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Honda Fit v. Hyundai Accent
For those of you up to the debate - here you go!
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But the mechanicals still stink. It still wallows through turns for all of those accessories. It still depreciates like a rock. It's still a Buick, albeit with very nice features. GM and most of the others are busy adding accessories and bling instead of better engineering. It makes them more money and sells more cars, since Americans are ruled by their impulses and senses as a rule.
Listen to people go on in various forums about their new cars. They like the leather, the GPS the powered toe massagers, and the electric fondue set in the back...
Me? I'll take better handling and basics. I can always add alloys and a better stereo, or even get a seat shipped from Mexico with the height adjuster if I really want to.
Come on enka, have you even seen the Fit or Jazz?
I'm sure the Hyundai Accent is a vastly improved car over the previous generation (and I completely admit I haven't even seen the new one), but I just don't know if I would call the Fit "not that good" in comparison to the Accent.
"2 color tone"
The Fit/Jazz has a two-color interior. I am European and I have to say when I first saw my car on Tuesday (when I went to pick it up), it wasn't the "2 color tone" that made me think of European styling. The hatchback body style, small exterior, small front end, and excellent utilization of space did, but the two-tone interior, just didn't make me think of home.
...and I can say as a Fit owner, it is that good.
Have you driven this car yet? No, I didn't think so. So it's probably unfair to say it is a terribly un-fun car to drive, don't you think? Have you driven even the Accent GLS 4-door yet? If not, then you should before you say things like "it's dirt cheap" and "you pay for what you get". And C/D did not say the Accent's suspension is like "moving boulders." They praised the ride but didn't like the handling in the twisties. I've driven the Accent 4-door and it handles very nicely for an economy car--doesn't track like it's on rails, but that isn't necessary for people who are using the car for running errands and commuting. The Accent has an exceptionally comfortable driving position, due to the 8-way seat--something I wish Honda would copy. It's a solid, smooth, quiet, well-made little car. Not the sheer versatility of the Fit, but a good enough car that C/D said in its review (paraphrase), if you haven't driven it, go ahead and do it. Good advice before passing judgment on it.
All the reviews have been saying that the Accent is the Korean Toyota to the Rio's Honda, in terms of handling. It would be worth test driving the Rio5 if you are one who appreciates the Fit's sporty handling traits, especially since the Rio5 is the only 5-door (like Fit) between the two Korean models.
The Rio/Accent manual shifter is just terrible - all sorts of slop. But the new Korean models are cute on the outside. And the equipment level is very favorable in a back-to-back comparo with Fit.
It's funny, I finally saw a Fit in person today, just to walk around, as it was pre-sold. By coincidence that dealership had a used Suzuki Aerio SX on the lot that was parked just down the row, and wow! There are a lot of similarities, especially in rear views. The Accent/Rio hatches look very good by comparison, I think.
I noticed that thing about the fuel filler door - it is funny to see the little hook on the inside where it would normally latch closed, even though here there is no latch and you just pull it open from the outside using the little dimple in the door surface.
The dealer I was at today had no added mark-up, or if he did there was no sticker in the window to indicate it, just the regular Honda sticker. $16,5 for a Sport auto seems like quite a bit, but I would take it over the Civic LX you could probably get for the same money. But of course, I wouldn't get an auto! :-)
Now $15,7 for the stick puts it in direct competition with the Accent SE with the sub and the moonroof at about the same price. If you can live with two passenger doors in your hatch instead of four, the Hyundai is worth a look.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Problems with the Kia/Hyundai.
- engines get poor gas mileage for their HP and size. I can look at a Buick that gets 21/29 with an engine almost twice the size and 1000 lbs heavier. They obviously are using older technology under the hood.
- Switches and interior in general is cheap. Looks good, but it's the only car I had a vent "aimer"/outlet cover actually come off in my hand while moving. The switches are flimsy, the plastic is thin and hard, the glass is adequate at best. Overall, they remind me of a Ford Escort in terms of ruggedness.
- Dreadful transmissions. Second most rubbery stickshift I've ever driven. Actually missed numerous shifts. On a Fit, aa Volvo, a Mini, and even a Focus - shifting was at least predictable. Automatics were sloppy and often shifted with a sharp thunk on really steep hills. The Fit has a shifter comparable to a Celica or Mini. Way WAY above the level of most of its competition. Only the Golf is better, but VW really concentrates on manual gearboxes.
- Pathetic resale and warranty. Worst in the business in terms of reseale and the dealers cutting all coverage in half just because it's used is nuts.
The Fit by comparison feels every bit like a half-sized Accord Wagon. Fit and finish are only a slight bit behind the Golf/Audi and the Mini. Worlds better than Kia, GM, Ford, and Chrysler at this price-point.
Go test-drive one. It's not a Mercedes, but it certianly isn't a Rio or Echo.
We don't know the pricing on the Accent SE yet, but given the GS will sticker at $11,500 including destination and we know the pricing on most of the features of the SE based on pricing for the GLS, a fully loaded (including automatic) SE around $15k is not out of the question. That would put it a couple of thousand at least under the Fit (more like $3k with current rebates), and the Fit doesn't have features like 16" alloys and moonroof, and features like cargo covers, driver's armrests, floor mats, and locking gas fillers are expensive add-ons on the Fit. Also, let's not forget the Accent SE has a sport-tuned suspension and steering rack, plus the 16" alloys, so it should handle much better than the Accent sedan and even the Rio5. I am trying to recall if the SE has a tweaked stick shift also.
I am sorry to go on like this, but it amazes me sometimes how some people discount a car for its driving behavior before even driving it.
I will test drive the Fit in the next couple of weeks, at a special Fit preview event at my local dealer. It remains at the top of my shopping list for my next new car, but driving will be the real test. Meanwhile, you won't see me disparage the ride and handling and other driving behavior of a car I haven't driven yet.
Honda warranty isn't great compared to others. Even VW offers 4yr./50K bumper to bumper. Of course, VWs have a few more issues than most Hondas.
Go ask someone that remember the 70's what they thought of Honda when they first came out.
Hyundai does not have the reputation.
You might not think so now but give it a few more years. For me, my trust in the brand started 5 years ago and they are getting there. Just changed the tires on my sister's 2001 Elantra and it drives like new. The engine is still very quiet. From the wipers, bulb lights and alignment, found out everything was original. My family has 2 Elantras (2001 and 2004) and I used to drive a 2002 Accent GLS. Between the 3 cars, I would say 4 dealer/warranty trips for either recall or minor issues.
Check out Edmunds' TSB reports for the Civic vs Accent vs Elantra and you would be surprised.
Hyundai and Mazda has no problems providing those accessories standard. Why can't Honda?
The Hyundai tries, but it feels very "90s" - adequate but cost-cut in a hundred little places. And it just doesn't wear well or handle kids or hauling stuff as well as other cars. Not for long-term use. A 5 year old Kia looks like a Ford - falling apart quickly on the interior if the owner has treated it even the least bit hard.
It's exactly like comparing a Lexus to a Buick. The Buick tries, but it's just not a high-end Lexus in fit and finish, or how solid it feels. The Fit is a premium-level small car like the Mini is - so "features" aside, I and many people will pay for the better ride and durability.
Plus, the 5-speed on it is inexcuseably poor. My 1975 Volvo 164E with its miserable Borg-Warner 5-speed felt ten times more solid. 30 years later, Hyundai is making *worse* manuals? It's even not as good as a VW Bug's gearbox. 3rd? 5th? Who knows what gear you are in? And you have to live with that gearbox every day. It's not like a poor rear defroster.
The thing about the warranty is - Hyundai cuts the warranty in *half* for anoyoen other than the original purchaser. Then subtracts the time used so far.
So a one year old Hyundai is 10/2=5-1 year old = 4 years left on the warranty, and half as well on the non-powertrain warranty. A 3 year old Hyundai is essentially a timebomb. 2 years left on the drivetrain, 6 months on the rust, and nothing else. tick...tick..tick...
It's the ONLY manufacturer that pulls this "trick", so it's clear that they only do the 10 year "warranty" for marketing purposes. They have no intention of supporting their cars(many are sold to fleets lately) any better than the other manufacturers. The lack of a proper factory certification program from KIA confirms it. Hyundai is:
"A warranty of 6 years/75,000 miles from in-service date"
That's drivetrain only, and not one thing else. Three years old - means you get 3 years and the remainder of 75K miles on the transmission and engine. It's "transferrable", but who's going to buy a 4-5 year old "certified" Hyundai with 1 year and 10K miles left on it?
With a used certified Honda, it could be plainly out of warranty, and yet you get:
"Warranty terms are 12 months/12,000 miles Certified Limited Warranty and 7-year/100,000 mile Powertrain Limited Warranty"
That's not bad - a one year old Fit - suddenly has a 12/12K extension on the comprehensive warranty and a 7/100K limit on the drivetrain. Much better than the original, actually. Hyundai is um - barely adequate. KIA? You wish.
And every person that I have known who owned one - they used that warranty every other month. And the dealers tried hard to keep from claiming anything that wasn't cracked-in-half obvious as a legitimate repair. Why shouldn't they? They're getting flooded with minor fixes and getting nothing back.
Sure, it's free - but it's also a pain to waste the time constantly going in for problems and dealing with the repair department. It's like the old VW Bugs - you could fix them yourself, but darn it - you were doing it every other weekend. At some point, you just wanted your life back, no matter now "economical" the car was.
I totally disagree with you here. My sister's 5 year old Hyundai Elantra's interior/electronics is definitely not falling apart and feels more like a 1-2 year old car. And she has 2 booster seats and 1 car seat in the back so definitely a lot of kid activity there.
I just noticed yesterday that the HVAC control on the Elantra is simple but not cheap feeling and the air direction switch valve is electronic and not manual.
The paint job still shines and feels smooth after 5 years. The car had a small fender bender when it was 1 year old but never got repaired and the part where the paint is peeled, rust has never developed beyond the peeled part (where its actually just a bit rust colored) even after 4 years of being exposed.
Since this is a Honda Fit discussion, the only reason I bring up Hyundai is so Honda can pick up a few from Hyundai in terms of providing standard equipment for their entry level cars. Yeah, for this Fit offering, Honda is missing a few accessories that should be standard.
* It is clear you have not examined the switchgear of a modern Hyundai, i.e. anything post-2000. You will find if you set your biases aside (as 3rd party reviewers have) that the switchgear on Hyundais is comparable to or better than that of the Japanese makes. An example is the smooth, fluid HVAC knobs and electronic buttons on the six-year-old Elantra, compared to the clunky mechanical knobs and sliders on the five-year-old Fit. Or the cruise controls used on several Hyundai models that are the exact same controls used on Toyota and Lexus models. Have you disassembled the Hyundai and Honda switches to compare assembly quality, or have you run them through durability tests? I have run Hyundai switches through real-life durability tests over 5-1/2 years, and they have held up great in daily family use.
But what really mystifies me is your attack on Hyundai's warranty. If anything, you should be complaining about Honda's warranty--a paltry 3 years, 36k miles bumper-to-bumper and 5 years, 60k miles on the powertrain. With this kind of warranty, it is clear Honda has no intention of supporting their cars. So if you buy a three-year-old Fit or one with more than 36k miles on it, how many years of bumper-to-bumper warranty do you have left? Zero. If you want roadside assistance, how much would you need to pay for that over five years? With AAA it would be about $300. That is free with Hyundai. How many years and miles of rust-through warranty do you have with a Fit? With a Hyundai, it is 7 years, unlimited miles and is transferrable. If you really want a long warranty, you can get a 10-year, 100k mile, transferrable, zero-deductible warranty on a Hyundai for $900-1000 or so, depending on the model. You make it sound like Honda is the only car company to offer extended warranties on used cars. The fact is, with a Honda you have to buy an extended warranty to get the kind of coverage you get from Hyundai for free.
As for every Hyundai owner you have ever known needing to use the warranty every other month--I'd say you don't know many Hyundai owners. Either that, or the dealer service they have is terrible so they have to take the car back for the same problem more than once. I've had no problem getting service under the warranty--even for things like a buzz in the dash that occurred several years in and were not supposed to be covered after the first year, or for things that were due to abuse (e.g. my wife breaking off the little door on the sun visor vanity mirror)--no quibbles from the dealer in fixing them for free.
That's great if you love Honda and the Fit. I really like the Fit too--despite its dearth of features compared to some other cars, lack of useful things like locking gas filler doors, remote locking (on base), driver's armrest, height-adjustable driver's seat, decent carpeting, modern electronics (e.g. auto-off headlamps, retained power), modern switchgear, decent wheel covers (on base), a cargo cover, something other than rock-hard plastic in the interior, etc. It is good that the Fit is such a compelling package in terms of versatility, handling, and powertrain because otherwise there is not much to justify its highest-in-class price tag.
I'm sure you already know, being a car afficianado that looks are purely subjective. However, I completely disagree with you on the comment that Honda engineers spent very little time on the car, and I am not just saying this because it has the little "H" symbol on both ends. The attention to detail in the interior is amazing. All the controls are located in logical locations and they feel of high quality. This car is one of the best examples of "utilization of space" I have every seen. The "Magic Seats" and their flexibility and ease of use are a testament to that. At least 10 people have already commented on how "logical" the car feels. That usually doesn't happen when a car is poorly thought out.
...and regarding the "no one looks at you" is another story. I have seen plenty of people turn their heads, make comments (haven't heard many negative ones yet) and come up to talk to me about the car.
1996 Civic dashboard? Tell me, Enka, have you actually seen the Fit or are you just talking? I would suggest you go take the car for a test drive or something because what you are saying most people do about Honda (mesmerized by the "H" logo) is exactly what you are doing about Hyundai.
I really don't know much about Hyundai and I haven't seen the new Accent so I am refraining from making dumb comments about it. You should try the same.
With all due respect, before you start bashing nonsense, check your facts at the door. Please also have a read of Backy's post, and you might learn a thing or two.
Regarding your incorrect perceptions, you might want to head down to your local Hyundai dealer and check out the lineup. Heck, if quality/reliability was an issue that you are concerned about, then you might have examined a Hyundai from the 80s. The latest Hyundais are just as good as its competitors, if not better (the Sonata 05 didn't receive the nod as the most reliable car for nothing). Your warranty theory is off too, by the way. I'd strongly suggest you examine some real cars before posting BS.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to checking out both the Accent 3 door and Fit, as well as others in this class. I doubt many of us have driven the Accent yet so writing it off already just because of the badge is quite snob-ish. While (just) on paper, the 3dr (especially the SE version) seems most sporty, with tuned suspensions, 16" wheelies and other desired options for enthusiasts. Of course, I'm sure it will undercut competition without sacrificing value/features.
And lastly, the rebuttal to Accent 3dr not being a hatch. I don't recall who posed the statement but FYI, hatch can be 3 door or 5.
The problem with Hyundai's "warranty" is that it's okay for the original owner only. KIA doesn't have a certified program at all, and Hyundai's is very poor - it just covers the absolute basics of the engine and transmission. Also, I personally find it to be a sign of bad ethics in general to cut your warranty in half the second it is resold. No other manufacturer does this.
Real problems with the Accent and Rio come from the fact that it's built like a Yaris/Echo - very very cost-cut to keep the base price as low as humanly possible.
- Real-world gas mileage is among the worst in its class. The engine is an adequate and reliable design, but it's also very much like the GM 3800 - an old and lackluster design. It looks good on EPA ratings, but Car and Driver confirmed the sad truth recently - it's not one bit better than a typical midsize car, despite being much much smaller and lighter.
*note* - Honda doesn't win any MPG awards, either. Not when a Civic can get so much better results. Something this light should get Yaris MPG by default.
KIA? Hyundai practically gutted KIA when they took it over - and put all of that quality into their main line. KIA - became second-best and it shows.(kind of sad, really - KIA was a good company by itself, economics aside). The Rio5 felt *exactly* like a mid 90s Escort Wagon to me. With every last one of the same suspension and drivetrain problems.
- Worst manual gearboxes in its class. Bar none, Hyundai/KIA make the worst manual shifters. This is a huge negative, since the car lacks enough power to be fun, safe, and responsive with the automatic. This is true of most small cars, and the Fit is also no exception. But the Fit has a good 5-speed in it. It reminds me of my old Volvo 240 and Mitsubishi. Not fantastic, but good enough to never hunt for or miss a shift.
- Side airbags? The Fit is a $12,000 car with almost $1000 in "standard" safety features(that you pay for)added. Sure, the others are cheaper, but you also get a car that's unsafe. I'm not driving without side airbags with Escallades to compete with. Or ABS(KIA). Not acceptable to be optional anymore now that they are twenty year old technology. Hyundai makes you pay 800 for A/C and 1500 for typical features found on the Base fit(alloys aside). Now, the Accent DOES have ABS standard, but it's not really a hatchback, either.
But the REAL comparison should be versus the Rio Wagon. It's the closest thing to a Fit out there, except for maybe the Suzuki. But it's a huge dissapointment. $1000 for Fit-Like options(try to even FIND one with ABS, btw) brings it to $14,699(TMV price, Edmunds). No side aribags, worse manual shifter, no magic seats...
- Lastly, resale value. Unless you buy used and beat the depreciation(but then have no warranty to speak of OR have to deal with an ex-rental that's been abused), you're going to eat more depreciation than anything but a Crown Vic. The Fit could be sold 3 years from now for probably $10K. The Hyundai/KIA at 3 years old - might as well be a Buick, it's so hard to sell. Put a 3 year old Fit in the paper for $10K - watch it be sold in under 24 hours.
They way I see it - you get the same car without having to order the options, more or less, and that $1000 more you pay now is more than returned when you factor in depreciation on both cars.
Also, you claim all these subcompacts are built with cheap materials but just not your "SUPERIOR" Fit - well, what do you call those clunky manual lever? That's high quality stuff. I've examined every single subcompact in the class, and Accent/Rio has some of the best interior features vs. competitors.
Let me ask you, if Accent 3dr is not a hatchback, then what do you consider as a hatchback, an Accord?
Lastly, you are still way off on the warranty, take the time and do some research please.
And, can we get back on topic (Fit vs. Accent)? Your nonsense has no relevance to this particular forum.
* The Accent's 5-year, 60k mile bumper-to-bumper warranty transfers in full to subsequent owners. You like to forget that fact. You also like to forget that the Fit's bumper-to-bumper warranty is two years and 24k miles shorter than the Accent's, and that its powertrain warranty for the original owner is 5 years and 40k miles shorter. Which means, if you keep the Accent past 5 years or 60k miles, you get the benefit of a longer powertrain warranty. If you choose not to keep it that long, you and subsequent owners still get a longer bumper-to-bumper warranty than with the Fit, and you and subsequent owners get just as long a powertrain warranty. And you have the option of extending the bumper-to-bumper warranty (transferable) to 10 years, 100k miles for about $1000. Please explain how all this makes the Accent inferior to the Fit in the area of warranty coverage.
BTW, Mitsubishi has a similar warranty program to Hyundai's, so your statement about no other car company has a warranty like that is not accurate.
* How do you know that the Accent is "built like the Yaris/ECHO"? Do you have intimate knowledge of the Accent's, Yaris', and ECHO's manufacturing processes? Have you driven a 2006 Accent, head-to-head with a Yaris or a Fit?
* Re the fuel economy of the Accent as measured by C/D--it is no where near that of the average mid-sized car. The average mid-sized car gets around 22-23 mpg overall (e.g. see CR's test numbers for mid-sized cars). The Accent got 30 mpg overall in C/D's tests. Not as high as the Fit, true. But can't you make that point without posting false information?
* Re the manual shifter, I haven't tried the manual shifter in the 2006 Accent yet but I take C/D's word for it that it is not as good as the one in the Fit. I know that Honda makes great stick shifts. But you have no basis for extending this issue to all Hyundais. The stick shift on my '01 Elantra is quite good. Not as good as the one on a Civic, for example, but not bad at all. I have read positive reviews over the years on the stick on the Elantra, and also on the Sonata and the Tiburon. Do you have any evidence that says Hyundai makes the worst stick shifts? Anyway, I found the Accent's automatic very smooth and plenty peppy enough for my needs. And the automatic in the Accent actually gets higher fuel economy on the highway than the stick (taller gearing I suppose). Have you driven a 2006 Accent with a stick, or are you just going by what you read?
* I don't know where you are going with your comments about side airbags because the Accent has six airbags standard. Also ABS is standard on both the GLS sedan and the SE hatchback. I really don't think you want to get into comparing equipment levels on the Fit and Accent. For example, for $14,500 ($100 more than the base Fit) you get on the Accent GLS a six-speaker 172-watt MP3 stereo, an 8-way adjustable driver's seat, 15" alloys, heated power mirrors, power locks with remote locking and alarm, lighted vanity mirrors, eight cupholders, folding center front and rear armrests, A/C, power windows with one-touch down on the driver's window, side moldings, dead pedal, two 12-volt accessory outlets, and full gauges including a temperature gauge. Plus the actual price of the Accent is only $13,500 after $1000 rebate. A lot of car for the money.
BTW, you are incorrect about the Rio5 not having side airbags standard. It has six airbags standard just like the Accent. Maybe you should do some research on these cars before posting statements like this. It doesn't help your credibility on your other points, either.
* As for resale, I agree that Hondas have historically higher resale value than Hyundais. However, I have found that the lower up front cost more than makes up for this disparity. For example, I just sold my '01 Elantra GLS and got $5800 less than its original purchase price, after 5-1/2 years (yes, no warranty left). I figure that I would have lost more than that had I purchased the other car I looked at back then, a '01 Civic EX. However, if you plan on owning a car for only a couple of years, the Fit could be a better choice (unless you can get a big discount on the Accent) because the bulk of the depreciation comes up front.
Yet the lack of standard safety features and the dreadful maunal transmission are deal-killers to me. I looked - I drove. It wasn't as good as my very old(13 years) Volvo 240 - which has since passed on due to an accident.
I wanted a low-cost more modern car and it was clear - not as good. And that's considering the age not being factored in - 13 years old, with a half-dead clutch, it still was easier to drive the 240 than a new Hyundai.
I rated the shifter a 0. VW Bug bad. Old 1960s GM truck bad. Felt like there was an inch of metal flexing the wrong way on every shift. Like someone had filled the gearbox with half-chewed gum. I've been driving stickshift for over a decade now and it's the first new car that I actually missed repeated shifts in.
A Fit by comparison - acceptable. Useable as a proper transmission, which is actually a bit rare in this class of car - you usually have to get something like a Celica.
*edit - actually, a Ford Aspire(KIA) had the same mushy gearbox. You may think it's acceptable, but it's junk compared to anything from Europe or Japan.
***
response the other post.
* The Accent's 5-year, 60k mile bumper-to-bumper warranty transfers in full to subsequent owners. You like to forget that fact. You also like to forget that the Fit's bumper-to-bumper warranty is two years and 24k miles shorter than the Accent's, and that its powertrain warranty for the original owner is 5 years and 40k miles shorter.
What gets me is that they cut it in half like no other manufacturer does. KIA is right out - no certified program. Where the Fit will shine is as a certified vehicle. 7 years/70K miles on the drivetrain. That suddenly makes it leap forward - and honestly, which manual gearbox do you think will need repairs sooner? Honda engines are reliable to the point of almost matching Volvo and Mercedes - so it'll be 100K+ before you need repairs, barring anything that is a real factory defect and will show up quickly.
Compare a 1 year old Fit and a 1 year old Accent, both certified.
***
* How do you know that the Accent is "built like the Yaris/ECHO"? Do you have intimate knowledge of the Accent's, Yaris', and ECHO's manufacturing processes? Have you driven a 2006 Accent, head-to-head with a Yaris or a Fit?
Actually, did just this as well. They are both very small, very budget cars once you poke around past the interior. The thing is - the Fit is more like a small Civic than a typical econobox with features added to try to pass it off as a real car.
Car and Driver agrees - they gave the Hyundai a miserable(last place) rating in a 7 car comparison and the fit won by 25 points over 2nd place - a huge margin.
Lastly:
I just sold my '01 Elantra GLS and got $5800 less than its original purchase price
Ouch. I'll take half the depreciation, even if it is $1000 more for the Honda.
If you must have a stick shift, I can see how you could eliminate the Accent just based on that. The Fit is superior there according to the experts. But why make all the other inaccurate statements about the Accent? Just knock it off your list and move on.
What gets me is that they cut it in half like no other manufacturer does.
OK, now you are losing all credibility with me. I just told you in my last post that Mitsubishi has the same kind of warranty program as does Hyundai. Meaning that the 10-year, 100k mile powertrain warranty applies only to the original owner--just like with Hyundai. So I figure you are either being intentionally rude or just don't bother to read what other people post before replying. You are also mis-stating fact when you say Hyundai's warranty is "cut in half" if the car is sold. That is not what happens. What happens is the 10-year/100k mile powertrain warranty does not transfer to the new owner. Nothing is cut in half. The remainder of the 5-year, 60k mile bumper-to-bumper warranty (which btw includes the powertrain) transfers. Do the math: 60k is not half of 100k.
http://www.mitsubishicars.com/pdf/owners/2007_Pass%20Car%20and%20SUV%20Warranty%- - 20Booklet.pdf
That all adds up. Go test-drive a Fit - it handles like a Mini and not a subcompact. To me, that's well worth any price-difference right there.
http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/10925/15000-cheap-skates.html
Okay, so Mitsubishi has a simmilar program. My bad. Scratch them off my list, too. Either they are willing to stand by their warranty or it's just marketing B.S. Toyota has a miserably short warranty, yet nobody has a problem buying them - they are built incredibly well.
Totally untrue--the Accent came in 5th out of 7. (The Rio5 that you savaged earlier came in 3rd.) And C/D said in its review (paraphrase), if you haven't driven the Accent yet, you should. It looks to me that C/D thought pretty highly of the Accent, to tell its readers that they should go out and try it.
Ouch. I'll take half the depreciation, even if it is $1000 more for the Honda.
LOL!! This is just too much. Tell me how I could get anywhere close to $15,000 in a private-party sale for a '01 Civic EX stick. That is what I would need to get for it to "take half the depreciation."
And the Honda would have cost about $6000 more than the Elantra, not $1000 more.
Toyota has a miserably short warranty,...
Yes, as miserably short as the warranty on the Fit.
By the way, you talk more BS than my next-door neighbor - maybe I'm talking with my neighbor.
Please check facts first. Thank you!!
And, BTW, Honda recently went 0 for 2 in a comparo involving sports sedans under $30k. The Honda Accord EXV6 6-speed came in 2nd (behind a Jetta GLI) and an Acura TSX came in third (out of five altogether, beating a 274 hp Mazda and the Pontiac G6 GTP).
One thing that unquestionably impresses me about Hyundai is the reponsiveness and caring attitude of the dealer, and the company itself. Since the purchase of the Elantra on Christmas Eve (2005), a company rep has called us at least 4 times to ensure our satisfaction with the car. I never had any of the Japanese manfuacturer's call me - for anything, even when we were having long-term computer problems with the last Civic. Hyundai's attitude reminds me how Datsun used to be back in the late '60s through the mid '70s.
I don't know, I'm sure some of your observations are valid, but I don't get any feeling of cheapness driving this Elantra. The HVAC controls have a smooth feel to them, as do the other controls. And, it rides better than an Accord EX. Note, I didn't say "handled better," but it "rides better," plus it has less road noise.
The Fit is really a neat and nice car for the money, but I think the Elantra for $13,500 delivered, including TTL, is no slouch either. Drive a current model Hyundai, such as the current generation Accent, you may be plesantly surprised - my wife and I were.
Overall, w9cw, good post (#37). Had lots of good info (even though it's opinion on a lot of it, it seemed pretty straightforward and unbiased). Keep up the good posting.
thegrad
In comparison, my 2001 Maxima (CEL, untraceable squeaks, vibrations, ECM) and traded in 2004 Acura TSX (windshield/dashboard squeaks) are irritating issues throughout the ownership which is why I don't drive them anymore.
1-Don't let the small size of the package deceive you: the car is Very spacious inside: plenty of headroom and legroom both in front and back, not to mention the huge volume of storage once the seats are folded - leaving a completely flat floor.
2-The thing handles like a go-cart on steroids, as if it were on tracks: Very impressive
3-The power, though not overwhelming, is more than adequate and the shifter action is pure Honda: silky smooth and fun.
4-Equipment very impressive at this price level. Fit and finish also very impressive.
In a few words: Very highly recommended. I will judge the Hyundai once I test drive it but for now, in this category, I sincerely think that the Fit is the Benchmark.
http://info.detnews.com/autosconsumer/autoreviews/index.cfm?id=22470
I remember they used to be quite critial about vehicles coming out of Korea, so I was a little surprised when they actually bought one for themselves.
2) Obviously you have not test driven one Hyundai so stop talking BS, please. At the very least, to be fair, invite yourself to a test drive of the SE when they come out, compare to the Fit Sport, and then make an objective judgement base on various categories. I wonder if you would ever give some merits to the Accent (or Hyundai, for that matter), instead of bashing and use non-facts. Hyundai has not even released the hatchback version of the Accent (which probably is the sportiest in the class), and looks like you are already writing it off and scored one for the SUPERIOR (in your mind) Fit.
Correct, I'm realistic about entry level cars so I only ask from the Fit what I was spoiled with the Hyundai Accent. Side armrest, locking gas cap, variable intermittent wipers, adjustable lower lumbar support, seat height adjuster, map light and all the features that will make my drive/commute experience better.
Handling is always nice but would you take the best handling car that has no A/C, radio or power windows? I'm sure after a while you will yearn for those things. Don't give me aftermarket stuff, that is just unrealistic and inconvenient.
As for the mechanicals "stinking", I didn't get that impression from the automatic Accent GLS I drove. The mechanicals worked just fine, including the smooth-shifting and quiet automatic. If a great stick is #1 priority, the Accent GLS is not a good choice. But I will wager that is not #1 priority for the vast majority of car buyers.
http://www.hyundaiusa.com/vehicle/accent/specs/specs.aspx
There is a note in the Accent 3-door press release about the 5-speed being geared low; that may be one reason the mpg figures are not as high as one might expect from a 1.6L, 110 hp engine.
I'm not making any judgements about Hyundai, but I really think this discussion topic is moot.
I am also caught up in the price range. I can't go $16K. I know people who have had Hyundais and they love them... But I can understand people still not liking them...they still have to overcome the stigma.