Is hyundai quality good yet?

[z1ggy]

This is maybe a dumb question, but I wanted to get the garage's opinion. I found a pretty good deal on a Hyundai Gen Coupe 3.8 Track in my area. However, the name Hyundai just rings "crap quality" in my ear. I know though, they have made great strides recently, so I am trying to not judge. I test drove a used 2013 today and I was pretty impressed. Overall I think it's a great looking and driving car. I'll need snow tires because it does snow up here.. so that is an added cost.

This is the car that I am keen on. Not totally sure I dig the silver paint...I really want white, but silver is less flashy so maybe I won't get pulled over as much

Anyway, my question is about the quality of Hyundai. Will this car be reliable over the next 6-7 years? I currently have a subaru and the thing has been solid. It's got 80k on it and I need to change my spark plugs and sometime next year I would probably be changing my water pump and timing belt. I figured I could get a good deal right now as dealers are basically trying to give away 2013s.

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detai...f1Dir=DESC&prMx=35000&aff=national&listType=1

 

[phucheneh]

Reliable, yes. A Genesis maybe a little less so than an Elantra or something, merely based on the philosophy of more stuff/greater complexity = more things break. But I haven't heard about any major trouble spots on the Genesis.

'Quality'...opinions will vary. The biggest thing I notice with Hyundais is that while they hold together in the sense of 'it keeps starting and driving'...things do kind of...'loosen.' Become a little less composed, I guess. An Accord or Civic with 150k still behaves much the same as it always has, whereas I tend to notice more symptoms of 'old car' with Hyundais. The suspensions have settled, the shocks/struts might as well not be there (good lord, Elantras start to float like Cadillacs).

It's harder to evaluate the newer cars, which do have a lot more apparent quality to them. Obviously the examples I see with 100-200k are a little older...probably 2000-2005 or so. Seen a lot of the newer Sonatas into the high double digits or low 100's, and they seem to do pretty well. They still don't seem to maintain the solid driving characteristics that Hondas do. Or Toyotas...but it's less noticeable with them, since they start out kinda 'meh' anyway.

I have noticed some little things that impress me. One that comes to mind is something I hadn't really taken note of until I was taking apart a dash/console on a Sonata month or two ago...and this might seem like a weird example...but all the connectors had solid locking devices and gold-plated terminals. It's just one of those little things that gives me good vibes. ...why do I still find bare terminals and some friction-based connections inside of high end German cars, but not in a 20k Korean car?

 

[child of wonder]

As someone who bought a brand new 2013 Sonata Turbo Limited last year in May then a 2011 Ford Explorer Limited just 3 months ago, I was blown away at how superior the build quality of the Ford was over the Hyundai.

After 17 months of ownership I already have an unidentified rattle in the dash that annoys me and the window controls rattle quite badly when listening to music with even moderate bass. The "service advisor" at the dealer initially told me "if you wanted better sound dampening you should have purchased the Equus or Azera." After complaining to the manager, they finally agreed to replace the window controls on the driver's side door that improved the rattle but didn't eliminate it. I'd guess it's only a matter of time before it worsens again.

This is probably my last Hyundai car because while they're much improved over the shitty Hyundai's I remember, they're still a "value" brand.

 

[z1ggy]

As someone who bought a brand new 2013 Sonata Turbo Limited last year in May then a 2011 Ford Explorer Limited just 3 months ago, I was blown away at how superior the build quality of the Ford was over the Hyundai.

After 17 months of ownership I already have an unidentified rattle in the dash that annoys me and the window controls rattle quite badly when listening to music with even moderate base. The "service advisor" at the dealer initially told me "if you wanted better sound dampening you should have purchased the Equus or Azera." After complaining to the manager, they finally agreed to replace the window controls on the driver's side door that improved the rattle but didn't eliminate it. I'd guess it's only a matter of time before it worsens again.

This is probably my last Hyundai car because while they're much improved over the shitty Hyundai's I remember, they're still a "value" brand.

Thanks for your input.

I feel like I have heard bad things about EVERY car company (much less with honda and toyato I suppose). I think it's due to how most people only want to complain if they have had stuff go wrong. For every one time something goes wrong with a car..How many times does nothing bad happen? Tough to say. I guess I will have to keep researching.

 

[zoiks]

I rented a Sonata not long ago. It's okay and nothing to rave about. I recently also rented an Altima. While I hated the Altima's handling, it's quality seemed to be okay and somewhat better than the Sonata.
Hyundai's coming but IMO it's still not on par with the some of it's Japanese counterparts.

 

[dguy6789]

Friend has a 2007 Sonata and all kinds of random things on it are coming loose

 

[Jimzz]

The Genesis was one of the cars I was cross shopping with a G37 and CTS. Got a good deal on a CTS but would have jumped at the Genesis if one popped up.

So yea Hyundai is a very well made car IMO.

 

[Meghan54]

While Hyundai may not be up to the fit and finish levels of Toyota, Nissan or even Ford or GM, their basic reliability, i.e. engine and transmission, seems to be every bit as good as everyone else now. They've steadily been improving ever since they moved away from the crap drivetrains they licensed from Mitsu to their own designs.

 

[xapo99]

Not agreeing with any of the stuff posted in this thread, I've been running Mercs and BMW's for 15 years all recent models and my partner has had Hyundai and Kia cars for the past 6 years, six models altogether as she changes car ever year at work, lease.

Kia Ceed, Hyundai Tucson, Hyundai Coupe, Kia Sportage (2 of). All make the Merc look poor build wise, maybe not the BM's, but all the Korean stuff has been totally reliable, and each car does 20k miles a year. In contrast, my cars have spend a total of a month off the road, at least.

Kia's in the UK have 7 year warranties, Hyundai's 5.

Toyota build is shoddy compared to Hyundai as of the past few years, the Euro Auris (Corolla) is porrer build than the Ceed or Hyundai equivalent (same card, different body panels).

 

[ThatsABigOne]

My ex has/had a 2007 Tucson V6. It was a very practical car and it was reliable for her. Fortunately enough, she took a great care of her car so no creaks popped up after 80k miles.

In my limited experience of driving the crossovers, I did not like the car. It definitely did not feel like a 27k USD car. The engine was gutless(the throttle tip in was very aggressive to fool the owners that the car is powerful), the handling was very vague, there was some chassis vibration when going over the rough patches, and goddamn, it was a noisy vehicle.

 

[ThatsABigOne]

Toyota build is shoddy compared to Hyundai as of the past few years, the Euro Auris (Corolla) is porrer build than the Ceed or Hyundai equivalent (same card, different body panels).

Nice, you compare the worst example against the Koreans. We all know that pre-2014 corollas had horrible interiors. When you go level up, it is a wash between Toyota, Toyota wins some, Hyundai/Kia others.

It all depends on what the owner wants. Some want performance, sacrificing interior quality or practicality, while others pay a little more attention at how the interior is, since it is where you spend all your time when driving the car.

 

[soccerballtux]

The engine was gutless(the throttle tip in was very aggressive to fool the owners that the car is powerful)

interesting observation

 

[PeeluckyDuckee]

All else being equal, if the equivalent Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Ford offerings were ~15% higher in price I would pay the premium.

 

[Fritzo]

Both Hyundai and Kia are really decent now. It's amazing how much they've improved over the last 10 years.

 

[rh71]

We bought a 2013 Sonata and it's a good car. We have heard they are much better now and took a chance. But if you look at data, the company as a whole may still be below par. Their warranty makes up for a lot of it, and so does their value.

http://autos.jdpower.com/ratings/dependability-press-release.htm (mid page)

But also note the top ranked mid-size is the Sonata.

 

[HitAnyKey]

Genesis is decent, I liked that 3.8 they stuffed into the coupe - but wish they would offer that V8 from the sedan. One thing I didn't like was their manual gearbox.

Their cars have really improved over the years as I know people who have switched from Honda to Hyundai. If you like the car and it fits your budget I wouldn't worry too much. The days of the Pony and Stellar are long gone

 

[Fritzo]

Genesis is decent, I liked that 3.8 they stuffed into the coupe - but wish they would offer that V8 from the sedan. One thing I didn't like was their manual gearbox.

Their cars have really improved over the years as I know people who have switched from Honda to Hyundai. If you like the car and it fits your budget I wouldn't worry too much. The days of the Pony and Stellar are long gone

Yeah, Hyundai's transmissions have a ways to go. Their manuals tend to be very notchy. When I was playing with a Gen R Spec at the track last year, I kept hitting 5th when going for 3rd. I also never stall a car...it's just something I don't do, and I stalled that thing twice.

The interior was very nice though- well stitched leather and impressive dash with solid plastics, and the seats were very supportive and snug. Reminded me of a 380z.

I liked the aggressive lines on the body as well. Sporty without looking like it's trying too hard.

 

[z1ggy]

Yeah, Hyundai's transmissions have a ways to go. Their manuals tend to be very notchy. When I was playing with a Gen R Spec at the track last year, I kept hitting 5th when going for 3rd. I also never stall a car...it's just something I don't do, and I stalled that thing twice.

The interior was very nice though- well stitched leather and impressive dash with solid plastics, and the seats were very supportive and snug. Reminded me of a 380z.

I liked the aggressive lines on the body as well. Sporty without looking like it's trying too hard.

I really appreciate everybody's input.

And btw I heard this, too. That's why I am going for the auto trans. Yes this is a sporty car and maybe it's blasphemy to not get stick, but auto better fits my needs. I will be spending a decent amount of time (in my eyes) stuck in highway traffic going to NYC over the coming months/years. My current car is a nightmare with the manual transmission during stop and start traffic for sometimes 45mins to an hour at a time.

Overall I really like the gene coupe. I felt it was on par interior-wise with the G37 I drove, and it sounded good, too.

Reviews about quality and reliability are a mixed bag...But my mother has a 2005 sante fe and it never had problems really.

 

[phreaqe]

I have a 2010 Santa Fe and had a 2003 Santa Fe before that. I like them alot and they have both been very reliable for me. No extra maintenance outside of normal oil changes and stuff.

 

[xapo99]

Nice, you compare the worst example against the Koreans. We all know that pre-2014 corollas had horrible interiors. When you go level up, it is a wash between Toyota, Toyota wins some, Hyundai/Kia others.

It all depends on what the owner wants. Some want performance, sacrificing interior quality or practicality, while others pay a little more attention at how the interior is, since it is where you spend all your time when driving the car.

Today we had a Yaris courtesy car, a 2013 mode, when we took it back as the Sportage was waiting to have tyres in the morning (were not delivered after the service) they gave us a Hyundai i30. The i30 was easily the better made of the two cars. I'm not sure you get these cars in the States, but some of the Toyotas are made in the UK, maybe that's the issue, the workforce over here have a really bad mentality, even the ones working for Japanese firms.

 

[xapo99]

I have a 2010 Santa Fe and had a 2003 Santa Fe before that. I like them alot and they have both been very reliable for me. No extra maintenance outside of normal oil changes and stuff.

My father in law has one of the first Santa Fe's and it has done 300,000 miles with the largest thing go wrong, a headlight and one catalyst.

 

[gorb]

2006 Sonata GL with less than 67,000 miles:

 

[jaedaliu]

That'll buff right out.

 

[Eureka]

I really appreciate everybody's input.

And btw I heard this, too. That's why I am going for the auto trans. Yes this is a sporty car and maybe it's blasphemy to not get stick, but auto better fits my needs. I will be spending a decent amount of time (in my eyes) stuck in highway traffic going to NYC over the coming months/years. My current car is a nightmare with the manual transmission during stop and start traffic for sometimes 45mins to an hour at a time.

Overall I really like the gene coupe. I felt it was on par interior-wise with the G37 I drove, and it sounded good, too.

Reviews about quality and reliability are a mixed bag...But my mother has a 2005 sante fe and it never had problems really.

I have a first gen (pre-refresh) genesis coupe, and at least from what I've heard, the auto transmission isn't that great either. The manual is fine, you'll get used to it, even though it is a bit notchy.

That being said, after owning the genesis, I think I'll skip it if I had to do it again. While it doesn't do anything wrong, it doesn't do anything great, either.

After owning it for 3 years, and comparing it to many other cars in the interim, I would say, good, but not great. It pulls well, but not the hardest. It handles well, but still feels boaty compared to other cars. The quality is OK, but fit and finish still leaves a bit to be desired. Doesn't feel luxurious, but doesn't feel super aggressive either.

If you're OK with that, then it's a fine car to have. Cheap, reliable, fun. In terms of reliability, 3.5 years, 36k miles, very abusive driving (I drive it in the city), the only problems I've had was a MAF sensor go bad, and I needed an alignment.

As my $.02, I'd still take a manual over an automatic in heavy traffic. It's easier to pop a manual into neutral and let your legs rest, as opposed to autos which are built to keep you in gear (and thus your foot on the brakes).

 

[z1ggy]

I have a first gen (pre-refresh) genesis coupe, and at least from what I've heard, the auto transmission isn't that great either. The manual is fine, you'll get used to it, even though it is a bit notchy.

That being said, after owning the genesis, I think I'll skip it if I had to do it again. While it doesn't do anything wrong, it doesn't do anything great, either.

After owning it for 3 years, and comparing it to many other cars in the interim, I would say, good, but not great. It pulls well, but not the hardest. It handles well, but still feels boaty compared to other cars. The quality is OK, but fit and finish still leaves a bit to be desired. Doesn't feel luxurious, but doesn't feel super aggressive either.

If you're OK with that, then it's a fine car to have. Cheap, reliable, fun. In terms of reliability, 3.5 years, 36k miles, very abusive driving (I drive it in the city), the only problems I've had was a MAF sensor go bad, and I needed an alignment.

As my $.02, I'd still take a manual over an automatic in heavy traffic. It's easier to pop a manual into neutral and let your legs rest, as opposed to autos which are built to keep you in gear (and thus your foot on the brakes).

Thanks for your input, much appreciated.

I thought though it's not particularly good to pop into neutral and just coast? Even if it is... It drains MPGs for sure. You'd still need to have your foot on the brake in traffic too..Even if you are just sitting there not moving. Then you need to press in your (potentially heavy clutch) and shift into gear...Maybe shift into 2nd.. then go right back into 1st.. Rinse and repeat over and over and over....I just am no longer a fan of it.