[razor4077]

My father uses a Sonata (his company car). Black, manual. It looks great, and given that it's a rare car on the roads, it gets lots of second glances - admiring ones at that
Very comfortable and plush inside with lots of space (not as much as a Superb though). Rear seat is comfortable but a too little low with a high window line which is typical Hyundai. Not the most engaging to drive and FE is low. Ideal if you're being chauffeured around but probably not the best if you enjoy driving. Also, be aware that Hyundai ASCs don't stock too many Sonata parts now that it has been discontinued, and the car may get stuck while waiting on a part(s). For example, dad's Sonata had its bumper ripped out by an auto and it took Hyundai over a month to replace it. That bad.

[evoque]

Originally Posted by itwasntme

Lovely swooping looks and fully loaded but mileage is terrible at least in BLR traffic ranging between 6 & 8. Someone I know nearly bought one used but backed out due to his higher running.

Thank you for the input itwasntme. I am in Gurgaon currently and most of the drive is on NH8 only with bumper to bumper traffic once in a week at the most. Considering the money I'd save from buying used and the easier (cheaper) maintenance of a Hyundai, even a mileage of 8-10 works for me. What is the real world mileage our bhpians are getting on this car?

Originally Posted by aniketi

Yeah, very true mate. Thanks for reminding me of this post of my own.

Actually I can proudly say that predicting fuel prices 2-3 years back i made biggest prediction mistake of my life I never imagined that fuel prices will come down so drastically. Getting petrol still under Rs 70 is a only good thing happened in recent past with the economy. All other prices here in Pune are going upwards only, be it real estate, grocery, food items, hoteling, travelling, & what not. Fuel prices coming down is a really good suprise for all of us & for our economy. Now buying cars like Sonata, Honda Accord makes sense in second hand market as for next 2-3 years fuel prices are going to be in check, fingers crossed.

Haha so true mate. I have been a Civic owner for quite some time after which I shifted to the Cruze. During that time I felt diesel engines are much better than petrol with their better mileages, cheap fuel and the turbo kick. Just recently I test drove an Accord and was reminded of the refinement and silence of a petrol engine and now the heart wants to go back. So considering a 2010 Accord (at 8 lakhs) vs. end 2012 Sonata (11.5 Lakhs) at the moment. Any suggestions?

[aniketi]

Originally Posted by evoque

Haha so true mate. I have been a Civic owner for quite some time after which I shifted to the Cruze. During that time I felt diesel engines are much better than petrol with their better mileages, cheap fuel and the turbo kick. Just recently I test drove an Accord and was reminded of the refinement and silence of a petrol engine and now the heart wants to go back. So considering a 2010 Accord (at 8 lakhs) vs. end 2012 Sonata (11.5 Lakhs) at the moment. Any suggestions?

My suggestion would be go for Honda Accord eyes closed. Not only because its less priced. I have been in Honda Accord few times which is owned by my close friend. Its a out of the world experience. Its so comfortable. Seats are like Sofa & you hardly feel outside world. After all its a Honda. At 8 lacs i guess its a great deal if it is maintained in excellent condition. If not try to bargain more. Go for it and post some pictures as well. Honda Accord is one of my dream car, I wish i could buy one for myself now. I can afford 8 lacs but i don't have that much big parking right now, also i won't be able to afford to maintain it right now, period. All the best

[sarthakbhp]

Hi BHPians,

I am planning on getting a used Hyundai Sonata - 2012 model (mileage quoted as per dealer is 23k Approx and he is charging 10.9 lacs for it. Post bargain doesn't look going south of 10 lacs. Please advise... Should I go for it or look for Honda Accord or Toyota Camry... Skoda Superb is eliminated from the choice list as in Bhubaneswar, Skoda Service is negligible to say the least.

[itwasntme]

My advice:

1. Accord most recommended as it was built in India, sold reasonably well, had bulletproof mechanicals and Honda should have plenty of spares for it.

2. Camry was a CBU and a bit tricky if things go wrong. Did not sell that well either and mileage maybe lower.

3. Sonata was also a CBU and a flop. But I think mechanicals are bulletproof.
a. Check the mileage (for clocking) by quietly approaching Hyundai service centers and asking for service history.
b. Separately ask dealer to get current owner for full service history
c. Get car checked professionally for accident damage.
d. Ask owner for all insurance papers for 5 years to check claims.

Mileage seems a bit low but if genuine then do go for it.

[sarthakbhp]

Ok,

Any help with the maintenance bits and cost of service and spare parts of a Honda Accord (5 - 6 years old ) ???

[sarthakbhp]

Originally Posted by mpuri

I have bought the new Sonata.

Didn't get any discounts. Rather, I am bugged with the LHS pulling problem.

Hi Mpuri,

Would you please give certain bullet points about ownership costs of Hyundai Flluidic Sonata 2012 ?

[sarthakbhp]

Hello Everyone,
I had a word with the Hyundai Sonata Spare Parts Head Engineer and he suggested that the parts availability of Hyundai Sonata 2012 is scarce. If at all any part needs to be replaced there might be a waiting period of 1 week to 3 weeks depending upon the availability in India or to be ordered from Korea. Actually I am now completely in 2 minds.. Whether to pursue the idea of buying the 2012 Sonata or let it go... Hyundai Sonata owners can clearly help me in this regard. I would highly appreciate it

[frozen.ash]

A Hyundai will always remain a Hyundai.

The car is so attractive to look at, with a powerful GDi engine, and some mouth-watering features that could put luxury Germans to shame. All this may true for a brand new ride that can be driven straight off the showroom. But look at the same vehicle 5-6 years down the line, and you see how things start falling apart in the car. So many of the electronic features would not work, the steering wheel leather would would have torn and faded out, and the paint/ printing on most of the switch-gear would have rubbed/ peeled off. Compare this with a European alternative of similar age/ mileage and you would clearly see the difference.

Add to this the non-existent driving pleasure as well as the non-availability of spares, and you can see why this "attractive proposition" is now available in the used-car market at throw-away prices.

[aditbelw]

I have a 2013 Sonata GDi manual! Currently the odo reads some 29,000 Odd kms. Never ever this car has let me down. Minus the steering feel it's a very competent car. And this is my second from Sonata Stable , first one being the Sonata Embera , still going strong at 1.4 odd Lakh Kms. Truly a well built car just very much understated & undermined.

With only regular fluid changes till now have never spent a penny over it. As, I do not have any plans to get this car out any sooner , have been planning on following upgrades:

ECU remap from a tuner based out of Singapore
Front and Rear strut braces available online
Tesla Style head unit available from Aliexpress
Suspension upgrades

Now these I have been contemplating for many years now and then wanted to take the plunge before covid took over the world shutting down the ordering process.

I shall be posting about the upgrades as and when they get installed if anyone wishes to. Don't want to unnecessarily populate the thread.

[Buffetfan]

Originally Posted by frozen.ash

A Hyundai will always remain a Hyundai.

The car is so attractive to look at, with a powerful GDi engine, and some mouth-watering features that could put luxury Germans to shame. All this may true for a brand new ride that can be driven straight off the showroom. But look at the same vehicle 5-6 years down the line, and you see how things start falling apart in the car. So many of the electronic features would not work, the steering wheel leather would would have torn and faded out, and the paint/ printing on most of the switch-gear would have rubbed/ peeled off. Compare this with a European alternative of similar age/ mileage and you would clearly see the difference.

Add to this the non-existent driving pleasure as well as the non-availability of spares, and you can see why this "attractive proposition" is now available in the used-car market at throw-away prices.

I own a accord (2011) and a sonata (2012) model. Part failure rate is similar in both cars though Honda service is a little bit better. Both are 2.4 liter automatics and give similar (6-8 kmpl) mileage.

Pickup wise, the Sonata will be a couple car lengths over the Accord in a quarter mile run. Looks wise also the car looks pretty good and has aged well.

The car has done 80k kms and does not have any rattles or squeaks.
Our Santro that my father owns is now 17 years old and has never let us down.

So I would not really stereotype the brand but different people may have different experiences

In my car which is 11 years old now, everything works

[IronDrago56]

Hey Everyone,

I am in the Market for a Cheap Premium Car within 7 lakhs, I've got my eyes on a 2014 Sonata GDI which has clocked about 31000 KM on the ODO. Its the Third owner and they're quoting 6 Lakhs for it. I think If I try I can haggle the price down after taking a test drive.

I've read above that some parts can have a waiting period but apart from that is the car worth the price? I heard GDI engines have a huge manufacturing defect with the Timing chains and such and they're oil burners. Any Inputs? Thanks.

[giri1.8]

Originally Posted by IronDrago56

Hey Everyone,

I am in the Market for a Cheap Premium Car within 7 lakhs, I've got my eyes on a 2014 Sonata GDI which has clocked about 31000 KM on the ODO. Its the Third owner and they're quoting 6 Lakhs for it. I think If I try I can haggle the price down after taking a test drive.

3 owners covered just 30k km in almost 9 years? Sounds like a red flag to me. Price too seems to be on the higher side for 3rd owner. Do have the service records verified if you still want to go ahead with this purchase!

[IronDrago56]

Originally Posted by giri1.8

3 owners covered just 30k km in almost 9 years? Sounds like a red flag to me. Price too seems to be on the higher side for 3rd owner. Do have the service records verified if you still want to go ahead with this purchase!

Yup, i'm intending to do that. I'm going to check it out in a couple of Days at the time, I will ask to see the service history, the person says they have been servicing it as KUN Hyundai in OMR, Chennai.

[Buffetfan]

Originally Posted by IronDrago56

Hey Everyone,

I am in the Market for a Cheap Premium Car within 7 lakhs, I've got my eyes on a 2014 Sonata GDI which has clocked about 31000 KM on the ODO. Its the Third owner and they're quoting 6 Lakhs for it. I think If I try I can haggle the price down after taking a test drive.

I've read above that some parts can have a waiting period but apart from that is the car worth the price? I heard GDI engines have a huge manufacturing defect with the Timing chains and such and they're oil burners. Any Inputs? Thanks.

India is one of the few countries where Hyundai hasn't put out a recall. I would want to evaluate a camry and pay a couple lakhs over to get some peace of mind as engine failure can cost more that the price of the car itself.