Choice of Cars

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Okay I seriously am hating car shopping. I hate everything about it. Narrowed it sort of down to 3 cars. All are 1 owner cars clean carfax.

2007 Mazda 5 Sport, 64k miles, ask $10,888, NADA Ret $12225, KBB PP Very Good $11296, Ed TMV PP $8243
2006 Sonata GLS V6, 54k miles, ask $10.2 offered me $9999, NADA $10425, KBB $8263, Ed TMV PP $7515
2009 Sonata GLS, 67k miles, ask $11995, NADA $12600, KBB $11022, Ed TMV $9969

So all are at dealerships and I'm wondering should I take it to a mechanic to check out? I am finding it difficult to negoatiate with the Mazda dealers but the two hyundai dealers appear to want to make a deal.

Thoughts on cars? What do you think about dealership versus private party? I have been looking PP but am very disappointed that a lot of PP have over 100k miles and not many low miles on craigslist or even autotrader or cars.com. People seem to do more trade in then selling themselves.

If it matters I've pretty much sold my car and I need a car fast. I am trying to do it this weekend. My biggest hold up has been my husband hasn't seen the cars and every dealer won't make a deal unless I am about to leave and I always say he wants to see/test drive first so they won't make me a serious offer. UGGGH.

[bjl584]

I'd probably take the middle one. The 2006 Sonata. It has a V6 and low miles. A friend of mine has that same exact car and she has over 150K on it, and it's still going trouble free. The V6 runs a little cooler than the 4 cylinders and usually will last longer. Those engines also have a timing chain as opposed to a belt, so it's a little less maintenance to worry about.

[snafu]

Hyundais have excellent warranty which is transferred without cost from Hyundai [dealerships might wish to add fees]. A private seller should be able to give you all the service records for review to ascertain if the car's a dud. The [Hyundai] dealership should likewise have records. I had an 06 Sonata and thought it was a terrific, no hassle, non aggravating vehicle.

I recall they were re-styled in 09 and got raves for their well done interior. Car prices are regional but the prices you stated are higher than here. With new [2013] models showing up already, try negotiating $6K range for 06 [look at Edmunds pricing] & take advantage of the need to make their EOM quoto .

[LivingAlmostLarge]

these are from dealers. I haven't found very many on craigslist or even autotrader with success for low mileage PP. I swear where I live people only sell cars with high miles on them PP. Within 100 miles of my home with less than 100k miles hyundai Sonatas 2006 and newer there is 2, both 108 and 107 miles. Now dealers have a few.

2007 $9500, 87k Sonata
2008 $11700, 72k Sonata

I am going to try to get the 06 but they won't negotiate any more on price. And where are all these private party sellers?

[bjl584]

Hyundais have excellent warranty which is transferred without cost from Hyundai

The 100,000 mile/10 year powertrain warranty is transferable. The 60,000 mile/5 year bumper to bumper warranty is not.

Something to keep in mind.

[disneysteve]

Have you only looked for Sonatas at Hyundai dealerships? If so, branch out. Sometimes you can get a better deal at a different brand dealer. One good place to look is at "upgrade" dealerships, a place where people tend to go when moving up to a better car. I'm not sure what that would be for Sonata owners - maybe Lexus or Infiniti.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Bought the 2006. Dh loved the impeccable condition.

In an aside in had dd2 early this morning. Lol life is beautiful. She was a bit early but healthy.

[disneysteve]

Bought the 2006. Dh loved the impeccable condition.

In an aside in had dd2 early this morning. Lol life is beautiful. She was a bit early but healthy.

Congratulations on both! That's great.

[Like2Plan]

Bought the 2006. Dh loved the impeccable condition.

In an aside in had dd2 early this morning. Lol life is beautiful. She was a bit early but healthy.

Sounds like you bought your new car just in time! Congratulations to you.

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

Now that's a devoted savingadvice.com participant! Had a baby in the morning and updating us on the car purchase in the evening!

Congratulations. My your little one's life be filled with sweetness and light.

I went and checked the news on the side curtain airbag related recalls on Sonatas. Looks like it only applies to 2012s and the new 2013s, so you should be okay on that.

[snafu]

LAL: Congratulations on baby daughter first, 2nd on car purchase, that's productivity!

Ask DH to contact Hyundai to transfer remaining warranty. I doubled checked to confirm we got Bumper to Bumper no cost transfer so perhaps it dealership related.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

I wanted to mention the new kiddo. I have to say she is already costing us a lot in unplanned costs. LOL. Whatever I will worry about it later.

It appears our kids come a month early, need extra care in the hospital, and we end up eating out and throwing away food we meant to eat. But I do love them. My DH is going nuts with trying to deal with everything.

[Frügal]

1) You do not need a six cylinder. Four cylinders are the only way to go.
2) Hyundai/Kia has outstanding reliability. Be sure to read reliability reviews on Edmunds.
3) Get. Away. From. Dealerships.
4) Consider purchasing rebuilt title vehicles. Ones with verified mileage and proof of work performed. In February of 2010, we purchased our 2007 Fors Focus SE for only $5,500; $6,000 below retail. Insurance and lie holder had no qualms over this because the sale price was so low. It came with 30,000 verified miles. After 16,000 miles and almost two years, we are certain we made the best choice.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

We bought a low mileage well cared for car. It's in great shape. Good until next kiddo. I couldn't fit a 3rd seat in the back but it's great.