Car owners: Hyundai, any model. What do you think about your car?

Question

Considering buying one: what are your informed impressions:
* value compared to Honda or Toyota
* frequency of need for repairs?
* feeling of quality or lack thereof?
* treatment by sales and service people
* for backyard mechanics: easy to work on? or not?

TX

Answer 1

Although I don't have a car anymore due to working in the city, I used to own a Hyundai Elantra (2001 model). During the three years I had it, it never needed repairs (although I had it in the shop once for a recall on some minor part) other than regular maintenance (oil change, tire rotation, etc.). It wasn't the Mercedes of cars (at >$12,000, what do you expect?), but it was a reliable ride for a fair price. The service personnel I worked with were helpful (which is not to say overweeningly friendly, but that's too much to expect) and the recall work was done in a professional, timely manner.

The way I saw it, I was buying a low-end, late-model car with a great warranty (100,000 miles) and that's how it ended up. I hope whoever has my old Hyundai now enjoys it as much as I did. BTW, I also had a standard transmission, and it got GREAT gas mileage.

Good luck!

Answer 2

It is no comparison to compare a Hyundai with either the Toyota or the Honda. Toyota and Honda are far more superior cars, than anything Hyundai makes. Everything you listed for questions, all are bad for the Hyundai. Value compared, none, Hyundai can't come close to holding value, the other two will have resale value ten years from now. Need for repairs, not often with T&H, replacing the timing belt is recommended when close to 100,000, other than that, Hyundai will die before it gets a chance to have the timing belt go. I worked in vehicle licensing for a number of years, we were always checking Nada,and blue books. Mechanic liens, recalls on cars. Guess where Hyundai rated in those areas.......................buy a certified used car from T or H, you'll make a solid buy if you take someone with you that has knowledge of cars, and repairs.

Answer 3

I just bought a 2004 Sonata in February. I Love it so far. Very peppy little 4 cylinder engine, good gas mileage.
Salesman was a friend of a friend, so got a pretty good deal
Have a friend who has had her Accent for 3 years now and she also loves it.
Hyundai's don't seem to hold their value like a Honda or Toyota, but if your planning on keeping it, then don't let that stop you.