Hyundai: 2000 Accent, hyundai tiburon, accent 4

Question
Hi Chris,

I am considering buying a 2000 Accent 4 Door sedan and was wondering if this is something you recommend.  It seems as though it has a lot to offer at a great price and an excellent warranty.  Have you had any problems with your Hyundai?  My mother has owned a 97 Sonata and had the timing belt go on it at about 60k.  Is this a problem for the company?  Would a 2000 Accent be a reliable choice for my wife and I?  Thanks for any input.

Answer
Well, first off the warranty is outstanding.  I own a 1998 Hyundai Tiburon Fx and have put 30,000 miles on it so far.  Unfortunately for me, I missed the 10 year powertrain (engine, transmission, etc.) 5 year bumper-to-bumper warranties and the 5 year unlimited mileage roadside assistance.

Here are ALL the problems I've had with my Hyundai:

1.  A check engine light (just needed new spark plugs)
2.  A slight oil leak from the #4 cylinder spark plug hole (a minor problem that the dealer fixed in under an hour)
3.  A broken sun visor.
4.  Some paint peeling from the sideview mirrors (a problem with the silver paint that Hyundai has corrected)

That's all the problems I've had so far.  The car has been great and has never broken down on me.

I'm not surprised the timing belt broke on your mother's Sonata.  All Hyundais need their timing belts replaced at 60k miles or sooner.  The timing belt is a maintenance item.  60,000 miles is the absolute longest you should let a timing belt go unchanged.

My friend has a 95 Accent with 70k miles and it runs great.