'08 Hyundai Sonata 2.4L

[vibrologist]

A week ago we bought an 08 Hyundai Sonata 2.4L. It is my son's car and replaced his rusty '98 Mazda Protege, 5 speed manual. The Mazda still runs nicely but the rust, an oil leak, and busted A/C spelled the "OUT!" for it. The Hyundai is 10 years younger, has about 102K miles on it, automatic and proper working A/C. I am planning on getting better tires and a wheel alignment done. It is a comfortable family sedan. My son is a happy camper now. Incidentally he now has the newest vehicle in our family and the one with the fewest miles on the odometer. Go figure!

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08 Hyundai Sonata 2.4L small (2).jpg (57.06 KiB) Viewed 1326 times

Of course it had to be an inexpensive car. There are reasons why it was inexpensive: hail dimples, mismatched paint and misaligned fender helped to drop the price. I think it is a good choice for a student. It should be reliable enough to not become a distraction while he crams for exams.

We immediately went to the gas station and found the first problem: the fuel door would not open with the push of the button. It took us a 2 or 3 minutes to figure out there is a manual release inside the trunk.

I'll be updating the thread once in a while.

[joatmon]

That looks like a good car for a student. A little cosmetic imperfection is fine, will make any future scrapes or dings less stressful. 08 Sonata seemed to get decent crash safety ratings.

Weird about having to open the trunk to open the gas door.

[vibrologist]

That looks like a good car for a student. A little cosmetic imperfection is fine, will make any future scrapes or dings less stressful. 08 Sonata seemed to get decent crash safety ratings.

Weird about having to open the trunk to open the gas door.

What you say about a little cosmetic imperfection is absolutely true. Honestly, I don't want a perfect car myself as long as it is no embarrassment.
The gas door emergency release is well thought out. The electric release can fail for many reasons. A little cable pull will always work.

I found a set of near new Michelin X-Ice tires for the Sonata and had them mounted today. I am amazed how quiet these winter tires are . I also had the wheels aligned. On one wheel the caster is a little off. No problem though. They also replaced a TPM Sensor. This will be the first time my son has a car without a warning light on.
Then I replaced the air filter (no problem) and the cabin air filter. This was not as easy as I expected. It seemed I couldn't get the old filter out. The tray was caked in. After braking the tabs I resorted to prying it out with small screw drivers and a little pry bar. A $10 off a $25 bill coupon came in very handy.
I also cleaned the MAF sensor and checked the spark plugs. They were near new. And the guy who replaced them forgot to tighten the hold downs of the coils.

Hyundai Sonata Michelin X-Ice.jpg (51.06 KiB) Viewed 1289 times

Hyundai Sonata Michelin X-Ice (2).jpg (62.77 KiB) Viewed 1289 times

Guess which one is old?

Hyundai Sonata cabin air filter (2).jpg (84.99 KiB) Viewed 1289 times

[cptnsolo77]

Look at the fall colors !!!!!

[vibrologist]

Look at the fall colors !!!!!

Fall, which year?
It's a Chia-filter. Just add water and grow your maple tree.

Friday night I searched CL again and scored a great deal: a complete set of wheels with TPM sensors and wheel covers for $25. I never thought I would find a set this cheap, this soon and right here in my town.

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Hyundai wheels(2).jpg (30.1 KiB) Viewed 1267 times

hyundai wheels(4).jpg (21.56 KiB) Viewed 1267 times

[vibrologist]

An update: The Sonata has now 114000 miles on the odometer and did very well. Since my son is studying abroad I have taken it over and lavished some love on it. I described the details here: http://www.curbsideclassic.com/cars-of- ... anding-in/

[tpollauf]

An update: The Sonata has now 114000 miles on the odometer and did very well. Since my son is studying abroad I have taken it over and lavished some love on it. I described the details here: http://www.curbsideclassic.com/cars-of- ... anding-in/

You clearly have too much time on your hands as evident by the very detailed write up on this car! Very nicely done BTW Also an interesting car forum site there too! Great job

[vibrologist]

You clearly have too much time on your hands as evident by the very detailed write up on this car! Very nicely done BTW Also an interesting car forum site there too! Great job

Thanks-Beats watching TV!

[runningslow]

Your write up is almost enough to make me consider a Sonata for my next car. Almost.

[vibrologist]

Your write up is almost enough to make me consider a Sonata for my next car. Almost.

That's what my brother said!