Hello all:

I've been lurking here for a few weeks as I did research for a new car purchase. I finally pulled the trigger and I'm the new owner of an 09 Sonata GLS 4 cylinder in WIllow Grey. I got the popular equipment package too.

So far, I really love the car. We took it for a road trip this weekend and averaged 32 mpg in real world driving! I was so excited! It remains to be seen how well she holds up, but, in terms of new owner experience, I'm thrilled with my purchase. I feel like I got a TON of car for the money.

Other than saying hello, I wanted to ask all the experienced guys on here if there's anything in particular I should be doing to make sure this Sonata lasts forever. Particular brands/types of oil preferred (or to avoid)? Particular gasolines to avoid?

Also, I have an outstanding mechanic that I'd like to continue to use and support with my routine maintenance on my Sonata. Can anybody share advice on making sure I get things documented properly in order to satisfy my warranty? What all is required? Is Hyundai generally good about honoring their warranty or are they very particular? For instance, I'm coming from a VW experience where they refused to honor a warranty because I had a 5,028 mile oil change and they require 5,000 even. Does Hyundai do things like that?

Welcome.

I would recommend using "top tier" gasoline.

http://www.toptiergas.com/retailers.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Top_Tier_Detergent_Gasoline

welcome to the forums :00000732:

congrats. on your new wheels

Thanks for the welcome guys. :beer:

At some point in the future, I'd like to put my own head unit into the car and wire in a sub and amp. Is there any place to keep an eye out for aftermarket stereo options that will fit in the 09? So far, Crutchfield doesn't seem to have any info on the car.

:00000732: to the forum! That will gray is my second favorite color next to cocoa. Planning to add anything else other than a headunit?

:00000732: I also have a 2009 willow gray. Beautiful color :innocent: . Just have your mechanic document all the services he perform. Keep the documentation in your glove compartment.

Congratulations on your new ride.

Have you thought about putting in synthetic motor oil?

Hyundai is the industry leader both in providing AND denying Warranty claims.

At the point of purchase we all signed an Agreement to maintain the Car

according to the Factory maintenance schedule. Many here do not visit the

Dealer, just visit the local Fina :P Station for service. You decide, and welcome too!

This post has been edited by MiamiLX: Jul 20 2008, 04:56 PM

Congrats and welcome to the forums.

I wish Willow grey was available in 06 :) Niiiiice color.

Could I ask how many miles the car had on it before you took the trip averaging 32mpg ? I have heard testimony from many V6 Sonata owners claiming they got that and more although I am not going to try it with gas prices as high as they are.

As far as tips I would say at a minimum use a synthetic blend oil and rotate your tires around 6K miles. It sounds like your mechanic is good and that's a big plus!

Two weeks ago I went on a short up and back highway trip with my 09 Sonata GLS 2.4L. The car had 600 miles on the odometer when I departed, and the trip was 180 miles round trip, 90% of it highway driving at 65 MPH. I got 34.8 MPG on the trip up with the AC off, and 33.78 MPG on the return trip with the AC on. If the Sonata is anything like my last two new cars, I expect the mileage to increase nicely at around 3,000 miles.

Welcome to the boards. As far as records just keep receipts for any/all maintenance performed by your mechanic and you'll be fine. If he doesn't give detailed receipts maybe ask him if he would, but what he gives is probably sufficient.

As far as holding up---my 2006 gl auto just turned 42,000 miles. I had the dealer do the tranny fluid change and cooling system flush, at 38,000. The only warranty work has been:

1.replace brake switch (2x) had faulty brake switch which caused antilock light to stay on.

and

2. replace rear seatbelt---it came out and would not go back in.


I only use mobil 1 5w20, and do the oil and filter changes myself. Tires look like they can go another 15,000 miles and brakes are still good. I am very impressed everytime I drive this car---my 20 year old daught drives it most of the time. Oh and she gets around 29mpg city and 34-36 highway!