Toyota Camry vs Hyandai Sonata?

sk8

I am looking to buy my first car, it is going to be used as I cannot afford a new one. I have used an employer provided car for the past several years and need/want to get my own. I cant go with a cheesy car as I will be driving kids, so a good crash test rating and big backseat are a must. I was originally pretty much set on the Camry, my sister has an old one that has been great and I love the new design. Than I started researching and found that a lot of people say its not as good as it was and some people even stated transmission problems! Than I came across the Sonata and it seems to offer all the perks of a Camry at roughly $2000 less. The crash test isnt an all around 5 star that the Camry is but its definatly good anyway. Also I can't afford any more than an 07 Camry and even that is pushing my budget, but I can easily find an 08 Sonata for less money. So are there things I've missed? Is it still better to go with a Camry? Thanks for any feedback































Laslty, I will be buying from a reputable dealer like Carmax or such. So I know the car will be in good shape















I have looked at other cars and found things like the backseat is small, or the crashtest ratings are less than good, things like that. My sister has a Ford and as nice a car as it is, the resale stinks! I know Hyandai dosnt hav an awsome reputation but havent they been improved?

The Eagle Keeper

First, I hate Hyundai. I find them cheap & poorly built with poor resale. The Camry does have issues. But you need to expand your parameters & look at Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan, Mazda 6, Chevy Malibu LT (08-09 models only), & Nissan Altima. These are all very good cars with high ratings as well. Also, I know you want fairly new, but some older cars can be just as well. Look at Autotrader.com for some good deals. An 06 Mazda 3 hatchback would be a great choice & budget friendly as well. G'luck!

pickmefirstplz

I would go with a Sonata and have it checked out by a mechanic before I buy well worth the money

Tanh

A new car purchase is always daunting because of the many choices and values that need to be weighed. However, once you start driving it the novelty wears off and it just becomes a vehicle to get from one place to another. You will find that many people will not even use a lot of the features that come with many top end cars. So my advice is not to get trapped by the advertising and standards. Look at what others are saying and your own comfort zone.































Around my area, Hamilton, Canada, late model Toyotas and Hondas are over priced. And for many years now the off brands have matured into respectable automobiles. Hyundai was considered a cheap lemon in the early years in Canada but after many years of R&D, they've found what works. I recommend the hyundai. I've had a chance to drive one and the experience was enjoyable.































There is a caveat though. You are matching 2 cars from differing sectors. The Camry is a full size sport sedan, slotted under the Avalon (luxury) in the Toyota lineup. The Sonota is a full size luxury from Hyundai placed over the Elantra (full size sport) in their lineup. They are marketed for different demographics and you should be aware of the differences.































If you have no aversion to European cars, I would recommend the older volvos. They can be bought for a song and although you may need repairs, the components that fail tend to be cheaper and easier to fix. Stay away from the newer models lets say from 2000+ as they all have problems. I suggest the S70, V70, 850 models. You can not beat them for comfort, safety and price. For the price of my mother's 2008 Corolla, I could have bought 10 of my 1995 Volvo 850s, honestly!































Peace of mind is just an instrument of fear. Many want to be covered 100% of the time for 1% of what can happen. Researching, buying used and getting the car certified yourself is the cheapest way to go. Plus you will get an education on your personal vehicle, and if you are afraid something will break on it, change it for less than buying already certified.































This is just my opinion. I hope this helps you out and good luck to you and your family.

leamericanos

toyota is the best not matter what's the price or savings.

Tamago

Toyota camry 2.4 !!!

the dude

the camry and accords are the best sedans out there, and also the bmw 3 series

Alan

Congratulations! You are the first honest person to have stated how hard it is to find a decent car today. Both Toyota, and Honda are junk, and riddled with issues from brakes, to transmissions, to steering problems on the Corolla's. Unfortunately Hyndai is even worse. They are all slipping because they are all trying to cheat the public by offering cheesy plastics, poor shifting transmission's, like the Camry, and Honda as well. The foreign car company's are now setting the scene for failure. They are dreadful. My 11 year old Toyota Camry is ten times what the 2010 is. I love my old decent, good looking, good running Toyota...but the new ones...well, you may as well be driving a dilapidated Chrysler product. I need a new car and have no idea where to start. I simply refuse to pay 20 to 30 grand for play-mobile plastic dashboards, and poorly shifting, uncontrollable stopping, and horrendous steering problems...yes believe it or not, I am about ready to return to American cars!...at least they steer and shift, and the plastics in them are not nearly as chintzy as Toyota's. Toyota Camry or Hyundai Sonata?? If your smart...neither....and no I don't know how to spell Hundie...I can't even say it, let alone drive it...send them all back in the first boat that sinks!

12pleze

By getting Hyundai because of price is big mistake. A carry will if maintained last 500,000+ miles so you can get anyone after 2003 after motor change. Or spend 2000.00 more as in 1 month the Camry will pass Hyundai in resale if it has not already. Safety, reliability, comfort/, power seat, full size spare, cd player, side airbags and front,nav is possible as is extending 3/36,000 all inclusive warranty and do your basic maintenance for free 1st year.The Sonata has been changed so much, you never know what you are getting. It is like buying a McDonald's hamburger and Ruth Chris steak. In 15 years never had a complaint about camry. People I did but not car.

MP SLICK 2009

My father has owned 3 Toyotas( 1988,1994,2000) and they have been awesome cars! They were all Camry's!! I would go with Toyota. You may have trouble with finding parts and service with a Hyundai. There are Toyota dealers everywhere. You are right about Fords, the resale value DOES STINK!!