We are looking to buy my oldest her first car, which she will use to commute to school about 50 miles a day round-trip. She is a fairly young and inexperienced driver (not an enthusiast) so we want something safe and reliable, yet also economical to purchase, fuel, maintain and insure. We've set a $10K budget cap and at the moment we are searching for a 2011+ Honda Accord, 2012+ Hyundai Sonata and 2012+ Kia Optima, with particular interest in a hybrid Optima or Sonata.
I've read reviews and compared specs for these cars on paper, and will start to look in person this weekend. In the meantime, does the hive have any experience with / thoughts about these Hyundai/Kia hybrids?
My wife had one when we got married... we drove it for about 4 years before we sold it. In the mean time I had to rebuild the motor because it was past the recall time and mileage. Actually if I remember correctly I think the recall had been done which was basically check to see if there was any wear on the rod and crank journals and it passed then but then the engine failed after about 60,000 more miles. I decided not to fight them and just rebuilt the motor myself.
It was a 2012 GLS not the hybrid.
The recall was a massive one but I'm not sure that the hybrids were affected.
Other than that, it was a great car and made 22-25mpg around town and 30-32mpg on trips
My wife had a Sonata hybrid. It was an acceptable appliance. That's really the best I can say about it. It was reliable, which was nice. However the interior materials were pretty cheap feeling, fuel economy wasn't fantastic and it was just as milquetoast as could be. The Accord is far better IMO.
that's their early hybrids IIRC. Save the time and buy the next gen stuff, it gets better. Or buy the camry.
Thanks guys, this is useful feedback.
