Hyundai Sonata (1989 - 2005) : PLAYING YOUR TUNE?

Tuesday July 26

Models Covered: First Generation - 1989-1992: (1.8, 2.0, 2.4 4cy 4dr [GL, GLS, CDi]) Second Generation - 1994-1998: (2.0 4cy 4dr [GLX, GSi, CD] / 3.0 V6 4dr) Third Generation - 1998- to date: (2.0 4cy [GSi, CDX] /3.0 V6 4dr [V6])

BY JONATHAN CROUCH

So you want a plush used executive car? Problem is, you don't have an executive budget. This is a situation tailor-made for your local Hyundai salesman. Doubtless, he or she will point you towards a used Sonata - and it could prove to be something of a bargain - as long as you buy carefully. This is a large saloon that makes a lot of sense.

If all you want is a plush, well equipped and smartly-styled conveyance offered on the market at the kind of money BMW 7 series buyers would call VAT, then look no further.

You could easily mistake this car for an up-market Mazda or Toyota and the lines, from second generation onwards anyway, are appealing. Inside the spacious cabin, its all a fairly familiar Oriental recipe. Lots of plastic and plenty of equipment. Once seated behind the infinitely adjustable steering wheel, you become au fait with the instrument layout in seconds.

As far as dimensions are concerned, the Sonata loses out to some competitors in rear legroom, but takes the lead in front and rear passenger headroom. The rear seats split-fold down to offer increased carrying capacity for the large boot.

The earliest 89G-registered first generation Sonata models now start from as little as £300 (in a private sale). Better, however, to try for one of the much-improved second-generation cars. 94L-platers start from around £1,200, with air conditioned CD models from around £1,500 and 94M-plated V6s from about £2,000. More typical 96N to 98R-platers range between £1,800 and £2,200 (£2,000 and £2,400 for V6 variants).

Third generation versions (from 98R) are still quite rare and range from under £3,000 for a two-litre GSi to about £5,100 for a 51-plate CDX auto. V6s range between £3,400 and about £5,000.

Be picky. Try for the plusher air conditioned CD models. Avoid tatty first generation cars and others that are less than pristine and have incomplete service records as parts and servicing can be a bit pricey. Check for electrical faults and minor bodywork and trim damage.

(approx based on a 1994 2.0 CD) A clutch assembly will be around £135. A starter motor will be about £150. Brake pads front and rear are about £55 and £40 per pair respectively.

A replacement headlamp is close to £125.

Dont expect the Sonata to be a ball of fire on the road because it isnt. Under the bonnet of the volume second generation models lies a sixteen-valve 2.0-litre 136hp engine with a specification that promises more than it ultimately delivers. Rest to 60, however, does take a respectable 10.

2 seconds on the way to a maximum of 121mph. The handling is competent but equally unexciting, not aided by a power steering system that press-on drivers will find rather over-assisted. Still, these people are unlikely to stray into Hyundai showrooms anyway. For most Sonata buyers, it will be enough that the car happily cruises quietly at both legal (and slightly illegal) speeds and will do so all day in the fast lane if required.

More important perhaps is the almost seamless shift action of the auto `box that's fitted to all V6 variants and some 2.0-litre models. In second generation guise, Hyundai developed a system called `Adaptive Shift Control` (ASC) said to provide smoother shifts when youre cruising and sharper gearchanges when the pace picks up. By and large, its quite effective.

Worth considering if you want something plush and don't mind if it's unexciting to drive. Provided of course, that you buy carefully and avoid the earlier models.