13-Dec-09
Kilometers - 355.1
Litres - 33.7
KM/Litre - 10.53
Miles - 220.64
Gallons - 7.41
Miles/Gallon - 29.76
City/Hwy Driving Ratio - 80/20
Notes
This is the first time I have filled up the car since new November 28, 2009. Wow. If this had been the van with this driving I would have filled it at least once half-full twice. I had no idea just how bad the Caravan was using gas.
Driving Impressions
Tight car. I am getting used the the manual transmission. It has been years since I drove manual so I sometimes over-rev a bit or lug on start up. I have to totally change my driving because handling a manual slush box and doing coffee drinking in the city is challenging. Futher I am impressed with the features and am finding some out even after reading most of the owners manual semi-diligently.
For example, if you remotely unlock the car and take too long getting in it the car relocks on its own. I found this out testing the range of the remote. They say 10 metres but it is more like 50 with a new battery. I cannot walk that far before she relocks. Cool.
First snow storm experienced. Overall compentent but would prefer snow tires on the car. Something I will do soon. With winter boots on I have to learn the feel to feather the clutch in slippery areas. I tend to spin the drive wheel a bit too much and need to relearn applying power in a slow linear way.
Climate control good. I would rate it an 8 with my Corolla a 10 for it had the best air circulation and refreshed the cabin very quickly but the neat defrost feature on the Accent where it turns on the air conditioning works like a charm. It is a bit slower to heat up the air on driving but once it does the highest heat setting is HOT. Airflow from all vents very good. Good distribution and flow.
Improvements
None to offer but I have to admit I prefer the cupholders to be in front of me and not below my elbow but will get used to that.
Snags
Minor one if at all one. The Check Engine light came on for about 15 kilometers and then shut off. Has not reappeared.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
The First 100 Kilometers
The first 100 KMs have been interesting. Getting used to the manual transmission and the seating. I have a long trunk and short legs so getting comfortable is easy except for the fact that if I adjust the seat for clutching I feel too close to the wheel and if I set it back for optimal driving position vis-a-vis my arms and upper body I feel I am not depressing the clutch enough in some situations like reverse.
I did actually read the Owners Manual. For an entry level car they have added some basic features that take a bit getting used to. I would almost (almost!) hate to own a more complex car with all the features they offer. As basic transportation the Accent is a great value. It has what one needs...you know, 4 wheels, an engine, something to keep you warm and cool etc.
The only glitch so far is the Check Engine Light did come on for about 10 kilometers and then went off. Not sure why. I did the famouse loosen the gas cap and tighten it and it did not immeadiately go away but she ran smooth and no hiccups so I think this was a technical abberation of no importance.
I did actually read the Owners Manual. For an entry level car they have added some basic features that take a bit getting used to. I would almost (almost!) hate to own a more complex car with all the features they offer. As basic transportation the Accent is a great value. It has what one needs...you know, 4 wheels, an engine, something to keep you warm and cool etc.
The only glitch so far is the Check Engine Light did come on for about 10 kilometers and then went off. Not sure why. I did the famouse loosen the gas cap and tighten it and it did not immeadiately go away but she ran smooth and no hiccups so I think this was a technical abberation of no importance.
Car Purchase
This blog will be a record of the ownership of my 2009 Hyundai Accent 5 speed hatchback. In it I want to record some of my impressions and experiences with this car as my past cars have been important to me. Not just as transportation but also conveyors of memories. I have owned many cars in the past and each one has its its various idiosyncrasies and positive attributes.
So, without further ado...
I was in the hunt for a used car and my main focus was on a used Toyota Matrix. I had owned an 1988 Corolla wagon and had gotten great service from it. My family almost all drive Toyotas so this type of purchase decision was a no brainer to me.
But, on the suggestion of my father, we went over to Cambridge Hyundai to check out some deals on 2008 Hyundai models. All of the featured 2008s were rental models and since I have had some experience with how others treat rental models there was no way I was going to buy one. Not saying that Cambridge Hyundai would not sell or support these cars but there is used and there is used.
Long story short - We saw a Space Silver 2009 Accent Hatchback aggressively priced and went in and talked to Mike. Mike was personable and very friendly and we talked about the options in used cars in comparison to new, especially the Accent. It was evident from our inquiries that the Accent was the best value.
So we took it for a test drive. Up until that time I had road tested 3 Matrixs and one Toyota Yaris and I can tell you that the ride and fit and finish beat the Yaris hands down! The Accent is, by far, the superior car in fit, finish, and ride. The Yaris is a good car but there is something very entry level about it. It felt tinny and vague driving it (automatic) and the interior sort of yelled, "Buy and Corolla/Matrix." It seemed like a deliberate attempt to up sell customers to the Corolla based product.
So, after a 10 kilometer circuit mostly on rough roads we parked her and dickered. I have owned base lever cars and decently equipped mid-level priced cars and I have driven Mercedes, BMWs, Rolls and various other cars so I think after a million plus kilometers I have a feel for mechanical stuff. Plus, I was an aircraft mechanic so technical stuff is kind of in my blood.
There was not much dickering. The price was right, already discounted as the 2010s were being sold and it was the 2nd last 2009 Accent. It had what I wanted:
Finalizing the deal on pick up was easy and Mike was great at showing me the service department and filled the car to the brim with gas for me. To date apparently this is the fastest he has sold a car.
So, in summary, Mike was awesome. He is attentive and low pressure. Ferd, the Sales Manager was more assertive but willing to take my one minor concern into consideration and addressed it to more than my satisfaction. Chop who is the Business Manager was totally focused and moved the after-sales process right along.
So, I have a new car. It looks good, works great, and I hope it gives me as good service as the best car I ever owned before the Accent; the 1988 Corolla Wagon.
So, without further ado...
I was in the hunt for a used car and my main focus was on a used Toyota Matrix. I had owned an 1988 Corolla wagon and had gotten great service from it. My family almost all drive Toyotas so this type of purchase decision was a no brainer to me.
But, on the suggestion of my father, we went over to Cambridge Hyundai to check out some deals on 2008 Hyundai models. All of the featured 2008s were rental models and since I have had some experience with how others treat rental models there was no way I was going to buy one. Not saying that Cambridge Hyundai would not sell or support these cars but there is used and there is used.
Long story short - We saw a Space Silver 2009 Accent Hatchback aggressively priced and went in and talked to Mike. Mike was personable and very friendly and we talked about the options in used cars in comparison to new, especially the Accent. It was evident from our inquiries that the Accent was the best value.
So we took it for a test drive. Up until that time I had road tested 3 Matrixs and one Toyota Yaris and I can tell you that the ride and fit and finish beat the Yaris hands down! The Accent is, by far, the superior car in fit, finish, and ride. The Yaris is a good car but there is something very entry level about it. It felt tinny and vague driving it (automatic) and the interior sort of yelled, "Buy and Corolla/Matrix." It seemed like a deliberate attempt to up sell customers to the Corolla based product.
So, after a 10 kilometer circuit mostly on rough roads we parked her and dickered. I have owned base lever cars and decently equipped mid-level priced cars and I have driven Mercedes, BMWs, Rolls and various other cars so I think after a million plus kilometers I have a feel for mechanical stuff. Plus, I was an aircraft mechanic so technical stuff is kind of in my blood.
There was not much dickering. The price was right, already discounted as the 2010s were being sold and it was the 2nd last 2009 Accent. It had what I wanted:
- A/C
- Manual 5 speed
- Full warranty
- Right price
Finalizing the deal on pick up was easy and Mike was great at showing me the service department and filled the car to the brim with gas for me. To date apparently this is the fastest he has sold a car.
So, in summary, Mike was awesome. He is attentive and low pressure. Ferd, the Sales Manager was more assertive but willing to take my one minor concern into consideration and addressed it to more than my satisfaction. Chop who is the Business Manager was totally focused and moved the after-sales process right along.
So, I have a new car. It looks good, works great, and I hope it gives me as good service as the best car I ever owned before the Accent; the 1988 Corolla Wagon.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)