2013 Hyundai Sonata

VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS

Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai’s Sonata spent its South African stint as the underdog, squaring up to the Toyota Camry, VW Passat, and Mazda 6 in a shrinking mid-size sedan market that’s all but vanished now. On paper at least, it looked like a steal: more legroom and boot space than you’d expect for the money, and yet, the badge never quite carried the same weight as the Germans or Japanese. Market reality is blunt — there’s a single Sonata listed, priced at R109,900, and it’s clear that’s where the story ends. The only engine on offer is a 2.4-litre GDi petrol mated to an auto box, which sounded good on specs at launch but failed to sway brand-loyal South Africans. That lone advert is for a 2013 SONATA 2.4 GDI Elite A/T showing 216,200 km — which is, let’s be honest, a figure that’ll make even the most optimistic buyer pause. You’d want a full mechanical once-over before even thinking about a deal. No new Sonatas are available, so don’t expect any backup from Hyundai SA. People who did buy these cars went for cabin space, standard kit, and price, not badge cachet. The Elite spec ticked most comfort and gadget boxes, but with this mileage and zero dealer safety net, you need to go in eyes wide open — this is a car for someone who knows the risks and has a decent indie Hyundai mechanic on speed dial. That’s the point.