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13Hyundai Accent

Hyundai Accent (2000-2018)

 Verified
13Hyundai Accent
4.0

147 reviews

Positive vs Negative
81%7%12%
Build Quality
3.9
Value for Money
4.3
Noise Level
3.6
AlyiseRoberge
AlyiseRobergeNSW27 posts
  Accent

Love my little car! Bought in 2018 before the big events so I cant imagine finding a similar car at that price these days! Perfect car for a learner because once it hits 100 she struggles, but thats 1.8L for you! Love the fuel economy and runs really well in general. One odd thing is there is no centre console which can get annoying when you… Read more

have passengers.

I do have minor issues now and then with the carplay but these self resolve. The technicians at Hyundai were not able to resolve this fully even after a full swap of the stereo system which they replaced albiet after almost 8 months of chasing etc.

Anne
AnneWA20 posts
  Accent

Don't buy a Hyundai – My Hyundai was always ok until the last 3 months. When stopping at lights or terminating roads it stalls, and stalls over and over. This is dangerous. We have had it towed to the mechanic twice who has done all the tests, codes etc and cannot work out why. I rang Hyundai, they couldn't help and weren't really interested. Upon googling I find this… Read more

happens to so many people, is a common problem, and no-one knows why. Surely Hyundai should try to understand why or do a recall. I will never buy a Hyundai again.

Reviews with attachments

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Deb B.
Deb B.NSW2 posts
  Accent

Absolutely disgusted with Hyundai who know their cars have faulty paint jobs yet they refuse to accept accountability – My accent 2017 model has paint work that slides off like sunburnt skin Show details

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zany
zanyTAS23 posts
  RB

Great to drive – I have had my Hyundai for 2 years now and I bought it new. It is a great little car to drive and I find it very economical on fuel. Handling is good and is very comfortable. I wish there was more little storage areas inside the car as it is difficult to find anywhere to put documents or anything you need to access quickly - I had a Toyota Yaris… Read more

and there was little areas all over the place so I miss that. The only real criticism I have of the Accent is the poor turning circle. It is almost impossible to do a U-turn so it turns into a 3 point reverse/turn and I would recommend not trying to do a U-turn at traffic lights or you will be in trouble and have to back up to complete it. Otherwise though this little hatch is good value for money.

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Chris Ross
Chris RossQLD4 posts
  Fair Incentive Verified RB

Hyundai .. A perfect vehicle for a City Girl with loads to lug around – I drive it! Transporting all number of goodies from wide screen TVs to tables and chairs, antiques that are rare and all sorts of fare. Five days could go by until I use my Hyundai. Fixed five yearly Services with not a mention of a mechanical issue. Show details

In-depth reviews

Tom Barton
Tom Barton20 posts
  LC

Cheap reliable and good handling transport – I have the 2005 LC 1.6 four door hatch. I bought it secondhand a few years ago with only 40,000 km on the odometer. It's the family "shopping trolley" as we have a bigger second car. The only problems the car has had were that the speed sensor on the auto transmission died (causing the car not to change out of second) and the dashboard clock… Read more

cannot be reset. The transmission problem cost me about eighty dollars to fix (new sensor installed) and the clock I ignore as my aftermarket car stereo has a reliable clock. The sensor problem is not unheard of in this model and the replacement sensors are much better.

Handling is excellent as is the weighting of the standard power steering. Fuel economy is great, especially if you don't ride the accelerator. Fit and finish are excellent, despite some of the plastic interior. Yes, it can be a little loud inside if you push the engine into kickdown but, to me, it sounds like a little sporty rocket when that happens. You will find this car is excellent as a first car for a younger person or for a family that needs a second "go to the shopping centre" car. The hatch cavity is huge.

The only sad exclusions are ABS brakes, traction control and a passenger airbag.

Galaxy
Galaxy20 posts
  RB

Definitely not a Japanese car – Bought the car in 2015 and now has 65,000kms THE GOOD: - Great size interior - Large boot space compared to other cars at a similar price - Reliable (so far) - Ride quality is much better with decent tyres - Auto CVT great for highway cruising - keeps revs very low and apart from tyre noise is not a bad place to be - Comfortable seats -… Read more

Plenty of room in back seats

THE BAD:

- At 60,000km air con can make the engine stall when stopped at traffic lights. It seems the throttle body needs a clean (if that even fixes it).

- Had to get a noisy shift-lock solenoid replaced in the centre console after about a year. The new one has now also become noisy with that annoying "click" sound when the brake pedal is pressed at low speeds

- The CVT does not fill me with confidence when it makes weird grinding noises whenever the car creeps along at snails pace (eg entering the garage). Hyundai could not find anything wrong

- Body creaks (especially driver's side B-pillar) when going up a driveway slowly

- Poor fuel consumption for a 1.4L with CVT

- CVT revs too low in regular street driving - sounds like engine is labouring like it needs to be changed back a ratio

- Awful gated gear selector - what a pain to use!

- Original Kumho tyres worn after 28,000kms! - even after always rotated at each service and inflated to 36PSI once a month.

- Engine sound when not fully warmed up. Sounds like a diesel. Once again, Hyundai says that's "normal"

- Engine lacks low down pull

- Cheap fabric on seats

- This car/brand is DEFINITELY not up to Japanese car standards

- Car Stereo failed out of warranty.

- Does not fill us with confidence that it will have a long-term durability and reliability

Rick
RickSA15 posts
  RB
Build Quality
Value for Money
Noise Level

Efficient & effective but issues – Bought new for my daily 80 km commute to work & back in peak hour traffic. Generally it does everything quite well but has a number of annoying quirks which include: 1. The throttle is extremely touchy from idle which makes driving in peak hour traffic & taking off from traffic lights difficult. The car will also give quite a second push of… Read more

power at around 1500 rpm even though the throttle is unchanged requiring care not to run into the back of the car in front. 2. Very twitchy steering when trying to drive straight, in fact I'd say the car just doesn't drive straight as it requires constant correction and vigilance otherwise it will quickly wander out of the lane. The dealer has checked the wheel alignment & tweaked it but it still twitches. 3. The cruise control only works well on flat straight roads otherwise it's rubbish. The best description of its behaviour on even mild hills is like a very lazy driver not checking their speed so it over corrects when it finally realises the speed has dropped way too low then it will peak over the crest of the hill and run the speed up into speeding ticket territory. Active control to over-ride the throttle early helps in maintaining speed up an incline and turning off the cruise control when cresting a hill then hitting resume when on the down hill side works to effectively overcome the woeful behaviour. 4. The view out the back window is abysmal verging on useless, it really needs a camera or distance measuring "beepers" fitted as standard. 5. Vast swathes of Orange Peeled paint which is very disappointing for a modern car. On the plus side: A. The GDI engine has a lot of poke for a 1.6 & is reasonably economical. B. The six speed automatic works quite well most of the time. C. Steering wheel infotainment & cruise controls are easy to use. D. It was cheap to buy so what else could I expect.

Positive reviews

Pete
Pete4 posts
  RB

Value for money! – Excellent mileage Zero maintenance Punchy engine Bought it second hand in 2015 it is a 2013 model. Using every day since 2015 Currently sitting at 140000 bought it at 37000 Only issues: No cruze control which sucks  Show details

Matthew R.
Matthew R.
  RB

Would buy again – Bought for a daily commuter three years ago Economical (under 6 litres per 100km) Excellent power (100kW) for a normally aspirated 1600 Surprisingly spacious for a family of four, with decent boot for a hatchback Fuel tank is a "real" 40 litres max, but no big deal Interior trim has good plastics for the price, feels like a quality build Main… Read more

gripe is that the steering which is "sticky" in the centre Was a bit disappointed that a reversing camera wasn't an available option Suspension is "sporty" - handles terrifically around town but not great on bumpy roads Definitely value for money, I'd buy one again

Lee
Lee8 posts
  Verified RB

My dream car! – Ok so maybe not my dream car but this one is perfect for me my daily commute. A spacious cabin, smooth comfortable ride. Love the Apple Carplay touch display which lets you control your music, maps and podcasts. I've only had it for 6 months now so haven't had a service yet but there's no issues whatsoever. Exceptional value too! Show details

Negative reviews

Johnny O
Johnny OVIC2 posts
  RB
Build Quality
Value for Money
Noise Level

Horrible oil consumption – How many people have this car 2017 model and have around 250,000km or 155,350 miles on it My partners is burning through around 2 or 3 liters every 2 months.. Is it a common fault ??? If anyone is thinking of getting a Hyundai should think again and run far away. Once they hit 200,000 km they are absolutely junk and have been told this by a few people. My partner is trying desperately to get rid of hers at the moment. Show details

Silverwater S.
Silverwater S.SA9 posts
  RB
Build Quality
Value for Money
Noise Level

TRANSMISSION FAILURE at 22835 Kilometers - Broken transmission – Car has done approximately 4500 Kilometers per year, Regularly serviced by mechanic. Called stillwell Hyundai Ingle farm and was told they can't do anything. Emailed Hyundai Customer Care 03/02/2022 No return Answer. Emailed Hyundai Customer Care 07/02/2022 No Return Answer Bad Customer Care. Show details

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Aman
AmanSA12 posts
  Verified Accent
Build Quality
Value for Money
Noise Level

Worst car to buy - 5 year warranty is scam – My Hyundai Accent 2018 is still under factory warranty. Raised the concerns with the dealership but nothing was sorted. Then contacted Hyundai Australia’s and to my surprise they took few weeks to respond back and then kept on asking the same information via emails number of times. Finally they reused to offer any help. Spoken to CBS in Adelaide… Read more

and they have advised that as the vehicle was purchased from NSW I need to register consumer complaint in that state.

I am now going to lodge complaint in NSW and seek legal help as well.

Recent reviews

Shiney68
Shiney6828 posts
  LC

Good affordable vehicle – I purchased the ACCENT second hand and was not sure, but for a small car class, I have found a very affordable, unthirsty but responsive 6 speed Manual Show details

solfan
solfan68 posts
  RB
Build Quality
Value for Money
Noise Level

Poor fuel consumption and uncomfortable drivers seat – Hired a Hyundii30 Active Auto from Hertz Adelaide Airport recently, my first choice, a Corolla was not available. Impressed with the spacious interior and boot, we have 3 generations of Corolla hatches in the family and have become accustomed to small boots!. The interiors of Hyundais have come a long way, far better quality of plastics and an… Read more

excellent dash-mounted tablet display with all the latest safety features, that is if you need the car to tell you you are driving across the white lines or off the road!.

All-round visibility is excellent, and the car is eager to pull away from a standstill, this is where it starts to go wrong. The ride is poor, I was feeling every change in road-surface jolt through the body, even minor imperfections in the tarmac were dramatically magnified by the roar of tyre noise.

Over the two days we travelled some 275Kms, and on filling the tank the consumption was a disappointing 11.2 l/100Km. The car had been driven gently, as I would have driven my Corolla, using cruise wherever possible. However, the absolute worst factor is comfort. The seats feel OK for the first 45mins, after that your bones sink though the thin squidgy foam and your back starts to feel the strain. OK this is an inexpensive car, well equipped, and looks the part, but the engine is noisy, road noise is awful and a health warning should be provided for the seats. Hope the 2021 model addresses these issues, as this car WAS on my son's shortlist.

Nick A.
Nick A.VIC5 posts
  RB

WORST CAR EVER OWNED – How I wish I could get ‘a refund’ for this piece of junk. An absolute waste of money, avoid at all costs! This car was gifted to us (brand new) from my mother in-law so there was no choice in the matter, but essentially this car has the worst performance, terrible features, faults galore and provides no enjoyment whatsoever. The car absolutely… Read more

struggles going up any incline, and if you’re ever in need of quick movement in traffic situations, you’ll quickly find yourself the victim of surrounding irate drivers. The motor is insanely sluggish - even in the useless ‘sports mode’. Entering freeways poses danger when trying to merge as the tiny motor sounds like it’s going to burst before reaching 80km p/hr.

The car is so poorly designed, there is constant fogging of front and rear windows ALL YEAR ROUND. There seems to be dirty air movement travelling through the vents constantly despite the car being professionally cleaned and diligently replacing the pollen filters via the overpriced official Hyundai service centre. Offensive smells emanate from the AC system every time it’s turned on.

Parking the car is also difficult as the slope of the car from bonnet to window is quite steep, same for the rear, it’s quite hard to know where the vehicle actually ends. I don’t know how this car is classified as a sedan... it’s so small! Good luck fitting ANYTHING IN IT! we can’t even put 2 suitcases in the boot because it’s so small! The legroom in the back seat for passengers is laughable. I had more room in my VW Golf than this thing.

The interior is extremely cheap and there is plastic everywhere. Understandably the cost of the car is at the lower end, but being brand new there is absolutely no design consideration or thought invested in this cheap box on wheels. The onboard system is so clunky and unresponsive. Bluetooth chops in and out, phone numbers disappear from phone book, the screen has to be pressed 2-3 times for it to register your selection. When you turn your car headlights on, the dashboard and screen is dimmed so low, so that during dusk/dawn/low light you can’t see or read your own speed... SUCH AN OVERSIGHT!

Do yourself a favour and purchase something else! ANYTHING ELSE other than this poorly designed, unconsidered, absolute waste of money.

David H.
David H.WA
  Accent
Build Quality
Value for Money
Noise Level

Two Hyundai's - both radio's have died just out of warranty – My wife and I were so excited in both buying new Hyundai Accent car's. Unfortunately to our amazement both cars have developed the same audio problems after only some years. I have owned cars for forty three years and I have never had a worse car radio failure in the same model car of mine and my wife's. Replacement price of the radio's has basically put us off and probably ever buying another Hyundai. Show details

Jack
Jack6 posts
  RB

Love my Accent – This Accent is used everyday I’ve had it for 6 months brand new and hasn’t let me down once got 22,000KM already in 6 months it’s a basic car but get you to A to B safely and stylish I would highly recommend Hyundai to friends and family. Show details

jadesmithe
jadesmitheQLD7 posts
  RB

bought the accent in 2016, and just bought the 2019 sport accent . love it – This car is super easy to drive, park it in any tight carpark or small space -its not super wide so doesnt take up heaps of the road when passing on narrow winding roads. -super super fuel efficient -fold the seats down in the back and i can fit my large road bike with the wheel off, or my folding bike and heaps of travel gear. -have traveled… Read more

basically right around australia in my 2016 accent, and have just bought the new 2019 model -lots of space in the front seats (im 6f and heaps of room to stretch my legs). -i wouldnt buy any other brand of car since owning a hyundai.

Sam K
Sam K7 posts
  LC

Good on the open road but hard-riding around town – Bought the car new and owned the car for almost 19 years. Very economical, reliable car. Maintenance has been scheduled servicing and very little else. Plenty of carrying capacity. A lot of road noise. The shock absorbers and the seats are a bit hard. Foot on the clutch required for starting. Great value for money. Show details

Krusty
KrustyNSW85 posts
  RB

Super great value – Just traded in accent 2000 model after purchasing for partner 19yrs ago,I can not believe Hyundai still sell these cars at these prices,the sedan is bigger for our now family of five,misses loves it,Kids love it,I love it,I can't believe people would pay any more for a car,Cheers,Krusty. Show details

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Find out how Hyundai Accent compares to other Cars

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Jordan
JordanSA4 posts
  RB

Amazing car – I bought my Accent sport just over a year ago now and am loving all the comfort and sporty features. It gets me from point A to point B in comfort. Show details

Feng Lan L.
Feng Lan L.2 posts
  Verified RB

This car is smooth – I love this new Accent Sport. 1.6 lt engine means it's more powerful than my previous Yaris. Everything is perfect on it. Brakes take a few weeks to run in, I've done 1100 km in a month, and I get a complimentary service at 1500km, will book that soon. Great little car. Show details

Geoff
GeoffVIC4 posts
  RB

Major failure under 10k – We bought a my19 accent new in march this year as a cheap run around, the car car itself is not to bad considering what u pay for it good features for price range. But car has had a couple of issues since new heavy on fuel cruise control faut and now a major gearbox/clutch faliure, with only 9k on clock.saying that i cant complain about Hyundai… Read more

service dept at the moment as have been accommodating in issues so we will see how we go with this major falure. This was our first Hyundai i dont think we will be buying another unfortunately

Geoff
Geoff   

Update berwick hyundai aswell as Hyundai refused to cover car under warrenty had to repair car at… Read more

Beth
Beth12 posts
  Verified Accent

Slow but cheap – Nice car though it seems to get stuck in gears and is quite sluggish in the morning. Nice fuel economy so can’t complain too much, will be looking to upgrade to a bigger Hyundai though.

TRISH
TRISHSA5 posts
  RB

Exceeded my Expectations – I'm retired but very busy and need a reliable car. I have been a one brand car for years and switch to Hyundai because of a high recommendation and the cost. Brought new and after 2 years it hasn't missed a beat. I use it every day, have it serviced by Hyundai, a very professional and friendly team, and at a very reasonable cost. The only issue… Read more

with this great little car is a blind spot either side of the back windows of the car. But once aware of this, it has made me a very cautious driver, because of this, I double check before changing lanes. I will definitely buy an other Hyundai, this is an " entry" model and I will be upgrading next time, not that I'm in a hurry as I'm so happy driving my" Arrabella Accent" as I call her!!!.

TygerEyes
TygerEyesVIC3 posts
  LC

Grea reliable car – Great family car has plenty if room in back seats for an adult. Cheap to run getting around 600kms to a tank. Huge space in trunk with seats that can fold down. Cheap to service and have never had any problems. Great sound system with full hands free and blu tooth phone connection. Show details

Le A.
Le A.NSW3 posts
  RB

Economical small car – Purchased this brand new for myself and twins and is perfect for the three of us. However adding a tall front passenger makes it crampy. No Android play as advertised when I made the purchase. Pros fuel economy is awesome in my 6spd manual. Spacious boot that fits my son's wheelchair in. Interior is nice for a cheap car and easy to clean. Has all the bells and whistles that don't come on some of the other companies models in the price range. Show details

Zac W.
Zac W.NSW2 posts
  Verified RB

Great little car – Great little car very good size for a little sedan and the boot is amazing there has been heaps of great Hyundai in my family and this is another great Hyundai product very easy simple to drive car. Show details

Jay28
Jay286 posts
  RB

ok for the cost – Bought this car brand new in run out sale. Pros: good on fuel, lots of airbags, small and cheap for a new car. Cons: suspension is rubbish, no cd player, crooked gear shift (I will never buy a car with one again) brakes jerk really hard when starting car in cold weather, noisy. Show details

KETAN P.
KETAN P.VIC4 posts
  RB

Not good – Not really good car....weast of your money Customer service horrible and car is not really powerful and all dealers selling car so once you buy car company cant help you to solve your problem Show details

Clem
Clem7 posts
  Verified RB

Perfect family car – We only use car for weekly grocery and taking our little baby for check up. Our car is serviced annually and as i take it to Hyundai service they give an extra year free roadside assistance. So far there has not been any mechanical issues. I do note when on highway the motor doesn't feel powerful. Show details

inara
inara15 posts
  RB

worried about driving up a mountain with air con – My 2018 Hyundai Accent is very heavy to drive up hills if the air-con is working. I am unsure about taking it for a drive up a mountain in summer. I have asked for info from the service centre but they have not yet called back. It also seems to use a lot of fuel.  Show details

1964kazza
1964kazzaQLD11 posts
  Verified RB

Wonderful car – Bought the new Hyundai Accent 2018 Sport model in April this year - terrific car, reliable, economical- only negative was no CD player - otherwise great car and great buy. This model was upgraded from previous models with alloy wheels, leather steering wheel and 1.6litre engine. Would have to add that seats aren’t the most comfortable, but ok for short trips and commuting  Show details

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