Kia Rio And Hyundai Accent

[KFL]

Hi guys, I would like to know your opinion, and specially personal experience, with these two Korean car models. KIA Rio and Hyundai Accent, the four door sedans of around 2000 vintage.

What would be a good price for them ? What is the average fuel consumption ? Are they likely to incur more troubles than Indian cars ?

I understand, and agree, that it is nothing like a Japanese one. However, for the price of about 1mln, aren't they the best available modern looking (non-boxed) sedan models ?

Further, what could happen if they are regularly used on a bad quality road (asphalt, but not regularly repaired)? Is there anyway to identify an Indian version and one that has been imported after the use as a taxi ?

Thanks in advance

Edited July 21, 2011 by KFL

[Crosswind]

Hi guys, I would like to know your opinion, and specially personal experience, with these two Korean car models. KIA Rio and Hyundai Accent, the four door sedans of around 2000 vintage.

What would be a good price for them ?

Between 1 mill and 1.1 mill. Lower the better.

What is the average fuel consumption ?

About 10 km/l for a Rio.

Are they likely to incur more troubles than Indian cars ?

No

I understand, and agree, that it is nothing like a Japanese one.

Bullsh*t

However, for the price of about 1mln, aren't they the best available modern looking (non-boxed) sedan models ?

Yes

Further, what could happen if they are regularly used on a bad quality road (asphalt, but not regularly repaired)?

Same thing that would happen to any car. Suspension, tyres, mounts will start giving trouble.

Is there anyway to identify an Indian version

Korean Accent has Hyundai Motor Company Limited printed on the VIN plate.

Indian Accent has HMIL printed on the VIN plate.

There are no Indian Rios

and one that has been imported after the use as a taxi ?

Difficult to know for sure. Check the first owner's name on the book.

[KFL]

Many thanks Crosswind. Very helpful. Have you used any of them personally ? I suppose the spares availability will not be a problem given that most Hyundais and KIAs are common platform ?

And if you won't mind my asking, I have heard that the Hyundais and KIAs have engines that are engineered totally different to the Japanese ones (pretty much like anti clock wise if the Japanese are clockwise) and that most mechanics/garages will refuse repairing one. Is there any truth to this ?

[Crosswind]

Have you used any of them personally ?

One of my good friends has a Rio and he's also purchased his second Rio since 2007. Have driven both the cars for a fairly long time. Also I have driven a rented Accent.

And if you won't mind my asking, I have heard that the Hyundais and KIAs have engines that are engineered totally different to the Japanese ones (pretty much like anti clock wise if the Japanese are clockwise) and that most mechanics/garages will refuse repairing one. Is there any truth to this ?

Who told that to you? a car broker?

Rio has two versions of engines - MIVEC and MI-Tech. MIVEC engine is a copy of a Mitsubishi engine. MI-Tech is a copy of a Mazda engine.

Accent has a Hyundai Alpha engine, which is also inherited from Mitsubishi engines. It's just a simple 12 valve SOHC engine.

Next time tell the guy who told this story to you to take a look at the engine and when he peeks inside, release the bonnet.

Edited July 21, 2011 by Crosswind

[KFL]

Lol. Thanks. About how much would be the price of used 2005 vintage Rio and Accent ? How would they compare with the pre-2002 versions ? Is the Accent better on fuel ? Many thanks again. Very helpful insight.

[KFL]

Could someone please share with me the correct figures (worth paying) for a Rio of 2003 and an Accent of 2003? How would it compare with the pre-facelift of same models ? Any idea about the later facelift ( post 2005) prices ? Many thanks