Are there constant cosmetic problems with newer Hyundai models?

In April 2006 I bought a 95 Hyundai Accent (2dr) and I have been steadily paying for replacement door handles (inside and out) window tracks and the control panel where the heat/air/radio controls are. We go to the junk yards to obtain these parts and in most cases they are already gone, which tells me that it is a typical, on-going problem with Hyundai.





So my question is: Is this so with the newer models of Hyundai? I love my car but it's a cosmetic nightmare and it's been costing me a slow fortune. I really want a newer Hyundai Accent but I'm not sure it's worth it.

Are there constant cosmetic problems with newer Hyundai models?
Hyundai is a much better brand than it was 12 years ago. Beginningin 2001, they changed their whole business model and strategy in the US.





In 2001, Hyundai started offering their current 5 year, 60K miles bumper to bumper warranties and their 100K powertrain warranties. They also redesigned almost their entire line of cars.





I would say that getting a new Hyundai today would be a good choice. The Elantra is a very good value when compared to other brands in its class. You get so much more on the Elantra than the Accent and it isn't that much more expensive.





Overall, don't consider another Hyundai prior to 2001. Anything after 2001 is worth a look.
Reply:I had a 1997 Accent, and the door handles were a little weak, but I never broke one.





Hyundai's quality has been constantly improving since the late 1990's, to where they've been winning awards now. So whatever was wrong 12 years ago has probably been improved upon or fixed since then. Plus the 1995 was a first-year Accent, and new models often have problems that get corrected in subsequent years.
Reply:Actually they started their improvements in 1997 with a 5 year 50,000 mile warranty. I bought one that year and it's still in the family and still running good with no major repairs.
Reply:I bought a 2007 Accent this year. No problems yet. Yours is 12 years old, but can't these parts be bought new from the dealer. If your bought new, maybe they wouldn't break.
Reply:I myself am looking at purchasing a used late model Hyundai. In all my research, one thing has become clear, since 2002 Hyundai has become know as a reliable car. Even matching or beating Hondas reliability ratings. I even asked my mechanic about them today and without any prompt from me other than to ask if they see many Hyundais, he told me that they have become really reliable cars.





Elantras are very nice, but it is a very popular model and can be difficult to find used. Accents and Sonatas are easier. Depending on what you can afford, try to find something 2002 or later possibly from a private seller. Hyundai 4 door sedan models are running between $9,000-11,000 for an '05 or '06.