I'm thinking of buying an Hyundai Accent

I'm thinking of buying a Hyundai Accent 2000 or 2001

At the moment I have a green 1999 ford ka, it was totally reliable and I never had a minute's trouble with it and drove it 14000 miles since last march

Until 3 week's ago it wouldn’t start and turned out (after a week and a half diagnostics) to be a singed wire in the electrical part system computer thingy
Yes I haven’t a clue
my mechanic is looking for a second hand part (all I can afford) and it's taking a while

Anyway... I'm so pissed off at being let down that I'm selling my little beauty and looking for a better car and more importantly a bigger one with same size engine so as not to raise my insurance

The ex had a Hyundai and it proved to be grand for him but he was a weapon of a driver and ended up driving it into a ditch so...

Just wanted somebody else's opinion on the Hyundai’s reliability etc
I like it because it's bigger than a KA and it has the extras
I have about 5500 to spend also

junkyard

I've sold at least 10 or 11 of them and none of them came back with any problems which is a good thing. They tend to be a bit light and on the cheap side but they're good value for money and cheap to run. I'd recommend one for the kind of money you want to spend you won't go far wrong.

Mike07

Very reliable car --- have had a '99 one for nearly 3.5 years and put up 40K miles since i bought it-- Its been through 2 NCTs without any pre service and always stared first time.-- I got it for reliability and low maint cost...

One thing to check though --- a lot of them have had alternator trouble, including mine---(it starts overcharging the battery) and if you dont get this fixed early it blows lights etc-- alternator is only about 200 euro though so not a biggie--

you will easily get a 2002 one for the money you mentioned

but I'll happily sell you a '99 for much less!!!

Anan1

Personally, i'd prefer the Ka.

eamon234

They have a terrible safety rating one of the worst around I wouldn't touch them - that coupled with the fact that they are probably the most bland car ever made at least the Ka has a bit of style

Why stick to one car anyway - go around to a few dealers test drive as many different cars as you can you're bound to find something better

Rowley Birkin QC

coolsmileygirl wrote:

electrical part system computer thingy

Absolutely brilliant!! not taking the pi$$ by the way, just love the way you put it!

Id stay away from Hyundai, my uncle has one and is not impressed by how cheap and light it all feels. No breakdowns so far though.

legs11

OP if you get one i hope your not involved in ANY accident of some sort......!
for 5 grand you could get far better car than a accent.
i wouldnt drive one personally if it was the last car in the world:D

Stephen

Even as a Hyundai driver, I hate the accent! I had one for a day while my own car was in the garage, it felt like it was going to roll over every time I went around a bend, and that's only with a weedy little 1.3 engine.
I do hear that they're very reliable though.

zuutroy

Had a coupe and enjoyed it. Heard reviews that the accent is absolutely brutal. I think thats teh newer one. Clutches and plug leads on Hyundais are meant to be poor (both had to be replaced on my Coupe after <70k) Other than that, no trouble.

Ok lad's not the response I was expecting
IMO the lighter the better I'm driving a year and a half and ya can't get lighter than a KA and engine size doesn't bother me

I'll talk to my dad and get back to ya!

Wishbone Ash

If you go for the Accent you'll have to change your name to Uncoolsmileygirl.

legs11 wrote:

i wouldnt drive one personally if it was the last car in the world

Agree.

Stky10

I used to have a Ka and never had a problem with it.

On the other hand my sister has a 01 Accent that she bought from new, and its continually being worked on in terms of new lights, driver side window etc etc. I've been in it with her, and its difficult to hear the radio over the noise of the engine, and the rattles and shakes are terrible. Oh and performance is terrible.

Stick with the Ka. There's loads of them about, it shouldn't be difficult get a part for one even second hand.

Yeah you'd think wouldn't ya , apparently there aren't of lot of this particular part's around for a 99
I spoke to my Dad and my mechanic they both said to go for it
Sure if it turn's out really to not be what I want I'll sell it

But untill i get the part for my KA I'm stuck as I have to sell it first!

wingnut

I car pooled with a girl who drove an accent. All I remember is my ears ringing when getting out. The engine/road noise is high you basically had to shout to talk. The ride was v. unrefined. Was a relief getting back in the Mondeo after.

Conclusion: Not a car to go for a chat/drive in.

Have you looked into getting insured in a bigger engined car? Should'nt be too bad for a girl. You could get a Mk2 1.6 Mondeo would be a lot comfier.

smcgiff

coolsmileygirl wrote:

I'm thinking of buying a Hyundai Accent 2000 or 2001

Congratulations - You've admitted you have a problem. So, you're on the road to recovery.

Now, go for a test drive to confirm there is probably not a worse car this side of Bangladesh.

Also, do some car review searches. You’ll struggle to find a reviewer to rate it as high as mediocre.

And as has been said above, the car was hardly at the front of the cue when they were doling out the looks. I’d imagine you’d be bored with this car within a week of driving, and shanks mare would be looking highly attractive.

Hyundai have been making huge strides in their cars of late, but the 2000/2001 Accent is a woof. You could pick one up for a couple of grand though.

kevpants

How about a Yaris? I think it's the perfect car for a young wan. Far and away the best small car on the market.

kevpants

kevpants wrote:

How about a Yaris? I think it's the perfect car for a young wan. Far and away the best small car on the market.

I don't want a small car
and ....my best mate just got one so that's out!
I don't want my insurance to go up anymore as I had a crash last year and i got down as low as i'l get it as this stage

warrenaldo

why not have a look at the seat ibiza - not too bad looking car - bigger than your avearge "small car" they go from 1.0l to 1.4l and nice and cheap and extremely reliable.

nope don't like them , i want bigger
i was also looking at a 99 or 2000 focus saloon but havent seen many around in a 1.4

jayo99

coolsmileygirl wrote:

I don't want a small car
and ....my best mate just got one so that's out!

So once ur mate got one you cant ?

jayo99

jayo99 wrote:

So once ur mate got one you cant ?

If your mate bought a BMW or some other car would you buy one a week later??

crosstownk

The Hyundai Accent - reliable, and it stops there.

The Accent is about as inspiring as getting out of bed for work with a hangover.

But if you want a car thats cheap, starts every morning, blends in to any car park and looks very uncool then the Accent is your man!

You all keep saying it look's uncool


I think these look grand

http://www.usedcars.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=580147
http://www.usedcars.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=550065

http://www.usedcars.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=590722

crosstownk

A Hyundai Accent is uncool. Period.

tuxy

coolsmileygirl wrote:

If your mate bought a BMW or some other car would you buy one a week later??

If that was really the right car for me, sure.

I also think the Hyundai Accent, like most Hyundai is very ugly.

If you want a bigger car with same engine size what about a Mitsubishi Lancer 1.3?

Mahatma coat

Ah c'mon now

theres been a fair few threads about how crap Asian cars are, they may not all be shoite of the highest order but the Accent most certainly is. theres one parked outside, I took it for a drive once and that was enough, the Japanese are renowned for their build quality and superior standards, the hyundai however comes from Korea.

if you want something bigger and resaleability and reliability are important to you (you're thinkin about an accent so style and streetcred are low on your list) get a corolla also a Fugly car, but better built than the hyundai.

as for the focus sedan, I dont think they made that model with a 1.4, 1.6 is the base engine IIRC.

alias no.9

tuxy wrote:

If that was really the right car for me, sure.

I also think the Hyundai Accent, like most Hyundai is very ugly.

If you want a bigger car with same engine size what about a Mitsubishi Lancer 1.3?

Or bigger again, the mitsubushi carisma, which also came with a 1.3 from about 2000 to 2003. Definately dull as dish water though. The accent will be reliable but on the road will feel just as light as the ka and will not be nearly as much fun to drive. What exactly is wrong with the ka? They're generally pretty reliable and engine parts should be handy enough to come by, it's the same as fitted to millions of fiestas and escorts, you should certainly be able to get anything you want from UK scrap yards.

colm_mcm

Mahatma coat wrote:

Ah c'mon now

theres been a fair few threads about how crap Asian cars are, they may not all be shoite of the highest order but the Accent most certainly is. theres one parked outside, I took it for a drive once and that was enough, the Japanese are renowned for their build quality and superior standards, the hyundai however comes from Korea.

if you want something bigger and resaleability and reliability are important to you (you're thinkin about an accent so style and streetcred are low on your list) get a corolla also a Fugly car, but better built than the hyundai.

as for the focus sedan, I dont think they made that model with a 1.4, 1.6 is the base engine IIRC.

The whole point of a car that depreciates a lot is that they are great value for money second hand.
You could get a Hyundai Accent a few years newer than the equivelant Focus or Corolla, with half the mileage and lose less money than either after a further 3 years.

Also, The Focus 4 door was available in 1.4

AsphaltRisin'

Mahatma coat wrote:

Ah c'mon now

theres been a fair few threads about how crap Asian cars are, they may not all be shoite of the highest order but the Accent most certainly is. theres one parked outside, I took it for a drive once and that was enough, the Japanese are renowned for their build quality and superior standards, the hyundai however comes from Korea.

if you want something bigger and resaleability and reliability are important to you (you're thinkin about an accent so style and streetcred are low on your list) get a corolla also a Fugly car, but better built than the hyundai.

as for the focus sedan, I dont think they made that model with a 1.4, 1.6 is the base engine IIRC.

They did make 1.4 saloon focus, sold one from work 3 weeks ago

Mike07

My poor Accent!!!:mad: What a bashing it's getting!!


Fair enough---It's not the prettiest --- It's too light on the road -- But no rattles and the engine isnt deafening... I found it a good buy for price and reliability.

Planning on getting new car in next couple of weeks-- Thinking Mazda 6, but maybe I should get the complete opposite of the Hyundai and get an Alfa:)

Going to put a post up now, if anyone has any thoughts

gyppo

Totally agree with Colms post - btw Colm, have you been away? You've been noticeable by your absence!

Anyway, back on topic. The Accent is a reasonably well put together reliable little car that will get you from A to B. Most of the '00 on models are pretty well specced, so you get some measure of comfort. Handling might not be high on the list of the OP's priorities, and for urban driving its an ideal car, with light P/S, makingit very easy for parking.
Ok, its not a cool car, but you will buy it far cheaper than the equivalent toyota models. Keep it until you scrap it.

You will also buy it far cheaper than the equivalent VW's, with the added bonus of being able to depend on it.

colm_mcm

gyppo wrote:

btw Colm, have you been away? You've been noticeable by your absence!

I'll take that as a compliment

gyppo

T'was meant as that, actually.

Yeah you'd think my mechanic would be able to get the part easy enough but no!!! On Tuesday I will be 4 week’s with no car and I am ****ing bulling about it as it's not very cool having to get lifts everywhere and my car was a vital part of my independence`!
The mechanic is my dad's mate and has been his one for 30 year's so he's doing it very cheaply and he did a week and half diagnostics on the car before he found the problem also.
A lot of the issue's people are bringing up here in relation to the Accent are well noted but not too important on my priority's in a car
Look's wise I think the fact it's not a tiny girly car is great
I'll let ya's know how I get on anyway
I'm calling AXA to see if I can freeze my insurance for the mean while

smash

coolsmileygirl wrote:

nope don't like them , i want bigger
i was also looking at a 99 or 2000 focus saloon but havent seen many around in a 1.4

If you're still looking for the accent PM me, I might have one for you...

tetsuo_83

If you want a nice car thats not dinky, and your willing to go up to 1.4 engines, hen id look at the following:

VW polo 1.4 16V (nice punch to acceleration and not as small as youd think)
VW Golf mk IV 1.4 (hard to beat that car for the money you have)
Ford Puma 1.4 (top gears car of the year when released)
Mitsubishi Lancer 1.3 (fairly large car, reliable too, not very stylish though)
Mitsubishi Mirage 1.3 (sporty looking, but jap import so ins will go up)
Mazda 323 1.4 (saloon or coupe, both very reliable)
Honda Civic 1.4 (great car, but you'll have to live with the image of "girlracer")

Theres loads more out there that are so much nicer, more reliable, better built,etc etc than the accent...it the BLANDEST (is that a word?) car ever made!!! EVER!

Wishbone Ash

coolsmileygirl wrote:

You all keep saying it look's uncool

I think these look grand

My wheelie bin also looks 'grand'.

oral-b

lads lads wat the f,,,k ar u's talkin about leave the lady along wit all u's ar car talk
hi coolsmile i have a hundy acc
great car ermm do yea wanna go 4 a drink


hehe:D

badbrian

I've an Accent. Bought it from new in 2000. Had trouble with the driver side window, got it repeatedly repaired by Hyundai, although once I had to go through Hyundai Head Office. Got it properly fixed in Modo about 3 years ago. A great A to B car. Much cheaper to get your hands on than any of the alternatives offered. I never thought it ugly but beauty as they say is in the eyes of the beholder.
I intend driving mine until it expires and I don't see it dying any time soon.
Couldn't put anyone off it as an A to B motor.

TJJP

Accent waiting to happen, I reckon. Saw a muppet in a FX Coupe loose it in just at the lucan start of the N4 on Sunday morning. Weird looking in the rear view as the car slid along through the host of lovely daffodils. Geezer was very, very, luckey to hold it and even more so to miss the bridge, the other side of the N4 and all others around him. He had pulled a swift lane change, obligatory spotlights on at 12.00 noon, and lost control. Would be wary of light weight hyundais for that reason alone.

A quick scout on carzone for 2000 to 2002 at 5 to 5.5k, 1 to 1.4L shows up quite a lot. Aside from the ford fiascos and high mile alfas there is quite a few good spec astras, focus, 206's and Meganes. No excuse for a bad accent. Also,the Yaris is a star of a car.

My 2cents...

TJJP

Or go mad altogether, there is a nice WH reg MG ZR on carzone at 5,500. Bound to have had one careful owner. The snug fit of the bonnet gives it away.... (-:

Mailman

keep the Ka until you can afford something better than an Accent.

Ok admittedly i got sidetracked with the whole car buying lark when i got my KA fixed running perfectly now thank god
A mate of mine bought a 5 door 98 Hyundai accent with 80000 on it never even got a license and her mother and father drove it when they were ever stuck
NCT'ed until next august all together 1750 all the extra's

Good deal
Anything to watch out for, known problems etc?
i won't have it in my hands until i sell my car so I’m glad I’m buying it from a mate

colm_mcm

98 is yucky old model. not worth that much.

Darwin

I used to own a 97 3-door Accent many moons ago. It's a cheap reliable motor which counts for something I guess. However, the 1.3l motor is a bit of a trasher, the car feels quite tinny and I wouldn't like to be in it in an accident. The one thing I remember is the tracking got knocked out easily by our crappy roads. Check for uneven front tyre wear and that the car doesn't pull to one side on a straight level road.

IncredibleHulk

coolsmileygirl wrote:

Ok admittedly i got sidetracked with the whole car buying lark when i got my KA fixed running perfectly now thank god
A mate of mine bought a 5 door 98 Hyundai accent with 80000 on it never even got a license and her mother and father drove it when they were ever stuck
NCT'ed until next august all together 1750 all the extra's

Good deal
Anything to watch out for, known problems etc?
i won't have it in my hands until i sell my car so I’m glad I’m buying it from a mate

How did you get on? I am thinking of buying Accent 00 reg

I got more money and bought a 00 ford focus saloon

MadsL

00 ford focus saloon

Saved by Jesus! Hallelujah! She saw the light!

colm_mcm

but a saloon? (well wear by the way)

what do you mean well wear??
its a lot better to and easier to drive and its a 1.6 my ins went down by 400 anyway , not sure why?
well better than a ford ka anyway

colm_mcm

'well wear' is something us country people say when someone ets a new car, suppose it means congratulations and best of luck!