Faults:

ESP turns off when it rains.

At first it only happened occasionally, but now it is very regular. When it rains and I have to brake in a corner, the ESP gets confused and turns itself off. Ironically, it is during wet weather when you might need the ESP’s help.

Also have an intermittent fault, where the back right door will not unlock. The fault comes and goes; must be with the mechanism, because I am unable to unlock the door with the remote, or manually using the knob on the door.

General Comments:

I needed cheap reliable transport to get me from and to work.

Bought this car on price; it was an ex rental (presumably had a hard life).

I am pleasantly surprised at the quality mechanics on this car. Everything is still tight, the doors close smoothly, the seats are comfortable, the engine is smooth and powerful, and the auto is just a delight.

Surprisingly good fuel economy, 8.2L/100K, which is amazing for such a big powerful car, with the air con on most of the times.

This car was meant to be the work horse on a budget, but it is such a joy to drive, that we often take it on our family outings, in preference to our beloved Prado.

If we ever have to replace our family chariot, the tough, ever faithful Toyota Prado, I will certainly consider looking at what Hyundai has to offer.

Faults:

Constant problems with the car alarm sounding falsely (had a body shop disconnect it).

Nasty rattle coming from dashboard since day one (dealers can never seem to replicate the sound and don't seem to want to fix it).

Four burnt brake lights (replaced by me).

Bad break switch (covered). Caused ESC OFF light to stay on and cruise control to be deactivated.

Worn bearing (covered).

Driver's-side visor (covered).

Multiple recalls (dealers fixed without question).

---END OF Warranty---

Passenger-side air bag sensor goes bad at 62K ($1,200 — not covered).

Headlight switch needs replacing at 63K ($300 — not covered).

Rear passenger-side window regulator fails at 78K ($350 — not covered).

General Comments:

Mechanically the car has been great. Very happy to get a V6 in this price range, as most manufacturers reserve V6 engines for their higher trim levels. Love how the steering feels tighter than a lot of similar cars.

Car magically started having costly problems only 2,000 miles outside of its 5-year/60,000 mile warranty.

The car isn't paid for and already needs nearly $2,000 worth of repairs.

Faults:

Computer problems at 60000.

Rear strut bushings.

Sunvisors won't stay up.

Motor had a tick to it at 100000.

General Comments:

Nice car, but way too many problems.

Faults:

SERVICE AND DEALERS

Bought this car used. The only problem we have had, is the halfwit writing this made a CD and put a nice label on it - and it jammed in the player. That was my first experience of service, repaired for free, great laughter.

Had a remote starter installed. While it works well, it can be quirky at locking and unlocking the doors and especially the trunk.

If it has a quirky thing, it is that the 4 cylinder engine must use Hyundai oil filters only or your warranty could be void. No problem, as their filters are no more expensive than any other, and I can still get changes at the Quick Lube nearest me.

General Comments:

INTERIOR COMFORT

We have made several highway trips with this vehicle - normally it is my wife's commute to work car. Highway trips are quite pleasurable, and my mother in law rates the back seat as far better than the one in the Buick.

HANDLING

Love it. Our Buick, which I drive, is comfortable, staid, and non dramatic - excellent vehicle - but the Sonata has verve, pickup, and zips along, seems eager.

PROBLEMS

Not a problem yet, but the exterior paint does seem to be very soft and scratches and chips easily. In a land where salt and gravel are used in winter, this could be problematic down the road.

And finally...

My first experience of folding back seats, turning a sedan into a mini wagon.. would NEVER buy another car without it!