Hyundai accent. How reliable are these things?
 

Hello everyone,

I have a 2008 model, 5 speed manual transmission. Odometer is 116,000 KILOMETRES. I've driven this thing over 40k since I bought it 2 years ago. I've had to replace the brakes, ball joints, bearings and sway bar which all wore out surprisingly early (previous owner ****ed up?). I drive with the CEL on but it's just a emissions code. I don't think anything is wrong with the performance. http://tradevenue.se/


I'm asking because I was thinking of getting a new car sooner or later. However if this car can last, I would keep it. I mainly bought it for the low insurance. Can this little thing be relied on?

Thank you!

There is the crux: even if the stats bear out that the Accent is a reliable vehicle it does not mean that YOUR Accent is one. It is now 10 years old and due for maintenance issues. I.e. : Why don't you tell us what that code is. There are some knowledgeable people here who thrive on solving such puzzles.

It is only an "Emission Code" , famous last words.

Something to consider,
If , for example the engine is running a little rich, No big deal it seems to run OK, so the darn check engine light is on, oh darn.
In the meantime the exhaust converter is working overtime trying to clean up the dirty exhaust and gets hotter end hotter internally until the insides MELT and the result is an exhaust restriction and no power complaint. Darn thing won't get out of it's own way. Vehicle eventually won't run at all and converter replacement is $$$$ with wings.

A word to the wise is usually sufficient. This is only one example , there are lots of others that , oh well, don't seem serious I'll just ignore that darn C/E light !

We have 2008 (owned since late 2007) Accent with 148,000 miles(239,000 kilometers). Gently driven, we have never replaced ball joints, bearings, sway bar, any engine work, muffler, catalytic convertor AND STILL HAVE the original front brake pads. Keep asking my mechanic about the pads, & he says, "Good to go!". So the original driver was a wreckless leadfooter. As stated elsewhere, I have over-sized tires that reduce RPMs by 260, at 60MPH. The over-sized tires show no undo wear to suspension items, due to careful driving. Strongly suspect the past driver may NOT have changed the timing belt, which needs changing at 60,000miles(96800 kilometers). Either get confirmation from the previous owner that the timing belt was changed or get a mechanic to change the now questionable belt. Your engine is an interference engine & if the timing belt breaks, engine valves will be bent & big buck repairs will be needed. Watch your electronic ignition coils. I've had my coils changed twice. I think our Accent is good for 200,000 to 300,000 miles..........because of the original owner, your car, not so much.