2003 Hyundai Accent GS 1.6 DOHC from North America
Summary:
Good car... When it functions
Faults:
Bought the car in the summer of 08, all was fine until winter.
2 exhaust gaskets had to be replaced, which is fine. Did it myself for $7.
Later on the transmission kept on limping when you first started the car and shifted from first. Then the car would be stuck in 3rd gear, regardless of what gear level you choose on the shifter (ie, 1st, 2nd). Only thing to do was wait until the car warms up. Shut off the car, and turn it back on. Then the transmission would function fine. When me and my coworkers diagnosed this, we believed it to be a problem with the solenoid. Now (May) the transmission fluid leaked everywhere, after getting it to the shop, there was a crack in the transmission case (I did not go off-roading, or abuse this car in a manner which would cause this kind of problem). Currently looking for a used tranny.
Paint is bubbling, handles fading, which is understandable, Canadian winters are very harsh.
Oh and the stock CD player has my CD stuck in it. Not a big deal.
General Comments:
All in all, this car is okay, just very sensitive (only for grandma drivers). If it wasn't for me doing most of the repairs, tune-ups it would cost wayyy more. Not that the car can't move (I've tried) it's just that the automatic transmission has way too many issues, (not the only car with said issues) I'd highly recommend the 5 speed if you can get it.
It's comfy on the inside, front row (I'm 6 foot 5, or 2 meters tall) back is crappy, but what would you expect.
Good on gas, peppy, but in the end it's a Hyundai. If you want a cheap and reliable car, get a Toyota Tercel, I owned one myself and I only got rid of it after 300,000kms and 3 car accidents later.
In the end a car can only be measures when if functions, properly. No matter how comfy or what features it has, when it's a piece of crap, you gotta call it out. And this one is just terrible. And no, I don't abuse this car, or neglect it. No it's not a lemon, lots of other 03 Accents have the same problem (worked on them myself). What we have is a poorly made car. Which is fine, considering I paid 4500 for it, taxes and everything. But it goes to show, you get what you pay for.
Only reason I bought this is because the Tercel took its toll, and my Legacy got totaled by some idiot who did a burnout in a parking lot.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 30th April, 2009
13th Aug 2009, 01:21
I recently bought a 2003 Hyundai..automatic..it just started shifting rough.. with a jolt forward and a clunk when putting it into drive or reverse.. also when accelerating after a stop sign, etc.. Engine light came on for 1/2 a day.. took it into a mechanic (light off course did not come on)..and they couldn't find anything wrong with the vehicle!? It's very frustrating dealing with a car that is supposedly reliable..