Atlas said:
@Kenan
By fun I mean the way they handle corners, changing lanes at higher speeds without worrying. Plus, better acceleration compared to SUVs.
Also, driving fast through turns without collision insurance seems risky.
@Kenan
These engines are known for defects. I’m putting 1 quart of oil every 1000 miles since reaching 70K, and I’m waiting to hear back about getting a new motor under warranty. Check out these lists and you’ll see some serious stories.
I bought a new 2021 Sonata N Line and it was honestly the best deal I found for a car with 300 HP.
It’s really nice, 10” screen with CarPlay. Tons of power and the interior is nice for $34k.
A comparably equipped BMW or Audi would be 55-65k.
But it’s still a Hyundai, and the reputation takes time to change. Not to mention the Kia boys and past engine problems.
Great find. You paid right in the middle of what these cars are worth now. A hidden treasure and packed with tech. My mom has a '21 Limited. Keep that oil and filter swapped with full synthetic at 4500-mile intervals max.
Historically, previous models have been known for poor engine reliability. They burn oil and throw rods at a pretty high rate (2011-2019). I’m not sure how the newer models are doing, but the used market might reflect old beliefs about the car.
They’re nice cars, except for the oil-burning engines.
Joss said:
They’re nice cars, except for the oil-burning engines.
I’m in that oil burn situation right now. I really noticed it a couple months ago on the garage floor.
2013 2.0T; about 66K miles, only seems to leak oil when parked overnight.
Not really burning oil from the dipstick though (that I can see). Is a valve cover gasket replacement helpful for this? I’ve taken it to three different mechanics and they can’t pinpoint the issue (sorry for mixing in on this).
Edit: Just to clarify, the oil leak is the problem, not burning oil. Thanks for catching that @snowplowmom.
@Tatum
That doesn’t sound like burning oil unless it’s dripping from your exhaust (mine was). You’ll know it’s burning oil if the dipstick shows low and dark oil, and even when you replace it, it disappears quickly. Also, you might see a dip in power when accelerating and slight stuttering on start. If you see oil on the garage floor and not under the exhaust, that’s an oil leak.
I loved my Sonata, but my insurance doubled when I got it, and has kept going up every six months.
Ash said:
I loved my Sonata, but my insurance doubled when I got it, and has kept going up every six months.
My insurance only went up by $10 because my last car was a 2009 model. I don’t have collision insurance though. That would really make a big difference.
@Atlas
Oh my goodness. Please, please get collision insurance on this car unless you’re super wealthy and cheap. Seriously.
Ashton said:
@Atlas
Oh my goodness. Please, please get collision insurance on this car unless you’re super wealthy and cheap. Seriously.
Seconding this. Please, man.
I bought a 2020 Limited last year for the same reason. It’s been great so far. Just make sure you keep up with everything before the warranty runs out. The 10-year warranty doesn’t transfer to the next owner, so you’re only left with 5 years bumper to bumper.
I got a used Sonata from a rental lot a few years back. It’s been great overall, but the body feels kind of flimsy.
Because it’s no good. At 43k miles it started burning oil, and it’s not just a little bit, we’re talking 2-3 quarts every 1000 miles. What’s going on?
Theft problems and engine failure issues from a while back made a bad reputation for these models.
My 2010 Sonata has been good for me except for the door handles (plastic junk). Other than that, the 2006-2010 models are solid. They messed up the engines starting in 2011.
Warranty? Only the first owner gets a 10-year warranty, the second one has 5 years or 50k miles.
2021 SE. Paid 20k with 40k miles on it. I’m at 122k now. Just need to do oil changes and got new tires. Other than that, this car has been amazing for me. I’ve never even looked under the hood except to give someone a jump once. Getting over 40 mpg. Seems to be getting better with age.
It really depends on where you buy it. I had to go out of state to find a good deal.