You should set aside more than just the purchase price for when your engine eventually fails. The models from 2011-2019, including Sonatas, have serious issues. No one rebuilds those engines, they just swap them out entirely.
Here’s a better option for that price range.
Edit: And another one
Stay away from the 2.0 engine. I have a 2012 2.4 GLS with a 6-speed manual and it’s running great.
I suggest you avoid it.
That’s pretty high mileage for that model. The engines from Hyundai during that time were not very reliable, with many needing replacements. Some cars made it without issues while others didn’t. If you buy a Hyundai from that time, especially with the 2.0 or 2.4 engines, be prepared for the chance of needing an engine replacement. Hyundai replaced many engines under 120,000 miles.
Even my dealer called the years 2011-2015 the dark years. That said, I have a 2011 Sonata with 166,000 miles. I had to replace the headlights, and it burns a little oil, but otherwise it’s been okay.
I suggest looking into a used Mitsubishi. I’ve had three, a 2007 Outlander, a 2012 Lancer, and now a 2017 Lancer, and none of them gave me issues. My 2007 had around 100k miles and was reliable, only the window mechanism acted up.
Avoid used GDI engines from any brand. Here’s a thread about it.
Stay away from used Hyundais from that era, especially with Theta II engines. Many are being sold now because they’re starting to have high oil consumption and other engine problems. They may look nice, but you need a reliable engine.
The chances of engine issues are high, and even those praising their cars often have replaced their engines. The replacement engines often face the same problems.
I got a good deal on a new '23 Santa Fe, but it consumes oil and has fuel contamination in the oil due to GDI issues. I check my oil every other tank and change it every 3,500 miles.
@Vance
I had my 2007 Outlander for 16 years, and it was in great shape when I sold it. It only had some clearcoat issues and a tree fell on it.
My 2012 had over 150,000 miles with only brake issues. The CVT was fine, and I traded it in because the 2017 was the last production year for the Lancer.
My 2017 has 130,000 miles, and it has only needed brakes. The CVT in this one is quieter than in my previous models, so I’m satisfied so far.
I bought a new 2013 Sonata, and I haven’t encountered major problems. In fact, I had more issues with my 2018 Sonata. My most significant issue was that the headlights failed to turn off, which drained the battery.