Opinions on Hyundai Sonata 2008 or 2007

Hi all, I am thinking about buying a Sonata 2008. Nice body style! Has anyone bought one from last year since the body style doesn't look like it changed from 2007 to 2008. Any issues with the car and quality? I remember Hyundai years ago and all my relatives and friends avoided Hyundai because of reliability. My family always bought Toyota or Honda in the past. How is the Sonata now? Heard it was a 10yr/100k powertrain warranty. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Reply to
bought2bought
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I bought a 2007 SE at year end. I test drove the 2007 and 2008. My dealership claims Hyundai tightened the suspension a bit but I didn't notice any difference. AFAIK, there's no mechanical or sheet metal difference. XM radio appears to be standard for 2008 and there are different color choices.

It's the best mid-sized car I've owned. The V6 should be outlawed. It's so powerful and responsive that you have to be careful or you'll be paying tickets : ) Great car!

Reply to
DonC

Had three Sonatas since '99, they have improved build quality each time. All of them have had tall gearing which suits Australia fine as you can sit on

Reply to
John

Reply to
John

My '07 Limited just hit 30,000 miles. It has been perfect, never back to the dealer for anything. I've done the oil changes as specified and last week put new wiper blades on it. Handles well, and overall is a good as any car I've owned. I'd not hesitate to buy another.

Reply to
Edwin Pawlowski

Just can't resist injecting politics. Korea does equally egregious things as do most countries, Australia included.

Reply to
Matt Whiting

No, you are being stupid.

Reply to
Matt Whiting

Thanks for the replies, especially about reliabilitiy. Are you guys happy with your gas mileage? At least on the V4 model that is. Did you guys get leather seats?

Reply to
bought2bought

At least irrelevant to the current subject.

Reply to
DonC

Got the heated leather. I also had the dealer put in a remote starter. When I park the car at night, I put the switch in the "on" position so it heats a few minutes before I get into the car. If you are in a cold climate, it is a good feature. After negotiating a deal, I made the remote starter the deal maker and they went for it.

Reply to
Edwin Pawlowski

Which is stupid. :-)

Reply to
Matt Whiting

You may want to hold off another month as the 2009 goes on sale the end of Feb. and has some newer technology that increase HP and fuel economy. Styling isn't bad either. Check it out:

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- Thee Chicago Wolf

Reply to
Thee Chicago Wolf

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Man, that's the last thing the V6 needs --- 15 more HP. Next we'll here that somebody broke the 147mph landspeed record for the Sonata.

Kinda kidding but the 232HP the current V6 is incredible in the Sonata. They ought to add a 7 year/100,000 warranty that covers speeding tickets :)

The picture doesn't really show the styling changes, however.

Reply to
DonC

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Yes, Hyundai needs competitive fuel economy more than more power. My 4 cylinder is plenty powerful enough, but it should get 2-4 more MPG compared to other cars of similar size and power.

Matt

Reply to
Matt Whiting

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Agreed...my 07 Elantra should be getting 10MPG more in my opinion. The mileage is horrible. At least my 03 and 05 Elantras got fairly good mileage. (see my thread further down about mileage).

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Reply to
jtees4

I bought a 2008 Sonata last month and the following has occurred: the passenger airbag disabled light keeps coming on even when there's nobody there. One of the trunk suspension air-shock cylinders failed. My passenger side back floor-board filled with water after a heavy rain.

The Dealer tried to send me away when I arrived for service. They said my warrenty didn't cover me. All of the problems are covered.

This is my first Hyundai and it will be my last.

Reply to
dotnetbuyer

I bought a 2008 Sonata last month and the following has occurred: the passenger airbag disabled light keeps coming on even when there's nobody there. One of the trunk suspension air-shock cylinders failed. My passenger side back floor-board filled with water after a heavy rain.

The Dealer tried to send me away when I arrived for service. They said my warrenty didn't cover me. All of the problems are covered.

This is my first Hyundai and it will be my last.

No way is this characteristic of a Sonata. Sounds like you got a lemon of a dealer. Everything IS covered --- unless you left your trunk open during that rainstorm.

Reply to
DonC

passenger airbag disabled light keeps coming on even when there's nobody there. One of the trunk suspension air-shock cylinders failed. My passenger side back floor-board filled with water after a heavy rain.

Sorry to hear that. My Sonata will hit 31000 miles tomorrow and it has been perfect. Never been back to the dealer. If problems persist, check your state's lemon laws and also complain about the dealer. Those problems are covered and a reputable dealer will be happy to fix them for you.

Reply to
Edwin Pawlowski

Not my experience at all. I suggest that you call Hyundaiusa and ask to talk to the warranty department and tell them of your experience with the dealer.

Old_Timer

Reply to
Old_Timer

This tale smacks of more to the story. There are indeed some bad dealers out there, but I have a very hard time believing this story as it is relayed.

Reply to
Mike Marlow

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