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Comments
I've read all the posts to this forum, and here's my situation:
I need a car. I have approximately $11,000 to spend, and I'm considering the Accent, Echo, and a used Civic. I've test-driven the Accent and like everything about it--the feel, the gas mileage, and especially the cost. However, I'm concerned about safety and resale.
My main concern is safety--I've checked ConsumerReports and NHTSA, and both only have one test, and the Accent only got three stars.
Does anyone know anything about Hyundai safety? I'm thinking about a 2000, after the redesign, with automatic (yeah, I know about the acceleration problems) and A/C. And what about resale? Should I only purchase if I'm going to hold on to it for quite a while?
Thanks for any advice you can give me.
As for the ZX2 vs ZX3, I have raced and beat them, not to mention the focus has a stiffer and better handling suspension, and if you have ever looked at the front air dam on the ZX2, the is nothing supporting it so if you hit anything, even a snow pile it looks like it will break.
One of the good thing about the accent is the 1.5 motor, which used to be the Mitsubishi 1.5 produced by Hyundai under license, and I am wondering if that still is the case? That Mitsu 1.5 was unbeatable, it ran perfect for the 140k we kept it. The estimated gas mileage seems a bit low for that motor though and that made me a bit weary also.
As far as resale, unless you plan on getting rid of the car in less than 2 years, it shouldn't be much of a problem. The car doesn't cost much to begin with, so its resale doesn't plummet quite as fast as some more expensive cars do.
The Echo is a good car as long as you can deal with its butt ugly looks and ridiculous cheap looking interior. It also gets quite expensive once you start adding any options to it. 11 grand will buy you a fully equipped Accent ,including power everything, but only A/C in the Echo, not to mention the Echo doesn't even offer power windows. Expect to pay around 12 grand for a basic Echo with power steering, auto, and A/C. Not a good value if you ask me.
Anyway, hope my advice helps. Good luck!
The Accent has never had a Mitsubishi engine built by Hyundai. Since 95, the 1.5 engine has been Hyundai's own in-house engine design known as the Alpha engine. It was the first engine Hyundai designed all on its own. The Mitsu 1.5 was used in the Excel and Scoupe only. I'm sure the engines are very simlar in design as they both have SOHC and 12 valves, but they are still 2 completely different engines.
Kudos to you for beating the ZX2. It has to do with your superior driving capabilities, not the performance difference between the 2 cars. Their 0-60 times are the same, so you must have been a much better driver than the ZX2 driver. However, the ZX3 definitely can outhandle the ZX2 and outstop it.
Thanks for the advice. I just got home from test driving the Accent, Echo, and a 2000 Prizm. Still like the Accent, although those seats are pretty uncomfortable. The Echo appeared, at first, to be the ugliest car I had ever seen. It grew on me, but (as aldag mentioned) it seemed just too pricey. I'd also worry about it's resale as it's not a very popular car to begin with, I'm assuming from the selection around here (1!) and that I've seen one on the road in the last year.
I'm considering a used Prizm because they've got a better history of safety and resale value compared to the relatively unestablished Accents. I test-drove the 2000, but because there hasn't been a redesign since 1998, there's hardly a difference between cars.
So . . I think I'm down to between a used Prizm which I would then dispense of after 3 years, or a 2000 Accent GL, which I would probably keep the life of the warranty.
One more thing: I'm playing dealers off each other, and so far the lowest price for a 2000 Accent GL Sedan with auto, air, and the carpeted floor mats is $10,768 plus tax. It doesn't seem too bad to me, in light of invoice, etc., but there is a $500 rebate going on, and that's not even touching dealer holdback of 2%. How does it sound to you?
~ae2000
P.S. I didn't know what seatbelt pretensioners were three days ago, but after researching at my computer since then, I do now. I know more than the salesmen!
Scott
Excuse me Focus ZX3 driver... Are you aware of the specs on your ZX3? We have the same engine with the same Horsepower!!! According to Edmunds your car goes 0-60 in 8.8 seconds versus the ZX2 which goes 0-60 in 8.3. Granted this is only tenths of a second faster, but suddenly your ZX3 seems kind of slow. Besides I would like to know where you race your car, so I can avoid your city. The Zx2 Drivers probably backed off when they realised you where racing, speed doesn't bother me but IDIOTIC RACING DOES!!! For the record a very dear friend of mine has the ZTS Focus, which for your information is the UPRATED sedan version of your car. Guess what? I still prefer the ZX2. Yes, yours is has a better interior with nicer options that I am quick to admit would be nice in a ZX2. However I would suggest you check the specs before shooting off your mouth about performance!!! In the future why not set up a topic about the ZX3 versus the ZX2. This topic concerns the Hyundai Accent a car which is several thousand LESS than either of our respective cars, and is not even in competition with them.
Point of interest about colisions in small cars. Last week I totaled my ZX2 car in 75mph colision when some twit in a van suddenly pulled off the left shoulder on Interstate 95 south, in southern Virginia. In the police report they ruled it felony hit and run, as the other driver managed to limp away and evade the police. If it tells you anything I hit him so fast I barely touched the brakes with NO SKID!!! Not surprisingly the car was totaly demolished. HOWEVER apart from some minor whiplash, and my nerves being a touch frazzled I surived. Granted the doctor who examined me said the fact that I am a weight lifter may have saved me additional pain and suffering. Basically though the cars crumple zones did exactly what they where supposed to do, save my life. I am the first to admit I am VERY VERY LUCKY however, I think though it says a lot how deceptively well built these little cars are.
Now then with my apologies to the host; and all concerned again, for shooting off my own mouth and taking the group away from the subject. Not surprisingly after the little upset I suffered last week I am looking towards getting a new car. My first choice is another ZX2. However if I can't agree upon a price with the Ford dealer I may very well consider the Hyundai Accent only it would be as primary car, and not as a secondary, as I originally had planned. When I was at the Hyundai Showroom near my Ford dealer. The Salesman eluded to an Accent GS, but seemed very reluctant to discuss it in detail. About the only thing I could realy get out of him was that the Accent GS came with power windows. I find this a triffle difficult believe. Does anybody know the truth? What are the difference between them? About the only thing that dealer convinced me of is that the Accent is a viable 2nd new car option and that this particular dealership WOULD NOT get the sale. There was something very odd about the about the entire discusion. As a salesman myself (thankfully not cars) I have developed some strange instincts, and if another salesman lies I usaully get a funny a feeling. I am sort of wondering if there is a lower profit on the GS than there is on the regular Accent. Which could account for their reluctance to talk about it.
If I went with an Accent I would want the full package with all the bells and whistles short of the Automatic Trans. I tried checking the Hyundai websight but that doesn't even acknowledge the Accent as being available in a two door.
As for my opinions about the Accent as a car. Granted the automatic is rather weak, but the manual was surprisingly zippy, much more so than I thought it would be. It was also fairly comfortable to drive. Yes, there are about a dozen custom changes I would have to make to the interior if I went this route, however it would still cost less than a fully loaded ZX2. Hmmm...
On the same day I also test drove a Tiberion. Which despite being the competitor to my beloved ZX2 holds the record for the shortest test drive I have ever taken. Within 8 minutes I was back at the dealer saying "No I don't want one of these". I went over two speed bumps and both times banged my head into the roof. In most sports cars I can find a measure of comfort in them, but NOT this one. Even the salesman couldn't believe I didn't like it. No chance no way. If do go Hyundai the Accent will certainly get the vote.
Anyway, I can inform you the complete difference between the GS and the L hatchbacks. The GS adds a tachometer, driver-side armrest, digital clock, cloth door trim inserts and deluxe carpeting, tilt and height adjustable driver's seat, and a rear wiper/washer as standard equipment. The GS has as options over the L an automatic and a power package that includes power windows, locks, and mirrors and a 100 watt CD player. The L, in contrast, has A/C as the only factory option. So, if you want a fully equipped Accent, you must buy the GS model or the GL sedan. I will warn you that it is very hard to find a GS with a manual, let alone a manual equipped with package 3 (the power package). My local dealer carries 4 GS models and all of them have an automatic. The only manual hatch they have on the lot is a base L model that doesn't even have A/C (unbelieveable in Florida!). Anyway, hope I helped. Good luck in your search!
Scott
I have one other concern that I am wondering whether anyone else has encountered. My gas gauge slowly falls when left overnight instead of staying at the current reading (when tank is full, overnight, it might drop down to the 3/4 mark). Is this normal? When the car is started, the gauge sometimes goes back to where it was but sometimes only rises part of the way. This makes it read lower than it should. Anyone else encountered this? I thought a gauge was either supposed to drop immediately after turning off the car or stay in one spot, not drop slowly over time. I'm wondering whether I should have them replace the fuel gauge sending unit or just ignore it as something that is normal. What do you guys think?
Other than my fuel economy concerns, I really like the car and have encountered no problems. I still would recommend this car to anyone. It is an excellent value, a great-looking, solid, and refined car, and has a nice, comfortable interior. I just hope I can squeeze some more miles out of a tank of gas. If I can do that, than I will be satisfied, although more low-end torque would be nice.
Hmmm Suddenly the GS hatchback may not be an option after all. I can't stand sedans (no offence to any who own them) and if went with an Accent I would want it loaded to the gills. Given my time frame if I can't agree upon a price for a new ZX2, I will consider a vain attempt to find GS Manual Hatchback at another Hyundai dealer, and failing that may even consider visiting Carmax. We shall see what there is to see. Thanks again for your concerns.
Anyway, what octane are you using? I was using 89 when I first got the car, but switched down to 87. With 87 octane, I initially got between 29-31 mpg in all city driving, and than all of a sudden, it dropped and has stayed low. I have since switched to 89 and will see if that improves my mileage any. The tank I got 24.8 mpg on was 87 mixed with 89. I will post my findings on this tank with full 89. I may end up checking the plugs myself since it would be a pain to have the dealer look at it when I can do it in 15 minutes. Hell, maybe I ought to just put in platinum plugs and be done with it. Anyone know if platinum plugs are not a good idea for this engine (some engines it is advised not to use them)? I'm hoping I can get the car out on the highway and run it hard for awhile and see if that doesn't clean out whatever may be causing the poor mileage. Will let you all know the outcome.
Scott
A few posts back I asked for advice on car shopping, and quite a few of you were very helpful--especially focuszx3r, lngtongel18, and aldag. I thought I'd let you know that my car quest is over.
Tonight I purchased a 96 Honda Civic DX with auto, car alarm, air, and 4 doors for $9850. I decided against the Focus because it was just out of my price range and I didn't think it would have much resale because it's just a bit odd looking. As much as I like the idea of a Hyundai, the lack of proven safety features made me pause. And what made me really decide against it was that I only want to keep the car about three years--it seems like the Hyundai is a really good value if you keep it 5 to 10. And since I'd be selling it before that, I needed reliable resale, which the Hyundai just doesn't have yet. Someday!
Thanks for all your help. Best of luck to you all.
~ae2000
On a side note, I took my car on a long distance trip, hoping my gas mileage would increase. I used a whole tank of gas on almost all highway driving going 70-80 mph, and I only averaged 32 mpg. About 30 miles of the trip was done in heavy traffic in Panama City, but that is not enough to lower the mileage from the 37 mpg I got on a similar trip when the car was new. So I am pretty convinced it is not just the city driving that was causing the low mileage numbers. I will be taking it into the dealer if someone here tells me their vacuum line does not look or feel like mine. Maybe by some fluke, that is my problem!
Also thought I would share my experiences with doing the first oil change on my own. It is very cool that you can change the oil without needing to lift the car. I did it with the car flat on the ground and had plenty of room to do the job. However, it totally sucks that you have to partially take off the plastic shroud in order to get at the filter. The filter is also at such an angle that it tends to leak oil all over the shroud when taking it off. It is a messier job than it should be. And boy does the factory put the filter on tight! I fought with the filter for 15 minutes before finally having to poke a hole in it with a screwdriver to get it off. Let me tell you, the skin of that Hyundai filter is very tough as it took a lot of pounding to get the screwdriver to pierce it. The entire job took me much longer than it should (almost an hour), but now that the filter isn't so tight, I should be able to cut the time in half. I just wish Hyundai would place the filter away from the shroud at a more vertical angle while still allowing you to change it without needing to lift the car.
Scott
Naught to worry though Accent fans, once my insurance settles down, and I know what my yearly bill will be. I may yet again be looking at the Accent again. Only this would be as a 2nd Car which was my original intention. Perhaps a stripped down one or a used loaded one may fit the bill. In any event the forcast time frame is some time late next year. I did rather like the manual one I test drove, and would have NO reservations about recomending the Accent to anyone. I just wish the Automatic version had a bit more power, as I hope my second car will be Auto.
Thanks for your concerns regarding the loss of my first ZX2.
I just slide the drain pan underneath, then reach down the back of the engine from the passenger side to reach the drain plug. The oil filter can be reached from the same standing position, its behind the alternator. I just hand tight the new oil filter so next change will also be easy.
Scott
I have strongly recommended the Accent GS to one of my friends and he is very close to buying, but what is a good pirce on one with a 5-speed an a/c, no other options??
Aldag, I agree that you should not rely on ABS to stop in poor conditions, but it is definitely nice to have when the car has a tendency to lock up its front brakes. ABS would allow me to steer away from impending danger, rather than just slide right into it. I wouldn't care as much if it was the rear brakes that locked up. That's quite easy to control. It probably does have to do with the cheap all season tires in combination with the small 13" footprint and soft front shocks that allow too much sudden weight transfer. But I also think it has something to do with the balance in the braking system (too much front brake emphasis). Example: my Mom's 92 Accord has ABS but I have never engaged it, even when I purposely set out to do it when it was pouring rain for an hour and the road was super slick. I slammed on the brakes from about 25-30 mph repeatedly, and the ABS never engaged, yet the car did not slide or even try to lock up. That car exhibits good braking balance. The Accent would have been locking its front brakes and sliding all over the place in the same test, thus it has poor brake balance and would benefit greatly from ABS.
Scott
The word must be getting out about the Accent's great looks, value, and warranty because I have seen 2 other 2000 Accent hatchbacks in the past 2 days. One was an exact copy of mine! Thankfully, that black Accent had mirror tint instead of the dark black tint I have on my black Accent. What color is your car aldag?
Anyway, I am having them either adjust or replace the misaligned glove box cover, fix a rattling center stop light (its very loose and banging against the window everytime I hit a bump), fix the very annoying creak/squeak in the driver's buckle assembly (the buckle squeaks whenever I move in the seat), and investigate into why my fuel economy is so low. The service manager actually heard the buckle squeak, agreed that my mileage was way too low and that something must be wrong, and said immediately that they will probably just replace my glove box. The whole visit lasted just 5 minutes! So far, I am very impressed with the fast and friendly customer service. Hopefully, their mechanical work is just as good and they will solve all my complaints the first time around. I will let you all know the outcome.
worse though are people driving sports cars w/ auto transmissions.... why bother ???