I grew up in a Honda and Toyota family, so those are the only cars we have ever owned. Because of the pandemic, the prices of them are outrageous. I am looking to spend $20-$21k and I can get a 2019 Sonata SE for about that price. Just looking for some words of encouragement.
(For comparison, in that price range I could only get a 2016 Civic with nearly 100k miles.)
$20k for a 3yo base Sonata? Hard pass, even with a new engine.
Jensen said:
$20k for a 3yo base Sonata? Hard pass, even with a new engine.
Thank you, pandemic and car shortages.
2019 Sonata still has the horrible 2.4L theta 2.
Look in the oil cap hole for sludge. 2.5 on Sonatas started in 2021, but I hear rumors of bad things to come for these as well. I would stay away from these cars to be honest. It’s a warranty extension, not a recall, so Hyundai can deny the engine replacement if they choose. I work at a dealer in parts.
@Rowan
Oh my. Thanks for the honesty.
Go easy on me for suggesting this, but look into hybrids. Great MPG is a benefit. Just do research on battery life span, warranty, and issues with the previous years that were hopefully fixed in the earlier models.
Prius are usually the first thing that comes to mind, but Toyota, Honda, Lexus, and Audi have reputable vehicles backed up by their name.
@Kim
I would definitely like a hybrid, but I refuse to pay a market adjustment for one.
Look for one that’s had the engine-replacement recall performed already.
Could also look for a new Hyundai Elantra. The current generation are much larger; the EPA actually has them classified under their mid-size category now. Much better fuel economy and tech than last-gen Sonatas as well.
@Dallas
Thanks for the tips!
Yeah, could be an iffy one. Hyundai is good with replacing them even if it’s not in warranty, but you might be out a car a few weeks (or months in bad cases). Like the others said, if you can verify it’s been replaced already you should be good to go.
@Devin
I checked the VIN at Check for Recalls: Vehicle, Car Seat, Tire, Equipment | NHTSA and there’s no open recalls. So yay.
Holy cow, those prices are so wild. 
I would avoid any Kias or Hyundais of recent years unless they have that ignition issue resolved.
There are tons of people easily stealing newer Kias and Hyundais with basically a flathead screwdriver and USB cable. They have been the most stolen vehicles like 3 fold in the past couple of months.
I’ve owned a 2011, 2013, 2015, and now 2019 Sonata, the last one a plug-in hybrid. I think I’ve had 2 or 3 warranty repairs across all 4 and nothing regarding the engine. We now also own an Ioniq 5 and my daughter has a 2019 Kona Ironman edition. Most reliable car I’ve owned.
Hyundais are not good. Buy a Toyota even if it’s older. I have a Sonata and a Santa Fe. I service them by the manual’s recommendations - they are garbage.
Peyton said:
Hyundais are not good. Buy a Toyota even if it’s older. I have a Sonata and a Santa Fe. I service them by the manual’s recommendations - they are garbage.
I’m very surprised at the negativity towards Hyundais in the Hyundai sub. I think I’m going to pass. I’m looking at a newish Subaru now.
Peyton said:
Hyundais are not good. Buy a Toyota even if it’s older. I have a Sonata and a Santa Fe. I service them by the manual’s recommendations - they are garbage.
This is true. My 2019 Tucson engine just blew up. Stay far away from this brand.
@Blane
At how many miles? What type of driving and maintenance?