Anybody seriously consider Hyundai Accent Blue?

[rtom]

The only other car I've been considering (in addition to the 3-door manual LB Yaris) is the new base trim level of the Hyundai Accent, called "Blue". This car is supposed to get pretty much exactly the same gas mileage as the Yaris I'm looking at, and it does come with the Hyundai long warranty. It's also several thousand dollars cheaper, partly because it lacks AC and a stereo. It's also not as cute as the Yaris, and probably not as safe, especially in collisions from the side. However, since I am (1) very frugal, (2) primarily interested in a car as just basic reliable transportation, and (3) never use AC here in New England, I've had a hard time ruling out the Accent Blue completely. I could always add an aftermarket stereo to the Accent Blue.

Just wondering if any other frugalistas have been running the same calculations through their heads.

[specialeducator]

I briefly considered the Accent, but it's the reliability after 100,000 miles that concerned me. Also, it requires replacing the timing belt, which is an expensive maintenance item.

[Black Yaris]

we were looking at the accent as well for the wife, we went with the Yaris only because of reliability of Toyota.... and the lack of reliability of Hyundai/Kia

[YarisSedan]

Hyundai has come a long way but they still got a ways to go.

[CTScott]

Originally Posted by rtom

The only other car I've been considering (in addition to the 3-door manual LB Yaris) is the new base trim level of the Hyundai Accent, called "Blue". This car is supposed to get pretty much exactly the same gas mileage as the Yaris I'm looking at, and it does come with the Hyundai long warranty. It's also several thousand dollars cheaper, partly because it lacks AC and a stereo. It's also not as cute as the Yaris, and probably not as safe, especially in collisions from the side. However, since I am (1) very frugal, (2) primarily interested in a car as just basic reliable transportation, and (3) never use AC here in New England, I've had a hard time ruling out the Accent Blue completely. I could always add an aftermarket stereo to the Accent Blue.

Just wondering if any other frugalistas have been running the same calculations through their heads.

I considered the accent when I was shopping. Between not liking it as well when test driving it and timing belt vs. chain piece, I was sold on the Yaris over it.

[YarisSedan]

Originally Posted by CTScott

I considered the accent when I was shopping. Between not liking it as well when test driving it and timing belt vs. chain piece, I was sold on the Yaris over it.

And everyone on yarisworld is glad you did =)

[wooverstone8]

I've considered the Accent myself until I learned about it's resell value.

[ctrj]

You live in Connecticut and NEVER use the a/c in the summer? You are a nuts! I do not understand why anyone would consider buying a new car without a/c. If you decide a year later that you don't like the car, you will have a very hard time selling it.

[rtom]

Originally Posted by ctrj

You live in Connecticut and NEVER use the a/c in the summer? You are a nuts! I do not understand why anyone would consider buying a new car without a/c. If you decide a year later that you don't like the car, you will have a very hard time selling it.

Your're right that I am nuts -- I have a very high tolerance for heat and humidity, and a low tolerance for cold. So why the heck am I in Connecticut? Oh yes, I'm nuts.

Also, I am nutty frugal. I would never sell a functional vehicle -- I'll drive my next car into the dust. So resale value isn't really a consideration for me.

[specialeducator]

Originally Posted by rtom

Your're right that I am nuts -- I have a very high tolerance for heat and humidity, and a low tolerance for cold. So why the heck am I in Connecticut? Oh yes, I'm nuts.

Also, I am nutty frugal. I would never sell a functional vehicle -- I'll drive my next car into the dust. So resale value isn't really a consideration for me.

After 100,000 mile reliability ought to be a consideration then.

[ozmdd]

Sounds like you really want the Accent. Nothing wrong with that, just don't expect it to be a Toyota. You can pay now, or pay later; that's pretty much scripture. IMHO, the $2K price difference that you will finance-out over the life of the loan is a better deal than the likely-higher total you will pay in big chunks out-of-pocket or with a credit card at the repair shop after the warranty expires. Not sure what the Accent timing belt replacement costs, but I know that most vehicles run $500-700 in labor/parts, often more. Then there is the clutch, alternator, etc.
If you only plan to own it till something expensive breaks, its probably fine.

[TwoBearWisconsin]

Not Accent related, but I have to say it: Up until the time I bought the Yaris, my old Hyundai Elantra was the most trouble free, reliable car I've ever owned. Don't count Hyundai out - they build great cars.

[ozmdd]

Originally Posted by TwoBearWisconsin

Not Accent related, but I have to say it: Up until the time I bought the Yaris, my old Hyundai Elantra was the most trouble free, reliable car I've ever owned. Don't count Hyundai out - they build great cars.

How many miles?

[supmet]

Originally Posted by ozmdd

How many miles?

+1, and most modern cars will last 100k relatively problem free if you drive properly and keep up on maintenance. As someone pointed out though, the resale value of a yaris with 100k miles, and a hyundai with 100k miles tells the true tale of long term reliability. I agree they have come a long way, but they still have a ways to go.

[mr9865]

Originally Posted by supmet

+1, and most modern cars will last 100k relatively problem free if you drive properly and keep up on maintenance. As someone pointed out though, the resale value of a yaris with 100k miles, and a hyundai with 100k miles tells the true tale of long term reliability. I agree they have come a long way, but they still have a ways to go.

yep even my 2003 focus at 99500 miles trouble free.

[coffiend]

My girlfriend has an 08 Hyundai accent hatch. I guess on the positive side, it has more leg room and a quieter cabin than the yaris. But to me that's where the one ups on the yaris end.

I would never ever consider trading her Cars and enjoy driving my yaris 100x more.

To me, while the accent might be a decent car... There is really nothing unique about it and to me it's just kind of... Well..Boring, which is one thing that the yaris is DEFINITELY not.

I don't know how you could be disappointed with a more reliable car that has twice the character as well.

Skip the accent is my vote :)

[kargoboy]

Originally Posted by ctrj

You live in Connecticut and NEVER use the a/c in the summer? You are a nuts! I do not understand why anyone would consider buying a new car without a/c. If you decide a year later that you don't like the car, you will have a very hard time selling it.

I live in FL and only use the A/C when other people are in the car. I'd rather drive with the windows open.

As for the difference between the two cars, if you are worried about reliability,
Hyundai's has gone up and Toyota's has gone down. Really isn't much different between the two. You will get a nicer overall car with the Toyota but if minor amenities and additional safety equipment aren't important to you then save the money & buy the Hyundai.

[yaris2010RS]

i live in a toyota family, my mom her entire life has owned 3 cars, all toyotas. the used '80 celica lasted her till about 480xxx km till....well it literally died and said no. lol. then a 88 corolla lasted her 13 years, no clutch replacements and 689xxx km and it still worked, got 2,000 trade in for it (jsut wouldn't start in winter and they wated about $1300 at the time to fix what was wrong) and now an 01 camry XLE v6 that is still kicking (and when i have it, all street races with civics and integeras are owned!! lol, they are modded out to the shit and i kicked ure ass with mommy car!!) lol, with 348, 629km (i could actually read this one exactly, lol) and no unecpected or major repairs, spark plugs have been replaced twice, what a bitch that was, timing belt once and nothing else (tie rod ends need to be done in summer, too cold now)

Now can any other car company live up to that?

the cars before the camry i dont know how they were driven but the camry i promise has been driven hard for at least 2 years

the corolla was in 1 accident, left corner, got owned, car was fixable and family was fine. camry got its shit fucked up 3 times now( in the last 2 years, make the connection if u like....) it got fucked up but it got fixed and everyone was fine.

only concern with toyota's, they are not made for winter..... without winter tires its gonna be a rush for sure.