2000 Hyundai Accent GLS from Uruguay - Comments

I have just bought the car. Only the battery has needed changing.

As I got the car only two weeks ago, I'd like this review to help other users choose a used car, and generate useful comments by eventual readers.

I traded a very old Fiat (16 years old) for this very good condition 2000 model Accent, with 100.000 km (62.000 miles) on it. The car looks very well cared for, it has been painted once, not recently and apparently by a good professional.

General comments:

Engine is a bit noisy at the 1500-2000 RPM range, so in most city situations you'll hear the engine. Not too intrusive, but it's noticeable.

Suspension is comfortable. No noise from the suspension nor from the body. Pretty tight car.

Seats are comfortable, as are seat belts.

Ventilation is fine, though it could use a bit more power. Of course, in an 8 year old car, some degrading is likely, so I cannot be sure if this small annoyance was present all its life.

Air conditioning is working fine. A friend with the same car since new finds it's cooling as it should. I'd wish for a colder system, but it's OK. The system is particularly suitable for long highway stretches, where you just can't drive with open windows. In not too warm days, city driving can result better with windows lowered and/or sunroof opened.

Steering is comparable with the best I've ever driven, a Mitsubishi Lancer.

Gearbox control is excellent. Clutch is light and all shift movements are easy. Gear ratios seem a bit too far apart, so merging into highway traffic requires a bit too much acceleration in lower ratios.

General workmanship is very good, and taking into account the car's age, I'd say it denotes excellent quality of materials. Classic wearing points, such as steering wheel, pedals, gearshift knob, stalks, and assorted controls, are well preserved. All legends are clearly legible and have not faded. Upholstery is flawless, as is headliner. This car is equipped with a sunroof, and the headliner portion that can be unfastened is in perfect condition, and all the mechanisms fit perfectly.

In Uruguay all cars, new or used, are very expensive, so it's important to be able to examine a used car and get a decent deal. I paid 9300 USD dollars for this Accent, which was a reasonable deal, taking into account that it has lots of options, including driver and passenger airbags, ABS, alloys, driving fog lights, A/C, power steering, sunroof, power windows in all 4 doors, power rear-view mirrors, painted rear-view mirrors, 6CD in-trunk changer, power antenna, and other assorted bells and whistles.

So, obviously I can't say anything about the car's long-term reliability, but I'll post regularly my impressions.

I am the original poster. My first 1100 kilometers, in about 4 weeks of ownership, have been absolutely uneventful. I'll take the car to the shop in about a week for an oil change, general inspection, and substitution of timing belt.