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Hyundai Accent

624 messages,  Last post on Oct 11, 2012 at 7:51 PM

You are in the Hyundai Accent Forum.

What is this discussion about? Hyundai Accent, Coupe, Hatchback

Messages Page 43 of 64

#412 of 624 Re: This is rather surprising.... [craig10x] by germancarfan1

Jun 17, 2006 (4:56 pm)

Replying to: craig10x (Jun 17, 2006 4:19 pm)
I think it's rather obvious why it isn't selling well.
 
1. Hyundai's reputation (or lack there of). Many people assocoiate Hyundai with small, cheap, simple, and poorly put together cars. The Accent (being cheap and simple) are what people think of when they think Hyundai. The Azera and Sonata, and to some extent the Elantra can escape this mentality b/c they are larger, and more expensive cars.
 
2. Accent's reputation. Piss poor. Claim all the annecdotes you want of how "my friend's friend had one and loved it," but it was almost universally lambasted as a poor quality car with zero resale value.
 
3. The 2006 and 2007 Accent is no longer the very cheap alternative to Japanese and American counterparts costsing thousands more. A decently equipped AUTO Accent (with such luxury options suchs as A/C and PW/PL) now costs around $15K MSRP. Sure there are some rebates, but this price is not the baragin it used to be.
 
4. Competitors have taken notice. Only a few years ago, there were few manufacturers producting sub $16K cars. The Accent (and sister Rio) were pretty much it (aside from the crap Echo). Now we have the Scion xA/xB, Nissan Versa, Honda Fit, VW Rabbit, Chevy Aveo, Cobalt, Suzuki Reno, Dodge Caliber, and Toyota Yaris. More competition from more respectible brands (well, of that list, only Nissan, VW, Honda, and Toyota) hurts sales of the Accent significantly.
 
Hyundai only appears to sell cars when they can discount them atleast $4-5K below comparable competitor models. When they don't (ala Accent), they don't sell all to well (ala Accent).
 
So, the solution? The only way the Accent will sell reasonably well is for Hyundai to significantly reduce the MSRP price. $10K base, $12K full equipped AUTO. That's it...the only way. If not, expect to see declines larger than 26% YTD.

#413 of 624 Re: This is rather surprising.... [germancarfan1] by joe97

Jun 17, 2006 (6:02 pm)

Replying to: germancarfan1 (Jun 17, 2006 4:56 pm)
The other poster is looking for advice on the new Accent sedan.
 
While I am surprised by the slow selling pace of the Accent, it has much to do with the onslaught of Hyundai new vehicle lineup more than anything. Not only the supply isn't there (the demand is, however), according to various dealers I've talked to, Hyundai corporate has decided to allocate most of the advertising bucks on cars such as the Sonata and Azera, which is where the most profit is made on cars (it is widely known profit on small cars is marginal at best, across the board in the industry).
 
Anyway, to answer your question, craig, I had the opportunity to test drive a 06 Accent GLS earlier this year and came away very satisfied. The fit and finish, much improved vs. previous generations. Both the interior and exterior, very pleased for the eyes - overall I like a lot about how the new Accent was designed, especially the interior. Further, a few months after my test drive, I took custody of my friend's 06 Accent for about a month, while she was out on trips. After extensive experience in the Accent, I was even more pleased. The ride is defn. more than adequate, and the mileage, surprising better than my expectation.
 
On that note, I also test drove just about every other car in the class (except for the Versa). I concluded and found every car in this class to be very competitive. Of course, every car had its merits, but also drawbacks, including the Accent.
 
The 07 Accents are shipping to local dealers as we speak, and this time, two new trims, both three doors. I am looking foward to test drive the three door, specifically, the SE trim - 16" wheels, sport-tuned, accessories to personalize, and 70% firmer suspension, to name a few - defn. a sporty hatch for sure.

#414 of 624 Re: This is rather surprising.... [joe97] by germancarfan1

Jun 17, 2006 (6:23 pm)

Replying to: joe97 (Jun 17, 2006 6:02 pm)
"The 07 Accents are shipping to local dealers as we speak, and this time, two new trims, both three doors. I am looking foward to test drive the three door, specifically, the SE trim - 16" wheels, sport-tuned, accessories to personalize, and 70% firmer suspension, to name a few - defn. a sporty hatch for sure."
 
But at $15.5K+ for the AUTO, will people purchase it over its competitors? The cost gap is essentially nill at that point. What reason will people have to buy it over the Honda Fit sport, Nissan Versa, VW Rabbit other than to save $500-800 bucks or so? Hyundai needs an advantage to move these things. For years, that "advantage" was significant cost savings ($3K+). What is it now? Performance (no)? Resale value (no)? Interior quality (no)? Build quality (no)? brand reputation (no)? features (maybe)? looks (maybe)?

#415 of 624 Re: This is rather surprising.... [joe97] by craig10x

Jun 17, 2006 (7:14 pm)

Replying to: joe97 (Jun 17, 2006 6:02 pm)
Thanks joe97 for the report on your experience with driving the car...Well, i can tell that the other posters that answered were mostly biased against Hyundai..so guess they have an "ax to grind" (lol)... I'm glad to hear your experience with it was a positive one...My dad's old Buick Century is falling apart and he is ready for a cute, small, good on gas mileage (his Buick get about 14 mpg...i am sure the Hyundai will do way better) fun to drive car just for basic "getting around" and i felt the Accent will fill the bill.
 
  Yes, i got the impression from that dealer's story that they were just trying to push the more expensive (and higher profit margin) Hyundai's and that's why he said what he did....A new Hyundai dealership just opened not too far from him, so i am going to suggest he go there as they will probably be more anxious for the business...
 
  By the way Joe, did the Accent you drove have the automatic (my father will get that)...was the acceleration ok with it? I think it's very cute and much nicer in style then the previous Accent...
 
  Also, one of the basher's mentioned about it's high price...well, it's true it did go up from the previous model, but i priced it on Cars Direct and with adding in an automatic and the package with the A/C, he should be able to get it (out the door ) for no more then $13,000 tops (and i mean with delivery and sales tax included)..
Those are the only options he needs...everything else he wants is already standard, including the neat AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with 6 speakers and the 6 air bags too! Seems like a good deal to me! (there is a $1,000 manuf. rebate on this model). If he can get about $500 for his ol' Buick on the trade in, he might even get it for around $12,500...
 
Anyone else who either owns or has driving experience with the 2006 Accent GLS 4 door...your comments will also be appreciated.....

#416 of 624 Test drove an 06 Accent with my wife by meatycheesyboy

Jun 17, 2006 (7:31 pm)

In February I rode along as my wife test drove an '06 Accent sedan. While she ultimately went with a Scion xA (perferred the styling) she had no negative comments about the car.
 
I own an '02 Accent with 70,000+ miles on it and have had no mechanical problems with it. I have had a few minor problems with the interior (my lumbar support lever fell off) but nothing that would deter me from at least checking out and possibly buying an '07 hatchback once they become more plentiful. As for gas mileage, while I can't speak for the '06, I can tell you how mine is in the '02. When I first got thte car, I consistently got between 35-38 MPG. After about 50,000 miles, that number dropped to about 32-35 MPG. At 70,000 I got my 60,000 mile service and now my mileage is back up to 35-38 MPG.

#417 of 624 Re: This is rather surprising.... [germancarfan1] by joe97

Jun 17, 2006 (8:11 pm)

Replying to: germancarfan1 (Jun 17, 2006 6:23 pm)
I apologize in advance here to the host but here is my rant:
 
Germancarfan, I am really tired of your "everything made by Hyundai is a POS" posts. Yes, Hyundai was terrible when they first entered to US, but they have improved vastly over the past ten years or so, and nowadays, they are one of the top automakers in many areas and rising ever so fast. This is not my opinion, but rather confirmed by the industry. I'd agree Hyundai has a way to go to catch the leaders, but they are defn. almost there - on par, and even better at some areas.
 
What I don't understand is that you claim you own an Elantra, yet you continued to bash everything about the car, and Hyundai in general, for that matter. I am surprised you still have your Elantra and haven't switched to the VW Golf yet. It was uncalled for, in the Elantra thread and other threads around here you advertised the new Golf like they were VW threads; and you continued to do so on more than one occasion, even after everyone asked you to stop the first time.
 
Anyway, back on topic, why would someone consider the Accent? Well I would think the fact the base model (GS) comes with six airbags, cabin air filtration, rear window defroster and spolier, and other neat features - all standard; the SE features STANDARD ABS, six airbags, A/C, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, heated power-adjustable exterior mirrors and many others. Many of these features are either optional or not available in the class. Also, 37mpg hwy (auto) isn't too shabby, and sport-oriented + personalize accessories takes up to another level.

#418 of 624 Re: This is rather surprising.... [craig10x] by joe97

Jun 17, 2006 (8:27 pm)

Replying to: craig10x (Jun 17, 2006 7:14 pm)
The Accent I test drove was in fact a GLS auto. The acceleration was adequate, yet suprisingly smooth for the four-speed. Of course, my expectation wasn't to see how fast the car would do from 0-60, but more so on the ride. The CVVT engine is quite, adding to the quiteness of the cabin during regular driving.
 
Craig, good luck on your search. Keep us updated

#419 of 624 Thanks guys... by craig10x

Jun 17, 2006 (8:52 pm)

thanks joe and meaty (lol)...i promise that i will keep you guys updated...He will probably go to that new dealer next week. And to GermanCarFan...all i can say is, regarding Volkswagen, the ORIGINAL VW BEETLE was and is probably one of my all time favorite cars..but the Golf? (formally Rabbit) and the new Beetle...all i can say is: "feh"...personally, i'd rather have the Accent!
 
And Joe & Meaty: I used to work for the NYPD (civilian, not uniform...retired now) and there was a Police Officer and a Detective in my Precinct that both had 2001 Hyundai Accents, and the both drove in to Manhattan from Suffolk County (that's WAY OUT on Long Island...they lived about 75 to 80 miles out) every day to work and they both LOVED their ACCENTS, had very few problems with them and nothing but good things to say about them... And i have to tell you cops are pretty down to earth and honest about things and if they thought the cars were POS (as our german car fan poster thinks) believe me, they would have told me!
 
I'll report back as soon i have some news...and meanwhile, anyone else with good experiences to report about the car, would love your feedback...

#420 of 624 Re: This is rather surprising.... [joe97] by germancarfan1

Jun 17, 2006 (9:05 pm)

Replying to: joe97 (Jun 17, 2006 8:11 pm)
I wasn't aware that owning a particular car precluded me from voicing my opinion about that manufacturer (I own a 2004 GLS).
As the moderator has already stated, this isn't the "Hyundai fan club."
 
My point here is simple: in Hyundai's quest for global expansion, they have forgotten the sole reason consumers purchase their autombiles: price. That certainly was the case for me, where I purchased the 2004 Elantra for 11K, where it's competitors wanted $15K+ for relatively the same thing (that same price differential is no longer present). However, after experiencing continual build quality issues, subpar service experiences, and the realitization of an awful resale value as a trade in, I believe that this "irrational exuberance" over Hyundai's recent "turnaround" is a bit overstated on this board. Hence, my reason for posting: to give potential consumers another opinion.
 
Take a look at the Honda Fit or VW Rabbit, it has many if not all of those features standard.

#421 of 624 Re: This is rather surprising.... [germancarfan1] by kingsalmon

Jun 17, 2006 (9:43 pm)

Replying to: germancarfan1 (Jun 17, 2006 9:05 pm)
Here's my problem with you Germancarfan1. I don't understand why you're spending so much of your time and energy bashing Hyundai and their reputation.
 
I have owned VW and have been very dissatisfied with that car(Jetta). Should I go wasting my time bashing VW in their Jetta board?
 
I could go there and bash their quality and reliability. Yes Hyundai's are climbing up in price somewhat. However, so are all the Japanese and European cars. With the discounts and incentives, Hyundai is still relatively among the least expensive brands.
 
I saw the Accent 3 door and I thought it was the sharpest hatchback out there(among Yaris, Fit, Rio, and Aveo). It looks looks well balanced and sporty.
 
Hyundai is experiencing some success right now and I believe that it is due to their good products. You don't need to worry about Hyundai's business strategy. If their sales are suffering, it is up to them to lower or higher their prices. I don't think it is necessary for them to do anything right now as they're doing okay.
 
This isn't Hyundai fan club, but it also isn't Hyundai hater's club. I think I thoroughly know where you stand when it comes to Hyundai's. Let's move on.
 
I think the Accent will be another reliable Hyundai. Based on their last couple of product offerings, I don't think you'll go wrong with the Accent. I have yet to test drive the 3 door so I can't give a review. Sorry.

Messages Page 43 of 64

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