Hyundai Sonata (2006)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 195 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,227

£186/month

MOT Pass Rate

73%

Average

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1991cc Diesel

Check Carefully

73% pass rate, £2,227/year to run. 9 points below average.

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft

£4.99

Check a specific Hyundai Sonata

Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.

Diesel1991cc20 years old195 tests95k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1991cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,227

Per month£186/mo

Per week£43/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

73% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Hyundai brand average of 83%.

73% of MOT tests on Hyundai Sonatas from 2006 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 18 years old. That's based on 195 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 95,075 miles.

Got a Hyundai Sonata you're looking at?

Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2006 models310th of 554(bottom half)

Rank among Hyundai models312th of 414(bottom 25%)

vs average of all models-9%(82% avg)

vs 2006 models average+0%(73% avg)

vs Hyundai average-10%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

95,075

Average miles

133,200

Expected for age

The average 2006 Hyundai Sonata had 95,075 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Looking at a specific Hyundai Sonata?

Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2007 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 75%, while the 2008 model has the lowest at 67%. The 2006 scores 73%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Hyundai Sonata by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2010	89%	44	105,703 mi
2009	69%	98	82,721 mi
2008	67%	101	107,212 mi
2007	75%	174	100,433 mi
2006	73%	195	95,075 mi
2005	69%	188	88,254 mi
2004	83%	58	83,612 mi
2003	82%	38	75,884 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

2007 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,227/year

73%

same

Vauxhall Astra

2007 · 1686cc Diesel

£2,227/year

71%

-2%

Honda Civic

2007 · 2204cc Diesel

£2,641/year

72%

-1%

Audi A4

2008 · 1968cc Diesel

£2,227/year

78%

+5%

Check a Specific Hyundai Sonata

Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.

Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.

About the 2006 Hyundai Sonata

The 2006 Hyundai Sonata is a family car. Our records list a 1991cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 195 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2006, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model matches that benchmark.

With an average of 95,075 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Hyundai Sonata owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2006 Hyundai Sonata Fuel Costs

The 1991cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2006 Hyundai Sonata?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,227 (£186/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 73% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Hyundai Sonata Reliability Trend

The Hyundai Sonata has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 0 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2006 Hyundai Sonata

At 20 years old, the Hyundai Sonata is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2007 model has the highest pass rate at 75%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 95k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2006 Hyundai Sonata stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Hyundai Sonata(2006)	73%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227
Volkswagen Golf(2007)	73%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227same
Vauxhall Astra(2007)	71%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227same
Honda Civic(2007)	72%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641+£414
Audi A4(2008)	78%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227same

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2006 Hyundai Sonata

Is the 2006 Hyundai Sonata reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 73% of MOT tests on 2006 Hyundai Sonatas ended in a pass, from 195 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2006 Hyundai Sonata cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,227 a year (£186 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2006 Hyundai Sonata?

73% of 195 MOT tests on the 2006 Hyundai Sonata ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 310th of 554 models first registered in 2006 (bottom half).

Which year Hyundai Sonata has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2007 Hyundai Sonata has the highest MOT pass rate at 75% and the 2008 the lowest at 67%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2006 Hyundai Sonata?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2006 Hyundai Sonata is 95,075 miles, which is below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.