Considering a 2012 R-Spec

[Jaeger]

Greetings all.

I'm looking to replace my 2011 Sonata 2.0T and considering a used purchase for the first time ever.

I was surprised to find a few R-Spec models available locally - test drove one of them and just loved it. Solid handling for such a large and spacious sedan, and the push from that big V8 is quite addictive.

My primary concern rests on the oil consumption issue about which much has been written (and I have read a fair bit, though not all, while lurking). A few questions:

1) Is there any consensus as to how prevalent the problem was for the 2012 my?
2) Is there any way to tell whether a prospective used purchase suffers from this problem - would it necessarily show up in the service records?
3) Should I avoid 2012s all together and hold out for a 2013, assuming the problem would have been rectified.

My secondary concern arises from the fact that I live just outside Toronto, and winter happens here. I haven't owned a RWD vehicle since my '91 240 SX. How driveable will this thing be with snow tires in the white stuff?

Thanks,

Jaeger

 

[landtuna]

I have a 2012 R-spec with a build date of April 2012 and it doesn't have the oil consumption issue so would think anything built after that date would be OK. I would however check service records on the specific car to make sure.

Can't help you with your snow driving as I live in the desert. Driving in the rain, even heavy rain, has not been a problem but I haven't tried snow (yet).

Some people here who do live in snow country say that putting several hundred pounds of weight in the trunk and a set of Blizzak snow tires on the car really make a difference.

 

[Jaeger]

Thanks very much for the response. It's probably basic question, but where do I run the VIN to check the build date?

 

[PMCErnie]

Note too that the '12 R-Spec and all '12 Tech package vehicles (since they have the DIS controller system for the audio/Nav) DO NOT stream Bluetooth audio. The '12 Base and Premium Package-only models DO stream BT audio.

 

[Mark_888]

Thanks very much for the response. It's probably basic question, but where do I run the VIN to check the build date?

The build date is on a sticker inside the drivers door jamb.

 

[Mark_888]

My secondary concern arises from the fact that I live just outside Toronto, and winter happens here. I haven't owned a RWD vehicle since my '91 240 SX. How driveable will this thing be with snow tires in the white stuff?

The 5.0 V8 has a lot of weight on the front end for a RWD car. At a minimum, even with snow tires, you probably should put a lot of weight in your trunk in the winter.

Personally, I would not get a RWD car in Toronto unless I could work from home or had other transportation on bad days, but that is just one person's opinion.

 

[Jaeger]

Thanks for the info and feedback.

 

[Jon Jackson]

Just be careful. I just got back my 12' R spec and they had to install a new engine AND transmission. Build date was March 12'. I'd go with a 13 .

 

[shagnat]

The 2010 and 2012 made the "Worst of Worst" list in a well known publication that rates cars every April.....consumper deports.... cough cough

 

[PMCErnie]

The 2010 and 2012 made the "Worst of Worst" list in a well known publication that rates cars every April.....consumper deports.... cough cough

Not exactly true. Only negatives were with audio system problems, if I recall correctly. That stuff was covered under warranty, though.

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[Jaeger]

Thanks gents. I ended up stumbling across a heavily discounted new 2015 and went with that.

 

[qstarweb]

Excellent choice, if you went with the 3.8 model I hope you still got the premium and technology packages on it.

Dean