Available features included optional air conditioning, tilt steering, power windows, locks and mirrors, and a standard CD changer. Strangely missing from the options roster was cruise control- so if you do plenty of highway driving, you'll have to factor in the cost of installing an aftermarket system.
You'll also need to factor in the cost of visiting your favorite local dealership to have an inspection completed. The Accent never came off as an overly problematic car, though it's got its systematic issues like any other used machine.
The main issue that online searches turned up had to do with the automatic transmission. Customers reported hard shifting, inconsistent response from their gearbox or a complete inability to shift gears at all. In some cases, owner's report that their shift lever is stuck in the 'park' position, or that the overdrive button has stop working.
The cause, strangely, is often not related to the transmission itself, but the wiring that it's connected to. In some situations, corroded wiring connectors cause the transmission to act strangely and sporadically. In others, it's a bad transmission fluid temperature sensor or pulse generator.
Inability to shift out of park can be caused by a blown fuse, bad brake light switch or a defective shift-lock solenoid. The latter is a small mechanical device that physically prevents the shifter from being moved out of the park position unless the brake pedal is applied. If the brake pedal sensor and shift-interlock solenoid aren't talking to one another, your Accent isn't going anywhere.
In fact, it's electronics to blame for most other concerns that possible Accent owners need to watch for as well. The first non-transmission related trouble is hard-starting or not starting that's caused by a shorted overdrive switch wire.
A large number of owners also complain about dashboard lighting that fails to work intermittently- making nighttime driving a real pain.
In all, there's a fairly logical solution to most of the Accents problems- buying one with a manual transmission. If you've ever wanted to learn how to drive one, buying a used Accent may be the perfect excuse.
You may also be able to find a used example that still has a portion of Hyundai's 100,000 kilometre powertrain warranty available- though online forums often discuss owners getting the 'runaround' when they take their machine in for warranty service.
Pick an Accent you like, learn how to drive a manual if necessary, and have it checked out. If your mechanic gives it a green light after a thorough check-over, then you'll wind up with a very decent and economical used car.
photo:Hyundai
 |
You'll also need to factor in the cost of visiting your favorite local dealership to have an inspection completed. The Accent never came off as an overly problematic car, though it's got its systematic issues like any other used machine.
The main issue that online searches turned up had to do with the automatic transmission. Customers reported hard shifting, inconsistent response from their gearbox or a complete inability to shift gears at all. In some cases, owner's report that their shift lever is stuck in the 'park' position, or that the overdrive button has stop working.
The cause, strangely, is often not related to the transmission itself, but the wiring that it's connected to. In some situations, corroded wiring connectors cause the transmission to act strangely and sporadically. In others, it's a bad transmission fluid temperature sensor or pulse generator.
Inability to shift out of park can be caused by a blown fuse, bad brake light switch or a defective shift-lock solenoid. The latter is a small mechanical device that physically prevents the shifter from being moved out of the park position unless the brake pedal is applied. If the brake pedal sensor and shift-interlock solenoid aren't talking to one another, your Accent isn't going anywhere.
In fact, it's electronics to blame for most other concerns that possible Accent owners need to watch for as well. The first non-transmission related trouble is hard-starting or not starting that's caused by a shorted overdrive switch wire.
A large number of owners also complain about dashboard lighting that fails to work intermittently- making nighttime driving a real pain.
In all, there's a fairly logical solution to most of the Accents problems- buying one with a manual transmission. If you've ever wanted to learn how to drive one, buying a used Accent may be the perfect excuse.
 |
You may also be able to find a used example that still has a portion of Hyundai's 100,000 kilometre powertrain warranty available- though online forums often discuss owners getting the 'runaround' when they take their machine in for warranty service.
Pick an Accent you like, learn how to drive a manual if necessary, and have it checked out. If your mechanic gives it a green light after a thorough check-over, then you'll wind up with a very decent and economical used car.
photo:Hyundai
Article Gallery