
Originally Posted by
cbcnestormn
Hi Ghosthunter:
Tks for reminding me about that Hyundai Sonata, indeed I agree its an "awesome" car! For me and others though the Php 360k difference is a significant amount. As I wrote earlier, the choice depends on knowing what each one's priorities are amongst the various features or benefits each brand/car brings. Price aside, the Sonata is a much bigger car, nicer ride I see when I test drove one. Definitely a nicer responsive engine, but also higher fuel consumption I suppose. Aside of cost, 2 things let me ponder about the Hyundai. The test unit I tried suffered from low speed downshiftin shift shock similar to what Honda's are known for, the SA could not explain why. I also find the front grille to "much" hehe. If I chose to spend, I am tempted by the Kia version of this car, the styling is nicer, but horror stories about Kia service quality also give me a bit of a pause. And talking of repair costs, Hyundai parts I recently found out are NOT always low cost, the brake pads of my inlaws 2008 Grand Starex cost a whooping Php 9k/6k for all 4 wheels! My surprise was that it needed replacement at 15TKms, hmmm, for brake pads thats too much! Total PMS cost with oil change came up to PHp 24K!!! No other repairs, just the recommended maintainance...so the diesel fuel cost savings were anyway eaten up by PMS costs...In the end, if anyone cares, total cost of ownership is what matters so this includes repairs AND resale value. For the Chevy, I guess we may lose Php 100k more than a Japanese brand upon resale for cars of the same mileage or year model. Time will tell, though I really wish GM fixes up its service quality, customer service and parts availability fo the sake of new Chevy Cruze car owners who have gambled their hard earned cash on this new car. I remain on the sidelines watching this story unfold before I decide if I will get a Cruze, as usual patience has its advantages. Though the recent cash discount offered to me by an SA at Pasig is tempting hehe.