As preventative maintenance, I typically replace the thermostat on my 1998 Accent every time I change coolant. (Call it over-kill, but I've been the victim of an overheated engine resulting from a thermostat that's stuck shut and I try to avoid being a victim again.) I typically purchase the Stant #13978 but the last time I purchased a thermostat, the parts place gave me a different part number for the vehicle--#13979. If I remember correctly, the #13979 had a tab on the outside of the ring that I had to file off in order to seat it in the housing. It also seemed like it took the car forever to warm up with this thermostat. This time around I checked the part number on Stant's website and, sure enough, they recommend the #13979! I switched back to the #13978 anyway and it fits perfectly again. Maybe #13979 is the correct number and someone just put the wrong thermostat in the box at the factory that day. ...I dunno, but I'm curious: Has anyone else encountered issues with Stant thermostats on their '98 Accent?

(Not looking for a lecture on why I should only buy OEM.)