2008 Hyundai Accent 1.6 from North America

Summary:

Good little car in many ways, but reliability isn't its strong point

Faults:

1. 3 of the 4 coils have needed replacing in the 4 years I've had it. One of them failed and stranded me, but the other 2 were caught in time. $1200 in total.

2. Out of the blue the key wouldn't turn in the ignition. Had to be towed home 75 miles. Thank goodness for the BCAA. The problem was a faulty tumbler. Not expensive but a nuisance.

3. Recently the car wouldn't start if it was warm. The antenna coil in the ignition needed replacing. (If the car symbol with a key doesn't come on with the other warning lights the car won't start.) Again not expensive.

4. A strange design flaw can result in oil spilling into the air intake when cornering at highway speeds. The first time it happened the car lost power and produced a huge cloud of blue smoke.

General Comments:

Not a bad little car. Good mileage on the open road, shifts nicely, and is surprisingly roomy and comfortable. Since I paid only $3000 including tax for it I can't complain about the money spent on repairs, but the reliability is suspect and in the back of my mind is "What's next?"

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 30th May, 2022

30th May 2022, 20:22

When a single ignition coil fails, it's a logical thing to replace the remaining 3, 5 or 7 depending on the number of cylinders the engine has. When one fails, usually shortly after the others will follow.

8th Jun 2022, 20:32

The better question is how the reviewer managed to spend $1200 replacing coils. A set of 4 coils for a 2008 Accent goes for $30 on Amazon, and the labor to install them should be minimal. Guessing his mechanic drives something a lot nicer than a 2008 Hyundai.

26th Jan 2024, 01:38

Exactly, I bought four ignition coils online for only $36.00 plus $10.00 shipping cost.

10th Mar 2024, 17:44

Yes, I just watched a video on replacing the coils. I had no idea you could do it yourself so easily, and a set of 4 on Amazon is about $50! I know my mechanic overcharges, but I hadn't realised it was that bad. Quite an eye-opener.

2008 Hyundai Accent LX 1.6 from North America

Summary:

A very dependable cheap car

Faults:

Random misfires (coil packs).

Stubborn alignment issues.

General Comments:

This car is generally very dependable. It needs some exhaust work and maybe a brake job soon, but that's it so far, I never worry about whether I'm going to get there.

I don't care for the noisiness of the car's engine or how sluggish the performance is.

I noticed there weren't a lot of higher miles reviews on this car, and thought I'd add mine.

I did have to change a belt so far, and umm, did I mention coil packs?

Wow, this car is amazing, I had already sank 2 grand in my Plymouth minivan by this mileage...

The local dealership has some useless staff, so I stay out of there unless I need a part I can't get anywhere else, so that was once for some filter by the gas tank filler cap.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd February, 2015

2008 Hyundai Accent GS 1.6L I4 from North America

Summary:

The Accent is a great dea considering the low price, and has been a very reliable and fun car for me

Faults:

I just had to recently replace the battery after 2 years. The dealer told me the stock battery only has a one year warranty. No big deal.

About six months ago (around 45-50,000 miles), my check engine light came on, so I took the car into the dealer, and they said I had a bad ignition coil. It was replaced for free under warranty, and I was back on the road within a few hours.

The brake light switch stopped working, and had to be replaced. The dealer was very nice; I bought the part from them for $8, and they installed it for free.

Have had to replace two taillight bulbs and one headlight bulb, but that is to be expected. Again, not a big deal along with other maintenance items like spark plugs and air filters.

General Comments:

The Accent looks small on the outside, but has a good bit of room inside. Even the back seat, once you get back in the seat, has enough room for an average size adult to stretch out. No problems with head or leg room.

The driver's seat has an armrest that I have never used, as it just seems to get in the way with my manual transmission.

The hatch is big enough to hold a decent amount of cargo, and the back seats fold down as well. I have hauled an old 32" TV around in the back with no problems.

Driving the Accent is easy and fun. The transmission shifts smoothly, and I like that it is the Euro style gears with the Reverse on the left.

AC works awesome for hot southern summers; cools down fast, and no sign of needing a recharge yet.

One of the best factory stereos I have ever heard also. You get a 6 speaker stereo with CD player and XM built in, with a nice size screen for the XM.

The car gets very good gas mileage. Having the AC on does cut the mileage down a great deal, almost to 25mpg city down from the usual 35mpg or 40+ on the highway. Just something to watch out for. Once it's not over 100 degrees outside, I won't leave it on all the time.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th August, 2010