Topic: Civic EX or Sonata GLS V6 Premium?

[Cybercafe]

 I was searching around for about 3 weeks to make a vehicle purchase.  I will need to travel about 300~400km per week.  I narrowed my choices down to either Sonata GLS V6 Premium, Nissan Altima 2.5s or Civic EX.  Since I heard that the Nissan Altima has many engine problems, I decided to either purchase the Sonata or the Civic.

 I am planning a 60 month finance; Sonata is 2.9% and Civic is 4.9%.
 There is certainly a price difference and also a difference in design both in the interior and the exterior.  Civic looks better to the eye and is a better fit for me since I am 22 years old but after doing the test drives I have found that the Sonata is a better car.

 Any suggestions on which car to purchase?

[Juke1]

Spend a little of time in Hyundai forums and you'll find that the Sonata is not all rosy either.  Nissan had a bad luck with a series of the 2.5 engine, not all of them, the 07 has a revised 2.5 and is very smooth.  I for one would not be swayed from buying, I have an X-Trail with the 2.5, very frugal on gas and completely troublefree. I find interesting that you are cross shopping a full size sedan against a compact, a better car than the Sonata would be the Honda Accord.

[AVToller]

"but after doing the test drives I have found that the Sonata is a better car."

Seems to me you have answered your own question. Enjoy it - it seems to be a fine car. 

[1TSX]

I don't think you can compare a Civic to a Sonata. Different vehicle class.

[Arctic_White]

I was searching around for about 3 weeks to make a vehicle purchase.  I will need to travel about 300~400km per week.  I narrowed my choices down to either Sonata GLS V6 Premium, Nissan Altima 2.5s or Civic EX.  Since I heard that the Nissan Altima has many engine problems, I decided to either purchase the Sonata or the Civic.

 I am planning a 60 month finance; Sonata is 2.9% and Civic is 4.9%.
 There is certainly a price difference and also a difference in design both in the interior and the exterior.  Civic looks better to the eye and is a better fit for me since I am 22 years old but after doing the test drives I have found that the Sonata is a better car.

 Any suggestions on which car to purchase?

Go with whatever your heart desires, and it appears that you like Sonata better.  Especially with its lower interest rate.

BTW, keep in mind that the V6 will consume more gas than the very frugal Civic. 

[Arctic_White]

I don't think you can compare a Civic to a Sonata. Different vehicle class.

Moreover, one costs almost 30% more than the other!  That's a significant price gap.

Good luck with your decision.

[kelli]

Well, i'd test drive altima first before rulling it out completely.. you may love it, you may hate it, but at least you'll know for sure.

That being said.. i'd do civic over sonata for resale value and gas consumption, but if you think the sonata's drive is much better, and that's important, go with that.

In the end, it's what makes you happies to drive, i think.

[Giant Dwarf]

I don't think you can compare a Civic to a Sonata. Different vehicle class.

It's not as ununsual to cross-shop these two cars as you might think.  For many people who wish they could afford an Accord but are stuck in a Civic snack-bracket, the Sonata represents all the comfort, quiet and space of an Accord at the Civic price.

I know my wife and I have considered replacing her Civic with a bare-bones, base model Sonata 5-spd, which, given the finance / lease rates, would actually end up being cheaper than a mid-level Civic. 

I know JWW on the forum here, my own father with his '06 Sonata and so many survey respondants to Consumer Reports that have been thrilled with how well-built and reliable their Sonatas are. 

Smooth, quiet, solid and wonderful to drive on the highway with a massive trunk and tons of interior space -- the Sonata is a great machine.  The Civic will be more frugal in fuel and more nimble in its handling... but aside from that, I can't see a reason to choose the Honda.

[safristi]

Geez GD when did ya land the Hyundai ACCOUNT !!!!! ................NO ..I actually agree with your premise...tha'll be $10 BUCKS.

[Giant Dwarf]

Geez GD when did ya land the Hyundai ACCOUNT !!!!! ................NO ..I actually agree with your premise...tha'll be $10 BUCKS.

Shhh!!!  Keep it down!

[UmroAyyar]

A co-worker went through a similar dilemma. Have been driving a minivan for a couple of years, needs a second commuter car. A Civic or a Sonata. The ride is quite different in both, Sonata is a mid-size car, more comfort, better as a highway cruiser. Civic is not that comfortable, if your commute is short within the city, you'd love the Civic (if you'd hang around with the crew as well  ).

Sonata would get my vote for comfort.

[2latecrew]

I don't think you can compare a Civic to a Sonata. Different vehicle class.

Moreover, one costs almost 30% more than the other!  That's a significant price gap.

Good luck with your decision.

Depends on your definiton of "costs"

Civic EX Auto in ontario
Term 60 Months
Rate 4.9

Payment 534.39

Total 32063

SONATA GLS V6 Premium in Ontario
Term 60 Months
Rate 2.9%
Payment 549.2
Total 32952


The actual difference in $ over 5 years is about 3% NOT 30

This is allcalculated at MSRP. I think you'll find Hyundai will deal at least a little (at least more than Honda). Its not unreasonable to think that you might be able to get both cars for the same $ outlay over 5 years with a little negotating.

I don't want to get into the whole resifual , maintanence thing.

$ for $ its not unreasonable to cross shop the cars at all. What amtters to many people is how much $ comes out of their bank account each month in relation to what they drive. The $s are essentially the same. You just have to weigh which car's features and pluses outweigh the other car's features and pluses.

Focusing on the MSRP is decieving in this case.

[The Mighty Duck]

I would buy the Civic, for the same reasons you state: it's a better fit for me.  The Sonata is definately great value for money, but frankly you can't go wrong either way.  Drive them both, and chose the one that makes you happier.

The worst thing you could do is shell out the money for a car you only kind of like because it was a better deal.

[stodge]

My mistake was the warranty - the Sonata probably has a longer warranty, which is ideal if you plan on keeping the car for a while.

[Arthur Dent]

I drove a 2.5L 6spd Altima - very nice. I'd at least try it out.

[Giant Dwarf]

... Sonata is a mid-size car, more comfort, better as a highway cruiser.

In fact, I believe its interior size earns it an EPA "large car" rating!   

[safristi]

GEEZ ya really REALLY  REALLY DO HAVE THE HYUNDAI ACCOUNT

[UmroAyyar]

... Sonata is a mid-size car, more comfort, better as a highway cruiser.

In fact, I believe its interior size earns it an EPA "large car" rating!   

Accord/Camry should be in the same class then. On EPA's fuel economy website they're listed under Family Sedans, not Large Sedans.

[safristi]

I have 13 Kids?

[articsteve]

The poster is 22 years old and presumably single.  Save the Sonata purchase for when your 42.  Don't rush old age.