Hyundai Accent Hatchbacks
I've read about the resdesign (98?) and the
nororius problems prior to it. Has anyone owned a
newer accent for long enough to have a solid
opionion on the new design/reliability? I know
they have a 10year/100000 mile warranty.
nororius problems prior to it. Has anyone owned a
newer accent for long enough to have a solid
opionion on the new design/reliability? I know
they have a 10year/100000 mile warranty.
Tagged:
0
Comments
You can check 2000 accent in hyundai website (www.hmc.co.kr). Check "Verna". Basically, that's the car which will be sold in U.S.A with "accent" name in 2000.
Looks very good,the powertrain is old one though.
A used Accent...you should be able to buy a low-mileage (15K-30K) 1997 Accent for $5000. A 1998 with 10K-20K for $6500. Used 1999's should be too close to new ones. However if you are choosing between a new 1999 and a used 1999, remember only the new ones give you the 10-year 100K warranty. That turns into a 5 year 60K warranty if the car is re-sold. A new Accent with AC, 5-speed, cassette, and taxes should cost you $9000 out the door.
Dang someone with only 40 thousand mile s on their auto tranny? THe one in my family has been babied with all services done on time, but my father who drives it usede it to commute 100 miles per day every day to NYC for two and a half years.... He drives like a maniac on fire and the car took the abuse... From the experience we've had with it, i (college student) will prob. Buy a used '96 auto ( don't like the newer styling).
Driving too hard eh... my father owned a V12 and a supercharged 6 while he drove the four banger...now what does that say about the hyundai "alpha" engine?
I have 38,000 fairly hard driven miles on it so far. At around 10,000 the clutch went out but otherwise its been perfect. They fixed it promptly under full warranty! I've also used road side service a couple times(I always lock my keys in the car! This service has been great. WHEN BUYING A NEW ACCENT PAY THE ABSOLUTE MINIMUM PRICE!!! Get very close to the invoice price. These cars have horrific resale values and should be bought with the intention of driving into the ground so to speak!
carlady/host
Boltguy
No doubt about it.
seems to be what you pay for so far. No problems
yet, a very comfortable car (especially after my
previous car - 88 Pontiac LeMans). The whistling
sound is always present when the car accelerates,
but it is not much of a problem because once you're driving, you have a good amount of road noise inside the cabin. The ride could be a littl smoother, also. But other than that, it is a nice little car with huge expandable trunk. And you can change oil only 5-7,000 miles (owner's manual). Although, right now I would probably buy a Toyota Echo because of its resale value, or a Ford Focus hatchback because it looks like a real hatchback. But Hyundai makes more sense if you plan on owning the car for a long time.
That whistling is the resonator on the exhaust system. There is a Technical service bulletin on it. I took mine back to service and they took car of it while I waited. In and out in maybe 1/2 hour.
Joe
carlady/host
I have been looking at the 2000 Accentsa and am very impressed with the fit and finish and overall quality for such a inexpensive car.
Floridian
Also, I test drove several Metros (new and used, manual and auto), a Honda Civic DX, two Kia's and a Mazda Protege and the Accent was the best pick for me: style (I like conservative sportiness), options (CD, pwr steering, spoiler, custom floor mats, a/c, pwr windows and locks, intermittent front and rear window wipers, rear defog) and a killer warranty. I couldn't get near the Metro for what I paid for the Accent. The metro may get great mpg but, in my opinion, it has little else. I was going to order an Accent and the dealer offered me a program car off the lot until mine came in, and finally I get free lifetime oil changes every 3k miles. I couldn't pass it up. Well, yes I could have but there was a $500 rebate on top of my trade. So I'm satisfied for now except for the concern above so any comments on this are welcome. Thanks.
Oh, I also found that the CD/radio is the temporary fix for the whistling and road noise
I'm sorry if I don't seem like the type to own a computer. My 75Mhz Pentium is still playin a mean Tiberian Sun and Chess game. MS Office 2k works great too. Even so, I might have to go get a new computer with all the money I saved on my new car (and gas).
carlady/host
As far as the whistling noise, it was worth it to me. The noise was annoying.
I was thinking of getting aftermarket cruise. I drive 83 mi. each way to work and could use a leg rest.
I have always been concerned about buying a new car with miles on it already. Nobody will baby it like you will during break in. There is a topic about "Break in periods" I think under the maintenance section. The opinions run from one extreme to the other.
With the money I saved on the Accent my wife bought a Sonata.
Driving is Believing!!
As for the engine, there's not much power off the line. I see a lot of cars run up on me while I'm getting going. Then again, it isn't a race car and I've never owned such a small car but the Accent gets the job done. I am impressed with its ability to accelerate in 3rd, 4th, and 5th gears. It's smooth and quiet up to 65-70 mph. After that, the engine remains smooth but I can begin to hear it working although it isn't straining. I just finished the break-in period so I'm wanting to take it up over 70 mph to see whatit'll do.
Shifting in and out of 1st and 2nd is slightly rough and I get a little grind every so often and sometimes it does not like to go into 1st from a stop, but all the other stick operations are smooth. I wonder if the grinding can be taken care of with an adjustment? I'm also not sure how smart it was to mount the alternator only an inch away from the catalytic converter. I think there's too much heat in that location.
I'm also not sure I'd spend any extra money for the CD player. Mine skips and the rear speakers are way too cheap. I havent looked at the front ones yet. Does anyone know what size they are? Crutchfield says the back ones are 5-inch but my 5.25's fit prefectly. I'm in the process of buying a Sony Explod system to replace the factory one. On the good side, the factory radio pulls in a ton of stations. I wish it had more output power.
What I'm truly amazed with is the gas mileage. I just went 370 in-town miles on 9.43 gallons. that's 39 mpg!!! I have pretty level roads and moderate stop and start but still. I think it's great!
Poconojoe, is there an aftermarket cruise control for these cars?
Gotta go for now.
My 99' Accent now has 27k miles, and it seemed to break in and run better after about 12k. Gas mileage got better too. I like how it climbs hills in 5th gear, without downshifting.
Also those Kumho tires are actually holding up pretty good for a brand I never heard of before. Still have decent tread left.
As far as the shifting Jtnett spoke of, I never had that problem. I have noticed that it has a long throw shifter. When mine was new I would sometimes not fully put it into gear because I was used to my last car with a short throw. That would make a grinding sound. I quickly got used to this.
I have discovered a few annoyances with the car. First, there is some kind of buzzing sound coming from the passenger side of the car, but I can't figure out what is causing it. I don't always hear it and it is a relatively soft noise, but it still aggravates me a bit. Second, the handling is too soft on this car. It begs for larger performance tires and the rear end feels skittish, like it is trying to swap ends on you (an odd feeling considering it is front drive). It definitely lacks the precision and firm euro handling of my VW GTI. I am wondering whether the sport suspension package that came on the Accent GT and Gsi models would fit the new 2000s. Anyone know whether it would?? I definitely would like to get the 14" alloys that came with the Gsi or the ones on the Elantra. I plan on adding the rear spoiler and alloy wheels as soon as I can get some money (possibly fog lights as well). I too am interested in adding cruise control! If anyone hears anything about how to add cruise, please let us know!! Overall, the Accent is a great car and I am glad I chose it instead of a used car, the tiny and less substantial feeling Metro, or the less known Daewoo. I would recommend this car to anyone on a tight budget in need of a well built, solid car.
Scott
i certainly do enjoy this site and really appreciate it!
go edmunds!!!
carlady/host
Well, my pride in my new 2000 Accent was severely hurt today. I just returned from a 900 mile round-trip and was extremely impressed with the car's highway manners. It rides very comfortably for an economy car and was very quiet, even at speeds in excess of 80 mph. I averaged 35.7 mpg at a constant 80-85 mph over 340 miles. My main gripe with the car is its super sensitivity to grooves in the road. It requires you to keep correcting your path. I think its small 13" tires are too blame for its overly-sensitive steering.
However, my feel good attitude about the car after the trip was quickly taken away when I heard a loud whining sound coming from my transmission, even though I was in neutral at a stoplight. I depressed the clutch and the sound immediately went away. As soon I released the clutch again, the noise came back. There was also a gritty feeling coming through the pedal when you put a small amount of pressure on it. In other words, my throw-out release bearing is shot! I have less then 2000 miles on my car!! I am disappointed to say the least. To replace this part more then likely requires pulling the whole tranny off my car. Even though it is covered under warranty, it is still a big hassle and could lead to other problems, such as leaks, if the dealer does not do a quality job. I am hoping this is just a fluke and not just the beggining of many problems. I also hope I did not make a mistake purchasing this car. I am taking my car to the dealer tomorrow for the first time to find out how long it will take them to get this part and how long it will be in the shop to get it fixed. I will let you know the outcome of my misfortune.
Bought new Accent 3 Door hatch back in February.
Beautiful to look and and beautiful to drive.
Found it to be incredibly smooth and no noise from it.
Took it through the suggested break in period and was quite surprised to see how well the Accent will perform on the motorway, higher speeds and still and smooth quiet ride.
Cabin is great too although I feel the dash board is a bit bland. Everything is easy reach which I like but for a 2000 car I would have expected more, maybe a bit more styling but then I suppose it is called an economy car. The drivers seat is perfect and love the various settings. The clutch rest makes driving even more comfortable.
I love the exterior styling of the car and think it's one of the better looking cars on the road this year.
So what's the prob.
Okay, have the windows open or partially open they tend to rattle.
One the drivers side there is a vibration coming from the speaker, as if there is something loose.
Also the gear stick has a grinding or rubbing noise.
These problems I have had sorted out with the dealer and happy.
But since, here's more.
A really annoying vibration has developed from the
underarea of the booth. Maybe the spare wheel, but further inspection shows it is not. Also when I am in second or third gear the engine gives off a vibration, and this too bothers me.
These problems will again be inspected by the dealer and are covered under the warranty.
I like the car a lot but if I fails to give satisfaction, maybe the next new car will be????
Who knows. But Hyundai better live up to what they say they are. Lots of really good cars out there to choose from. I Want a Hyundai again but I suppose that is really up to Hyundai and not me.
So, now i declare my innocence of ever wanting to purchase or own a renault car. At the moment i have a Renault 21 Savanna, drives like a baby sleeps, but schreeches like a bi ch when trying to stop. The inside is...burp, oops must have been designed by a French Portable Loo Vendor with no previous knowledge in car design. It does have electric windows not that they dont work or anything, but they do have up and down arrows on the buttons.
The outside shape and shade looks similar in origin of the Guatimalian Humperback Elephants behind. Smells like one in the inside to!!
The most likely thing to fail in this car is the steering rack if your ever considering buying one
Over the years over 6000 has been spent repairing this bad excuse of a car.
My overall vote, everyone buy porche so it will become an economical car!!
By the Way - Thanks a million RENAULT!!!
As of right now, i'm driving a Hyundai Excel (1990) that I purchased at 135K miles from a dude that needed to sell it fast, for $450.00. At the time, the car look pretty nice, no crashes, burned a little oil, but, that seems to be Hyundai's weak spot. At any rate, it's got 141K miles on it, and still runs strong (though it's lost compression due to the seals). Aside from squeeks and rattles, I can't complain, gets me from A to B, but, with these newer inspection laws in New Jersey, basically, only new cars pass (noticed alot of classic cars for sale lately?).
I've been shopping around for 2 weeks, and i'm at a stalemate: Hyundai, Daewoo, or Kia (which seems to be owned either wholly or in part by Hyundai Corp, look it up at www.hyundai.com). I need reliability, not comfort, though A/C is a must. I can't beat the gas mileage i'm getting out of my current Hyundai, about 48 mpg on the highway.. no joke, 12 bucks plus and i'm set for the week.
Insurance companies are also reluctant to insure guys my age, 21, and i'm paying 1,200.00 a year for liability on my car now. I rated a Chevy Prizm 1998 at 2,552.00 a year for full coverage, it's not "high profile" like these other cars. I think any car, as long as it's taken car of properly, should last its original owner quite a while (with the exception of those freaky lemons).
Interesting how Korea is beginning to take a bigger bite out of the compact car market in the US... okay, so, out of so many manufacturers, one of them has to be at least so-so... which one?
I'm a 20 year old male and have a 2000 Accent. I think its a great car and is very comfortable and quiet for its price. It also is a nice looking car. I got the base L hatchback with the only option being A/C. I think thats the way you should go. I drove the Sephia but was not impressed with its quality as much as I was with Hyundai (the Sephia had very weak brakes, loud engine, annoying clutch engagement, and low fuel economy numbers). I also have driven the Daewoo Lanos(junky and cheap looking interior compared to the Hyundai, its warranty is not near as good). If you look up a few posts, you will see I was miffed about the noise coming from my tranny after a long distance trip. Well, the noise is intermittent now and it is the only problem I have encountered. The car came with no manufacturer defects. I was quite impressed with that. The noise has not affected the way the car drives and I am not too worried since I have plenty of warranty left. The one thing that sucks about the Accent is its acceleration at city speeds with the A/C on. Once you hit 50, the car hauls pretty good considering its 1.5 liter engine. It drives very solid at a steady 80-85 mph. Engine noise only begins to become intrusive around 90, the fastest I have taken it so far. I currently get around 36-37 mpg on the highway, though my engine is not fully broken in yet with only 2000 miles.
As far as insurance is concerned, you need to shop around!! I live in Florida, and am paying roughly $1300 a year for full coverage with only a $500 deductible. Now, I am only covered for a piddling $20,000 an accident, but that should be enough unless you total the other guys car which would be hard in a small Hyundai. I have no accidents or points on my license; don't know if your record is as clean. Anyway, my insurance company is Atlanta Casualty if you are interested. Don't settle for the big name insurance companies!! They will just charge you ridiculously high prices because of your age. Good luck to you in your search!