XG350 owners-how many yrs do you expect to keep car?

1) Which year model do you have and how long do you anticipate keeping
it?  

2)How long do you typically hold on to a car?

3)  Would you buy this car if not planning to keep more than 5-6 years?

 

10 / 10 / yes (still cheaper than similarly equipped cars)

 

ditto...
and I especially like the redesign, although minimal of the 2004 model.

 

Ok, Briggs, so same question to you - if you would buy this car even if
only keeping 5-6 yrs because its cheaper than similarly equipped car,
doesn't that car suddenly become more expensive when trying to sell it
or trade it in? Or do you think after that length of time, it evens out
somehow?

Robin

R

 

2002 XG350L 4 - 5 Years

4 to 5 years

Yes, If it is resale value your implying it's a wash after 4 years.
Yes a Lexus is worth $5K more in 5 years, but you paid $8K up front to
get that $5K. If only keeping it for 1 or 2 years I would not buy it,
the Hyundai name takes a beating in those first 2 years.
Most people don't save for cars, therefore they FEEL good about
haveing that much "value" left when the trade it in. If you take even
$2K of the $8K and put it in a 5yr CD you will earn $500+ where you
car has lost $2K.

 

I think the question should go to someone else here, since my overall
knowledge of cars is on the verge of being surpassed by my 6 year old son...

Perhaps I should think the way you do and be totally logical and cautious.
And while I also did extensive research before purchasing, and had much the
same concerns you have now, the bottom line (as I posted in my original post
to you way back when), was that of the cars I test drove in winter 2002 -
Nissan Altima, the basic Infinity (G20?), Honda Accord EX V-6, the car I
liked the best by far was the XG350. I guess I didn't worry (perhaps I
should have) about the difference in resale value of a couple of thousand
dollars. I simply thought it was the very best car I had driven in the
price range that I could afford - and then some.

As for resale value - my optimistic thinking was that by the time I'd have
to worry about it, hopefully the positive word about Hyundai would settle
in.

My question for you: how is/are the test drives going? What do you think of
the Sonata and XG350?

-Briggs

 

About test drives, you won't believe this - I haven't had one yet
although I have sat in both. My Accord lease terminates the end of
April, so if I take my test drives now, I'm afraid I won't remember them
well enough for when I make a purchasing decision in early to mid April.
So waiting for that time so its fresher in my mind. (Actually, I do
plan to rent one of each between now and then to see how day to day
driving is and getting up the hill where I live). I'm assuming I'll
like both the Sonata and XG from everything I've read from all of you.
(I even think I would like the manual Elantra, but not seriously
considering it). I tend to like upscale, luxury, but the Sonata may be
fun to drive, more agile, a little more sporty (from what I've read
here). I did test drive a Nissan Altima about six months ago and loved
the ride, very zippy, much more agile ride than my Accord, but I also
like the heavier, substantial feel of a more luxurious car which I
imagine the XG will be, similar to how I find my Accord EXL V6. A
friend of mine drove my Accord the other day and said it was like
driving a Mercedes. I agree. What I really want is one
sporty/luxurious car (Sonata) and one very luxurious car (XG), yes!
that's the ticket! . What I do will be based on how long I think I
can keep a car and stay happy with it, meaning lease or purchase. If I
lease, it will be the Altima. If I purchase, either the Sonata or XG
(leaning toward the XG). I will follow someones' suggestion from this
NG to do the spreadsheet thing, factor in car cost, resale value, mpg,
insurance, etc, and weigh this against how long is realistic I would
want to keep the car. This is my second lease, both at 3 yrs, and each
time felt that I would have liked to keep the car another year or two,
still was/am happy with it. Before my two leases, I had a Toyota
Corolla that I kept for ten problem free years. So, if I plan to keep
the car 4 yrs or less, I will lease. (Don't recall if I mentioned this
in other posts, but I can write off a leased car, I'm a business owner).
I'm leaning toward purchasing, with highest probability to keep the car
a minimum of 5-6 yrs, hence, the reason for this post.
Robin

 

Have you looked at the Elantra GT? I had an Infinity I-30, and went to the
Elantra GT. I don't feel that I gave up much, and save alot of money.

 

I actually saw one when I was out and about and was very impressed how
it looked, and I LOVE to save money! Is it the manual or automatic you
have that you feel you haven't given up much from the Infinity? If I
remember correctly, arent the seats in the Elantra on the low side? I
would be a little concerned for myself as I get older that this could be
a problem, also - had knee surgery last week and was very glad to have
my Accord which was so easy to get in and out of. Also have an 86 yr
old mother that I take to doctor's appts and adult day care a couple of
times a week so I need to be able to get her in and out of a car (she's
in a wheelchair but can stand with a little help to transfer). Which
brings up issue of the trunk - would it accommodate a wheelchair?
Robin

 

The 5 door GT would be fine for a wheelchair. My daughter has the 5 door GT
2003 Elantra.

 

I have a 78 year old mother and an 82 year old mother-in-law. We have
a 2001 Elantra GLS and a 2003 Sonata LX. Both moms prefer entering and
exiting the Sonata. If there is a possibility that your mother would
have to ride in the back seat frequently I think the Sonata would be a
better choice.

Myself, I have all sorts of lower back problems and have a much easier
time getting in and out of the Sonata although the Elantra is quite
comfortable once I get in it.

I was leaning toward an XG350 but I live in metro Boston where parking
can be an issue, especially in winter. The Sonata is just that little
bit easier to manuever on the old cow-paths they call "streets" around
here.

John

 

I also have a (spry) 86 year old mother, who often shares the backseat of
our XG350 with our 6 year old (who's just moved out of his car seat), and
she seems comfortable in the front or back. Perhaps you should bring your
mom along when you test drive whatever car you choose.
-Briggs

 

I wouldn't consider getting a car without her approval, are you kidding?
Will also give all trunks of cars I'm considering the wheelchair
test.
Robin