Just got myself a Hyundai Sonata

2017 Hyundai Sonata Am a fwakin Owner Now-----Y’all this is my first experience with the Hyundai brand, and honestly, it’s been a great one! I couldn’t be happier with my third attempt at finding the perfect first car (I’m 16). This one has 60,000 miles on it, and I’m hoping to take it all the way to 250,000 miles.

That said, I’d love to get some insights into how reliable the Sonata is overall. I’m confident in my ability to maintain the car myself—I have a solid understanding of how cars work and can handle regular maintenance, even tackling it early if needed. However, I’d appreciate any warnings about potential issues, such as oil consumption, water pump failures, or anything else I should keep an eye on.

Maybe consider getting a steering wheel lock

Rio said:
Maybe consider getting a steering wheel lock

Doesn’t the car already come with one when it’s turned off

Zinnia said:

Rio said:
Maybe consider getting a steering wheel lock

Doesn’t the car already come with one when it’s turned off

I think the 2017 Hyundais usually don’t have a steering wheel lock. I’d suggest getting one just in case. I bought my first car, a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe, in 2023 and it got stolen three times. The last time was awful; it was totaled. Sorry to bring that up Congrats on your new ride

@Rio
I’ll just get the free security upgrade at the Hyundai dealership nearby. That sounds easier than using a steering wheel lock

Zinnia said:
@Rio
I’ll just get the free security upgrade at the Hyundai dealership nearby. That sounds easier than using a steering wheel lock

The security upgrade isn’t enough. My 2019 Kia was stolen last week. I recommend getting a lock from Amazon. It’s a small hassle, but much safer. One that connects the steering wheel to the gas pedal is a good choice

Zinnia said:
@Rio
I’ll just get the free security upgrade at the Hyundai dealership nearby. That sounds easier than using a steering wheel lock

Security upgrades don’t really cut it. I recover these upgraded cars all the time, and I’ve only seen a steering wheel lock or removing a wheel actually work. Even with the upgrade, if it gets stolen, you’ll still have damaged parts; having a club could save you that problem

Zinnia said:
@Rio
I’ll just get the free security upgrade at the Hyundai dealership nearby. That sounds easier than using a steering wheel lock

Make sure you do your research. They are still being stolen even with the upgrade

2017 models might face oil issues, and I don’t think they’re part of the class action lawsuit. Keep an eye on your oil levels. Do you have a key or is it push to start

Shay said:
2017 models might face oil issues, and I don’t think they’re part of the class action lawsuit. Keep an eye on your oil levels. Do you have a key or is it push to start

It’s a key model

@Zinnia
You should get an immobilizer and/or a steering wheel lock for safety

Shay said:
@Zinnia
You should get an immobilizer and/or a steering wheel lock for safety

Ghost Key has a push button replacement for this car. You could even use an RFID emulator with read/write capability to start the car using your phone just like NFC payments. It’s a cool upgrade and may stop thieves since they usually won’t bother with push-button models. Check this out: Ghost Key - Plug and Play Push to Start Conversion Kit for Hyundai and – Jordan Distributors inc.

@Payton
I didn’t know that was a thing, but that could help with the window problem

Shay said:
@Payton
I didn’t know that was a thing, but that could help with the window problem

They make kits for Dodges too since those are often stolen. I don’t have theft issues where I live, but I’d still put one in my 07 Elantra just for fun. They’re easy to install based on what I’ve heard

@Payton
Yeah, sounds good. I have a 2023 Sonata, but I’ll look into this for my mom; she has a 2017 Elantra with a key

I own a blue 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport. I bought it new and I’ve put about 60,000 miles on it. I’ve kept up with the maintenance and haven’t run into oil issues so far. I still love it. Even if I might have oil consumption issues, it’s been great for me.

@Yan
What miles are you at now

Zinnia said:
@Yan
What miles are you at now

I got it with 8 miles and now I’m at about 61k

Lock your steering at night unless you live in a safe area. Expect to do oil changes every 2-3 months or every 3000 miles

Dara said:
Lock your steering at night unless you live in a safe area. Expect to do oil changes every 2-3 months or every 3000 miles

That sounds fair. I plan to visit a Hyundai dealership soon for the free security upgrade. No one is getting my car