What are some Misconceptions of Hyndai?

What are some common misconceptions of hyndais?
Are they really bad cars because they cost less then the average car?
Can you mod them to give them more HP?
How much HP can you give them?
How long will a Hyundai last? 5years, 10years, 15years?
How good is the warranty of Hyundai?
How much does maintenance cost? Is it more or less then other cars? Such as Honda or Toyota.


I would to know all of this because I'm looking to buy a car with a low monthly payment. As well as getting a car that will last a long time. I would also like that car to be fun to drive and to be able to mod the car and not have it cost way too much.

What are some common misconceptions of hyundais?
The answer depends on numerous factors. There are many misconceptions. Usually coming from those that haven't driven one or still linger on the problems that the company had with the Excel a few years back. Hyundai has recently produced very good vehicles some of which have been highly praised in both the consumer surveys as well as in Auto magazines. The models are continously getting high marks on JD Power as well as AutoPacific. Considering where the company was 5-10-15 years ago, its an outstanding achievement.

Are they really bad cars because they cost less then the average car?This is subjective. Everyone has different ways at looking at. Overall, the Hyundai models are made to the highest standards. They are cheaper cause of the cost of materials and labor involved. Including the cost of shipping the models over to the US/Europe/Australia and it is still cheaper. Thus this reflects in the price of the vehicle. I've had other vehicles, and my Santa Fe is holding up very nicely. My other car was in the shop left and right.
Can you mod them to give them more HP? Now this is where Hyundai should improve, but it doesn't. Therefore the owner is bounded to get aftermarket parts to increase the horsepower. This in turn is expensive. Is it justifiable to spend over x amount of dollars to increase the vehicles HP when one could have bought another makes model that already has it. Probably not. Best advise would be to test drive the vehicle you want to buy and see if its fine for you. Regardless there are a few mods that can be done on the Tiburon, Elantra but I am sure it would cost a pretty penny to do so. I could be wrong and maybe other members can correct me in this.
How much HP can you give them?This depends on how much one is willing to spend on the upgrade/modification.

How long will a Hyundai last? 5years, 10years, 15years?As long as one takes care of the vehicle in question, give it its regularly scheduled maintenance, the vehicles should last a long time. Whos to say how long they will last, since the recent models have only been out for a few years. Some members are getting to the 5 year mark on their vehicles and are still happy with it.
How good is the warranty of Hyundai?Personally I find the warranty outstanding. So good that others have taking the same route and offer the same length of time. It was a factor in my purchase and I am glad I bought a Hyundai. With my other vehicles I had problems, with this one, hardly anything. True a few things pop up here and there, nothing major, yet the warranty covered it free of charge. I would have spent hundreds if not more with my other vehicle. But to be honest, the one main problem with the warranty is the dealerships. I've heard numerous stories that some dealerships try to skip out of the warranty work. Not all dealerships are like that, but some are. Depending on where one lives at is also a factor in it. Here in NYC I can take my Hyundai to over 7+ dealerships in a 20 mile radius. Just in case my dealership refuses to do any work. (Even though my dealership is very good). But if you live in one of those towns that the next closest Hyundai center is 75-100 miles away, then it can be troublesome. I suggest, going to the dealerships and checking out their service departments and ask questions of the other customers etc.
How much does maintenance cost? Is it more or less then other cars? Such as Honda or Toyota.Depends I guess where one lives. Here in NY it can cost me x amount of dollars for Checkup A at a Hyundai service center, yet in Indiana or Houston it can be less. Most of the items in the schedule can be done on your own except the really big ones like the Tansaxle oil change etc, So long as one keeps the reciepts of the maintenance, Hyundai cannot void your warranty if something were to happen down the line. As for the question itself, comparing the cost against a Toyota or a Honda. I wouldn't know. I do know compared to a Mazda (which I had before) the Hyundai is less cost.
I would to know all of this because I'm looking to buy a car with a low monthly payment. As well as getting a car that will last a long time. I would also like that car to be fun to drive and to be able to mod the car and not have it cost way too much.Now here is a bit confusing. Low monthly payment depends on where you live at. In NY the rates are higher compared to my ex car. Your credit rating is also a factor in getting a lower payment (I am assuming you are referring to actual car payment not insurance payment).
I do believe in all my heart that the Hyundai vehicles will last a long time if properly cared for. Most are fun to drive ex: Tiburon, Elantra, Santa Fe, with or without extra horsepower. To be fair, you will find Toyotas and Honda as well as other makes that have an extensive aftermarket, much more than Hyundai especially for anything other than a Tib. But it all depends on how much you are willing to go and spend.

Sorry for being long in my response, but hey you ask question, we got answers.

I am sure other members will give their input as well. Good luck in your decision. keep us posted on the outcome.

TS out (putting fingers in ice after so much typing)

Thank you very much for your response. :D

its all in how much money you want to spend on your hyundai... with money anything can be done....