Sonata 2.0 EF (2002), S70, Pug 406, Camry ACV 31 (2002)

[CS Chua]

Any comments on these models. The Camry is the most expensive at around RM55K. The Sonata is around RM20K and so is the S70 Turbo. From finance point of view, it seems cheaper to buy these old Sonatas, Volvos and PUGs even though their cost of ownership may be slightly higher than the Camry.

For the Camry, because it is RM55K, the insurance will be substantially higher. The Camry will depreciate $5K each year so after 5 years, it will lose $25K easily.

For the Sonata and the others, after 5 years, even if you resell it at $5K, you will only lose $15K - even though I think $5K is very low. But at this price, after 5 years, you still come out $10K more in the pocket compare to the Camry.

Sounds right? Oh, yes. Most will say their parts are killers and all that but research shows that they are not always true. These are usually said by non-owners. I talked to the owners and they claim it is not true. The only true fact is, their resale value sucks.

[VeeJay]

Your findings are true, Korean car parts are not expensive as claimed compared to its like, like Camry. Its reliable and comfort driving.

[CS Chua]

Any Sonata owner here? There is a 2003 model for sale at RM21K. Wonder whether it is an OK price. It has ABS, airbags, and all the lovely electronics. Heard that FC is not so good though.

[ceo684]

FC is a killer for the sonata, my aunt owns one. The camry's ride is super comfortable compared to the other two .. ha..there's some things are not quantifiable into numbers.. e.g. comfort as I would sit in a 2004 camry any day than a 1 day old civic.

TCO for the volvo may be higher due to lack of demand (hence higher spare prices) vs japanese (more common, lower prices).

[CS Chua]

I am leaning towards the S70 now. However finding a good conditioned one will be challenging.

[cetan]

I am leaning towards the S70 now. However finding a good conditioned one will be challenging.

S70 is a very car, but also depand the maintenance/ care by previous owner. Frankly speaking, i like European car.

[jimmyay]

Personal choise, I would choose Camry for the price, comfort and reliability.

However, if i am willing to pay RM50K, i would check out the newer sonata (year 2006/7) too. Better engine & spec too. However, depr is a killer for all the non-japanese car.

[CS Chua]

That is why I am thinking of these highly depreciated cars but yet worthy in their own way. The last model S70 Turbo has such good FC. If only I can get the S70 T5, I can go to F1.

[SiangMalam]

Volvo S70 T5!

[CS Chua]

Volvo S70 T5!

You got one for sale?

[VeeJay]

If you were to test drive a Sonata and a Camry, I'm pretty sure you will choose Sonate...just my POV......I drive a Kia Optima which is similar to Sonata, except for body styling.

SO if you have specific question, feel free to throw it in?

My FC is pretty much the same as Camry (latest), test driving to Ipoh and Penang. Only on city driving I get about 9.X and Camry gets 10.X

On Highway both are in the range of 12km/L

[CS Chua]

I read the review for both and heard that Sonata hentam Camry very badly in the States but over here, resale value is still very important, unfortunately. No doubt the Korean cars have improved but they still need to improve on a few things like cheaper spare parts. That will help the resale value of their good cars. But now, their strategy is to sell cheaper and earn back through spare parts sale.

[VeeJay]

I do agree with you on the resale value, but its due to perception...but for a poor man like me, its a blessing in disguise! Its a value for money....but i dont agree the spare parts are expensive, I compared with latest camry on spare parts, before purchasing, and it was around the same price range and you could get good after market spare parts as well, made from japan or korea.

There are tons of then in LYN who sells those...check it out....

The choice is yours, do your homework, and I dont want to convince you to go with Korean, but just stating the facts here..

[CS Chua]

Actually I am fond of buying highly depreciated cars so I usually buy them when they are around 10 + years old. Same as the 2002 Camry I am eyeing now. I was thinking of the 2002 Sonata but apparently it still has some bugs in it. Otherwise I will prefer the 2002 Sonata over the 2002 Camry.

[VeeJay]

what kinda bugs? Camry 2002 would costs about rm 55k and Sonata only cost about 20k.

I would say go for 2004 sonata 2.4 for just 30k or lesser