For consumers looking to trade up to the midsize sedan segment, one prime bargain worthy of consideration is the 2005 Hyundai XG350. For the 2005 model year, the XG350 was the South Korean automaker's flagship model. The five-passenger, front-wheel drive XG350 was available in two trim lines: base and L, both powered by a potent 3.5-liter V-6 engine connected to a five-speed automatic transmission with Shifttronic manual override. The engine will produce a very capable 194 horsepower, and yet still deliver decent gas mileage. Its EPA fuel economy ratings are good: city: 18, highway: 26.
Designed for the "near luxury" end of the segment, the XG350 was equipped with a number of standard safety and convenience features, including anti-lock brakes with traction control, dual front airbags and front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, leather seating surfaces, power driver and passenger seats, fully automatic temperature control, 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, keyless entry with alarm, trip computer, AM/FM/cassette/CD audio system with six speakers, rear reading lights, electrochromic rearview mirror and HomeLink system.
The upmarket XG350L trim added 12-spoke alloy wheels, premium Infinity speakers and 210-watt external amplifier, trunk-mounted 8-disc CD changer, power tilt/sliding sunroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel with woodgrain inserts, memory driver's seat, front heated seats, and exterior mirrors with memory function and an automatic tilt-down feature when the gear selector is in reverse.
When the XG350 was new, reviewers had mostly good things to say. For example, Cars.com touted the car's ride comfort, the operation of the automatic transmission and its excellent outward visibility for drivers. In addition, reviewers said that the car was simply very easy to drive.
When shopping for a preowned car, check out the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Official Used Car Guide, which is published monthly in nine regional editions across the country.
The NADA guide lists the average retail price for the 2005 Hyundai XG350 sedan: XG350, $12,425; XG350L, $13,275. As with all pre-owned vehicles, expect the average retail price to increase if vehicles are equipped with extra features like theft recovery system ($125).
Most new vehicle dealers will check to see if a vehicle received in trade has any outstanding recall notices. Whether purchasing from a dealership or private party, always have a mechanic inspect the vehicle prior to signing an agreement.
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