2000 Hyundai XG300 XG 3.0

Summary:

A marvelous first attempt at a mid-size luxury car

Faults:

Two primary issues have caused the most problems: Transmission, and the "check engine" light.

The Transmission will sometimes shift harshly between gears while in Automatic mode- I have taken the car in three times for this issue, and have been told this is only a computer code problem. The Transmission computer is cleared, reprogrammed, and the transmission runs smoothly again.

The "Check Engine" light (CEL) has been more insidious. About ten months ago the light started coming on- I took the car into the Hyundai dealership, as I didn't want to continue driving the car under warranty. No cause of the light was ever detected. Since then, I have taken the car to three dealerships in two countries (for a total of ten visits) and the problem still has not been rectified. On the other hand, there have been no technical problems with the car, other than the light coming on. The local dealership has informed me that if the car starts demonstrating physical problems to bring it in- otherwise, ignore the CEL.

General Comments:

It is a lovely car, though it does suffer from "First year-itis". It is quite comfortable to drive, yet the engine is a bit underpowered for its size. I had the car lowered and suspension tightened a bit, adding wide mag wheels and tires. It looks marvelous, and the car doesn't suffer from the year 2000 suspension worries I have read about.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th June, 2003

7th Oct 2003, 05:34

The check engine light will come on if the fuel cap is not tightly screwed on after refueling. Easy fix, make sure you tighten the cap or replace it if needed to get a tight fit.

2000 Hyundai XG300 L 2.6

Summary:

Unbeatable value for money

Faults:

1. The Automatic Transmission computer had to be reset after 40,000K.

2. The Check Engine light (CEL) has been coming on over the past 2 months. The suspected malady is the Air Flow sensor, which has now been replaced 3 times by Hyundai. The Dealership is now checking to see if the problem is repeated elsewhere.

General Comments:

In general, the car has been wonderful. Easily the best automobile I have ever owned.

While the Check Engine light has been coming on frequently, there have been no problems with the engine.

When I purchased the car (gun metal gray) I had the windows tinted; lowered and tuned the suspension; and put new tires on (235/45 ZR17). It looks gorgeous, and drives magnificently.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th January, 2003