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Buying an Older Sonata

8 messages,  Last post on Jun 30, 2009 at 9:22 PM

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#1 of 8 An Enquiry by Fard Dec 21, 2008 (10:14 am)
Hi guys,   I have two question for you! yesterday a dealer (in the middle country road) tried to sell me a Sonata 2003 with 140K on it ,but with two years warranty. To be honest, I didn't trust him, price was for $3500 including taxes, fees,...everything.   In the other hand an individual offers me a Sonata (1999) with 75 K, for $3000. So, now my question is which one would you choose as an expert, what shall I do if I buy one of these cars or other one here? I appreciate your help in advance. Thanks Fard Replies to this message: backy (Dec 21, 2008 10:25 am) Fard (Dec 21, 2008 10:45 am) backy (Dec 21, 2008 12:29 pm) blnewto (Dec 22, 2008 8:49 pm) backy (Dec 22, 2008 8:59 pm) Fard (Dec 22, 2008 9:17 pm)
#2 of 8 Re: An Enquiry [Fard] by backy Dec 21, 2008 (10:25 am)
Replying to: Fard (Dec 21, 2008 10:14 am) What kind of warranty is it--powertrain only, or bumper-to-bumper? Is there any deductible? Who backs the warranty (I got an extended warranty on a Mazda van and the warranty company went belly-up, so you want the warranty to be backed by a strong, stable company)?   If the warranty is bumper-to-bumper and backed by a strong company, I would probably go with the 2003 Sonata because it's a nicer car than the 1999 and I would not have to worry about anything other than regular maintenance for two years. At which point I could sell it and the cost of ownership for 2 years would be very low. With the 1999 Sonata, with no warranty, anything could break at any time (e.g. transmission) and then you are stuck with the bill.   In either case, you should take the car you want to buy to a trusted mechanic for a thorough exam--it will cost a few bucks, but will help ensure you don't buy a ticking time bomb.   Also try to find out as much history as possible on the cars. Does the 1999 have all of its service records, for example? (Same for the 2003.) Where the miles on the 2003 mostly highway miles (which are easy on the car)? Try to find out if the 60k (or 120k) servicing was done on each car. That is a major, expensive service that includes the timing belt and many other things. If it was not done, you are potentially looking at either an expensive service visit or a chance the timing belt will break, ruining the engine. Replies to this message: Fard (Dec 21, 2008 10:45 am) backy (Dec 21, 2008 12:29 pm)
#3 of 8 Re: An Enquiry [backy] by Fard Dec 21, 2008 (10:45 am)
Replying to: backy (Dec 21, 2008 10:25 am) Hello "Backy" thanks for your so quick reply. Actually, he (the dealer) has his own mechanics, and he said his mechanics will fix everything wrong with the car within two years, and any time I can sell the car even for them or for anybody else with the warranty!  (He knows also I moved to US in October, and do not know how the system works here at all!!! I go to the college in Long Island). Since it is dealer's warranty (and not company), I am a little bit scared of that.   The second one is from somebody else with exact 62K on it, and I am planning to view the car maybe by tomorrow. As he said on the phone, I can check the history out by the carfax, and take to a mechanic. My understanding from your hints is that a mechanics shall check whole the stuffs which should be changed or..., in 60 K, and also check if everything is currently right with that car .   Again thank you for your helpful advices. Fard Replies to this message: backy (Dec 21, 2008 12:29 pm)
#4 of 8 Re: An Enquiry [Fard] by backy Dec 21, 2008 (12:29 pm)
Replying to: Fard (Dec 21, 2008 10:45 am) So with 62k miles it is important to verify the 60k servicing was done. If not, I'd see that as a warning sign the car was not properly maintained during its life. The Carfax check is a good idea, but won't tell you the mechanical condition of the car, like a good mechanic can. Since the car is in the Northeast, be sure it is checked for rust. Older Sonatas have been known to have a problem with rusting subframes (support the engine).
#5 of 8 Re: An Enquiry [Fard] by blnewto Dec 22, 2008 (8:49 pm)
Replying to: Fard (Dec 21, 2008 10:14 am) Keep in mind the significant improvement Hyundai has made in build-quality the last several years. Even w/ more miles. the 2003 should still be a solid choice over the '99. As long as the vehicle wear is compareable in both vehicles I think you'll be much happier w/ the '03. Replies to this message: backy (Dec 22, 2008 8:59 pm) Fard (Dec 22, 2008 9:17 pm)
#6 of 8 Re: An Enquiry [blnewto] by backy Dec 22, 2008 (8:59 pm)
Replying to: blnewto (Dec 22, 2008 8:49 pm) Except the '03 Sonata is the same design as the '99, but the '03 benefits from the mid-gen refresh that came for the '02 MY, e.g. new front end and rear styling. Quality-wise, there may have been running improvements between '99 and '03, but fundamentally the cars are the same.
#7 of 8 Re: An Enquiry [blnewto] by Fard Dec 22, 2008 (9:17 pm)
Replying to: blnewto (Dec 22, 2008 8:49 pm) Hello,   thanks I took your advice and bought 2001 hyundai, Sonata, with 62K! I runs great and I am very happy with that!
#8 of 8 2004 Sonata GLS opinions by lhy Jun 30, 2009 (9:22 pm)
I am thinking about buying a used 2004 Sonata GLS with 4-Cyl. 2.4 Liter engine.   What are people's general opinions about the reliability of car, the especially the transmission and engine?   Are the general maintenance and repair costs expensive?   Is there an issue with the timing belt wearing out prematurely?   What kind of gas mileage do you get?

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