Has anyone checked these cars out?

They have quite a few features, and I'm very impressed with the SE trim models.

They just include all the features all the other dealers are charging extras for.

They are fighting hard for that #1 car spot...then I'm sure they will be jacking them prices up.

7/11/2012 6:48:01 AM

lady at work has one... she's always taking it in to be serviced for some kind of issue(minor)...
reminds me of when my parents bought one of their suvs back in 06.

decent features, but i don't think they've worked all the bugs out...
I guess if your time isn't that important to you, then it's all under warranty.

7/11/2012 7:28:14 AM

While I don't know anyone with a Sonata specifically, overall Hyundai/Kia have made great strides in their reliability. I bought a Kia Forte Koup last November and have had no issues with it--maybe your co-worker just got a bad example. Or one of the first year models of the current style before all the bugs were worked out?

I think the Sonata is a really great looking car, and they do have a nice feature set. Good engines too--the standard 4 is pretty easy on gas for a car its size, and the turbo has something like 270 HP. There's also a hybrid model. Though if you're looking at Sonatas you should also consider the Optima, Kia's version of the same car. I think the styling is a little more aggressive, and from what I've heard the suspension tuning isn't as soft.

7/11/2012 9:17:37 AM

I bought a 2012 Tuscon Limited and have only had one minor issue, and that was the rear view camera started to get foggy. They replaced it and sent me on my way. Other than that, they have been awesome when I take it in for oil changes and I can regularly average 22+ city and 28+ highway.

7/11/2012 9:58:49 AM

When I was looking at new cars in 2011 this was on the list.
1/6 of the sonatas had a phantom suspension problem that would eat through tire no mater how it was aligned. The dealerships were replacing the full front suspensions under warranty, but not the tires.
I would assume that the problem has been addressed, but it crossed them off my list at the time.

Otherwise, they are nice cars.
My brother drives an 09 genesis sedan and has had no problems.

7/11/2012 10:19:46 AM

I would recommend them. My boss traded in his V6 Accord for a Sonata 2.0T and CassTheSass got a Sonata about 3-4 months ago. They are both very happy with them from what I can tell. Another friend of mine got an Accent after her Civic's transmission crapped out. She has been pleased with the Hyundai experience as well.

Like richthofen said though, check out the Kia as well. Personally I would pick the Kia as it caters more to my liking.

7/11/2012 10:34:50 AM

Quote :

"lady at work has one"

7/11/2012 10:39:16 AM

good call everyone. i'm going to check out the Kia tomorrow.

7/11/2012 5:13:46 PM

This is what I would have left the dealership with had money been no object. Optima SX in Corsa Blue.
(I got the color, just on a different model...)

7/11/2012 8:56:17 PM

before I spend 35k on a kia...I'd go BMW...just saying.

7/12/2012 12:03:35 AM

loaded kia sx is like $30k. im sorry, but for that money im buying a CPO 3-series that's 2 years old with warranty to spare. these cars are only a deal if you get them in basic version.

also, 274hp turbo 4 is only good for 6.1sec 0-60sec? that's the same time as 192hp e36 325i.

7/12/2012 1:30:06 AM

^ E36 325i sedan had a 0-60 time closer to 7.5 seconds.

Besides, the 190 hp is in a 2,800lb vehicle. (power to weight of 14.7lbs/hp)
The Optima SX is 274 hp and weighs 3,550lbs. (power to weight of 12.9lbs/hp)

Torque ratios between the two compare the same as their horspower.

A closer comparison is Optima SX to a 1999 Mustang GT (260hp, 3200lb curb weight, 0-60 in 5.6 sec). Add 350lbs to the Mustang and a half a second increase from 0-60 seems about right.

[Edited on July 12, 2012 at 2:49 AM. Reason : .]

7/12/2012 2:45:03 AM

My coworker picked up one maybe two months ago. He loves the damn thing. Looks pretty good and he has really enjoyed it. He upgraded to it after his Civic started giving him hell mechanically and put him on the side of I-40 a couple times.

7/12/2012 8:06:37 AM

I've got a 2011 genesis coupe and it's been a blast! The only problem that I've had is that one small part went bad, but the throttle body is one large unit so they had to replace the whole thing. I'd definitely buy another Hyundai, especially considering that the new models have better gas mileage.

7/12/2012 12:33:04 PM

^^^yea yea i get it, just still not impressed. fine then...e36 328is was 6.2sec. vanos added another sec to the car with same weight. regardless, this is 20 years later. 20 years!!! turbo ca with almost 300hp. good looking car though..

7/12/2012 12:50:03 PM

^Not trying to be difficult...but is 6.1 seconds to 60 considered *slow* these days? Yes, the current 335 is sub 5 seconds, but that was supercar territory not too long ago, and the starting price is $43k. Not to mention that the Optima SX produces 274 HP (almost 300 is a stretch) while still getting 34 MPG highway.

As to the price, yes, the MSRP on the fully-loaded SX Limited is $35k. But that includes a lot of luxury this-and-that and a few exterior tweaks without any more real substance. The "standard" SX (still includes the 2.0T, leather, 18" wheels) with the touring package (panoramic sunroof, premium audio, heated and cooled seats, other good stuff) barely brushes $30k sticker which means the savvy negotiator can probably take it home for 25ish. That's not a bad deal at all. Another $1500 if you want nav but I don't find that worth the money in really any car when you can get a decent portable GPS for $150.

7/12/2012 1:05:06 PM

I was thinking that if I could get the Sonata SE for 22k with ttl and shit I would be doing great.

considering they offered me everything for 22.9 I don't see why they can't find 900 to knock off.

7/12/2012 1:19:09 PM

^^not slow at all, but slow for a car that has 274hp, weighs same as 335i and is withing 25hp of 335, which is a 4.8sec car. more than 1 sec slower to 60mph is a lot!

i built a kia optima sx last night and without 2 packages (tech and lux..whatever it is) it came to $29k. fully optioned it is $35k.


i think it is a great car...IF you pick the base model with no options. problem with Kia and Hyundai is even though they made amazing advances that are right now way better than camry and accord in just about every category....they still suffer in resale. it will take some time to build the trust of customers.

7/12/2012 1:27:58 PM

Take that 22.9 to another dealer and ask them to beat it. Don't know why they wouldn't to get the sale, unless you've got your heart set on one particular color that isn't in stock anywhere else.

Kind of annoying that there is only one giant option package available.

The resale value is a legitimate concern if you like to drive newer cars. I tend to keep them until they are old enough to where it's not a huge concern though. The Forte was the first new vehicle I've ever bought, and we intend to keep it for the duration of the 100K warranty unless something crazy happens. Now, ours is the midlevel model with few options, but that's because I was trying to stay on a budget, not because I didn't feel it was worthwhile. If they had had a blue EX with a sunroof that would have been worth the $750 to me, but they didn't.

[Edited on July 12, 2012 at 1:38 PM. Reason : ^I'm seeing 30.5 with the touring pkg and 32 with the tech & touring, 27 without.]

7/12/2012 1:31:36 PM

Quote :

"^^not slow at all, but slow for a car that has 274hp, weighs same as 335i and is withing 25hp of 335, which is a 4.8sec car. more than 1 sec slower to 60mph is a lot!"

Your comparison just flat out makes no sense. Comparing a RWD car with a 300hp 3.0L engine against a FWD car with a 274 hp (that runs on regular fuel BTW) 2.0L engine is illogical. The Optima's acceleration is already at the top of it's class and your comparison to the 335i is disingenuous. Everyone knows the original twin turbo 335i's were underrated, and yes they could hit 60 in just under 5 seconds. But the single turbo motors aren't underrated and the new F30 is slower, unable to match it's predecessor's acceleration.

7/12/2012 2:19:22 PM

Quote :

"Hey guize, what do you think of this brand new Hyundai?"

OMGZ YOU DON'T HAVE A HAIR ON YOUR ASS IF YOU DON'T GET A 20 YR OLD BMW

7/12/2012 2:43:45 PM

Your comparison just flat out makes no sense. Comparing a RWD car with a 300hp 3.0L engine against a FWD car with a 274 hp (that runs on regular fuel BTW) 2.0L engine is illogical. The Optima's acceleration is already at the top of it's class and your comparison to the 335i is disingenuous. Everyone knows the original twin turbo 335i's were underrated, and yes they could hit 60 in just under 5 seconds. But the single turbo motors aren't underrated and the new F30 is slower, unable to match it's predecessor's acceleration.

1.3 sec difference to 60mph attributed to RWD advantage? You do realize drivetrain loss is less on FWD than on RWD? Regardless, 335 has some traction advantages and more like 320chp, but it still baffles me that Kia it is THAT MUCH slower.

7/12/2012 2:52:49 PM

I've gotten them down to 21.9 with 500 rebate for some eco thing...and another 500 if I finance through hyundai financing.
Still 22.4 isn't bad not financing with hyundai.

7/13/2012 4:43:28 PM

Quote :

"before I spend 35k on a kia...I'd go BMW...just saying"

why? warranty is completely different

7/13/2012 5:04:50 PM

iirc all the magazine comparisons and reviews give me the impression that Kia's and Hyundai's always overestimate their power, especially in the 4cylinder trims.

7/13/2012 10:16:20 PM

^Unless you're talking about a Genesis, Equus, or SUV, they're all 4 cylinders. They replaced the V6 option on the Sonata and Optima with the 2.0T.

7/14/2012 12:27:27 AM

Quote :

"iirc all the magazine comparisons and reviews give me the impression that Kia's and Hyundai's always overestimate their power, especially in the 4cylinder trims."

The % difference between advertised horsepower and measured wheel horsepower exceeds the market average.

7/14/2012 9:53:28 AM

maybe...

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1112_2012_hyundai_sonata_gls_2012_toyota_camry_le_and_2012_volkswagen_passat_se_family_court/viewall.html
sonata is up 20hp (and look at the lb/hp) yet the camry spanks it. it happens with the majority of their entry level engine/trims: high hp/high power-to-weight, mid-pack performance

7/14/2012 10:59:55 PM

So why is the optima sx so expensive?

For the exact same price, you can get the 293 hp v6 Hyundai Azera, INCLUDING a 4 grand accessory package that includes everything you need and don't need in a mid-level car. Or get the base model for 31K, which has the same engine.

It is just as quick, more spacious, more luxurious, and arguably looks just as good (way better than the Sonata).

7/16/2012 2:25:15 PM

FFS, it's the SX *LIMITED* that's 35k. Not the "standard" SX which is like 29.

And it's really because Hyundai has not seen fit to provide Kia with a proper flagship car. I've heard that's going to change eventually. But for right now it's all they've got, so it goes all the way from something like 19k for the bare-bones LX to 35k for the SX Limited.


[Edited on July 16, 2012 at 4:49 PM. Reason : d]

7/16/2012 4:47:12 PM

Limited or not, my question still stands. What does it have to warrant that price? Yes, I can look it up, but since we are having a discussion, I am just throwing it out.

As for [sub]-flagship, Kia does have one, a 6 cylinder FW car called the "Cadenza", but it is not for the US (sold outside Korea). It was released in 2009. It is the Azera's cousin, just as Optima is Sonata's. Have no clue if it will ever come to the US.

And now, there is a flagship model, which WILL come to the US. In Korea it is called the K9 (Cadenza=K7, Optima=K5). It was just released a couple of months ago in Korea, so it will be a few more months before they rename it for the worldwide market. As expected it is the Genesis' cousin, but in Korea it is so far available only with a V6 (from Genesis). For the US, they will probably put the V8 in there.

Nice interior, tail lights from BMW 7 Series: http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2012-kia-k9/full
Amazing adaptive full-LED headlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXWDcND_-s8

EDIT: The K9 is based on the Equus platform. Same wheelbase, but 3 inches shorter overall. 4 inches longer than Genesis. Coming to the US in 2013.


[Edited on July 16, 2012 at 6:22 PM. Reason : ]

7/16/2012 6:20:04 PM

I don't really know how they justify the price. The basic recipe is:
-Take one Optima SX (~26k)
-Make the technology & premium packages standard (~$4k together)
That brings you to 30.5, roughly.
Then throw some more "fancy stuff" at it. Nappa leather seats (SX has regular leather with cloth accents), 18" chrome wheels (as opposed to 18" non-chrome), red brake calipers, chrome accents here and there, special paint colors, a spoiler, etc. etc.

Basically, as opposed to an Optima SX with both of the option packages, you're paying $4k more for nicer leather and some chrome. Doesn't sound like a bargain to me but someone thought it was a good idea...

7/16/2012 7:43:11 PM

I was thinking of looking at the Kia EX...with the package for heated/cooled seats and sunroof.

Dark cherry, or metal bronze.

kinda leaning to bronze.


Will go look at them tomorrow.

7/16/2012 8:44:44 PM

^Sounds good, and comes in at $27k so you should be able to get out the door for something reasonable. See how it stacks up to the Sonata you have a quote on, but (having driven neither but knowing where both are aimed) I think you might prefer the driving experience in the Kia.

7/16/2012 10:25:57 PM

Quote :

"1.3 sec difference to 60mph attributed to RWD advantage? You do realize drivetrain loss is less on FWD than on RWD? Regardless, 335 has some traction advantages and more like 320chp, but it still baffles me that Kia it is THAT MUCH slower."

You're right I didn't consider that. I know nothing about physics, drivetrain configuration pros/cons or basic vehicle dynamics. I also don't understand how a smelly flammable liquid goes boom and makes a car move

All sarcasm aside, the transmission of the Hyundai/Kia is probably more tuned for fuel mileage than the BMW and no matter which way you slice it the BMW will have a torque advantage.

7/17/2012 10:03:58 AM

You're right I didn't consider that. I know nothing about 335 being an underrated RWD with 300hp.

All sarcasm aside, if you treat me like a fool, I will treat you like a fool. Keep rolling your eyes.

7/17/2012 12:49:46 PM

this is my thread guys...go shit on each other elsewhere

7/17/2012 1:54:58 PM

I'm buying a Ford Fusion 2012, SEL v6 with like 15k miles from Carmax. For 19k

Something just felt..cheap compared to the Hyundai, or Kia.

7/19/2012 5:01:17 PM

Something felt cheap on the Ford? Or buying a Hyundai/Kia?

7/19/2012 5:05:08 PM

The hyundai/kia felt like lots of options...but not done quite as well as they could have been.

7/19/2012 5:13:22 PM

bump

12/12/2012 8:48:00 PM

I picked one up at the end of November. I was originally going to MaxxedOut95's dealership to test drive a couple Subarus, and when I got there he said I should really give the Sonata a drive.

Went with the SE turbo. Takes regular instead of premium, gets better gas mileage, has more amenities, has more power stock, and it worked out to a lower payment.

I actually ended up getting the Sonata for me, and a Sante Fe for my wife. I can live without the awd, otherwise I'd say we're all set with two good family cars just in time for babies arrival.

Acceleration is nice from a roll, but I can definitely see how 0-60 or 1/4 mile times published probably don't do the car justice because it roasts the tires in 1st.

12/13/2012 6:52:51 AM

Bought a 2012 Sonata SE in April and I've really enjoyed owning the car. No issues at all so far.

12/16/2012 3:55:01 AM

I ended up with a 2012 Honda Accord SE.

Really dig it. Glad I bought it.

12/19/2012 12:50:59 AM

I'm hoping that you got an incredibly good deal...?

12/19/2012 10:14:25 AM

Considering I bought it in July...I did.

12/20/2012 6:23:28 PM