By Josh RosenbergWith both extremely high new and used car prices, many carbuyers are looking for "older" vehicles as a way to save some significant dollars. And it turns out that the 2011 Accent has aged well and has proven to be a generally reliable vehicle.
Still, all older used cars require maintenance and repairs, usually more than newer cars, so that has to be factored into a buying decision as well.
Here, we'll cover this older Accent's pros and cons, its general reliability reputation along with specific mechanical issues to have checked out before purchase, plus a feature overview of the vehicle from when it came out in 2011.
But first, and very importantly ...
Things To Do When Considering An "Older" Vehicle
Locate Lower Mileage Vehicles: They are certainly out there to be found with careful and patient shopping. Be willing to drive a distance if you have to.
Vehicle History and Maintenance: Ask for the vehicle history report (CarFax or AutoCheck) as well as documented maintenance and repair records. If not provided by the Dealer or private seller, it's best to move on.
Pre-Purchase Inspection: Have the vehicle independently inspected before making a final decision. This usually will cost in the $150-$200 range but is well worth it given the potentially thousands in savings over the long term.
And My #1 Price Tip: Please, always get online price quotes at auto sites such as CarsDirect.com and Edmunds.com (both, actually), whether looking for a new or used car. Competition among dealers for your business does amazing things to prices, and it's so easy. It really does make a difference.
And quickly, while we're at it, my #2 Tip is to always know the up-to-date trade-in value of your current car. You can get a quick and surprisingly accurate one at Edmund's Trade-In Quotes.
It's free and just takes a couple of minutes. I think what helps its accuracy is the inputs will include either your plate# or VIN# followed by many simple, but specific, yes/no questions. It really focuses in on the detail of the specific vehicle.
2011 Hyundai Accent Pros
Fuel Efficiency: The Hyundai Accent is known for its excellent fuel economy. The 2011 model can achieve impressive gas mileage (see below), making it an economical choice for daily commuting.
Affordable Price: The 2011 Accent was competitively priced when new, and it remains a budget-friendly option on the used car market. This makes it a good choice for cost-conscious buyers.
Compact Size: Its small size makes it easy to maneuver and park in tight spaces, which can be especially advantageous in urban environments.
Decent Cargo Space: The hatchback version offers more cargo space than the sedan, making it a practical choice for those who need extra cargo capacity.
User-Friendly Interior: The interior is straightforward and user-friendly, with controls and features that are easy to navigate and understand.
Car Buying Tips:
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2011 Hyundai Accent Cons
Limited Features: The base model of the 2011 Hyundai Accent may lack some of the advanced features and technology that come standard on more modern vehicles.
Outdated Design: The design and styling of the 2011 Accent may look outdated when compared to newer models, which could be a drawback for those who desire a more contemporary appearance.
Mediocre Performance: The Accent's engine and performance are adequate for daily commuting, but it's not known for its sporty or exhilarating driving experience.
Noise and Comfort: Some owners may find the interior of the Accent to be noisy, with noticeable road and wind noise. The seats and ride quality may not be as comfortable as in some other compact cars.
Limited Safety Features: While the 2011 Accent has standard safety features like airbags and antilock brakes, it may lack some of the more advanced safety technologies that are now common in newer vehicles.
In summary, the 2011 Hyundai Accent offers good fuel efficiency and affordability, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious buyers. However, it may not have all the modern features and safety technologies found in newer vehicles, and it could be seen as outdated in terms of design and performance.
2011 Hyundai Accent Reliability
The 2011 Accent, like other Hyundai models, has several strong reliability characteristics that have contributed to its reputation as a generally dependable and budget-friendly vehicle.
Engine Reliability: The Accent's engine is known for its durability and longevity when properly maintained. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine is a relatively simple and proven design, which contributes to its reliability.
Low Maintenance Costs: The Accent tends to have relatively low maintenance and repair costs. Routine maintenance, such as oil changes and brake servicing, is affordable, making it a cost-effective choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Solid Build Quality: Hyundai has improved its build quality over the years, and the 2011 Accent benefits from better materials and construction compared to earlier models.
Simple Design: The 2011 Accent is a relatively simple and straightforward vehicle in terms of its design and technology. This simplicity can reduce the likelihood of complex, expensive electronic or mechanical failures.
Longevity: Many owners report that their 2011 Accents have served them well for years with minimal issues. It has a track record of being a long-lasting vehicle when cared for properly.
Parts Availability: As a popular model, parts for the 2011 Accent are generally easy to find, which can make repairs and maintenance more convenient and affordable.
Resale Value: While the resale value of the Accent may not be very high, it tends to hold its value reasonably well for an economy car, which is a testament to its reliability.
It's important to note that reliability can vary based on individual maintenance practices and the specific history of each used vehicle. Always ask for a specific vehicle's maintenance and repair records. If not available, it's usually best to move on.
2011 Hyundai Accent Mechanical Problem Watchlist:
The 2011 Hyundai Accent is generally considered a reliable car, but like any vehicle, it can experience some common mechanical issues over time.
Again, keep in mind that the prevalence of these problems may vary from one car to another, and proper maintenance and timely repairs may prevent or mitigate many of these issues.
That said, these are possible mechanical issues to have checked prior to purchase:
Transmission Issues: Some owners have reported problems with the automatic transmission, such as rough shifting or hesitation. Regular transmission fluid changes and maintenance can help prevent these issues.
Suspension Components: The suspension components, including struts, shocks, and bushings, may wear out over time. This can lead to a rough or noisy ride and affect handling.
Engine Timing Belt: The 2011 Accent's engine uses a timing belt, which requires replacement at specific intervals to prevent the risk of engine damage in case of a failure.
Exhaust System Rust: The exhaust system may be prone to rust and corrosion, especially in regions with harsh winters or exposure to road salt. This can lead to exhaust leaks and reduced fuel efficiency.
Electrical Issues: Some owners have reported electrical problems, including issues with the power windows, door locks, and dashboard lighting. These issues can often be resolved with electrical system repairs.
Starter and Alternator Issues: Some owners have reported problems with the starter or alternator, which can lead to difficulty starting the vehicle or issues with the electrical system.
Cooling System Problems: Cooling system issues, such as radiator leaks or thermostat failures, can lead to engine overheating. Regular maintenance and monitoring of the cooling system are important.
CV Joint and Axle Problems: Worn CV joints or damaged axles can cause clicking or popping noises when turning and may require replacement.
Wheel Bearings: Wheel bearings can wear out, leading to a humming or grinding noise while driving. These should be replaced when they become faulty.
More Car Buying Tips:
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2011 Hyundai Accent Overview
The 2011 Hyundai Accent is a solid economy car choice that offers carbuyers seeking basic transportation a lot of bang for the buck. In addition to being one of the least expensive cars on the market, the 2011 Accent provides very good fuel economy, a fairly lively engine when paired with the manual transmission, a comfortable and relatively quiet interior, and a surprisingly good sound system for the segment.
Even so, it's always a good idea to check out the competition in order to help make an informed final buying decision. Worthy rivals at the time would include the Ford Fiesta and the Mazda 2 for their sportier looks and performance. And the Honda Fit offers a lot of cabin versatility and agile handling, while the Nissan Versa boasts a spacious and attractive interior with more upscale feature availability.
Trims, Standard Features And Options:
The 2011 Hyundai Accent is offered as either a two-door hatchback or four-door sedan. The hatchback is available in three trims: GL, GS and SE. The sedan is offered in a single trim, the GLS.
Standard features on the base Accent GL are quite sparse and include a 5-speed manual transmission, a 6-way-adjustable driver seat, 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks, 4-speaker audio pre-wiring (no standard stereo), two front power outlets, a rear window defroster, halogen headlights, a tire pressure monitor, 14-inch steel wheels, variable intermittent windshield wipers and a rear spoiler. There aren't many options for the GL as well, but they do include air conditioning, a radio, Bluetooth and floor mats.
Moving up to the Accent GS adds an automatic transmission, air conditioning, a 6-speaker stereo, satellite radio, USB/auxiliary audio inputs, a rear window wiper/washer, body-colored outside mirrors and door handles, and a tilt-adjustable steering wheel. Optional for the GS is a Premium package which includes full power accessories, keyless entry and an alarm system.
The sportier Accent SE hatchback comes standard with a firmer suspension tuning, 16-inch cast-aluminum wheels, cruise control, foglights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, while the Accent GLS sedan is equipped similarly to the GS hatchback and with the same options.
Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:
Powering the front-wheel-drive 2011 Accent is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 110-horsepower and 106-pound-feet of torque. It's paired with a standard 5-speed manual transmission on all models but the GS, which comes with a 4-speed automatic that's also an option on all models except the base GL.
One of the Accent's strong selling points is its strong fuel economy. The EPA-estimated gas mileage for the Accent with the 4-speed automatic is 27 mpg city and 36 mpg on the highway. Accents with the 5-speed manual have a rating of 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.
Safety:
Standard safety features for all 2011 Hyundai Accents include front-seat side-impact airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. In addition, the SE hatchback comes with standard antilock brakes, which can also be added as an option on GS hatchback and GLS sedan models.
In government crash testing, this Accent received five out of five stars for frontal-impact occupant protection and four stars for front occupant protection, and three for rear passengers in side-impact testing.
Interior:
Intended as an inexpensive compact, the 2011 Accent's cabin is fairly basic and simple. Still, it's attractive enough overall, functional and comfortable. In fact, the standard height-adjustable driver seat is an unexpected plus.
The seating is comfortable and supportive, both front and rear. Legroom is also adequate and the rear quarters are large enough to accomodate average size adults, which isn't true of all compacts. Cargo capacity comes in about average for the segment at almost 16 cubic feet in the hatchback and just over 12 in the sedan.
Drive:
As a compact economy car with a small and fuel-efficient engine as a priority, driving performance will vary depending on the transmission. The 5-speed manual produces a drive that is surprisingly spirited, while the 4-speed automatic gets better highway gas mileage but is less lively. While overall handling is adequate but uninspired, it can be upgraded via the sport-tuned suspension on the SE. However, the softer suspension of the GL, GS and GLS models provides a smoother ride.
Although hard acceleration results in an elevated level of engine noise, under normal conditions the Accent provides one of the quieter rides in this class. Overall, drivers seeking basic and budget-minded transportation with good fuel economy will likely be satisfied with its performance.