If you are searching for a vehicle that is going to last you a long time and give you plenty of mileage, there are some pretty nice options available on the market. One such great car with high mileage potential is the Hyundai Sonata. But how many miles can a Hyundai Sonata last?
A sedan that is well maintained and well driven should be able to reach the 200,000-mile mark after which it will start to demand costly maintenance and repairs. With an even better car, a good sedan can reach over 250,000 miles.
If your line of work requires long drives such as being an Uber driver or a sales rep or if you just don’t like vehicles that are expensive to maintain yet and you want something long-lasting, then the Hyundai Sonata is definitely worth a look.
- Hyundai Sonata Reliability
- Best Years For Hyundai Sonata
- Sonata Life Expectancy
- Hyundai Sonata Resale Value
- Frequently Asked Questions
Hyundai Sonata Reliability
As any good driver and owner will tell you, the cost of owning a car goes well beyond the manufacturer’s retail selling price.
When many people are searching for the right car to buy, some of the extra costs that they may consider include insurance premiums, fuel costs, and perhaps the annual maintenance costs.
Many people are also relatively aware of the brands that often produce reliable cars such as Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai as well as some other brands which are not so reliable. After all, you are not going to expect a Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT to be a reliable car considering the size of the engine and the performance.
But there is far more important information that you need if you are going to purchase a Hyundai Sonata or any other vehicle. If that is you are going to get a clear picture of the true cost of buying and owning the vehicle.
This information includes:
- Overall reliability of the Hyundai Sonata
- How many miles can a Hyundai Sonata last
- The annual cost of maintenance of the Hyundai Sonata
- Frequency of maintenance of the Hyundai Sonata annually
- The likelihood of the Hyundai Sonata requiring a trip to the mechanic
- Different elements and factors of the car maintenance costs
There are vehicle models that appear cheap at first through their MSRP, but they have high annual maintenance and repair costs.
This is why it is always a good idea to do your due diligence and research. This will enable you to find the actual cost of repair and maintenance before making your decision and parting with your money.
To get a true picture of the reliability of the Hyundai Sonata, let’s consider some of its common problems.
Hyundai Sonata Common Issues
The Sonata is among the more popular models produced by Hyundai. This model can come in several configurations including gas and hybrid. The Hyundai Sonata is one of those really reliable cars on the market but this doesn’t mean they are free of issues.
If you’ve already decided that the Hyundai Sonata is the car for you, understanding how reliable the car is will help you take better care of your vehicle and ensure it offers you the best service and reliability. The common problems include:
1. Transmission Problems
Among the more common issues that come with the Hyundai Sonata include problems with the transmission. Drivers have often complained about how the gears shift hard. They cite that there is difficulty in changing the gears.
The main issue that causes hard gear shift is a faulty speed sensor which then results in a check engine light returning on. The great thing is that this isn’t a difficult fix.
A second reason why drivers would experience problems with the transmission is if there is insufficient transmission fluid. By ensuring the correct transmission fluid, it is possible to fix the issue.
The third cause of transmission problems has to do with software that hasn’t been updated. Through updating the software, this problem can quickly be fixed.
2. Issues With The Engine
Another common problem with the Hyundai Sonata has to do with engine problems. And the most common of these is a stalling of the engine which occurs suddenly without any warning.
This is an issue that was most common with the Hyundai Sonata 2011 model though other models have also reported this problem.
Other engine problems that have also been cited include high consumption of oil and noises coming from the engine. This is a problem that seemed to be more common with older Hyundai Sonata vehicles.
3. Leaking Of Fuel
There was a recent recall of the Hyundai Sonata car models of 2021 and 2022. This is because of a large number of cars that had faulty fuel lines. For cars that came with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, the fuel lines were not strong enough and would cause a fuel leak.
If you are a car owner of either the Hyundai Sonata 2021 model or the Sonata 2022 model, then you should probably take it to a dealership or an auto shop to check if you need to replace your fuel pipes.
4. Issues With The Parking Lights
Among the more common problems with the Hyundai Sonata is related to parking lights. You may experience an issue with the parking lights turning off suddenly. Other times you may find that the parking lights don’t turn off completely.
The main issue causing this has to do with the fuse box. Granted this is an issue that mostly occurs with older Hyundai Sonata models but also tends to occur with the new Sonata 2015.
Best Years For Hyundai Sonata
Now that we’ve looked at the most common issues with the Hyundai Sonata, and understood how many miles can a Hyundai Sonata last, let’s now consider some of the most reliable and best years of the Sonata.
If you are in the market for a used Hyundai Sonata, the vehicles on this list are probably the best you can get. Even better is that they all come at a low price.
Let’s jump straight in.
2006 Hyundai Sonata
The 2006 model of the Hyundai Sonata is affordable and among the most reliable used cars that you can get. In fact, Hyundai had produced the 2006 model as a limited edition.
The design is sharp and the model also comes with plenty of cool features. The features are also simple to use and the interior is nicely done. Though it’s not on the level of brands such as Buick.
Furthermore, there is also sufficient cabin space which means a more comfortable ride that doesn’t feel too cramped.
Under the hood is a V6 engine that provides a nice amount of power to propel the vehicle forward. This power kicks in as soon as you press on the gas pedal. And the best part is that there are very few cases of the engine malfunctioning compared to other model years.
And just to put things in perspective, there haven’t been issues that have been reported as far as reliability and safety go which makes the Hyundai Sonata a great car to own and drive.
2007 Hyundai Sonata
The 2007 Hyundai Sonata also comes with an affordable price tag and also comes with some pretty nice features.
It is a family-friendly car that offers plenty of interior space which ultimately means a comfortable driving experience. The driving is also smooth and relaxing.
Another great feature of the 2007 Hyundai Sonata is its fuel efficiency which makes it among the best family cars that you can get. Even after many years of use, the car is still able to maintain great gas mileage.
Sure, older models will tend to come with some minor issues but the great thing with the 2007 Sonata is that these aren’t too difficult to fix and will not cause you to break the bank.
This Sonata is definitely a great choice when in the market for an affordable car that has excellent gas mileage, is durable, and also comes with plenty of cool features.
2009 Hyundai Sonata
The 2009 Hyundai Sonata is one of those cars that you need to definitely consider if looking for an affordable second-hand vehicle. It comes with plenty of great features, great fuel economy, and plenty of power under the hood.
Not to mention that there is plenty of interior space and a comfortable ride.
The SE trim version comes with plenty of extra features that further make for a comfortable and nice driving experience.
For one, there are six standard airbags. The car makes considerably less noise and has four-wheel disc brakes, traction control, and electronic stability.
There are plenty of vehicle models that ask for a high price for the same level of safety features but the 2009 Hyundai Sonata is among the more affordable ones.
2010 Hyundai Sonata
Another great year for the Hyundai Sonata is the 2010 model year. The car comes with good safety ratings and crashes test results.
US News gave the 2010 Hyundai Sonata a rank of 4th place on the most affordable midsized cars.
For an even better choice with the 2010 Hyundai Sonata, consider going for the V6 engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission. It will offer you the best power while also coming with great gas mileage.
Furthermore, the 2010 Hyundai Sonata is able to produce 259 horsepower while also keeping the cabin relatively quiet.
As far as reliability goes, the 2010 Hyundai Sonata received a “best among all” rating from J.D. power.
Hyundai Sonata Life Expectancy
For someone who plans on spending a considerable amount of their time driving and on the road, a Hyundai Sonata is a great choice. How many miles can a Hyundai Sonata last? It can last over 200,000 miles under proper driving and maintenance.
This is also among the more affordable cars and for the price comes with some great features. For instance, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata base model will come with an MRSP of $23,700. It also has an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 2.5-liter engine that produces 190 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque.
Furthermore, the Hyundai Sonata has excellent fuel economy able to do 28 miles per gallon in the city and 38 miles per gallon on the highway. The handling is also great and the steering wheel is responsive.
Step inside the Hyundai Sonata and you will be met with a 7.8-inch touch screen that is connected to six speakers. The infotainment system also comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
1. The SEL
Then there is the SEL model which has an even better infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touch screen. There is also a smartphone key and a wireless charging pad.
The SEL Plus comes with a smaller 1.6-liter engine that has a turbocharger. This allows it to produce 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque.
2. The Limited
The Hyundai Sonata Limited is the top-of-the-line model and features a 10.3 inches screen, ambient lighting, and a 12-inch speaker system. There is also plenty of safety features that come with the model.
But we are talking about longevity, reliability, and durability. This probably means that the other car features that you would find in a model such as the Mustang are not a priority for you.
Granted there are some Hyundai Sonata models, especially the older ones that have not received top ratings for reliability. But for the most part, the Sonata is a great car if you are searching for a vehicle that is going to stick with you through the miles.
How To Maintain And Extend Your Hyundai Sonatas Life
The Hyundai Sonata is perhaps not the most reliable car on the market but it is somewhere up there with the best of them.
So, how many miles can a Hyundai Sonata last? With proper care and maintenance, your Hyundai Sonata can reach 200,000 miles and even go far beyond this before the maintenance and repair costs start to increase exponentially. These cars have been known to cross the 300,000-mile mark.
Maintaining your Hyundai Sonata will involve several steps. The first and easiest way is to read your owner’s manual and find out how many times and after how many miles you will need to change the oil. Follow the recommendations of your owner’s manual.
1. Changing The Oil
If you fail to change your car’s oil regularly, this would mean that your engine doesn’t get the right amounts of lubrication and would significantly reduce its life.
But the engine oils are just one of the fluids that you will need to check. You also need to regularly change the engine coolant, the brake fluid, and the transmission fluid not to mention the power steering fluid on the regular.
This can significantly help reduce potentially expensive repairs.
2. Other Components
It is important that you also pay special attention to the air filter, the oil filter, as well as the fuel filter.
By keeping the cabin as wall say components clear of any particulars, you can significantly increase the life of your car.
You can find out how regularly you can change and service these parts by reading your owner manual.
Next check the condition and state of your car’s tires. You can do this by rotating the tires. Also, check the pressure and ensure that every time you are driving the vehicle has the right tire pressure.
3. Replacing The Tires
Driving worn-out tires increases the chances of an accident and this will obviously put your life at risk and also means damage to your car.
Finally, ensure that in case of any need to repair that you do so promptly. If you see that the check engine light has turned on, take your vehicle to the auto shop.
In case you notice that the ride quality has reduced also have the vehicle checked to find out what is causing this.
By making quick and timely repairs, your car will last a long time as you will be able to prevent even further damage to your car.
Other Ways To Maintain Your Car
How many miles can a Hyundai Sonata last? Another way that you can extend the life of your Hyundai Sonata is to ensure that you drive carefully. Driving too fast while making sharp turns will reduce the life of your vehicle.
Also going fast on rough terrain will definitely reduce the life of the car. Braking suddenly is sometimes necessary but doing this on a regular will take many miles out of your car.
And that’s not all. Using the brakes more frequently will also reduce the life of the brakes and thus increase your maintenance costs.
The Braking System
There are several factors that come into play. For one, the braking system is subject to wear and tear due to frequent use. If you live in an urban setting, you are much more likely to use the brakes than someone who lives in a rural region.
To help increase the life of your braking system there are a couple of things that you can do. The main way is to do progressive braking. This is where you do not instantly press on the brakes but instead brake slowly while letting go. This will help reduce the pressure exerted on the braking system.
There are some significant benefits of these such as maintaining control over your vehicle, preventing skidding, and also significantly saving on fuel.
It’s important to also go through and read the owner’s manuals. A large number of drivers do not read through the owner’s manual and leave the mechanic to find out what the problem is and repair it.
It’s also possible for the mechanic to miss the actual problem as car models are different. Mechanics may not always be conversant with all car models.
Other mechanics are simply not very competent and may not know how to service your car. It is best therefore that you service your vehicle as per the recommendations of your owner’s manual.
By taking such steps you will be able to extend your Hyundai Sonata’s life and may even reach the 250,000-mile mark.
Hyundai Sonata Resale Value
You can expect your Hyundai Sonata to lose its value by 35% after 5 years. This would then mean that it would cost $20,712 after these 5 years. This is assuming that you start out with an MRSP of $31,801.
If you waited 2 years to buy your Hyundai Sonata then you would be able to save around $2,954. After 2 years the car will still be relatively new and will still have plenty of life.
After 3 years, the depreciation would increase to $8,135 as now the car will be 5 years old. Having learned how many miles can a Hyundai Sonata last you will be able to get the best resale value for your car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Hyundai Sonata A Good Car
The Hyundai Sonata is a great car. The engine however can be a bit underwhelming. With a turbocharged engine, the Sonata packs a powerful punch and makes it extremely fun to drive. Furthermore, the Hyundai Sonata doesn’t come with many flaws. It has good mileage as well as plenty of cabin space for that comfortable driving experience.
How Long Do Hyundai Sonatas Last
The Hyundai Sonata is among the most reliable cars with low annual maintenance costs. It is also one of the most durable and long-lasting vehicles. Typically with good driving and maintenance, the Hyundai Sonata can be expected to last anywhere from 200,000 miles to 250,000 miles. There are car owners who have reported that their Sonata has lasted over 300,000 miles.
Are Hyundai Sonatas Reliable
The Hyundai Sonata gets great reliability ratings. Repairpal gives it a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5. It is also known to last over 250,000 miles. Furthermore, it has annual repair costs of $458 which is below the average, making it cheaper and more affordable to maintain.
How Many Gallons Does A Hyundai Sonata Hold
The Hyundai Sonata SE model has a fuel tank that can take 148 gallons. The SE plus on the other had a much larger fuel tank that can take 159 gallons of fuel.
Does Hyundai Hold Its Value
The Hyundai Sonata holds its value relatively well compared to most vehicles in the market. You can expect it however to lose its value by 35% after a period of 5 years. In two years, a Hyundai Sonata is still relatively new yet can save you over $2,000.
