Sonata miles per gallon?

Discussion in 'Hyundai Sonata' started by Lawrence Adler, May 28, 2005.

  1. What is the difference in actual milage on a 4 cyl Sonata and 6 cyl Sonata
     
    Lawrence Adler, May 28, 2005
    #1
  2. Lawrence  Adler

    nothermark Guest

    can't say exact numbers but on other cars where I could in the past it
    depended on how you were driving. Same load, same driving roughly
    same milage - or about 1 mpg inthe mid 20 mpg range. For heavy loads
    the milage with the 6 operates more efficiently most of the time. For
    heavy foot driving the 6 burns more gas but it also can get you out of
    some trouble spots that a 4 can't. My bottom line is that for a rad
    car I perfer the 6. For a car that is loaded I prefer the 6. For a
    local only running lightly loaded the 4 is a better choice. A bigger
    issue is the transmission.
     
    nothermark, May 28, 2005
    #2
  3. My '90 is giving me about 19 in mixed driving, mostly city. That's with
    one of the engine-mounted oxygen sensors out of commission. When I
    bought it in March, it was giving me more like 21. I live on a hill, in
    a hilly area, but I tend to drive with a light foot. It seems like this
    car should give better mileage than this -- it's too close to my
    Aerostar, which delivered 16-17.

    Dunno. How does this sound?

    Richard
     
    Richard Steinfeld, May 30, 2005
    #3
  4. Correction:
    My Sonata V6 is a 2000, not a '90.

    Richard
     
    Richard Steinfeld, May 30, 2005
    #4
  5. You bought a cheap Korean made car the lacks refinement. Don't have
    high expectations and you won't get dissapointed.
     
    eastwardbound2003, Jun 4, 2005
    #5
  6. We seem to be bringing out the trolls, don't we?
    Here's one making a grand pronouncement based on no experience whatsoever.

    Richard
     
    Richard Steinfeld, Jun 5, 2005
    #6
  7. Well wouldn't you at least agree with me that Hyundais still are not up
    in terms of refinement, reliability, and durability with Toyota,
    Subaru, VW, and Cadillac?

    If you still disagree than you are only fooling yourself.


    We seem to be bringing out the trolls, don't we?
    Here's one making a grand pronouncement based on no experience
    whatsoever.

    Richard >>>>
     
    eastwardbound2003, Jun 5, 2005
    #7
  8. Lawrence  Adler

    Jody Guest

    oh thats funny, a vw thats reliable =)
     
    Jody, Jun 5, 2005
    #8
  9. I repeat what I've already said: you have made a statement without the
    backing of knowledge. Why did you feel the need to insert a prejudice
    here? What you wrote is as true as "...we know that they have weapons of
    mass destruction."
    This is utter crap, of which you are full.

    It's your turn to do some research into the performance goals of Hyundai
    and how those goals are being realized. The company did make some poor
    cars during the 80s, if I recall correctly. This is no longer true. The
    history of some automakers has shown cycles of alternating poor and good
    quality. Although I have owned excellent Chrysler cars from the good
    years, I would not want one of their newer products. Hyundai has been
    making rather decent cars of late, which is no surprise because they
    have been working diligently on their quality.

    You really should perhaps buy or drive one or more recent Hyundais
    before issuing prououncements like this. Go talk with a few Hyundai
    owners yourself. In other words: get some experience before making
    pronouncements. Do some research -- it's not hard.

    Or, just _Go get your hands on a recent Hyundai and drive it._

    You should also get some experience concerning the autos you mentioned.
    "Refinement" is a vague term. In terms of reliability, I'd say that
    Hyundais have surpassed VW and Cadillac: a slam-dunk. In cost of
    ownership, Hyundai has done something unusual: they put the drain plug
    back on the torque converter, thereby saving the car owner about $75 for
    each transmission fluid change. Touches like this reveal a lot about how
    the manufacturer regards the people who give them their money. (What do
    you drive? Do you have a transmission drain plug?)

    My Sonata is certainly as "refined" as any Cadillac. It's got so much
    automation that I worry that some computerized geegaw might fail and
    interfere with something important. Unfortunately, I trust the Korean
    parts more than I do their American equivalents.

    Based upon my experience and mechanical knowledge (note: "experience and
    knowledge") I'd say that Hyundai has almost caught up with Toyota in
    dependability and engineering. Achieving this parity is, in fact,
    Hyundai's stated goal. As far as I've been able to ascertain, Toyota has
    surpassed every other car maker in terms of reliability. Cadillac and VW
    don't come close. Subaru occupies an almost-unique position in terms of
    practical body designs, but can suffer somewhat in maintenance costs due
    to unusual mechanical assemblies that require dealer servicing. The top
    two models from both Hyundai and Kia are, in my opinion, very refined in
    terms of human and mechanical engineering -- not perfect, but quite
    livable. Styling, too, is what's current (although I have an instant gut
    dislike of virtually all current cars). My only serious human
    engineering complaints about my 2000 Sonata are that the steering wheel
    obstructs my view of the speedometer; the center console contour is
    dreadful -- things slide off it. And the rear of the car's , elegant
    appearance is achieved at the cost of usable trunk space. Sure looks
    mighty refined, though.

    The word "cheap" implies low quality. That's not my experience with a
    number of Korean products. These cars provide unsurpassed value: bang
    for the buck. I'd say that overall, my experience with Korean
    engineering has been of design that's close to the Japanese in
    excellence of performance. In terms of ease of repair, nobody can touch
    Japanese engineers in making products that are difficult (and expensive)
    to fix (note: this is a generalization based on consumer electronics).
    However, let's say by comparison, the extremely high costs of
    maintaining a Ford Aerostar are a direct result of designing obstructed
    access into the product, proving that we've learned the worst of what
    the Japanese designers had to offer. This is compounded by engineering
    blunders: things like premature, expensive head gasket failure (shared
    with other Ford products that use the same engines).

    These issues are very complex, and not suitable to flippant one-liners
    of judgment. My expectations of my Hyundai, in fact, are as high as they
    are for any automobile I'd want to own.

    Making generalizations like this show a lack of knowledge and
    understanding. You know, most of us will agree that Yugos were lousy
    cars. Yet, I've run into a couple of guys who -based on their personal
    experience- have had outstanding luck with them (they work on their own
    cars). To begin with, Yugos were simply Fiats assembled in the Balkans.
    So, they share parts and service data. The design was as "refined" as
    Fiat; workmanship was, overall, even worse. They're just motorized
    hockey pucks, but can be just great for getting around town and fitting
    into small parking spots. But if you're handy with a wrench and like to
    keep as much money as possible (and don't want to drive on a long trip),
    hey, here's your car: a Yugo.

    Richard
     
    Richard Steinfeld, Jun 5, 2005
    #9
  10. Lawrence  Adler

    Dan Guest

    Here is what I wrote in response to another ng message regarding Hyundai
    longevity:

    "My 97 Tiburon has just passed the 250,000 mile mark and is still
    running strong. It uses about a quart of oil every 1000 miles, but I
    don't consider that excessive for a car with this many miles on it. I
    bought the car new so I know what has been repaired over the years.
    During its' in-warranty period, the throttle position sensor was out of
    spec which caused a couple visits to the dealer. Also, the clutch master
    cylinder went out at about 45,000 miles and was replaced by the dealer.
    The first "major" repair (that I had to pay for) was replacing the
    alternator at 170,000 miles. The only other major repair I had to
    contend with was a failed clutch throw-out bearing at 230,000 miles. As
    amazing as it sounds, when I dropped the transmission and removed the
    clutch there was virtually no wear to the disk or pressure plate, but I
    replaced it all anyway. I have never before owned a car that is as
    reliable as my Tiburon. I have a spare engine sitting in my garage (a
    2000cc from a '99 Elantra with 43,000 miles on it) in anticipation of
    the day when this power plant finally does give up, but at this point,
    it doesn't seem like that will be any time soon. "
    Before you put down Hyundai's as being "cheap and lacking refinement"
    get your damn facts straight!
     
    Dan, Jun 5, 2005
    #10
  11. Lawrence  Adler

    Harry Smith Guest

    Well, Eastwardbound...

    In posts to other groups you pretend to be a devout religious
    (although incredibly intolerant) individual, who in fact posted thusly
    "Rudeness is a crime." -- Yet you blow in here and insult the cars of
    choice for almost all the posters here. Overwhelmingly, we think that
    Hyundai cars are super, and a steal for the money. I'm driving a 1989
    Sonata (the first year they imported them to the U.S) with 308,000
    miles on it and I'm going to tow an enclosed trailer 2500 miles with
    it next month. BTW, the 1989-1991 Sonatas were built in Canada, not
    Korea.

    Harry
     
    Harry Smith, Jun 6, 2005
    #11
  12. Still does your Hyundai have the same handling and performance
    characteristics as the new VW Jetta? Does it have as nice of an
    interior and exterior, and does it have nearly as advanced engineering,
    in terms of the powertrain and ergonomics?

    Keep all things considered first before trashing VW. VW happens to
    make some really fine cars. Think of them as poor mans BMW's.

    The new VW Jetta utilizes a brand new 5 cylinder in line gas engine for
    the all new 2005 model. Also the TDI is available for those who prefer
    diesel. There is a choice of 5 - Speed manual transaxle or a 6 speed
    automatic transaxle with "tiptronic". So one can shift through the
    gears manualy on an automatic transaxle.

    There is a host of advanced standard and optional features. Just go
    see for yourself.
     
    eastwardbound2003, Jun 6, 2005
    #12
  13. Lawrence  Adler

    Jody Guest

    since when does handling and performance have anything to do with
    reliability, I never said vws weren't engineered well.
    they're just not very reliable cars...
    weve priced a vw jetta tdi 2006, nice car, nice features but too pricy. 32
    000 cdn
    ill wait and see on the 2006 sonata... just as much features and a bigger
    car.
    atleast vws finally given the jetta independent suspension all around..
    who knows maybye vws licked the problems, but till i see i wont buy cause
    nearest dealers 4 hrs away..
     
    Jody, Jun 6, 2005
    #13
  14. Lawrence  Adler

    Jody Guest

    if u dont like hyundais then why are u on this news group?
    you make them sound like thyre not designed well ie: ergonomics etc..
    hyundais have great ergonomics
     
    Jody, Jun 6, 2005
    #14
  15. Hey, this is getting to be fun.
    Religious and intolerant, huh?
    Seems to go with the territory. He digs in his heels and persists with
    increased vehemence from his position: totally rigid in the belief that
    hs's right, he knows absolutely nothing about Hyundais, and spouts
    increasing irrelevant arguments.

    This guy is a real piece of work.

    Richard
     
    Richard Steinfeld, Jun 6, 2005
    #15
  16. For your information I did take a good look at the new Hyundais today.
    I just didn't test drive them because I know I'm not going to buy one
    and I didn't want to waste the salesmans time.
     
    eastwardbound2003, Jun 7, 2005
    #16
  17. Lawrence  Adler

    Old_Timer Guest

    The most troublesome car I ever owned was a VW Rabbit. My two
    previous cars before my present Sonata V6 GLS were Cadillacs. Both of
    the Cadillacs had reliability problems. As for my Sonata, I can only
    say that after several years of ownership I have absolutely no
    buyer;'s remorse nor would I have any reservations towards buying
    another new one.

    Old_Timer
     
    Old_Timer, Jun 7, 2005
    #17
  18. Lawrence  Adler

    Jim Wasiura Guest

    I agree my 2002 has had no problems since I have owned it and I would buy
    another. Not to soon I still have a long warranty. If I compared my service
    reports to the GM cars I have owned it would only make on sick. No wonder
    they are on the ropes. Should I be a good American and buy GM or buy what
    car I want. It does bother me. But I would rather buy a new Sonata compared
    to an Impala.
     
    Jim Wasiura, Jun 21, 2005
    #18
  19. Thank God , Gm is finally getting what I wished on it (probably myself
    and millions of others). They could give them away and I wouldn't bite.

    Having your wipers quit on you in the middle of a S. Fla downpour is a
    scary thing to happen over and over (reminded me of my MGB that used to
    stall in the middle of the freeway going 65).

    Not to mention GM's anit-stop , eh.. I mean anti-lock brakes.

    I drove an Astro van recently (because of the sale) and the doors
    didn't line up right and it reminded me of my Blazer. I guess a test
    drive now and then to refresh the memory is a good thing.
     
    Charles Pisano, Jun 22, 2005
    #19
  20. Lawrence  Adler

    Diarmud387 Guest

    Whoa, hold on there. I own a VW Jetta, it may be engineered correctly
    but it's reliability is at the bottom. We have spent literally
    thousands on car repairs that others dont. . first 50k miles . . many
    small problems plus not covered byk warranty were . . front wheel
    bearing (?), pressure hose for power steering (?), many fault codes,
    cat converter replaced at 82,500 (warranty good til 80,000). I stock
    akuto light bulbs because they always blowing . . dealers answer was
    we're abusing the car!!

    Who but VW would design cup holders that when in use completely
    obstruct the readio/CD control?

    In 1998 they were using a coolant sensor that failed all the time, in
    2003 they were still putting it in cars.

    How about the great remote key fobs that work no more than 2 feet from
    the drivers window? The dealer told me to hold the FOB on my forehead
    when I clicked it. TRUE STORY.

    How about the falling windows that they knew about in 1998 and were
    still putting the same parts in 2003 cars?

    Next time you come to a knife fight, come with a knife, not a plastic
    spoon.
     
    Diarmud387, Jun 26, 2005
    #20
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