Need Advice: Used Honda Accord 2.3 or Used Hyundai Sonata 2.7 V6

abhijeetveer · 24th August 2010, 17:50

Hi,

After doing a lot of research on my next upgrade, I've zeroed down on these two cars. I want to know the pros and cons of both the vehicles and which one is more advisable to go for. I know most of you will suggest the accord for the sheer reliability buy the hyundai is cheaper than the accord plus has a little more gizmos (read: power seats) (please correct me if I am wrong). My heart is set on the sonata because of the V6 engine plus triptronic gearbox vs the honda's inline 4, manual. Having owned a Honda before, no complaints about the reliability. Plus hyundai's FE is keeping me away, but can be dealt with.

My monthly run will be 1500kms approx city and highway, which includes occasional trips to pune and back.

I was thinking of picking up the sonata for cheap and probably fitting it with a good FFE for d v6 purr plus the additional funds can go in for the music system.

help me guys. I hope you have understood the whole confusion. The more I think about them the more confused I get

Abhijeet

anandpadhye · 24th August 2010, 18:46

Wow...I thought I was the only one to test drive the old (Jaguar shape)Sonata V6 AT (was doing this for a friend). It's a great package on paper, but the test drive brought out the facts - the AT gearbox is extremely pathetic - progress is sluggish and there is simply no driving pleasure. The V6 FE is extremely bad. However, rear seat comfort is lovely.

If you are bored of Honda, and need a V6 with AT, take a look at used Skoda Superb. Much much much more fun to drive than the old (Jaguar type) Sonata V6 AT.

Note: We test drove the Jaguar like Sonata...you know they made many types - Jaguar likeSonata, Accord like Sonata, Sonata like Sonata...

Not sure if the engine/gearbox combo is imporved in the other shapes...the latest shape (Sonata like Sonata) I think offers AT only in the CRDi version...

SafeDrive · 24th August 2010, 19:27

I'd say the Accord any day. The Sonata has not lived up to it's potential in India. But like anandpadhye said, why not look at the Superb too?

Akshay1234 · 24th August 2010, 21:04

Firstly what is your budget? Accordingly we can suggest what is a better buy.

Secondly I would say forget the Sonata.
- Its got a lousy gearbox. Only 4 speed and the tiptronic rakes ages to shift.
- Mileage will be bad. Your running is 1500km a month so petrol will cost you around 12k.

Now the Accord
- Yes, it is very very reliable. And spares wont be a problem (You might have a problem with the Sonata)
- Nice manual gearbox.
- Will give you a much more respectable mileage.
- More fun to drive. Wont be all over the place like a sonata, the Accord's handling is relatively sharper.

Get the Accord engine checked up and tuned and fill in synthetic, and it will pur smoother than the Sonata V6.

Oh and why not the Accord V6. There are good examples for less than 7 lacs and it is a much better buy than the sonata.

manikjeet · 24th August 2010, 21:18

and i would like to tell you that the V6 sonata H matic gearbox is really bad
we had one and spent around 3.75lacs to get it half repaired, engineers were flown in from Malaysia (i think) and they couldn't fix it

i sold it for about 2.75lacs 5 years back and the person who bought it came back with the car the very next day due to the gear box problem

later i got to know that he took out the v6 and put a diesel in it

nirmaljusdoit · 24th August 2010, 21:52

A no- brainer actually - The Honda Accord is way superior !

- Low maintenance
- Better resale value
- More refined
- Snob value
- Premium feel
- Fuel efficiency

YSooSeriouss · 24th August 2010, 22:11

It would have to be the Accord. Hands down.
The old sonata v6 is really not in the right frame as the accord.
I would strongly suggest the old Superb for sheer build quality and interiors and also drivability- even over the accord.
Again, need to know your actual budget to be able to give proper advice

bigron · 24th August 2010, 23:19

Pure Comfort wise the sonata creams the accord. For everything else accord is miles ahead.

.anshuman · 25th August 2010, 07:58

Another suggestion, Increase the budget a bit and start searching for Embera petrol. Early models can be bought very cheap, it's an infinitely better car than the previous pseudo-Jag Sonata.

PlatzdaTurbo · 25th August 2010, 10:09

Accord eyes closed. Id also say have a re look at Akshay1234's suggestion as there truly are many many Accords V6s in the used market and many are in great condition. You could bag 1 for a good rate, only issue being the V6 had the reputation of being a sort of a gas guzzler.
But again, in exchange for that what you would be getting is an excellent engine and the accord's excellent driving dynamics ( even the present gen accord dosnt have the driving thrill the previous gen had ) & with the sonata, youl b getting a joke of a V6 and high fuel consumption with no great response anyways . Chuck the sonata is what i would say

alpha1 · 25th August 2010, 12:40

What about Skoda Superb (old shape)?
Why ain't anybody recommending that?

I remember the petrol version having 190BHP on the foot! ... and it used to look hefty and muscular like "Octavia on steroids" - not flimsy and girly like the new Superb.

anandpadhye · 25th August 2010, 13:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by alpha1

What about Skoda Superb (old shape)?
Why ain't anybody recommending that?

I remember the petrol version having 190BHP on the foot! ... and it used to look hefty and muscular like "Octavia on steroids" - not flimsy and girly like the new Superb.

Bingo.
That's what I said in my post up there...

ACM · 25th August 2010, 13:33

Neither

Since you are talking about the 2.3 Accord (upto 2002 and mid 2003 model year) and not the 2.4 Accord - post 2004 model year

You could get a 2.4 accord 2004 year for as less as Rs. 5L - and it would be more reliable, and easier to maintain than the 2.3 Accord and the Sonata.

You could get a Sonata Embera - not as great looking as the Accord or the Jaguar type Sonata gold V6, but very comfy, and more reliable and would be easier to maintain.

Would not recoment that old a Super due to maintenance issues.

If the Sonata V6 is in perfect condition you could go for it, as it apeal to the heart in many ways for the shape and power, but do remember that if something major goes wrong they you need to write-off the car - dont go beyond 3L for that or the 2.3 Accord.

Try to stretch to 5L and get the 2.4 Accord.

PlatzdaTurbo · 25th August 2010, 17:35

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bigron · 25th August 2010, 18:01

Stay away from the old superb.People have hard time digesting a new superb.Leave alone the old.I ve had that car for 3 years.Loved it to bits and in my opinion looked far better than the current model.However it was only good on days it would work like a compete car .I am talking about the diesel here. Pick up the accord for a tension free experience although i would personally recommend the sonata embera.The embera is even more comfortable than the old sonata gold.

24th August 2010, 17:50	#1
abhijeetveer BHPian Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 135 Thanked: 15 Times	Need Advice: Used Honda Accord 2.3 or Used Hyundai Sonata 2.7 V6 Hi, After doing a lot of research on my next upgrade, I've zeroed down on these two cars. I want to know the pros and cons of both the vehicles and which one is more advisable to go for. I know most of you will suggest the accord for the sheer reliability buy the hyundai is cheaper than the accord plus has a little more gizmos (read: power seats) (please correct me if I am wrong). My heart is set on the sonata because of the V6 engine plus triptronic gearbox vs the honda's inline 4, manual. Having owned a Honda before, no complaints about the reliability. Plus hyundai's FE is keeping me away, but can be dealt with. My monthly run will be 1500kms approx city and highway, which includes occasional trips to pune and back. I was thinking of picking up the sonata for cheap and probably fitting it with a good FFE for d v6 purr plus the additional funds can go in for the music system. help me guys. I hope you have understood the whole confusion. The more I think about them the more confused I get Abhijeet Last edited by bblost : 25th August 2010 at 13:12. Reason: Smileys limited to 2 per post. Please refer the forum rules. Thanks.
	() Thanks

24th August 2010, 18:46	#2
anandpadhye Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Pune Posts: 3,057 Thanked: 3,328 Times	Wow...I thought I was the only one to test drive the old (Jaguar shape)Sonata V6 AT (was doing this for a friend). It's a great package on paper, but the test drive brought out the facts - the AT gearbox is extremely pathetic - progress is sluggish and there is simply no driving pleasure. The V6 FE is extremely bad. However, rear seat comfort is lovely. If you are bored of Honda, and need a V6 with AT, take a look at used Skoda Superb. Much much much more fun to drive than the old (Jaguar type) Sonata V6 AT. Note: We test drove the Jaguar like Sonata...you know they made many types - Jaguar likeSonata, Accord like Sonata, Sonata like Sonata... Not sure if the engine/gearbox combo is imporved in the other shapes...the latest shape (Sonata like Sonata) I think offers AT only in the CRDi version... Last edited by anandpadhye : 24th August 2010 at 18:50.
	() Thanks

24th August 2010, 19:27	#3
SafeDrive BHPian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Trivandrum Posts: 427 Thanked: 90 Times	I'd say the Accord any day. The Sonata has not lived up to it's potential in India. But like anandpadhye said, why not look at the Superb too?
	() Thanks

24th August 2010, 21:04	#4
Akshay1234 Team-BHP Support Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 10,308 Thanked: 12,636 Times	Firstly what is your budget? Accordingly we can suggest what is a better buy. Secondly I would say forget the Sonata. - Its got a lousy gearbox. Only 4 speed and the tiptronic rakes ages to shift. - Mileage will be bad. Your running is 1500km a month so petrol will cost you around 12k. Now the Accord - Yes, it is very very reliable. And spares wont be a problem (You might have a problem with the Sonata) - Nice manual gearbox. - Will give you a much more respectable mileage. - More fun to drive. Wont be all over the place like a sonata, the Accord's handling is relatively sharper. Get the Accord engine checked up and tuned and fill in synthetic, and it will pur smoother than the Sonata V6. Oh and why not the Accord V6. There are good examples for less than 7 lacs and it is a much better buy than the sonata.
	() Thanks

24th August 2010, 21:18	#5
manikjeet Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: chandigarh Posts: 1,618 Thanked: 295 Times View My Garage	and i would like to tell you that the V6 sonata H matic gearbox is really bad we had one and spent around 3.75lacs to get it half repaired, engineers were flown in from Malaysia (i think) and they couldn't fix it i sold it for about 2.75lacs 5 years back and the person who bought it came back with the car the very next day due to the gear box problem later i got to know that he took out the v6 and put a diesel in it
	() Thanks

24th August 2010, 21:52	#6
nirmaljusdoit BHPian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 839 Thanked: 696 Times	A no- brainer actually - The Honda Accord is way superior ! - Low maintenance - Better resale value - More refined - Snob value - Premium feel - Fuel efficiency
	() Thanks

24th August 2010, 22:11	#7
YSooSeriouss BHPian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Mumbai Posts: 196 Thanked: 2 Times	It would have to be the Accord. Hands down. The old sonata v6 is really not in the right frame as the accord. I would strongly suggest the old Superb for sheer build quality and interiors and also drivability- even over the accord. Again, need to know your actual budget to be able to give proper advice
	() Thanks

24th August 2010, 23:19	#8
bigron Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: NSEW Posts: 1,309 Thanked: 2,710 Times	Pure Comfort wise the sonata creams the accord. For everything else accord is miles ahead.
	() Thanks

25th August 2010, 07:58	#9
.anshuman Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Good-Gaon Posts: 7,763 Thanked: 11,078 Times View My Garage	Another suggestion, Increase the budget a bit and start searching for Embera petrol. Early models can be bought very cheap, it's an infinitely better car than the previous pseudo-Jag Sonata.
	() Thanks

25th August 2010, 10:09	#10
PlatzdaTurbo Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Mumbai Posts: 1,304 Thanked: 327 Times View My Garage	Accord eyes closed. Id also say have a re look at Akshay1234's suggestion as there truly are many many Accords V6s in the used market and many are in great condition. You could bag 1 for a good rate, only issue being the V6 had the reputation of being a sort of a gas guzzler. But again, in exchange for that what you would be getting is an excellent engine and the accord's excellent driving dynamics ( even the present gen accord dosnt have the driving thrill the previous gen had ) & with the sonata, youl b getting a joke of a V6 and high fuel consumption with no great response anyways . Chuck the sonata is what i would say
	() Thanks

25th August 2010, 12:40	#11
alpha1 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: LandOfNoWinters Posts: 2,140 Thanked: 2,764 Times	What about Skoda Superb (old shape)? Why ain't anybody recommending that? I remember the petrol version having 190BHP on the foot! ... and it used to look hefty and muscular like "Octavia on steroids" - not flimsy and girly like the new Superb.
	() Thanks

25th August 2010, 13:33	#13
ACM Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Mumbai Posts: 4,751 Thanked: 4,379 Times View My Garage	Neither Since you are talking about the 2.3 Accord (upto 2002 and mid 2003 model year) and not the 2.4 Accord - post 2004 model year You could get a 2.4 accord 2004 year for as less as Rs. 5L - and it would be more reliable, and easier to maintain than the 2.3 Accord and the Sonata. You could get a Sonata Embera - not as great looking as the Accord or the Jaguar type Sonata gold V6, but very comfy, and more reliable and would be easier to maintain. Would not recoment that old a Super due to maintenance issues. If the Sonata V6 is in perfect condition you could go for it, as it apeal to the heart in many ways for the shape and power, but do remember that if something major goes wrong they you need to write-off the car - dont go beyond 3L for that or the 2.3 Accord. Try to stretch to 5L and get the 2.4 Accord.
	() Thanks

25th August 2010, 17:35	#14
PlatzdaTurbo Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Mumbai Posts: 1,304 Thanked: 327 Times View My Garage	Post deleted by the Team-BHP Support : SMS / Slang language posts are strictly prohibited on Team-BHP. We advise you to visit our board rules before proceeding any further. Last edited by GTO : 26th August 2010 at 15:41.
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25th August 2010, 18:01	#15
bigron Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: NSEW Posts: 1,309 Thanked: 2,710 Times	Stay away from the old superb.People have hard time digesting a new superb.Leave alone the old.I ve had that car for 3 years.Loved it to bits and in my opinion looked far better than the current model.However it was only good on days it would work like a compete car .I am talking about the diesel here. Pick up the accord for a tension free experience although i would personally recommend the sonata embera.The embera is even more comfortable than the old sonata gold.
	() Thanks