95-99 hyundai accent // winter beater

[Warlord]

Hello all. I am seeking a small fuel efficient car so that I won't have to put so many clicks on my truck. It'll be my winter beater too so I can save the truck from all my short trips around town.

One car I'm considering is a 99 accent hatch with the 5 speed. It has only 120000 kilometers and would appear to be in nice shape. Anything I should look for on these cars? Will it be a money pit?

Thanks.

 

[meangreen01]

Can't see how it could be much of a money pit. It's a basic econo-box with a MT.

No Hyundai expert, but I'd just check the basics: clutch, shift feel, fluids, leaks, CEL's, rust.

 

[The_Jeff]

Timing belt is due, if not by kilometerage by age.

I had a 99, my sister an 01, and on both they seem to not put appropriate anti-sieze on steel bolts going into the aluminum motor. Car is reliable until you have to replace something, then it's a miracle if you can get it out. Very stress-inducing.

Mine had working AC, manual steering, and 155/80/13 tires, sweet! The frameless door windows whistle pretty fiercely.

I put a new battery and alternator in mine; it came with this joke battery like you'd screw to the bottom of your boy scout lantern. But the tray held a regular size one and there was even another tapped hole for the hold-down!

 

[Warlord]

Thanks guys. Apparently the clutch is original as well so that might need work soon. I tend to do all my own repairs but am worried that parts will be expensive especially when shipped way up to where I live.

One of my other options is a similarly priced 96 corolla that may need brakes. It also has around the same kms as the accent. Hwy mpg isn't rated as high but it may be cheaper to own in the long run.

 

[dparm]

The Corolla is probably going to be more reliable.

 

[beast3300]

I would take the Corolla! Sorry, you just couldn't give me a Hyundai from the 90s.

 

[SrDriver]

Would spend some time looking over both and check any maintenance records available.

Fuel economy too could be important as we may see $4.00 + gas by summer driving?

 

[The_Jeff]

If the corolla has the 3 speed automatic you'll wish for taller gearing and it won't beat 30 mpg. Grisham's Law says all corollas (and Miatas

) you go to look at will be automatic chick cars.

 

[Warlord]

Well then I must be in luck. This one is a 5spd!

 

[addyguy]

I'd go for the Corolla.

Nothing really 'wrong' with an Accent...but you get 'more car' for your money with a Corolla, all other things being equal.

 

[crinkles]

how would either car handle northern alberta though!

 

[addyguy]

Small cars do pretty decently in the cold weather up here.

In really, really cold weather, you might have a problem with a small engine not warming up enough at highway speeds - the rushing air keeps the engine cold, and you can't get heat out of it. I had that problem BADLY on a 1986 Honda Civic I had.

I feel small cars, with their small, narrow ties are the best for snowy weather - the tires 'dig in', and they don't get stuck much. Also, without much 'overhang', small cars don't tend to spin out as much.

 

[mjoekingz28]

Hope the car works well for you. Here is some information on your choice.

1.5L 92hp
You will be getting the last year of the first model design.
37mpg highway
less than 2100lbs!!!! I love light cars
94" wheelbase
155/80 or 175/70 13" wheels

http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/spec_E...t&trimid=-1

 

[Warlord]

Ended up not getting either car. Corolla was rusting out and had way more kms than the add initially said. The Hyundai was in much better shape but the fellow selling it had to leave town for an emergency and I couldn't stick around till he got back. I think I'm just going to wait for a 3 cyl 5-spd metro/firefly like I've always wanted.

I think as long as there isn't a giant snowstorm the little car should do fine up here. I'll probably put an oil pan heater on it and maybe a battery warmer as well. I have to drive 3 hours on the highway just to go to the nearest coffee shop and my avalanche is killing me on gas.