03 Hyundai Accent?

Raiser

Hi was looking at one of these - 1 owner from new advertised at 3.25K has 80K on clock - Condition looks pristine and timing belt and tyres are new.....

Keep getting conflicting opinions on them them though?

Are they a no nonsense Plain Jane bargain or a potential liability, especially with 80K run up?

- The Missus had bad luck with last car so need to get some trouble free years out of this next purchase

Was considering a Seat Cordoba but have since heard the timing chain implodes if you don't change the oil every second week! Also last car was a Polo which proved to be less than reliable and am not sure what's shared on that platform etc.

Any advice appreciated & If you have any alternatives cars or opinions I'd be grateful!!!

colm_mcm

don't pay more than €2-2.5k if it's a private sale.

Raiser

Is it 2.5K well spent though? Are we better off hanging on for an alternative?

Would for example a 00 Corolla with 80K that seemed to have been cared for be a better bet?

- The yoke is as ugly as sin, could only justify it if it was going to be a good gamble at getting a reliable and stress free car

emcc

About 3.24 k too much IMO.

But have a read of this before looking at it. http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm?md=152

colm_mcm

they're a good simple car, just make sure everything electric works, that all the keys work and that the engine light doesn't come on.

Captain Slow IRL

As colm says, they're a simple car - nothing really goes wrong with them. The coil pack and plug leads can give trouble but this isn't a common occurance.
Depreciation is not kind to them either - bear this in mind. If you really like it, go for it, but haggle hard!

colm_mcm

re: depreciation, they were only €14000 new so a Golf 1.4 would have been €8000 more.

What's an 03 golf 1.4 worth? €5k?

Hellrazer

Raiser wrote: »

Hi was looking at one of these - 1 owner from new advertised at 3.25K has 80K on clock - Condition looks pristine and timing belt and tyres are new.....

Keep getting conflicting opinions on them them though?

Are they a no nonsense Plain Jane bargain or a potential liability, especially with 80K run up?

- The Missus had bad luck with last car so need to get some trouble free years out of this next purchase

Was considering a Seat Cordoba but have since heard the timing chain implodes if you don't change the oil every second week! Also last car was a Polo which proved to be less than reliable and am not sure what's shared on that platform etc.

Any advice appreciated & If you have any alternatives cars or opinions I'd be grateful!!!

I drive a 01 and honestly (and having worked for Hyundai) for reliabilty they cant be beaten.Just dont expect to win any races or prizes for looks and you`ll be happy.

Air flow sensors give a bit of trouble but a quick blast of carb cleaner will sort that out.

Captain Slow IRL

colm_mcm wrote: »

re: depreciation, they were only €14000 new so a Golf 1.4 would have been €8000 more.

What's an 03 golf 1.4 worth? €5k?

Good point but there's still badge snobbery seeing the golf holding a bit more of it's value. I was referring to when the op goes to sell it on - how many people will be looking for a 100k+ Accent over a Golf?

Raiser

Thanks Folks - seems like an ok car so..... And no concerns about the 80K once there's evidence of regular servicing and a bit of care taken?

- As for depreciation, the hope is to buy a solid car and keep it running trouble free for as long as possible. Hopefully the 2.5K will buy 8-10 years of motoring!

Captain Slow IRL

I've seen the older shape up on 150k so you shouldn't have any major worries!

Hellrazer

Captain Slow IRL wrote: »

I've seen the older shape up on 150k so you shouldn't have any major worries!

Ive seen one used as a taxi with 250k on it and probably another 250k left on it :D

colm_mcm

Captain Slow IRL wrote: »

Good point but there's still badge snobbery seeing the golf holding a bit more of it's value. I was referring to when the op goes to sell it on - how many people will be looking for a 100k+ Accent over a Golf?

The other way of looking at it that the Accent lost €11.5k and the Golf lost €18000 over 7 years.

I'm not saying the Accent is any way as refined or even as big as a Golf, but you have to pay so much more to start with.

Raiser

Thanks for all the replies Folks - If viewing and a test drive goes well then I'll make him an offer a lot closer to 2K than his advertised price