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Older Pre-2012 Hyundai Accent Overview And How To Buy At The Lowest Price
Since its inception in 1995, and with little fanfare, the Accent has quietly established itself as one of the better-built, better-performing vehicles in the "lower price" car segment. And older models with relatively lower mileage can still be found and should not be overlooked as a viable and very economical used car purchase.
The Accent has won praise for its roominess as a compact car, it's long list of standard equipment, its surprising acceleration and handling, and good gas mileage. Another big advantage for the Accent is its transferable 5-Year/60,000 mile Factory Warranty, making many of them likely better maintained than many of their competitors..
Hyundai's smallest car got a redesign for the 2006 model year (its third-generation which carried through until a redesign for 2011) which added size, power, and additional safety features. And while it originally debuted as a GLS four-door sedan, a new sporty two-door hatchback model was introduced as a 2007 model. There are currently four models available from this generation: the Blue (introduced in 2010), GS and the SE are two-door hatchbacks, while the GLS is a four-door sedan.
Compared to its earlier generation, these Accents became 1.8 inches longer, an inch wider, and 3 inches taller, with a 2.3 inch longer wheelbase for better handling. Output on the 1.6 liter four-cylinder engine was upped to 110 horsepower (from 104). Available transmissions are either the standard five-speed manual or an optional four-speed automatic.
Standard features include antilock brakes (ABS), front torso side airbags, head-protecting curtain side airbags, height-adjustable front seats, split folding rear seatbacks, and a CD player. Used Accent models can also be found with air conditioning (a standalone option), as well as with the Premium Sport Package which adds power windows, power heated mirrors, keyless entry, and 15-inch alloy wheels.
Overall, these used Hyundai Accent versions provided stable handling, ample acceleration, a smooth ride, an attractive cabin and comfortable seating. Not surprisingly, they also got very good gas mileage with EPA-estimates generally ranging from 27 mpg city and 32 mpg on the highway with the 5-speed manual transmission to 24 mpg city and 33 mpg highway with the automatic.
The second-generation Accent was produced for the 2000 through 2005 model years and can also be found in both sedan and hatchback forms. Initially, it was powered by a modest 89-horsepower 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. For 2001, a 104-horsepower 1.6-liter engine was added which eventually replaced the 1.5-liter for 2003.
While perhaps light on power, these used Accents still produced adequate acceleration and both the manual and automatic transmissions performed capably. Of course, fuel efficiency was another plus.
Used Hyundai Accent shoppers of this generation should note that its small 13-inch wheels limit its handling and braking capabilities. Performance is adequate, however. Hyundai's 2004 and 2005 GT hatchback was better due to its 14-inch wheels and firmer suspension. Also of note is that antilock brakes were not an available option until the 2005 model, while front seat-mounted side airbags were standard on 2003 GL sedans and hatchbacks and then became standard on all models for 2004.
This generation still makes a good choice for those seeking basic transportation and good fuel economy with patient shopping for the lower mileage ones. Comfort, ride quality and handling are all acceptable for an economy car. And in terms of purchase price, well, they are quite economical considering the value received.
All told, we believe a Hyundai Accent makes a solid choice as a used car purchase.
How To Get The Best Price
There are actually several different ways to buy an older Accent at the lowest price, and even at wholesale. You can click on the links to each of the following methods to get the specific instructions.
First of all, here's a Lowest Price Used Car Buying Guide that details a super effective method, one that often beats down prices even to wholesale levels. And somewhat related to this, here's another excellent method that identifies Price-Distressed Cars Right On Dealer Lots. These are vehicles they are so desperate to unload they would welcome your wholesale offer.
In addition, you can also try the Public Auto Auctions in your own geographic area. While there can be a lot of junk vehicles at these auctions, there are often absolute gems sprinkled in as well. This article reviews what to expect at open-to-the-public car auctions and how to locate them in your own area.
Also ... for those of you who might be interested in a brand new Hyundai Accent, if the price was crazy good, here's info on exactly How To Get The Best Price On A New Accent. This works just phenomenally well.
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