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 Blue Book® Suggested Retail Value  Fuel Economy (city/hwy)  User ReviewsThe community thinks...
Owner
EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS!
by Experienced Driver (Cars, trucks, and motorcycles) in multiple countries on 05/17/2011.
Trim: 2004 Hyundai Accent GL 4-Door, Owned 3 years.
3
Pros:
-Great value for the money! Uses less oil (4.5qts) than a normal car so I have spare oil in case I need to top off
-Another plus, replacement parts are EXTREMELY cheap for this car. I had a small accident where it only cost $350 to replace hood, fender, headlight, front wraparound bumper, and sub-bumper support. Cheaper to not claim it on insurance!
-When you need new tires, those are cheap too since they only use 13" tires
-Driving seat is comfortable with an arm rest, even for a big guy like me who is 6' and 225
-It has in-cabin air-filters for allergies/dust
-Maintenance is simple to perform; I've changed oil, sparkplugs, brakes, and brake fluid; all no problems
Cons:
-No cruise control; it has power windows/mirrors, decent stereo, but no cruise control
-Sheetmetal is very thin and if you lean on it, you will flex it and possibly make a permanent dent
-Has a timing BELT, not a chain, and is an interference-fit engine. Recommended replacement every 60k miles. If you don't, and the belt breaks, and pistons come up while valves go down...major expensive engine work
-Some cheap parts; had 3 outside door handles (different doors) break on me within 4 months, all with the same problem
-Cupholder placement is awkward; covers up the a/c controls and the little storage pocket underneath
-Transmission shift points and gear ratio could be better
Overall review:
This is a great little car! Bought it from a neighbor @54k miles to replace my end-of-lease truck and, due to job uncertainty and high gas prices, needed a fuel efficient vehicle.
For the next 2-1/2 years I averaged 29-30mpg in the city, with no highway trips. Six months ago I took a job 100 miles away and started commuting. This car is rated at 31mpg on the highway. PFFTT! I got 34-35mpg easily...with an automatic! I tracked my mileage, my gas purchases, everything. I consistently got 34-35mpg@75mph, even when dealing with rush hour traffic at both ends of my commute. Now has 97k miles but this car is so cheap to maintain and operate, it's a keeper.
Overall, this is an extremely economical car to operate. Most people don't keep more than 1 driveable vehicle and trade it out when it gets high in mileage. I'll be keeping this one as a commuter and get myself a truck to haul stuff when doing projects.
No regrets buying this vehicle.
Review ID: #552496
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