Amazing review!! I love it I drive this, there's also a common problem this car has, 1.STEERING CLUNK, it's a very common problem, all sonatas from 11-14 would have this issue at least once, 2. This car is not suitable for bad roads! It's not bad roads friendly at all. 3. Use Coolant for this car not water, change oil at 3,700 millages 4. My own speakers are actually pretty loud! Very loud. 5. The engine is somewhat noisy 6.The acceleration is actually very good!! And yes!! Use a good mechanic oooo! I tried fixing my steering clunk one time, the mechanic turn my steering wheel upside down 😂..
The clunking of the steering is actually set of ratchets in the steering column that are made of rubber which fails time to time. It's not only Sonata but one or too Hyundai products (Elantra for instance) of the same generation. When the gears are fully worn, you may even turn the steering and the front wheel will not move at all. Like you warned, we need our mechanics to UNDERSTAND the make-up of these cars (and other brands) and STOP expecting them be modelled after Toyota or Honda and the moment they are different they are bad !! As per the steering clunking, its just to change these gears in the steering column and we are good.
Brooo... this hyndai sonata is fast oooo. No think am. I own one. And I bought it Nigerian used. Over 2 years now and it's still fast and incredible. The maintenance is just like every other Toyota cars because, generally, with the situation of the economy, every car parts are now expensive. Sonata is a good buy! Period!
I have the 2010 version for two years now and I love it 100%. Like till today I am happy that I left the Toyota and Honda brand after what I went through driving a Toyota Camry 2007 & Honda Accord. So I tell everyone to go for this.
It’s actually a good brand. Drove it for a while. Apart from a few bad bushings in front that took a while to detect because of my funny mech, everything tap. Used the thumb start without wahala too. The car is grossly underrated.
“A big teddy bear and I just want to hug it”. Omygosh so true. 😱😅 It’s like a blue panda! *For sporty driving:* I believe 4th gear is where the electronic limiters stop. Go into Manual mode and keep your RPM to 3.5K I believe. 4.2k is maximum torque I think. Will need to play with it more but that’s what I learned. It has a learning curve to drive sporty and that’s annoying but mine has paddle shifters for that 3rd and 4th gear switching. 1st gear launch with a late gear switch in manual mode is actually pretty fun but I doubt it’s the best for the car.
Great review again. Always a delight watching.. About the rattling timing components (initially at cold starts before oil flows round, but will be extended) can be prevented by using QUALITY recommended oil. High grades oil like "synthetic" or even "high mileage" rated oil (GF-6A stamped for non-turbo engines as reviewed here) since these generation are getting older now. To prevent oh, NOT to cure the rattling sound. Hence Crank emphasis on buying quality toks so we can continue from where Oyinbo stopped 😂 My real issue with these Theta engine series (also shared with Cousin car Kia Optima) is the rod bearing failures due to factory error in the engine block . Because in Nigeria, we like holding on to our cars for relatively longer period for obvious reason. ANOTHER REASON to invest in not only specified but higher grade engine oil and to also do TIMELY oil changes. But Hyundai (and Kia) "try" for these generations of their cars sha, dem shocked the Japanese. And the rest of us: designs, features, affordability , even quality to a great extent.. INNOSON, NORD, DangotePAN etc: There is hope!
Nice video. But a misconception most Nigerian car owners and reviewers make on trim levels. SE is not Sport Edition, rather it is Standard Equipment and it is usually the lowest trim level of the car model. Sport Editions will always have certain key features that make it stand out from the pack, plus a Sport Badge will be on it as well.
I live in Illinois and mehnnn, Hyundai's are killing it. Before you see a Toyota, you'd have seen 12 Hyundai's. Amazing cars, I'm a BMW and Infiniti fan and still keeping both rides in Nigeria but when I drove this Sonata, I fell in love with the speaker, how quick it is and it's space. Couldn't resist, I drove one out of the dealership. Just avoid the 2011 models, 89% of their engines have been replaced due to engine ish
IMO, Nissan lost its reputation for reliability when they started using CVTs (Continuous Variable Transmission) in almost all their cars. Also, some of the cars they have were not updated regularly or even at all for a long time, so they were behind the competition. The management crisis they had from 2019 didn't help them either. But they're coming back up with the new cars they're making now, like the new Z, Frontier, Rogue and Pathfinder.
I paused the video at 14:43 after you said EGR valve. I hope you realize this car is GDI and has an electronic throttle body so there is no EGR valve. Also saying the 2.4 is less problematic than the 2.0T is misinformation, the 2.0T probably is more reliable. It has much stronger internals and doesn't have weak connecting rods shaped like pencils. That "ka ka ka ka" sound you described is called rod knock and it happens when the connecting rod bearing is damaged. The normal ticking you hear is the high pressure fuel pump that lives under the plastic engine cover. Both the 2.4L and the 2.0T are theta II engines and both have the connecting rod issue (well those made in the US at least). The steering is electronic and there are 3 different levels that are tied to tire size on these cars, there are also different suspension parts between the limited and sport models. 2014 models have modes to switch the steering and have a different cluster. The only electrical issues you'll see in this car are with the brake light bulbs, if you replace them with red leds you'll never have to change them again. The battery in the key fob takes a cr2032 battery, same one that goes in most desktop computers so it's very easy to find. If the key fob goes dead there is a spot in the center console that you can insert the key fob and it will power the key enough to start the car. There are a number of recalls but they are all pretty easy to fix yourself, the clockspring for the airbag seems to go out at higher mileage, and the steering coupler for the mdps deteriorates as well. If you want to see a modified and tuned 2.0T check out the short videos on my channel. I have a 2.0T approaching 225k miles on the original engine.
I have the sparkly blue 2012 Hyundai Sonata. No turbo is the only way to go for reliability and the styling is GROSSLY underrated. Every sound from the car is fantastic. Horn, unlock, lock….sounds like instruments or a video game. Steering clunk is real. Got it at 100,000k miles, like clockwork. Plastic coupler for me within steering wheel. Not sure why people are saying rubber pieces. HOWEVER, These cars have serious AC problems….they were not properly designed and the only bandaid is a new compressor….when in reality it could actually just be the sensor that kicks the compressor on. Unfortunately, 90% of the time, you will probably get a wrong diagnosis and your only solution is a new expensive compressor fix. VERY important to know about these cars if you live in a hot climate and don’t have the money for a AC fix. Generally, the car can have some electrical problems. IMO. I would recommend getting the trim with the cloth seats and lumbar support for a perfect daily experience that will make you happy to drive everyday.
My sister works for assembly plant for Ford n a buddy who works for Subaru. Ponit is they pressure all the workers from the smallest item's to big to get numbers. I believe if slow down some we can avoid lots issue's or recalls etc. Built them properly
I have the sport edition for 2 years now.. My area road is very bad... But I can assure you these car is very very very rugged and sweet to drive... Like very sweet car
Oowwhh Finally some one from my country, Dude I will like to see more videos on jdm cars haw they survive in Nigeria and there performance act like a real enthusiasm on them,not like a regular car guy,good work make money while having fun
I have the 010 of that car, the late 07 body style but different interior..... Omo that car is super okay especially on fuel consumption..... Don't get me wrong when I say I love the body style much more than dis 012 model that has narrow back. Customise ur 010 and 012 and see how Good d 010 will look better compare to 012 but in all elentra has d most beautiful body style in all.... My opinion Hyundai is much better than toyota after driving two Toyota cars. Good stabilisation and handling compare to my previous owned Toyota Camry 08.
Yes, the sonata is a great feel and “luxurious” car to drive. I drive the sport trim. This car engine is not reliable. Oil pump always failing, and if you’re not a big bag, this car can send you back to village because of repairs and pricey parts. In 2022, instead of buying a toks 2011-13 sonata, go buy a Toks 2014 Honda Accord. That Honda accord is everything in 011-013 sonata plus less engine noise, more reliability, smoother drive and less maintenance cost.
Im stuck between sonata, acura, and edge, but with fuel wahala, edge is out. Great video, and the community here don give me ginger. Sonata is a go, Nigerian used probably 😅, costs no be here😂😂
Nice one Crank, can you do a review on Elantra 6th generation with comparison to a Corolla & Civic, fuel economy, maintenance & suitability with Nigeria roads
My dad had this exact model he had the turbo model and got it from a dealership and the turbo disappointed him at his office and is still there to this day
Been waiting for a new video 🙂 known a lot abt cars from here, especially wen it comes to Nigerian conditions, u know wat to buy and d problem b4 hand, nice job 👏
My thirst has finally been satisfied… been waiting on my favorite Nigerian car RU-vidr… Abeg make the content no too dey tey, plus I understand the diversification of the channel but can you guys chill with the BBN thing?
You didn't talk about the fact that the car has an Eco mode you can activate that'll further reduce the fuel consumption. That's what this Hyundai is known for: low fuel consumption. Some of the problems you might encounter (like I did with mine) is that the steering might start making a weird crank noise once it starts approaching 100-150k miles. It's a power steering rubber value that you'll need to change. All in all, it's an affordable and cool car.
Too many things i should correct you about… the creators of this video lack so many awareness of the Hyundai sonata … I will leave my comment here and come back to address the details you got wrong… as for the 2.0t limited hmmm!!! You got it all wrong All cars depends on the Driver and not the car itself… you gets a bad driver you get a bad car… while a good driver you get a good car… You guys should stop buying worn out cars from the abroad and thinks those cars are bad… As for the key.. kindly check the centre console and charge your key… and probably get a good battery for your key fobs… The steering feels so heavy.. check your tire pressure... before doing a review make sure the car is in a perfect condition..
I have the Sonata 2013 2.4 ltr. Presently it's in the mechanic because of the timing chain issue. I was advised to change the chain and the adjuster too. I love the cool smooth drive. It's executive too and it has presence. Just have a good mechanic wey sabi and enjoy the ride
Nice review. It's a decent looking car that I've been anxious to know how reliable it is and I think you've given me good overview. Dope video as usual 👍🏾👍🏾
@234drive its called the instrument cluster not odometer... odometer is where the mileage and trips are. Instrument cluster houses everything including Tachometer I.e rpm, speedometer, temperature and fuel gauge, odometer etc
tbh I think hyundai is one of those under rated brands, I love my 2004 santa fe its beaten up but it keeps chugging along even though it has almost 270k miles on it. Everyone says "cAnT wAiT fOr YoUr EnGiNe BlOwS" but with proper matinance these cars can last, I highly rec changing oil every 3 to 4k miles any longer I usually see engines go left and right. Other then some quality issues here and there they are great cars. If I get the oppertunity to buy a newer one for a good price I will 100% buy another hyundai.
Sonatas will take over the market in a short time.. Cause two years ago, they were still under the radar, first time I actually discovered them was 3 years ago. Now they are beginning to flood the market, and that means parts will be cheap.. Problem is, I am planning on getting the 2016 model.. And that is super, super expensive to maintain... Omo, if you need replace part, you fit spend money for house rent.. Lol.. But I love the look of it too.. Fell in love with the 6th Gen, saw the 7th Gen and was like.. Woah.. Cheap car that looks like it's meant for government officials... Omo, the car go well..
Wonderful review, the sonata sometimes develops horn issues, I remember having to turn my steering a certain way to be able to use the horn, I had to change the faulty part twice. It’s a really nice snd economical car is you maintain it properly.
@Andrei why run from the car when it’s everywhere ? Do you have one ? You know one of the signs of a good car is you must be able to find it all around.
@Ademola Morgan I wanted him to give me his view before I give him my beautiful and awesome experiences with the car in the past 8 months and still counting. 🥰
Thank you for all your review and all your thought you use to share, Please we need you to give us a tour on Geely coolray and azkarra pro and if it advisable to buy in Nigeria
Love the vid but I just gotta say, Nigerians sound really french when y'all are speaking english. Like your accent is exactly how a french person speaking english sounds like.
Thank you Crank, for the great review. I've been waiting to see it. Now I can compare it to camry b4 making a purchase. Could you please review the Elantra too?
I had a 2012 2.0T... awesome sporty car... maintained it so well until it had turbocharger issues and I gave it to the wrong mechanic. Ended up selling it. Miss it. Would buy it again... maybe not the turbocharged one this time... it was fun tho
I’ve really enjoyed and learnt from your videos boss. Thanks for the informative videos. Please can you do a review on Mercedes Benz C400, C450 and C43
@crank timing chain tensioner cannot be seen outside the engine. it's always an internal item, as against the physical tension for timing belts. meanwhile, it seems that any coupe looking 4 doors always have timing chain issues.
Nice review once again. I’m thinking of getting either a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport or 2018 Hyundai Tucson Limited. Please what do you think about these cars? Are they reliable enough and good for our roads?
These are two reliable SUVs with quite expensive parts but because you are going for a 2018, you would have a lot of years to enjoy the car before things start to break. The SantaFe has a bigger interior and third row seating incase you have a family you would be moving with in the car. You should also have in mind that the major parts you will be changing bi-anually would be suspsension parts. If you are trying to buy one we can give you futher advice...just send us an E-mail : 234drive@gmail.com
Good Work 234 Drive, you guys are doing well... Please Can You Do A Review On Ml 350 2010, i want to buy the car so i want to know whats up with the car. Thanks
This Car Problems; Electrical problem Oil leaking into the engine Gear switch always having fault Back brakes hooks making d back wheel to clamp down Avoid AM
This guy's got absolutely no or a very little clue about this car, it's the very car I use, this car is speed machine and it's stealth. It can compare with low end Mercedes.