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2009-2010 Hyundai Sonata

1003 messages,  Last post on Nov 07, 2009 at 4:23 PM

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What is this discussion about? Hyundai Sonata, Sedan


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#719 of 1003
What would you buy? by ylz
Dec 29, 2008 (7:28 pm)
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Hello everyone. I have been in the market for a new car for quite some time now and I have narrowed it down to two: the 2009 Hyundai Sonata V6 Limited or the the 2009 Mazda 3 hatchback. Now I realize that these cars are in two totally different classes. But I'm 30, single and don't really "need" all the space in the Sonata but it is nice. Ok so let's get down to it. Love the Sonata's interior although the Mazda 3 interior is functional and looks good as well. I love the Mazda 3 exterior although the Sonata has a nice classy look about it. They both drive nice although different. The Sonata is more smooth and floaty while the Mazda has a much more sporty (but FUN) ride to it. I do spend most of my time on highways so in that way, the Sonata would be better but the Mazda just puts a smile on my face. How is the Sonata on the freeway, powerful? Cause although the Mazda only has 156hp, it really moves on the highway. The real reason why I am actually leaning towards Mazda is because of all the problems I am reading about the Sonata in this forum. From noise issues of the interior, to navagation problems, to suspension problems, etc.... Please someone with a 2009 V6 Limited tell me I'm being crazy and the Sonata is a great car which I will enjoy for years. When I buy a car, I usually have it for at least 7 years so I wanna make sure I'm buying something durable. What do you guys think? Any insight at all would help. Thank You.
#720 of 1003
Re: What would you buy? [ylz] by dave868
Dec 30, 2008 (7:18 am)
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Replying to: ylz (Dec 29, 2008 7:28 pm)

I have a 2009 V6 Limted w/NAV. It's a great car.... now that I am 40 & have 3 kids.
 
You however are 30 and single. The choice is clear:
 
Buy a G37
 
I promise that you will not be disappointed.
#721 of 1003
Re: What would you buy? [ylz] by investingdad
Dec 30, 2008 (10:10 am)
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Replying to: ylz (Dec 29, 2008 7:28 pm)

First, I don't think the Sonata has any real problems. I have a 5MT GLS and it's very quiet inside. The suspension is not as refined as other sedans in its class but it's not problematic. There are some squeaks from the windshield when it's very cold out as the frame seems to have some minor flex. Ok, that said let's review:
 
Price vs. Goodies
I think the Sonata crushes the 3. I was looking at a 3 myself (plus a Civic) and the Sonata gave a LOT more standard options (they're all pretty much loaded) than did the 3 and it cost less. I would not have been able to get a 3 at any trim level for 15050. You get a lot more car in the Sonata.
 
Driving Fun
I own a 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata (factory turbo, lightly modded, hard suspension) so I have Mazda experience. The Sonata is the antithesis of the MSM. It's large, floaty, comfortable, and relaxing. And quiet. The ESC, ABS, and Traction Control give the Sonata the ability to handle bad situations but there's no feedback and the steering is numb. The Sonata is NOT "fun" to drive. The 4 banger is adequate for a family sedan. The V6 probably has more oomph. But it's heavy and it handles like a heavy car. It's a subdued, mellow ride.
 
The 3 will give you a lot more fun behind the wheel. Have you considered the Mazdaspeed 3? It's got a factory turbo and probably a stiffer suspension. For the price of a V6 Sonata, I bet the price delta isn't that large. Though the 3 will cost more.
 
What Would I Do?
I was replacing an 04 Sentra. I have two kids and needed a family sedan that was roomy, comfy, nice ride, stick shift (tough to find a 09 Sonata in a stick but I did), and upscale interior plus economical. Sonata delivers. But I already got the sportscar. So I wasn't looking for "fun" in this car. Spending a few extra grand for a snappier drive didn't make sense. Nothing is going to top the Miata when it comes to handling (unless you shell out at least 30K) so why spend another 3K just for some cripser response?
 
If I was only in one car (I've always had two), I'd get the 3. And I'd consider the MS 3 if you can afford to do so.
 
Bottom Line
Sonata does not have problems. But in your case, I'd get a 3 and cosider the MS3. FYI - my wife told me the Sonata is not capable of picking up chicks.
#722 of 1003
Re: What would you buy? by ylz
Dec 30, 2008 (1:20 pm)
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Replying to: dave868 (Dec 30, 2008 7:18 am)

Thanks for your responses guys I appreciate it. You know I have driven the Infiniti G35 (never the G37) and I wasn't crazy about it. First I never have liked Inifiniti interiors although the car was plenty powerful and handled well also. But I'm trying to get something practical as well. As for the Mazda Speed3, I am sad to say I can't drive stick very well at all. I never really learned the proper way (if you could believe that). I WISH they had a Speed3 in automatic, I would buy it in a sec. In fact I have thought about buying a regular 3 and using mods to make it faster but heard these don't really work that great. (example, cold air intake) You know a third car I looked at was the Volkswagen GTI with the DSG. I heard that thing flies and handles well also which seems like fun. But I have heard terrible things about their reliability. So back to these two cars I'm looking at. I guess the 3 would seem more of a car that would fit me because I'm still young. I think I still would be able to pick up chicks though in the Sonata. (haha) I really like how classy the Limited Sonata looks inside with the Navigation. Which one do you think is more reliable espcially after like 5 years? I would say the Mazda is but who knows? I also do a lot of highway driving and hope the Mazda will be able to merge onto oncoming traffic with no problem. It seemed like it would fly when I drove it a couple of times but have never been on the highway with it. By the way, I saw a 2009 V6 Limited Sonata. It was black on black with tinted windows. What a HOT looking car. Stylish but also elegant looking especially with that fin on the top of the car. Ok so thanks, I'm still as confused as when I first started thinking about these two cars. (haha) Take care.
#723 of 1003
Fusion & TSX by sandman46
Dec 30, 2008 (2:05 pm)
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Look at the Fusion as I've read in these forums how nice it is. Can't beat the price also. Somehow I'd of thought that you would have checked out the Acura TSX...bit smaller of a sedan but looks neat and probably drives nicely. And for someone with no kids, I'd definitely check one out.
 
The Sandman
#724 of 1003
Re: What would you buy? [ylz] by investingdad
Dec 30, 2008 (4:41 pm)
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Replying to: ylz (Dec 30, 2008 1:20 pm)

Mine is black on black and is very sharp. The chrome package makes it sharper.
 
I'd suggest learning to drive stick and getting the MS3. It's not hard to learn and well worth the effort.
#725 of 1003
Re: What would you buy? [ylz] by backy
Dec 30, 2008 (6:40 pm)
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Replying to: ylz (Dec 30, 2008 1:20 pm)

Why not the new Mazda6, rather than the 3? The new 6 is a great looking car, more sporty than the Sonata, has better handling than the Sonata, and for what you are looking to pay for a Sonata V6 Limited you could get a nicely equipped Mazda6i; there seem to be some good year-end deals on the 6 right now. The Mazda6 is a much closer comparo to the Sonata.
#726 of 1003
Re: What would you buy? [ylz] by chrrmurp
Dec 31, 2008 (7:54 pm)
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Replying to: ylz (Dec 29, 2008 7:28 pm)

I have a 2009 V6 with Nav and I love the car. Mine is cocoa metallic paint with the cocoa interior (which is the "black" interior). It has plenty of power. On my way to work, I merge onto the highway and I gun it almost every day just to feel the push-back into my seat. It revs up, sounds great, and really picks up quick. I'm 26, have no kids, and do not feel like I'm driving around something my dad would drive. Well maybe we would, but I think he'd get something bigger. It's a classy car - not too flashy - and is loaded with standard features you won't get in a mazda. The Sonata has a nice deep sound when it picks up and has no vibration at high RPMs. Plus I would feel much safer in they Sonata.
 
If you're worried about quality, rest assured with the Hyundai warranty. If anything goes wrong with the Mazda, you won't be covered. One of my buddies had a Mazda RX8 and at 89,000 miles he had to replace the clutch and some of the other parts that hold it on and it was really expensive.
#727 of 1003
Re: What would you buy? [chrrmurp] by ylz
Jan 01, 2009 (1:30 pm)
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Replying to: chrrmurp (Dec 31, 2008 7:54 pm)

Thanks for responding. I know the Hyundai warranty can't be beat but I'm not concerned about that. What I am concerned with is the general way the Sonata rides. Many people are talking about the loud noises they hear when going over uneasy roads. So that's not really covered in the warranty, as this is just the way it drives. Do you have this problem at all? Do you hear "thumps" or cracking sounds when going over bumps at all? When I test drove the Sonata, it seemed very smooth and powerful to me but I didn't take it over bumps at all.
#728 of 1003
Re: What would you buy? [ylz] by backy
Jan 01, 2009 (2:47 pm)
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Replying to: ylz (Jan 01, 2009 1:30 pm)

FWIW I drove a couple of 2008 Sonatas yesterday, back to back over almost the same course, as I was looking to get one on a year-end closeout deal. While I didn't get a deal that was compelling enough (on a Sonata anyway...), I did notice that the first car I drove, which was not in great shape overall (the plastic rocker panel covers were loose or mis-aligned, and there was some other exterior and interior damage), there was a definite "thump" noise going over sharp bumps like expansion joints. Since it was a very cold day (about 5 F), the joints were higher than usual. This was NOT a tire slap noise but something else that came from the front of the car. Not real loud, but noticeable. I then drove another 2008 Sonata at another dealership. This one was in pristine condition except the rocker panel cover on the right side was broken at the rear end of it (which the sales manager seemed genuinely surprised and embarrassed about). There was no noise over bumps as on the first car, just a normal faint thump as you'd get from tires (cold tires at that). The cars were identical trim-wise and tire/wheel wise. Each car had about 40k miles.
 
This was the first time I have heard this kind of noise on a 2006-2009 Sonata. I know there were suspension changes for 2009. However, I think it supports the need to drive the exact car you plan to buy, over a wide variety of road surfaces.

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