How’s the body durability on those Sonatas?
My mom has a 2004 (or maybe 2003) Hyundai Elantra, and it’s been a fine little car, but the body panels dent inordinately easily. Every one of them I’ve seen has a collection of dings and dents on the sides. The Sonatas I’ve seen, even the previous generation, don’t appear to have that problem so much. I don’t know if the Elantra’s problem is the guage of metal they used, or the quality of it.
My 2004 Sonata has 42K on it. So far, nothing of consequence. One of the buttons on the stereo messed up and they replaced the radio with no discussion.
I have not owned an Elantra, but have driven a friend’s in addition to test driving a new one a year ago. It was going to be our “in town” car. But the step up in interior size, weight, quiet and ride were considerable in the Sonata so I instead bought the 2007 with the 2.4L four. The Elantra is definitely “tinnier” than the Sonata.
The 2006 & 2007 Sonata are nearly identical. A little heavier feeling than my 2004. Bodies seem fine in strength. I have found a few [very small] imperfections in the paint. Inconsequential, but the kind you don’t get if you spend another $10k.
Nice highway car. The 2.4 four doesn’t have the raw power and pickup that the six has. But it hums along quietly and effortlessly at 80+ for hours.