End of an Era

[rique8405]

Hey folks. I know I don't post much here at all but I wanted to let you guys know how helpful this site has been for me. Unfortunately I am no longer the owner of a Bonneville. After spending the last 7 years of my life with 1 today I made a change. I had a blue 1995 se and most recently a light bronzemist 2002 sle. Both were great reliable and comfortable cars that I will miss. I wasn't able to replace it with a G8 as hoped. The replacement is a 2013 Sonata Turbo Limited. I can say it wasn't what I wanted because it isn't a G8 but I can't complain because its awesome. Just wanted to share that with you guys.

[RJolly87]

C'mon, gotta share pics, impressions, likes, and dislikes.

[rique8405]

I like the car a lot. Very few dislikes.

Dislikes:
no auto dimming side view mirrors
no power passenger seat
smaller than bonneville

Likes:
power
sport mode with paddle shifters
styling
BlueLink (Hyundai version of Onstar)
heated rear seat
panoramic sunroof
rear viewing glass in backseat
fuel economy
navigation
sat radio
bluetooth

[rique8405]

Here are a few pics. I'll get a few close ups and interior shots soon. I have been really busy and its been soooo hot.

[repinS]

Hyundai is definitely doing something right with the new Sonata (and likewise Kia with the same-platform Optima). You have as much power as a Bonneville GXP but with awesome mileage and regular octane!

[jedwards83]

I'm kinda "meh" on the Hyundai's looks, but that engine is first rate. 274hp / 269 lb-ft torque (at 1700rpm nonetheless) out of a 2.0L four is insane, wonder what kind of boost pressure they are running to achieve that.

If I were looking for a mid-size car, the Optima would definitely be my choice, I love what they've done with the styling of it.

[rique8405]

The fact that the car takes regular octane was another reason I went this direction also the outstanding warranty. I agree the styling of the Optima is better than the Sonata. I think its the best designed mid size car on the market. I went with the Sonata due to my wifes car being a Hyundai so I got the loyalty discount. Not sure how much boost pressure it runs at but the power is impressive. I barely drive on regular mode. I'm usually locked into Eco mode. In Eco mode acceleration is a lot more reserved compared to reg mode.

[LeSabre in Buffalo]

Throw some premium into the tank for a few tanks, and report back on the power/fuel economy. My Cruze's turbo engine will run acceptably on 87, and runs noticeably better on 93 octane. More power and better fuel economy. Since it's a gasoline direct injection engine, the higher levels of cleaners in 93 octane will help out with any potential intake valve deposit issues that early turbo DI engines were plagued with. I'm sure Hyundai has designed in some overlap so the intake valves get some fuel washed over them. Can't hurt to help the process along, though!

Be sure to change the oil with the recommended 5w-40 (preferably a synthetic due to lower volatility) on schedule, or kiss that warranty goodbye. Hyundai is known to nit-pick owners to death to avoid paying warranty claims.

These small turbo engines do take some additional maintenance over a 3800. Treat it like a modded 3800 that needs a bit of extra TLC, and you should have no problems.

[Hotwheels]

Had the opportunity to drive an identical (except no pano roof) silver 2011 Sonata 2.0T about a year and a half ago, and it was a blast. Minor annoyances were the large A-pillars that impeded visibility, but that turbo motor could MOVE. I really admire the engineering that went into that motor to achieve the power, yet economy (34mpg highway?) and still run on regular fuel if need be. Lots of nice features for the money as well, and it's a sharp looker if you can get an SE or Limited with the 18's like yours (really like the look of the pano roof too). To top it all off, it's actually listed as a full-size car, and while I couldn't compare back to back, it seemed about as roomy as a Bonneville inside to me.

[MARCTHEDUBBS]

Congrats on your purchase! I bought a Kia Optima SX back in January and LOVE it. Having a car that doesn't look like it should be that quick has surprised a few punk kids in my area...that's fun to do.

I did put premium in for 2 tanks back in early June and really didn't notice any difference in power or economy. I think I got .1 or .2 more miles per gallon and just figured that was due to my driving as much as anything else.

As for the boost numbers. Max is said to be 17.4 psi.

[rique8405]

I'm going to try the premium today when I fill up. A few of my friends have been very surprised when I tell them its not even close as to what was faster comparing it to my SLE. I enjoy it more and more each day. They do list it as a full size car sometimes but the back seat is definitely smaller than the bonneville. It is comfortable back there but not the same. The plus is the rear seats are heated which is cool for my passengers.

[00Beast]

Actually it's hot for your passenger.

Should serve you well. I'm surprised to hear the backseat is smaller than your Bonne's was, 00+ Bonne backseat is pathetic for the size of the car. Our new Passat has a much larger backseat than our Bonne's.

[repinS]

^ My mom's 2006 Civic sedan has almost as much as a 2000+ Bonneville in the back, AND a flat floor (no "driveshaft" hump).

Definitely a downgrade from 1992-1999.

[00Beast]

Yeah, it doesn't surprise me. My buddy's Altima's backseat is more comfy for me to be in, and it's a smaller car...

[Saturn Simon]

Fantastic looking cars aren't they!

The new model is such an improvement on previous models I'm surprised they didn't give it a new name.

Remember these?:


The 1st gen Sonata. Pretty rare now... Almost extinct on my side of the Atlantic.

Before that there was the Stellar, which was basically an old Ford Cortina, with a larger Italian-designed body, and a Mitsubishi engine.

Hyundai has come a long way.