USED Hyundai Accent Hatchback (99 - 03)

My car

I bought this car new in May 2004. To date I have clocked up 87,000 miles and not once has the Accent let me down. It's the most reliable car I have ever had. The rear wiper switch failed last year, but was replaced under warranty. I would definitely purchase Hyundai in the future.

My car

My family has owned this 2003 Accent for 18 months and I love it. The only major problem was with the rear suspension though this was repaired at the expense of the gagage that sold me the car. It has sailed through all MOTs and services, needing no repairs at all. The car really shifts when needed and is a nice smooth ride on the motorway. No mod cons in the cabin though I feel this is reflected in the price of these cars. Mine was only £2400 when I bought it in 2006. The interior has stood up well to my three children. Unfortunately, the Accent has to go as we now need a 6 or 7 seater and I will be gutted to see the back of it.

My car

Have had mine for nearly 4 years now and I am reluctantly selling it due to a new job where I will be driving a lot. Sadly there is a lack of air conditioning which I now need. Dispite two gear box rebuilds early on, covered by hyundai, and an electric window, I have not had to replace anything! Not the best car for handling, but the cheepest car I have ever owned to buy and to run!

My car

I have a mixed feeling about this car.

I had a 2000 Accent 1.5 MVi coupé for 8 months. The seating position was good (driver's seat had height adjustment), steering was tilt adjustable. The car had AC, sunroof, electric windows and mirrors, alloys etc. The interior was good at that price range. Handling was also good though it induced body roll during cornering. Parking was easy as I could see the bonnet. Fuel economy was 35-40mpg. I drove the car several times over 3-4 hours at a stretch without any pain.

Although the car was mechanically sound, its biggest problem was electronic troubles. The ABS packed up. Fixing it was very costly as it involved replacing sensors and the driveshaft. The immobiliser was temperamental. Often it refused to start the car at very inconvenient moments! I had to call RAC twice. The engine developed a leak and was losing oil. The electric windows sometimes stuck up halfway. I had to replace the clutch at 70,000 miles.

When it was launched, no other car offered so many features at that price. But reliability could have been better.

They are still around - quite cheap at used prices. Buy one with full service history only, otherwise you may find yourself continuously replacing parts like cambelt, clutch, sensors etc (or might be I was just unlucky!)