Hyundai Accent Hatchback (2000 - 2005) 1.5 MVi 3d (2000/X) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

It says I couldn't give a toss about my 'image' and know how to get the most out of a small amount of money.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

I don't care. If I was that sad I would have bought a VW. My dad has commented on how good the ride quality/smoothness is, and someone I work with has commented how quickly it vanishes when 'released' from traffic.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, it's comfortable, fun to drive, reliable and economical, and I like the way it looks.

What are you likely to buy next?

I don't intend to buy another car any time soon but when I do I would definitely consider another Hyundai.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£575

When did you buy the car?

June 2013

Did you get a good deal and why?

The car was in sound mechanical condition and low mileage for the year (about 62k in 13 years) but was advertised at only £625 due to the cosmetic condition (lots of minor dents and scratches), in the end I got it for £575 which I think is a great deal for a well equipped and economical car with low mileage.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I've always liked the styling of the 2000MY accent, I think it looks similar to a mk4 XR3i or 309 GTi, but the main reason for buying it was value for money. It has a low insurance rating for a 'warm' hatch and being pre 2001 and under 1500cc it comes into the lower tax bracket which makes it about £40 a year cheaper to tax than the same car on a 2001 reg and about £90 a year cheaper than some of its rivals eg saxo VTR.

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

I've heard negative comments about the handling/performance of the MVi, but anyone other than a complete idiot would never expect such a car to compare to something like a saxo VTS. The handling is probably better than anything Vauxhall were making in 2000, at least I haven't noticed any understeer yet and the steering is direct. 0-60 times say nothing about how the car feels on the road, the first few gears are quite close so two gearchanges are needed to get to 60mph. 5th is quite high geared so good for cruising and there's enough torque low down to drive round all day at 1500-2000rpm in almost total silence, and the ride is excellent on almost any surface. On average (mostly commuting/short journeys) I get around 35mpg and on a holiday to Northumberland I averaged 48mpg.

What's it like to park?

It's smaller than it looks, the shape makes it look like it's escort/astra size but it's actually quite a bit narrower. The shape of the bonnet makes the position of the front corners easy to judge, and the turning circle is astounding, I previously had a corsa B and I'm sure even that didn't turn as tight as the accent.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Window regulator needed replacing after I'd had it a few months. Recently the exhaust has started blowing from the front pipe (looks like a cheap easy fix) and a CV joint and wheel bearing are both on their way out, but nothing that comes as a surprise on a 14 year old car, especially considering it's done nearly 20k of B roads and speed bumps in the past 12 months.

What's most practical about your car?

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Pop out cupholders! Every other car I've owned has just had a couple of circular indentations in the inside of the glovebox lid.