Originally I was looking at certified pre-owned models online (Cars.com mainly) and was not thrilled with the prices being asked for the Camrys and Accords that had 10,000 to 20,000 miles on them. When I realized I could get a Hyundai Sonata for the same price brand new, I started focusing my research on that brand. Edmunds, Consumer Reports and Cars.com all rated the Sonata higher (MPG, trim, power, value) than the Camry and Accord. And, along with the BMW 5 Series, the Sonata is the safest car on the road, as judged by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
With all that out of the way, I am happy to announce I bought a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Limited in radiant silver exterior and gray leather interior. I pick it up Saturday afternoon.
The combination of…
1.) It being the end of the month (monthly sales goals must be met!)
2.) Memorial Day specials still in effect
3.) Limited availability of 0% financing for 36 months
4.) 2013 models are in and dealers are being aggressive to clear out the 2012 models
…allowed me to get the car for $133 dollars over dealer invoice. And they even threw in more than $300 worth of items, like floor mats, a cargo mat, a cargo net, and mud flaps. (Update: a competing dealership called me this morning to try to beat my original deal by $1,300. I told the original dealership and they matched it!!!!) Yet another update -- after further competitive bids, my original dealer brought the price down another $1,000. So, $2,300 less than what I thought I was buying it for.
Hyundais come with a 5-year, 60,000 miles bumper to bumper warranty, and a 10-year 100,000 mile power train warranty.
You may be thinking this post sounds like I’m trying to justify why I’m in a Hyundai, and you’d be right. It’s as much an exercise for me to shake the silly stigma of driving a Hyundai as it is to inform you about my purchase.
7 comments:
Three quick thoughts:
1: Sucks you're leaving Boston. I miss working there.
2: Hyundai's have really come around. My neighbor has a 2007 Sonata and hasn't had it in the shop once. And the new ones are nicer.
3: I discovered I can hook up my iPod to my truck's bluetooth and can now run it from the controls on my steering wheel. I don't even need to plug it in, it senses it and immediately starts playing it. I'm assuming you have bluetooth in the new car, as well..so......
Be ready for awesomeness!
Thanks Beach.
1. Yes, I'd say 20% of my job satisfaction is tied to working in this great city. I'm trying to imagine how often I'll visit Boston once my job leaves, and I can't honestly say more than 4 times a year.
2. I am getting such positive feedback from everyone that I think any trepidation I thought I'd have driving a Hyundai has evaporated.
3. I have an old school iPod that I don't believe has any Bluetooth capability, so I'm happy for the two auxillary inputs (3.5 MM jack and USB). The USB input will make the iPod controllable by the radio dials. The Bluetooth will make calls during my commute much easier.
It's a good thing that you looked at all your options before choosing a car. By doing that, you were able to survey the specs and safety features of each car and determine which one is the best. Although the three cars are almost similar in size, the Hyundai Sonata Limited is the best choice given its advanced features, including a cool sunroof and a new infotainment system.
Buying a car is never an easy feat. It always helps to have a concrete idea or picture of exactly what you want because there are so many options out there. I think it’s great that more and more people are looking for ways to save money on cars and fuel. It’s cool to have a nice flashy sports car, if you can afford it. But with the way the economy is moving nowadays, the more money we can save on our necessities (and a car definitely counts as a necessity, not a luxury), the better.
Did you watch that video before buying yours? If yes, then I think you did a great job. You did your assignment very well and purchased a good one. Cheers!
That sure is a good find, and I must say your persistence really paid off! Your new Hyundai looks amazing! It’s definitely a good thing that you waited for the right deal. Sometimes buying a new vehicle is much better, since you can be sure that everything is genuine and new. And the warranty is still intact, so you won’t have to worry about repairs and replacements.
It’s been six months, still, congratulations for buying a new car! :) It is indeed both an achievement and privilege to be able to buy a car of your own. Take care of your car’s surface by using cotton cloth when you clean it, so you can prevent scratching the surface and the paint work. Also, as much as possible, put a car cover on it if you’ll leave it in an open place for a long time.
Patrick Gauer
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