creeks which I was shocked to discover.

*sigh* I'm going to do a thourough test drive. I will not buy the car if it rattles and has cheapy interior parts. I cannot stand such poor quality. I want a solid, tight car.
 
Hyundai's long warranty sounds good on paper, but when they pay so little on warranty labor times and/or the issue can't be readily fixed the dealer will not do repairs and the warranty doesn't mean a lot. I have heard that they sometimes have drivability/refinement issues even if they don't break down.
 
Originally Posted By: mechanicx
Originally Posted By: odie
Here's a face off of the 2010 family / midsize sedans , includes SONATA , CAMRY , ACCORD , KIZASHI , FUSION , MAZDA 6 , IMPALA , and ALTIMA . Here's the link www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2010-05-03-sedan-shootout_N.htm . Enjoy .


I find that review completely subjective, baseless and probably biased. I'm not sure what the media gets for promoting Korean cars like they do, maybe a bigger check? No way is the Sonata objectively a better car than all those other fine automobiles. I think a subjective ranking order like this is irresponsible. Anyway I think a buyer should actually test the vehicles rather than rely on a media article to tell them what car is best for everyone.

I'm sure there is some bias, but also remember that the 2011 Sonata is a 2011MY design, while most of the other cars are about 4 years old.
 
Originally Posted By: maximus
I definitely want a Sonata after looking at several hundred pictures of them and doing some more reading. I want indigo blue with black/grey interior. I'll probably get a GLS with popular equipment package. An SE with 2.0T would be out of my price range. I'm already impressed that the base engine makes 198hp which will be plenty for a family hauler.

Hopefully I'll have the car next week sometimes. I'll post back. Thanks for the replies, everyone.


The dealer gave me a 2011 Sonata as a loaner when I had some warranty work done on the van. I was very impressed with this car. I'm spoiled by the HUGE interior volume of my Chrysler, but I could see myself being comfortable with a Sonata. It drove and rode great.
 
maximus, I thought a thorough test drive would reveal all, but it doesn't.

I expect the test drive should have revealed the clunking suspension, but either it developed later, or somehow I missed the bumps.

I expect the test drive should have revealed the 2-3 upshift flare and thunk, but it must have developed later. I am very aware of transmission shifting characteristics, can't imagine missing that one.

The dreadful squeaking windshield was easy to miss - it only occurs in colder weather (below 50f) without rain. When it is warm or wet, no squeak. It was warm during the test drive.

If our car did not have these problems I would rate it quite highly. After all, it has some desirable characteristics, which is why we considered it in the first place.

Keep in mind that the 2009 generation is a mushy boat, but I knew that. The 2011 seems to have improved in that area.
 
I test drove a GLS w/ popular equipment package today. I liked it alot. It was very, very smooth. The suspension is very much to my liking. The acceleration was smoooooth as glass. It didn't throw me back in the seat. I presume that was because the engine isn't worn in. My Mazda was the same way, then after about 15000 miles, it was more punchy.

The interior fit and finish was very good. I was pleased with it.

I'll post back when and if I get one.
 
I'm sure if you test drove the Fusion, Malibu etc you could say the same thing. I'd suggestion taking a good look at them with an open mind but thoroughly and see what you think.
 
Originally Posted By: maximus
I test drove a GLS w/ popular equipment package today. I liked it alot. It was very, very smooth. The suspension is very much to my liking. The acceleration was smoooooth as glass. It didn't throw me back in the seat. I presume that was because the engine isn't worn in. My Mazda was the same way, then after about 15000 miles, it was more punchy.

The interior fit and finish was very good. I was pleased with it.

I'll post back when and if I get one.


I agree with mechanicx, defintely check out the malibu and fusion before you make a decision. I like the sonata, but you may find you like them better.
 
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The Sonata is def a good buy and pretty impressive. I just don't like the styling much. In terms of quality and durability I think you won't be disappointed (we had one as a loaner one time, and apart from some external stuff - small windows and bulbous shape - wife and i both liked the Sonata a lot)

Like already suggested, also check out the Fusion Sport and the Mazda 6. I like both of them in the looks dept. better than the Sonata, esp. the Fusion Sport.

2 People i know have the current Sonata, and they're both very impressed, and both of them are people I would consider to be above-average knowledgeable about cars. (One owned a Passat before and the other one an Accord)
 
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Originally Posted By: mechanicx
Originally Posted By: odie
Here's a face off of the 2010 family / midsize sedans , includes SONATA , CAMRY , ACCORD , KIZASHI , FUSION , MAZDA 6 , IMPALA , and ALTIMA . Here's the link www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2010-05-03-sedan-shootout_N.htm . Enjoy .


I find that review completely subjective, baseless and probably biased. I'm not sure what the media gets for promoting Korean cars like they do, maybe a bigger check? No way is the Sonata objectively a better car than all those other fine automobiles. I think a subjective ranking order like this is irresponsible. Anyway I think a buyer should actually test the vehicles rather than rely on a media article to tell them what car is best for everyone.



I don't know what has you all worked up, but have you ever thought that maybe the car is better than the competition at the moment?
"I'm not sure what the media gets for promoting Korean cars like they do, maybe a bigger check? No way is the Sonata objectively a better car than all those other fine automobiles." Just because the car is Korean it can't be the #1 family/midsize sedan? Grow up. There has to be a #1, so don't whine when it's not a car you like.

Maybe this will make a few others make their product better. Competition is a great thing. I am excited to see what other companies do. It is better for the consumer.

I agree with you on test driving vehicles though. Got to.
 
I'm sure I would like the driving dynamics of the Fusion, however, I'm pretty sure Fords still have poor resale value, which is important to me. I assume Hyundais have better resale value, maybe not as much as a Japanese car, but certainly more than a Ford. Also, the Sonata has a bit more HP and gets better gas mileage. I personally like the styling of the Sonata. It looks fresh and modern. The Malibu is just ***** to me.
 
We test drove the 2011 Sonata, 2009/10 Accord, 2010 Malibu, 2009 Chevy Impala and a few other non-sedans.

Even with all the snobbish comments from the "experts" we still enjoy driving the Accord. It's a utility/appliance vehicle that has good handling, economy, excellent engine and that's all I want in a sedan.

The 2011 Sonata does have a good feel to it, is roomy, and has alot of nice features. It was my 2nd choice, but it felt a bit overblown and overdone.
 
Originally Posted By: maximus
I'm sure I would like the driving dynamics of the Fusion, however, I'm pretty sure Fords still have poor resale value, which is important to me. I assume Hyundais have better resale value, maybe not as much as a Japanese car, but certainly more than a Ford. Also, the Sonata has a bit more HP and gets better gas mileage. I personally like the styling of the Sonata. It looks fresh and modern. The Malibu is just ***** to me.
4

Resale value on new fords, especially the fusion, is actually very good.
 
I bought one! Gray on gray GLS with popular equipment package.

BearZ, we'll see what happens with the resale. I plan on paying it off early. I bought gap insurance, too. I'll happy if it holds up.
 
Originally Posted By: maximus
I bought one! Gray on gray GLS with popular equipment package.


Congrats. Post some pics.
 
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