Hyundai Sonata gls problems
The Hyundai Sonata (Korean: 현대 쏘나타) is a mid-size car that has been manufactured by Hyundai since 1985. The first generation Sonata, which was introduced in 1985, was a facelifted version of the Hyundai Stellar with an engine upgrade, and was withdrawn from the market in two years due to poor customer reaction. While the nameplate was originally only sold in South Korea, the second generation of 1988 was widely exported.
The Sonata is currently manufactured in South Korea where their headquarters are located, China and Pakistan. It was named after the musical term, sonata.
First generation (Y1; 1985)
The first Sonata was introduced to compete with the Daewoo Royale series and was a more luxurious version of the Stellar. It included cruise control, power seats, head lamp washers, power brakes, electric operated adjustable side mirrors and chrome bumper trims. The Sonata was available with two trim options in Korea: Luxury and Super (the latter only available with a 2.0-liter engine). In the domestic market Hyundai attempted to sell the Sonata as an executive car using catchphrases like "Luxury car for VIP"; however, as the Sonata was based on the Stellar without any major changes, it was seen by the public as no more than a luxury version of the Stellar. In 1987 Hyundai added two tone color schemes and a trip computer option, but sales soon went down and the car was discontinued in December of that year. The Sonata was sold only in the South Korean domestic market. The vehicle was unveiled in South Korea on 4 November 1985.
Engine choices included 1.6-liter Mitsubishi Saturn (only available outside the domestic market), 1.8- and 2.0-liter Mitsubishi Sirius inline-fours. The latter unit also found its way into the 1987 and later Stellar, and in MPI form the 1986 Hyundai Grandeur. The body was a largely unchanged Hyundai Stellar.
It was sold in New Zealand (right hand drive) with the 1.6-liter Mitsubishi engine with the five-speed manual gearbox; an automatic transmission was an optional extra. The original importer was a unit of the Auckland-based Giltrap Motor Group.
The final version of the Stellar was known as the Stellar 88 and was launched to celebrate the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. Afterwards, Hyundai discontinued the Stellar and replaced it with the all-new Sonata.
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Hyundai Sonata gls model years
Common Hyundai Sonata gls problems
The Hyundai Sonata GLS has been known to have several common problems, primarily related to the transmission, engine, and electrical systems.
- Seatbelt Recall: Hyundai issued a recall for certain Sonata models in 2017 due to a faulty seatbelt linkage that was not properly connected to the pretensioner. This issue could lead to the seatbelt not restraining the passenger during a collision, increasing the risk of injury. Hyundai recalled 2011-2013 Sonatas to install external wire filter kits to address this issue.
- Engine Failure: Engine failure in 2011, 2012, and 2013 Hyundai Sonatas was a commonly reported problem. Many drivers complained that their engines seized up after hearing knocking noises upon acceleration, which eventually led to a loss of power, brakes, and steering. This issue led to a class action lawsuit against Hyundai, where the automaker paid a settlement fee of $8.5 million in 2016. The settlement covered engine repair and replacement, towing expenses, and rental fees of the replacement cars for the owners of affected 2011-2014 Sonatas with 2.0- or 2.4-liter Theta II engines.
- Faulty Speakers: Some Hyundai Sonatas were found to have defective speakers, particularly in the 2011-2016 model years. A hard reset was necessary to resolve a software bug that prevented the CD player, navigation, radio, and phone calls from producing audio. This was a simple fix resolved by disconnecting and reconnecting the negative battery terminal.
- Defective Lighting: The parking lights in some 2003-2015 Hyundai Sonata models remained illuminated after the engine, leading to a drained battery. The problem was commonly attributed to a fuse issue, but a worn grommet could also cause it on the brake pedal.
In summary, the Hyundai Sonata GLS has had its share of common problems, primarily related to the transmission, engine, and electrical systems. While these issues can be concerning, many of them can be addressed with relatively simple repairs or recalls. It is essential for owners to stay informed about any recalls or issues related to their specific model year and address them promptly to ensure the safety and reliability of their vehicle.
What is the most common problem with Hyundai Sonata?
The problems that commonly plague the Hyundai Sonata include safety issues, seizing engines, and shifting problems.
How many miles can a Hyundai Sonata GLS last?
How long does a Hyundai Sonata last? Assuming proper maintenance and reasonable driving habits, a well-cared-for Hyundai Sonata can last well over 200,000 miles. In fact, many Sonatas have been known to last for more than 300,000 miles with the proper care and attention.
Do Sonatas have transmission problems?
One of the most commonly reported issues with the Hyundai Sonata is related to the transmission.
What problems does the 2017 Hyundai Sonata GLS have?
Owner Reported Trouble Spots
- Engine Major. Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt. ...
- Paint And Trim. ...
- Fuel System/Emissions. ...
- Brakes. ...
- Electrical Accessories. ...
- Drive System. ...
- In-car Electronics. ...
- Engine Minor.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Hyundai Sonata gls years
We have researched Hyundai problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Hyundai Sonata gls cars and compiled the top 1 most problematic Hyundai Sonata gls model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Hyundai Sonata gls model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Hyundai Sonata gls years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Hyundai Sonata gls car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Hyundai Sonata gls , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Structure problems
- Suspension problems
- Air bags problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Hyundai Sonata gls vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Sonata gls model years
A total of 1 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Sonata gls model years
There were a total of 2 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Sonata gls model years
There were a total of 7 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 46 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Hyundai Sonata gls . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Hyundai Sonata gls vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Hyundai Sonata gls 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2015-02-17
- Date Complaint: 2015-07-21
- VIN: KMHWF35V7XA
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SUSPENSION SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: EA08016 (STRUCTURE, SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Hyundai Sonata gls 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2013-04-03
- Date Complaint: 2013-04-03
- VIN: KMHWF35V2XA
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: I OWN A 1999 HYUNDAI SONATA AND WAS INFORMED BY MY MECHANIC THAT THE FRONT SUB FRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IS RUSTING THROUGH, PRESENTING A SEVERE SAFETY RISK TO THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS. THERE IS CURRENTLY A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL SHOWING FOR THE 2001-2004 MODEL FROM YOUR INVESTIGATION. SHOULDN'T THE 1999 BE INCLUDED DUE TO IT HAVING MANY COMPLAINTS DUE TO THIS CORROSION ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN MARYLAND AND OWNED IN VIRGINIA FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. IT ALSO HAS BEEN IN OUT OF VIRGINIA FOR THE LAST TEN YEARS WHERE SALT IS APPLIED TO ROADWAYS LIKELY CONTRIBUTING THIS PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN NORTH CAROLINA AND THE LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO MAKE THE REPAIR. *TR
Hyundai Sonata gls 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2010-04-01
- Date Complaint: 2011-03-27
- VIN: KMHWF35V2XA
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 1999 HYUNDAI SONAT GLS AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME ON AFTER BEING WORKED ON BY HYUNDAI DEALER 10-15 TIMES. WAS WORKED ON WITHOUT ISSUE WHILE UNDER WARRANTY WITH NO SUCCESS. ONCE EXTENDED WARRENTY EXPIRED, THE DEALER THEN KNEW THAT THE CAR NEEDED A NEW WIRE HARNESS FOR ABOUT $1000. THE SERVICE MANAGER THEN SUGGESTED THAT I HARD -WIRE THE WIRE HARNESS TO GET AROUND THE CONNECTOR ISSUE. IS THERE A RECOURSE TO AN AIRBAG PROBLKEM THAT HAS BEEN WORKED ON AT LEAST A DOZEN TIMES? *TR
Hyundai Sonata gls 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2010-10-04
- Date Complaint: 2010-10-18
- VIN: KMHWF35V1XA
- Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
- Summary: VEHICLE HAD DEVELOPED A FRONT END ALIGNMENT PROBLEM, AND I SCHEDULED AN ALIGNMENT. THE MORNING BEFORE THE SCHEDULED ALIGNMENT, I WAS PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY TO GO TO WORK WHEN THE RIGHT INNER CV JOINT DISINTEGRATED. INVESTIGATION REVEALED SEVERE SUBFRAME CORROSION RESULTING IN THE CONTROL ARM MOUNT SEPARATING FROM THE SUBFRAME, CAUSING THE CV JOINT TO FAIL AND THE VEHICLE TO BECOME INOPERABLE. NHTSA AND HYUNDAI ISSUED A RECALL IN 2009, CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V124000. HOWEVER, THE STATE I RESIDE IN (NEBRASKA) IS NOT LISTED AS A "SALT BELT" STATE AND IS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL. NEBRASKA DOES INDEED USE SALT ON THE ROADS, AND THE DESCRIPTION OF THE FAULT AND POTENTIAL RESULTS MATCHES EXACTLY WITH THE RUST AND CORROSION ON MY VEHICLE'S SUBFRAME AND THE RESULTS. I BELIEVE IT LIKELY THAT THERE ARE OTHER MOTORISTS IN THE STATE OF NEBRASKA WHO ARE DRIVING THESE VEHICLES WITH THIS HIDDEN AND POTENTIALLY VERY DANGEROUS FAULT. THE HYUNDAI DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO HELP ME SO FAR WITH A FAULT RESOLUTION PER THE RECALL. *TR
Hyundai Sonata gls 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2010-09-20
- Date Complaint: 2010-10-05
- VIN: KMHWF35V2XA
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: I HAVE A DEFECTIVE SUBFRAME ON A 1999 SONATA PURCHASED NEW IN IOWA AND DRIVEN THERE FOR 4 YEARS. IT HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT ON THE PASSENGER FRONT SIDE CAUSING STEERING CONTROL ARMS AND DRIVE AXLE TO BREAK LOOSE FROM VEHICLE AND MAKING VEHICLE INOPERABLE. THIS SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER HYUNDAI RECALL CAMPAIGN 089. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NO. 09V124000. I AM GETTING NO RESPONSE AS TO IF THEY WILL COVER THIS DAMAGE AND REPLACE SUBFRAME FROM THE LOCAL DEALER TAMIAMI HYUNDAI IN NAPLES, FL AND HAVE ALSO CONTACTED THE HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER 3 TIMES TO NO AVAIL. I WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC THAT IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS I WOULD HAVE PROBABLY LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND IT WOULD HAVE ROLLED. NEVER SINCE I OWNED THE VEHICLE WAS TOLD OF THIS RECALL AND THEY CURRENTLY STATE THE VIN OF THE VEHICLE IS NOT BEING SHOWN IN THE RECALL LIST, BUT IT WAS PURCHASED NEW IN IOWA SO IT SHOULD BE INCLUDED. *TR
Hyundai Sonata gls 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2010-01-23
- Date Complaint: 2010-01-23
- VIN: KMHWF25V8XA
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: I OWN A 1999 HYUNDAI SONATA AND WAS INFORMED BY MY MECHANIC THAT THE FRONT SUB FRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IS RUSTED THROUGH, PRESENTING A SEVERE SAFETY RISK TO THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS. THERE IS CURRENTLY A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL DUE TO THIS CORROSION ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AND DRIVEN IN MINNESOTA FOR THE LAST TEN YEARS WHERE SALT IS APPLIED TO ROADWAYS LIKELY CONTRIBUTING THIS PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN GEORGIA AND THE LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO MAKE THE REPAIR. *TR
Hyundai Sonata gls 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2009-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2009-10-01
- VIN: KMHWF35VXXA
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: ON 1 OCT 2009 MY SON WAS DRIVING HIS 1999 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS FROM HIS HIGH SCHOOL TO PICK UP HIS SISTER AT THE DAYCARE JUST DOWN THE ROAD. UPON PULLING INTO THE DAYCARE PARKING LOT HE HEARD A LOUD SOUND AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE DROPPED SIGNIFICANTLY. HE IMMEDIATELY STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND GOT OUT TO SEE IF HE HAD HIT SOMETHING OR TO SEE EXACTLY WHAT HAD HAPPENED. UPON INSPECTION THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE A-FRAME HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT OF THE SUB FRAME OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING IT TO BREAK COMPLETELY OFF. THANKFULLY HE WAS TRAVELING AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED OR IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT OR EVEN FURTHER DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. UPON RESEARCH IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THERE IS A NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V124000 THAT ADDRESSES THIS SAME ISSUE, HOWEVER IT LOOKS LIKE IT DOESN'T COVER A RECALL OF THE 1999 MODEL AND WHEN I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP THEY STATED THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE. YOU CAN CONTACT ME AT [email protected] OR AT 813-451-6532. I?M HIGHLY CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY FOR ANYONE THAT DRIVES THIS VEHICLE AND I FEEL THAT SINCE THIS SEEMS TO BE A SYSTEMIC ISSUE THAT IT SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE FACTORY RECALL CAMPAIGN AS THIS VEHICLE WAS ORIGINALLY TITLED IN MISSOURI. *TR
Hyundai Sonata gls 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2009-06-27
- Date Complaint: 2009-06-27
- VIN: KMHWF35V4XA
- Components: STRUCTURE,TIRES
- Summary: DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE CAR BEGAN TO PULL TO THE RIGHT. COULD BARELY DRIVE TO THE SHOP. THEY FOUND OUT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED SO BAD IT WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE TIRE WHICH WERE NEW JUST 3 MONTHS AGO WERE TOTALLY BALD. THE CAR, A 1999 HYUNDAI SONATA, IS NOW NOT DRIVABLE. *TR
Hyundai Sonata gls 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2009-02-10
- Date Complaint: 2009-04-26
- VIN: KMHWF35V2XA
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY PULLED SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT. THERE WAS A BAD GRINDING NOISE WHEN EVER WE TURNED A CORNER. THIS HAPPENED AS MY WIFE WAS COMING HOME FROM WORK. I TOOK IT TO TEST DRIVE AND WAS SURPRISED WITH HOW DIFFICULT IT WAS TO CONTROL. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE SAID THE SUB FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO OPERATE. HE WAS ABLE TO FIND A USED SUB FRAME TO REPLACE IT AND I DID SAVE THE OLD SUB FRAME. *TR
Hyundai Sonata gls 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2009-03-26
- Date Complaint: 2009-03-27
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: STRUCTURE,WHEELS
- Summary: THE ISSUE IS IDENTICAL TO THE ONE ON RECORD FOR STRUCTURE ISSUES ON THIS CAR. WHILE DRIVING THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL AND IT'S ASSEMBLY FLEW OFF FROM THE CAR. THE CAR HAD BEEN HAVING SOME STEERING DIFFICULTY'S AND I WAS ACTUALLY BRINGING IT IN TO THE FIRESTONE STATION- IT ACTUALLY HAPPENED RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE FIRESTONE CENTER. THE TIRE ARM CONNECTING TO THE FRAME WAS TOTALLY RUSTED OUT. THE PRICE TO FIX THE CAR WILL BE TOTALLY ASTRONOMICAL. THERE SHOULD BE NO REASON THAT THE CAR WOULD RUST OUT AND CAUSE THAT DAMAGE- IT IS 10 YEARS OLD. WE HAD EVEN BOUGHT THE EXTRA RUST PACKAGE ON THE CAR. I OR SOMEONE ELSE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED AND SERIOUS DAMAGE. LUCKILY, I AM A FIREFIGHTER AND AM USED TO HANDLING VEHICLES. I BELIEVE HYUNDAI SHOULD COMPENSATE SOMEHOW AND SHOULD BE HELD LIABLE. WHY WERE WE NEVER NOTIFIES THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE????? *TR
Hyundai Sonata gls 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2009-02-08
- Date Complaint: 2009-02-10
- VIN: KMHWF35V4XA
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 1999 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS. CAR FELT LIKE IT WAS HYDROPLANING WITHOUT IT RAINING OR SNOWING. FELT LIKE IT THE STEERING WAS OUT OF CONTROL. NOTICED THAT RIGHT TIRE WAS STICKING OUT OF THE WELL SO I WENT TO HAVE THE FRONT TIRES REPLACED AND ALIGNED. WHILE REPLACING FRONT TIRES THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE TIRES BEND INWARD. THEY COULD NOT DO THE ALIGNMENT AS HE FELT SOMETHING WAS BROKEN ON THE FRAME. REFERRED TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THAT THE SUBFRAME HAD HOLES THROUGHOUT DUE TO RUST AND ROT. HE HAS SEEN THIS BEFORE WITH THE SAME MAKE, MODEL, AND YEAR OF THE CAR. THE CAR IS COMPLETELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE WHEELS OR ENGINE COULD FALL OUT AT ANYTIME. ALSO INFORMED THAT A SUBFRAME SHOULD NOT RUST OR ROT. I RESEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND THAT NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN MADE DUE TO THIS SUBFRAME ISSUE. CONTACTED THE HYUNDAI NATIONAL LINE DIRECTLY AND OPENED UP A CASE# 3505497. AWAITING THE OUTCOME AT THIS TIME. *TR
Hyundai Sonata gls 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2009-02-06
- Date Complaint: 2009-02-09
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: I NOTICED MY LEFT FRONT SUSPENSION ON MY 1999 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS SQUEAKING LOUDLY WHILE DRIVING CITY SPEEDS. MY MECHANIC NOTICED RUSTY AREA AROUND SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM, ETC. LABELED IT AS A PRIORITY REPAIR FOR SAFETY REASONS. I PREVIOUSLY HAD THE COMPLETE REAR WHEEL HUB REPLACED BECAUSE OF CORROSION A FEW YEARS AGO, TOO. I HAVE NOT GONE TO A HYUNDAI DEALER YET SO I'M NOT SURE HOW TO PROCEED FROM HERE. *TR
Hyundai Sonata gls 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2008-12-24
- Date Complaint: 2009-01-05
- VIN: KMHWF35V9XA
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 1999 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS THE RIGHT SIDE FRAME IS ALMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED THRU. I CAUGHT IT BEFORE I WRECKED THE CAR OR RAN INTO SOMEONE DUE TO IT RESTING APART. THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING IT IS VERY SAFE AND LEFT ALONE COULD CAUSE FATAL INJURIES. *TR
Hyundai Sonata gls 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2008-11-28
- Date Complaint: 2008-11-29
- VIN: KMHWF35V6XA
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: I HAVE A 1999 HYUNDAI SONATA WHICH BROKE DOWN YESTERDAY DUE BADLY RUSTED HUGE HOLE ON THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE OF THE FRAME. THIS MADE THE VEHICLE DISABLED AND CAN NOT BE DRIVEN. THIS ALSO RESULTED IN THE DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL JOINTS THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THE WHOLE FRONT FRAME HAD TO BE REPLACED. HE ALSO TOLD ME THAT THERE WOULD BE A LOT OF EXPENSE TO FIX THE CAR. I WAS READING ABOUT THE SIMILAR PROBLEMS FOR THE SONATA CARS THAT WERE MADE DURING THE 1999-2002 WERE HAVING SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND THE NHTSA WAS INVESTIGATING THE MATTER. PLEASE ADVICE ME THE FURTHER COURSES OF ACTION. *TR
Hyundai Sonata gls 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2008-11-13
- Date Complaint: 2008-11-14
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: NOTICED THAT THE TIRES WERE GETTING MISALIGNED AND THE CAR KEEPS PULLING TO THE RIGHT. FINALLY TOOK THE TIRE OFF AND NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SUB-FRAME IS RUSTED ALL THE WAY THROUGH WHERE ALL THE SUSPENSION ATTACHMENTS ARE BARELY HOLDING IN ITS PLACE. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO FIX THE ISSUE AT THIS MOMENT DUE TO ITS REPAIR COST VS WHAT THE VEHICLE IS WORTH. *TR