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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 54 of 64

#523 of 624 Re: Accent GS first drive [germancarfan1] by shado4

Jul 16, 2006 (1:13 pm)

Replying to: germancarfan1 (Jul 16, 2006 8:03 am)
You bet it is. For this thing to sell, it needs a $2K rebate. Anything less, and it won't move off dealer lots period.
 
That's funny. With only a $1K rebate offered on the 2006 model, Hyundai managed to sell 43% more Accents last month compared to June 2005 (5,848 to 4,086). Yes, overall year to year sales of the Accent are down, but I agree with Backy that the addition of the 3-door model to the lineup will help.
 
Hyundai has nothing to worry about. The new Santa Fe is now arriving at dealer lots and the new Elantra will be coming soon. Hyundai is in a better position to see sales go even higher. Volkswagen, who can't even sell half as many vehicles as Hyundai in the U.S. during the first six months of 2006, is now trying to sell a Rabbit that can cost well over $20,000! $20K+ for a Rabbit? That's a mighty bitter carrot, er, pill to swallow.

#524 of 624 Re: Accent GS first drive [germancarfan1] by backy

Jul 16, 2006 (1:27 pm)

Replying to: germancarfan1 (Jul 16, 2006 12:18 pm)
I've owned many stick-shift cars in the snow belt. Just never had to start them in 3rd gear. 2nd once or twice.
 
C/D said several nice things about the Accent they tested. They even recommended to their readers that they should "take it for a whirl."
 
I have not only driven the Elantra GLS and the GT, I've owned both of them at the same time for over 2 years, so I think I am qualified to say that the suspension and steering on those two cars is distinctly different, with a much different feel. (Keep in mind though that the GLS 5-door has exactly the same suspension and handling as the GT; the GLS sedan is different.) Thus I am looking foward to seeing what Hyundai did with the Accent SE.
 
Note that the Fit got a "lowly" 3-star rating by the NHTSA in the rear on the side crash test also. But you were talking up the Fit before as if it were superior to the Accent. Does that mean you prefer the Fit over the Accent, but only if you don't put kids in the back seat?
 
If you would like to research the 3-door sales of the Accent before 2006, be my guest. I see quite a few of them running around. How do you know it's not enough to justify a 20% decline in sales, until you know how many Accents before 2006 MY were 3-doors? Care to back up your assertion that "The Accent model has been struggling for years" with some facts?
 
I've already agreed the list price on the Accent is too high; HMA agrees also since they did put a $1000 rebate on the '06 models awhile ago. I expect to see a rebate on the '07s once the '06s are gone. As for advertising, HMA is obviously using their marketing bucks on their pricier (and more profitable) cars. Keep in mind they have had to launch seven new models in less than two years, so that's a lot of advertising to do. It makes sense to put the dollars where the most profit is, e.g. Azera, Sonata, Entourage, and soon the Santa Fe.
 
Would you care to name another car in the Accent's class that received "spectacular" crash test ratings, i.e. 4 x 5-stars on the NHTSA crash tests? Or is the Accent being held to a higher standard than all other cars in its class?
 
As for "underwhelming test drive perceptions," IMO, the Accent is one of the most pleasant cars to drive in its class. It doesn't have the sharpest handling, "magic" rear seats, 150 hp, or room for Shaq to sit in back, but in terms of a smooth, comfortable, economical commuter and around-town car, I think it does a fine job. For the right price, I could see one in my garage someday.

#525 of 624 Judging the SE with Sport-Tuned Suspension by prosource1

Jul 16, 2006 (1:57 pm)

I think it is quite unfair to judge Hyundai's previous attempts with the same measure as their recent offerings. Hyundai is investing BILLION$ in R&D each year and their new vehicles are showing their big spending. I looked at a Santa Fe again today and that is going to be a hot vehicle just like the Sonata and Azera. Say or think what you want but Hyundai is not the company it was and every new vehicle they are putting out is causing a stir in the market.

#526 of 624 Re: Accent GS first drive [germancarfan1] by joe97

Jul 16, 2006 (2:39 pm)

Replying to: germancarfan1 (Jul 16, 2006 12:18 pm)
Can I ask if you have had a chance to test drive the new Accents? The only reason I ask is because your post is full of incorrect facts and perceptions. FWIW, every review I have read on the Accent praises the new model, for the most part; yet when I read your posts, the Accent (or the entire Hyundai line for that matter) is nothing but junk products. The uniqueness (in its class) of the Accent SE is that it comes with 16" wheels, sport-tuned, stiffer suspension (70% more, which puts it around Tibby level), plus more. Of course, I am sure you will put a different spin on the above facts.

#527 of 624 Re: Accent GS first drive [shado4] by germancarfan1

Jul 16, 2006 (4:31 pm)

Replying to: shado4 (Jul 16, 2006 1:13 pm)
"Yes, overall year to year sales of the Accent are down, but I agree with Backy that the addition of the 3-door model to the lineup will help."
 
Accent YTD sales are down 20% for the year. That's no small number. In comparison, Jetta sales are UP 28.3% YTD.
 
"$20K+ for a Rabbit? That's a mighty bitter carrot, er, pill to swallow."
 
When fully loaded to the gills, yes a Rabbit can reach 20K. Though it starts at under $15K very nicely equipped. An Azera can reach over $30K??!! 30K for a Hyundai??!! See my point?

#528 of 624 Re: Accent GS first drive [backy] by germancarfan1

Jul 16, 2006 (4:49 pm)

Replying to: backy (Jul 16, 2006 1:27 pm)
"Note that the Fit got a "lowly" 3-star rating by the NHTSA in the rear on the side crash test also. But you were talking up the Fit before as if it were superior to the Accent. Does that mean you prefer the Fit over the Accent, but only if you don't put kids in the back seat"
 
The FIT is a great car, but with it's rear 3 star side impact rating, no way my kids are going back there. Like i've said countless times, kids are not going in the back seat unless the car received a very good rear side-impact (IIHS "silver" or "gold"). Though the FIT does have STANDARD ABS which helps. The Accent 3-door can't say that.
 
"Care to back up your assertion that "The Accent model has been struggling for years" with some facts? "
 
Sure. Look at www.hyundainews.com under "sales releases" for the past 3 years. Notice a trend with the Accent? Yeah, it has a continual downward curve of sales numbers. Plot it out in Excel if you wish
 
"Would you care to name another car in the Accent's class that received "spectacular" crash test ratings, i.e. 4 x 5-stars on the NHTSA crash tests? Or is the Accent being held to a higher standard than all other cars in its class?"
 
I'll pay a few bucks more a month and get a much safer car, you know, one that received a "silver" or "gold" IIHS award. I'm sure a few come to mind...
 
"For the right price, I could see one in my garage someday."
 
Right, that's why you've already purchased an Accent, right? Wait...
 
You're waiting for Hyundai to price it right, you know, like $3-4K below its competitors? Give it time my friend, Hyundai will see the light of day soon enough.

#529 of 624 Re: Accent GS first drive [germancarfan1] by backy

Jul 16, 2006 (4:52 pm)

Replying to: germancarfan1 (Jul 16, 2006 4:31 pm)
Let's be factual here: the lowest list price for a Rabbit is $15.6K including destination (which is non-negotiable). A 5-door Rabbit with only two options, a moonroof and the lowest priced factory alloys (16")--in other words, hardly loaded to the gills--comes to $20,095. The Azera is a 263 hp near-luxury car that is not at all comparable to a Rabbit.
 
A VW can reach over $40k. $40k for a vee-dub?!?

#530 of 624 Re: Accent GS first drive [joe97] by germancarfan1

Jul 16, 2006 (4:58 pm)

Replying to: joe97 (Jul 16, 2006 2:39 pm)
"The only reason I ask is because your post is full of incorrect facts and perceptions."
 
Care to elaborate? Just what exactly have I said that that is "incorrect?"
 
"FWIW, every review I have read on the Accent praises the new model, for the most part; yet when I read your posts, the Accent (or the entire Hyundai line for that matter) is nothing but junk products."
 
I can name numerous reviews that paint the Accent as a sub-par car, but what does it matter. So, because my own opinion conflicts with what YOU read somewhere, i'm automatically incorrect. Right...
 
"The uniqueness (in its class) of the Accent SE is that it comes with 16" wheels, sport-tuned, stiffer suspension (70% more, which puts it around Tibby level), plus more."
 
Not sure how slapping some cheap alloys on a car, claiming a stiff suspension (70% stiffer you say?) makes the car unique. Ah, must have forgoten the "plus more."

#531 of 624 Re: Accent GS first drive [germancarfan1] by backy

Jul 16, 2006 (4:59 pm)

Replying to: germancarfan1 (Jul 16, 2006 4:49 pm)
Correction: the Accent SE does have standard ABS.
 
So to be clear: you think the Fit is a good car, but you wouldn't buy one for yourself because your kids can't ride in the back seat. Is that correct?
 
The Accent (2006 GLS) is already available for $3000+ less than competitors. The '07s will be there soon enough.
 
As I've noted in the "Which Hatchbacks?" discussion, I think the Rabbit and Fit are superior cars overall to the Accent when you consider all the criteria. But I still really like some aspects of the Accent, so if the price is right I would consider it.

#532 of 624 Re: Accent GS first drive [germancarfan1] by w9cw

Jul 16, 2006 (6:10 pm)

Replying to: germancarfan1 (Jul 16, 2006 4:31 pm)
I guess germancarfan1 must be young . . . the same thing could be said of a VW. $30K to $40K, or higher, for a VW - double yikes! I remember when they were $1,500!
 
Yes, $30K for a Hyundai - what's wrong with that. Hyundai is a quality car, everyone simply needs to get used to it.

Messages Page 54 of 64

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