I am purchasing my twin boys a new car in the next few days and they we are looking at mid-size sedans under 20k. Have looked at the Altima, Accord, K5, Camry, and Sonata. We have gravitated to the Sonata due to the look, safety and value.

I found 2 today and need help deciding which is a better deal.

Option 1 - 2023 Sonata LXS w/ 25k miles - Nothing fancy inside but it does check the minimum boxes in terms of safety.

Option 2 - 2020 Sonata Limited w/ 60k miles - Has everything that Option 1 has plus 360 camera, leather, lane assist, lane change cameras and a number of creature comforts (i.e. AC Seats).

Both are within $300 with the 2020 being slightly cheaper.

I think I'd be happy with either, just weighing if the Limited Package is worth the miles/years. I do appreciate the extra technology but not sure if it's worth it.

Any thoughts?

Is the 2020 subject to that engine recall? How much would you use the lane keeping, etc?

What is an "LXS"? I thought you were describing a trim level, but i don't see LXS listed as a trim level for a 2023 Hyundai Sonata.

I was trying to find out which engine were in the 2 options you listed, for option 2 - the 2020 Limited - that a 1.6L turbo. I was curious if the 2023 lower trim was a naturally aspirated engine.

They both have some power train warranty left and the 2023 would still have a more comprehensive warranty in place, I think. I'd go newer and lower miles for my kid, provided the safety features are all there. Only question for me would be the engines in each, specific to reliability.

I'm getting trims confused...I'm been looking at a lot of cars lately. SEL is what I meant to say.

Yeah, I figured a low trim so that will be the 2.5L engine which is naturally aspirated, I think that might prove more reliable than their 1.6 turbo but I don't know that for a fact.

I'd go 2023 just based on the info shared here. Good luck, they will be getting a nice car either way.

Had a 2015 for just shy of 9 years. Never gave me a single problem other than the hassle of the recalls. Dealer wasn't nearby. Changed oil, rotated tires. Had a limited with the NA engine, enough power to go places, quote and good gas mileage.

That 23 sonata sounds like a former rental. Did you check the carfax?

Miles seems too low per year for a rental, and overall mileage seems low for when they would send it off for sale. But you always have to check the carfax, no doubt.

Complete Idiot said:

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Miles seems too low per year for a rental, and overall mileage seems low for when they would send it off for sale. But you always have to check the carfax, no doubt.

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Rental companies are crazy. Sometimes they'll let something sit in a remote lot until they need it.
Our rental in Puerto Rico was a 22 bronco sport with 18K miles.

Waterski02 said:

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Had a 2015 for just shy of 9 years. Never gave me a single problem other than the hassle of the recalls. Dealer wasn't nearby. Changed oil, rotated tires. Had a limited with the NA engine, enough power to go places, quote and good gas mileage.

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I still have a 2013 Sonata w/137,000 miles. Hyundai replaced the engine @ 107,000 because of a known defect.
My only complaint was having to repaint the car. Every white Hyundai, regardless of model, built in 2012-2014 had the paint peeling off all the front surfaces of the car.

The car has been nails. Texas Hyundai in Rosenberg has a solid reputation as well.

My next car will be a Genesis.

2023

Teen boys don't need creature comforts. Take the newer model with the lower mileage. They are going to bang it into something anyway.

maroon barchetta said:

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2023

Teen boys don't need creature comforts. Take the newer model with the lower mileage. They are going to bang it into something anyway.

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I agree with this. Statistics say that it is a matter of time before an accident.

I had a 2019 Sonata bought used with around 30k. By 60k it was consuming a significant amount of oil. Never found a drop on the driveway and I change my own oil so was under it regularly. Due to the inconvenience of repeated trips to the dealership to get it diagnosed as a potential excessive oil consumer, I ended up selling it for a Camry. Also had other random maintenance issues that I did not experience with my much older Accord.

Around the same time, we had to replace the engine in my wife's 2017 Santa Fe, and then 12k miles later her transmission - both under warranty thankfully (at 71k and 83k miles). Prior to the engine failure it was also drinking oil by the quart. I will never own another Hyundai. In comparison, I gave the Camry to my daughter when she started driving given all the extra safery features and went back to driving my Accord - just rolled past 286k.

Dealership told us that the 10yr/100k warranty reduces to 5yr/60k for the second owner. We pushed back and I believe because it was a certified pre-owned vehicle bought at a Hyundai dealer, they honored the original warranty. Never got a clear answer, but grateful they did. Make sure you understand the warranty situation on both cars!

2015 Hybrid Sonata with 140k miles has been a piece of junk the entire time. From engine replacement (under warranty) to AC system, to door locks, window motors, and interior switches. Won't go into the hybrid issues (plenty) because you are not asking about a hybrid.

I will not buy another Hyundai product. I know my experience is not the norm per say, but it has soured me on the entire Hyundai / Kia lineup, which sucks because they make some really nice products for good value.

I think the 2.4L engine recall really left a bad taste in many peoples mouth. I find their products overall nice but don't hold up well to neglect.

My only long term experience has been with my mom's 3.8L Genesis, she's currently at 115K. No major issues. When it was new, the headlight switch was defective, they picked it up and fixed it, filled it up and washed it before returning it to her.