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Should I get rid of our Sonata?
Hi Shane, I have an 04 Hyundai Sonata, 2.0 petrol with only 80k miles for nearly 10 years. It is extremely reliable but I'm starting to do a bit more mileage around the country for a board of directors I've joined so slightly apprehensive about keeping it in case of as yet unforseen reliability issues purely given the age, the only evidence of which is a leaky boot but to get through the test in November it will need front brakes and perhaps more. I was thinking of treating myself to either a Kia Sportage or, having a hankering for a 4x4, a Subaru Forester or (completely spoiling myself) and Outback. I would only buy a Japanese or Korean make from long & bitter experience. Should I hold the reliable old horse another 21 months for a 191 or take the plunge as soon as 172 and avoid this year's NCT altogether?
Our answer:
Hi Patrick,
It really depends on how much you want to spend and how much you like your old Sonata. We have a bit of a soft-spot for the Sonata actually, which seems to perfectly fulfil the ‘boxy but good’ mantra. Whatever the Sonata needs done to get it through an NCT, it will almost always be cheaper than the cost of upgrading to a new car. That said, if you’re determined, then the time to switch is now, as the Hyundai’s value will be at rock-bottom after 13 years and it isn’t going to improve any. The Sportage isn’t bad at all, but a touch bland to drive and, for the most part, front-wheel drive not four-wheel drive. If it were us, we’d go for the Subaru Outback. Yes, it’s over-priced, but it’s also beautifully made, hugely reliable and very comfortable for all those long journeys.
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