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Hyundai Sonata 2005 and earlier

2955 messages,  Last post on Nov 15, 2011 at 6:27 PM

You are in the Hyundai Sonata Forum.

What is this discussion about? Hyundai Sonata, Fuel Efficiency (MPG), Sedan



Messages Page 292 of 296

#2906 of 2955 Pitfalls of buying used Sonatas ? by carolinacar

Feb 11, 2007 (8:28 am)

What are some things to watch for when buying a low mleage
 used Sonata ? Leaning toward an 05 at this point. Frankly, the used ones seem to good to be true, for the money. Lots and lots available with under 30,000 miles. What's the catch ?

#2907 of 2955 Re: Pitfalls of buying used Sonatas ? [carolinacar] by bhmr59

Feb 11, 2007 (8:56 am)

Replying to: carolinacar (Feb 11, 2007 8:28 am)
I bought an '05 GLS Special Value in April, '05. About 12,500 miles now. Not one problem with the car. It's only gone in for service for oil changes and tire rotation. The GLS SV was only available in the '05 model year. It was essentially an LX, lacking only leather seats and power driver seat.
 
The '07s are more expensive (MSRP) than the '05s. In '05 the trim lines were GL, GLS, GLS-SV and LX. The '07 trim lines are GLS, SE and Limited. The present GLS should be compared to the '05 GL. Although the '07 includes ABS, stability control, traction control, electronic brake distribution and side curtain air bags. The '05 GLS offered ABS as an option. It has side front seat air bags, but not side curtain air bags, which protect the head in a T-Bone accident.
 
Why the number of '05s on the lot? Could be people traded them for the '06 or '07 to get the newer body style, larger, more powerful engine and added safety features. Or, they may have been rental cars. The newer body style has larger interior and trunk space. In fact, the new Elantra, while available only as a 4 cyl engine, is about the same interior and trunk space as the '05 Sonata. You should be able to get a new Elantra Limited with auto/trans for under $17,000. Check them also at www.hyundaiusa.com
 
My '05 Sonata has been a fantastic car. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another.

#2908 of 2955 Re: Pitfalls of buying used Sonatas ? [carolinacar] by nvbanker

Aug 19, 2007 (1:44 pm)

Replying to: carolinacar (Feb 11, 2007 8:28 am)
I am a part-time dealer, hobbyist. I buy all kinds of cars for people at auctions. Frankly, I don't see a down side to the Sonata. For the value, bang for the buck, I don't think you can beat it. Sure, Toyotas are a little better, quieter, smoother, but cost a lot more, and I'm not sure they last a lot longer if at all. The warranty from Hyundai can't be beat. I believe the Hyundais are now a little better than most of the domestic models on the whole. If you want a "good" car for the money, I think Hyundai is where it's at.

#2909 of 2955 Re: Pitfalls of buying used Sonatas ? [nvbanker] by rustum

Aug 25, 2007 (10:01 pm)

Replying to: nvbanker (Aug 19, 2007 1:44 pm)
I bought 2001 Sonata 18months back to commute to office. I never took it to long drive. I rented out cars for my previous long drives. This time, i would like to use my car. It has around 65k Miles. Scared to take sonata for long drives. Any of your faced any issues with sonata on long drive? Looking for advice.

#2910 of 2955 Re: Pitfalls of buying used Sonatas ? [rustum] by nvbanker

Aug 25, 2007 (10:23 pm)

Replying to: rustum (Aug 25, 2007 10:01 pm)
As long as the service is all up to date, you should be fine. Drive with confidence!

#2911 of 2955 Re: Pitfalls of buying used Sonatas ? [nvbanker] by rustum

Aug 25, 2007 (10:45 pm)

Replying to: nvbanker (Aug 25, 2007 10:23 pm)
Hi Nvbanker,
Thanks for your reply. Recently took it to hyndai service station. Did some battery checking. He said everything is ok. He suggested me to replace timing belt and valve clean up. Is it ok to do this after some time. Currently it has 67K. I am planning to drive this for 6 more months and go for upgrade. Is it ok to go for long drive without doing timing belt change and valve clean up. Please advice me.

#2912 of 2955 Thanks for your reply by rustum

Aug 25, 2007 (10:46 pm)

Hi Nvbanker,
Is it necessary to change timing belt during 60k serice. Is it ok to do this in next 90k service.

#2913 of 2955 Re: Thanks for your reply [rustum] by nvbanker

Aug 26, 2007 (6:46 am)

Replying to: rustum (Aug 25, 2007 10:46 pm)
90,000 is usually the belt upgrade in most cars. Check your manual - but if it doesn't say to do it at 60,000, then you will be fine. The valve clean up is a scam - you don't need that. IF the car is running well, just drive it. You'll be fine.

#2914 of 2955 Re How Long You can Wait to Replace the 2000 Sonata Timing Belt by rhduke00

Aug 26, 2007 (8:20 am)

rustum,
 
The owner's manual for the 2000 Sonata says to replace the timing belt at 60,000 miles. Since you already have over 67,000 miles on your car, I would recommend getting it changed ASAP. If the belt should break, the likely result would be major engine damage due to the engine being an interference engine.

#2915 of 2955 Re: Re How Long You can Wait to Replace the 2000 Sonata Timing Belt [rhduke by rustum

Aug 27, 2007 (9:40 am)

Replying to: rhduke00 (Aug 26, 2007 8:20 am)
Hi rhduke,
Is it mandatory to change the belt. I would like to use this car for next 6 months and upgrade?

Messages Page 292 of 296

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