2001 Hyundai Accent GL review from North America

Throttle position sensor at 30k.

Plug wires at 60k (maintenance) ($135 installed at dealer, $35 for aftermarket set). Very easy change--why the big cost at the dealer?

Map sensor at 60k--dealer said this was out of warranty and wanted $200. I gave a big 'no.' There was oil in the intake that killed the MAP (pinched PCV hose). I Replaced PCV hose ($1) and did MAP sensor myself ($60--dealer part).

HVAC blend doors (hot/cold and vent blender) hang up at 60k. Wiggle to loosen--not covered under warranty (surprise). I live with it--no big deal.

Timing belt: $400 installed at dealer. Aftermarket belt is $30. You need a special tool to get the timing cover off, though.

My special method: drill the head of the special bolt out until it falls off. Use an easy-out to get the threads out of the hole. Matched threads & length to a bolt at a local hardware store, and replace with a hex bolt & washer.

Kudos to the do-it-yourselfer-deterrent folks at Hyundai.

A good car overall, excellent fuel economy (28/38 mpg). Lots of pep for an economy car.

An obligatory trade-off:

It rides like a small car (rough & noisy).

It handles like a small car (very agile).

I fit in the driver's seat nicely (6'1").

The warranty is not all it is cracked up to be--most things are not covered very long. I was surprised to see how few parts are actually considered 'powertrain.' Most (90%) of the car is out of warranty at 60000. Ignore the TV commercials about "America's best warranty."

Aftermarket parts are uncommon, therefore most non-maintenance parts must be purchased from dealer at great expense.

For a foreign car with 4 valves per cylinder, it is very easy to work on. Underhood layout is very logical.