2002 Sonata???

I am trying to make a decision before I buy this car. I have never owned a Hyundai, but I am absolutely in love with the looks of this Model. It kinda looks like a Jaguar. How are these to drive? Has anyone ran into allot of problems with them. Any input before I make this purchase would be appreciated.

Thank you,

I bought an '03 Sonata LX for my wife back in April last year. I am the parts manager at a Hyundai dealer, so I see these every day. Only problem my wife has had with her car is one of the interior door handles, the chrome started to peel off. Not a big deal, but that's it, and she's got over 50k miles on it already. They did have a few problems with oxygen sensors in the 2.7L models, but there was a recall to replace them and reprogram the computer. If you can get me a vin number on one that you are looking at buying I can get you the warranty history, as well check and see if there are any opens recalls. Good cars though overall. Check the mileage too, 2nd owners don't get the 10yr 100k mile powertrain warranty, only 5 yr 60k miles. So if you are looking at getting one with high miles, there isn't going to much if any at all factory warranty left.

I'm not really concerned about a warranty. My insurance company covers everything, and they don't hit me with a claim when I take my vehicles to the dealer. I spend a little bit more a month for it, but it covers bumper to bumper. I really appreciate you offering to run the VIN on my future Sonata. I may hit you up on that later.

Thanks for the info.


Mike

I am trying to make a decision before I buy this car. I have never owned a Hyundai, but I am absolutely in love with the looks of this Model. It kinda looks like a Jaguar. How are these to drive? Has anyone ran into allot of problems with them.

I have been very happy with my 2002 Hyunda Sonata. I bought it due to the good experiences that my parents had with their 2000 Sonata, the lower cost compared to other models, and the long warranty. It drives pretty well, though the I'd recommend the v6 as the 4-cylinder is somewhat underpowered sometimes in the 20-40mph range even though it is great for passing at highway speeds.

I had a similar door handle chrome issue as mentioned above, as well as a radio that died in the first 2 months, both were covered under warranty with out any trouble. I had a somewhat drawn out issue relating to a bad alternator, but I think it was just due to hasty electrical testing at the dealers (testing without full load); the alternator was fully taken care of under warranty.

Overall, it has been great, and I would highly recommend it.