1997 Hyundai Accent L Hatchback review from North America

Clutch had to be replaced after 3,000 miles.

Electrical problem, reverse lights had to be repaired. Wasn't burned out bulbs.

Check engine light came on frequently, had to be repaired (another electrical problem).

Front tires were almost balding after only 14,000 miles.

I bought this car because it was cheap. I didn't have to put anything down and it had a very low monthly payment. The finance department at the dealer tried to screw me over by adding additional charges without disclosing them to me but I eventually got my money back.

I live and work in the city so I only put 14,000 miles on it in the span of about 3 years. Good car for in town commuting, but kind of scarey to drive on the highway. Considering I had the above problems at such low mileage, I'm sure something more would have happened if I still had this car. (just traded it in for a 2000 Honda Civic).

Overall it's very cheap transportation, but that's about it. Luckily the service department here is good and all of my problems were fixed promptly. However there is still no excuse for the problems I had at such an early stage of the car's life. After reading other nightmare surveys of this car, I think I was one of the lucky few.

My advice - pay a little more and get something that is reliable.