Hyundai Excel problems
The Hyundai Excel (Korean: 현대 엑셀), also known as the Hyundai Pony, Hyundai Pony Excel, Hyundai Presto, Mitsubishi Precis, Hyundai X2 and Hyundai XL, is an automobile which was produced by Hyundai Motor Company from 1985 to 1999. It was the first front-wheel drive car produced by the South Korean manufacturer. The Excel range replaced the rear-wheel-drive Hyundai Pony.
Background
The Excel was based on the second generation of the Mitsubishi Mirage, but it received its own sheet metal design by Giorgetto Giugiaro. The Excel was available in three- or five-door hatchback and four-door sedan models. The Excel was the first Hyundai car to be exported to the United States.
The Excel was available with either a manual or automatic transmission mated to a four-cylinder engine aspirated by a carburetor or fuel injection system, depending on market and model year.
Originally, the Excel was supposed to be replaced by the Elantra in 1990, but it ended up being sold for four more years until being replaced by the Hyundai Accent in the model year 1995. From 1990, there was a coupé variant called the Hyundai Scoupe, which was replaced by the Hyundai Coupé in 1996.
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Hyundai Excel model years
Common Hyundai Excel problems
The Hyundai Excel, a subcompact car produced by Hyundai, has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues include worn spark plugs, fuel system problems, and electrical system issues.
Worn spark plugs are a common problem in the Hyundai Excel. Spark plugs are responsible for providing the necessary spark to ignite the fuel in the engine. Over time, they can become worn, leading to poor ignition and engine performance. This can result in a decrease in fuel efficiency, difficulty starting the car, and rough idling. To address this issue, it is recommended to replace the spark plugs regularly as part of routine maintenance.
Fuel system problems are another common issue in the Hyundai Excel. The fuel pump and fuel filter can become clogged, leading to poor performance and potential engine damage. In some cases, the fuel tank itself can rust or corrode, leading to leaks or other issues. To prevent fuel system problems, it is important to regularly replace the fuel filter and inspect the fuel tank for signs of rust or corrosion.
Electrical system issues are also prevalent in the Hyundai Excel. These issues can include problems with the alternator, battery, and starter. These problems can lead to difficulty starting the vehicle, a dead battery, or other electrical problems. To address electrical system issues, it is recommended to replace the faulty component or upgrade the system.
For the 1990-1994 Hyundai Excel models, there are additional common issues to consider. These models were known to have problems with the brake system, engine, and electrical system. Brake issues included spongy or unresponsive brakes, often caused by worn out brake pads, a damaged brake rotor, or a malfunctioning brake caliper. Engine issues included stalling or failure to start, as well as misfiring or rough running. These issues could be caused by a malfunctioning fuel pump, a clogged fuel filter, or a faulty ignition coil. Electrical problems included issues with the dashboard lights not turning on, the radio not working, and the power windows not functioning properly. These issues were often caused by a faulty alternator, a damaged battery, or a malfunctioning power window motor.
To address these issues, regular maintenance and inspections are crucial. Regular brake inspections, oil changes, and fuel system cleanings can help prevent brake and engine issues. Rust and corrosion can be prevented by washing the vehicle regularly and applying protective coatings to the body. Despite these common issues, the Hyundai Excel remains a reliable and affordable vehicle for those on a budget. With proper maintenance and repairs, many Excel owners are able to keep their vehicles running smoothly for years to come.
Are Hyundai Excels reliable?
The Excel is a good little car with few problems. The engine and gearbox are generally solid and reliable.
What happened to the Hyundai Excel?
Model year though because crossovers. The Hyundai scoop was a two-door only sporty variant of the Excel. We started getting them for the 1991.
When did Hyundai stop making the Excel?
The Hyundai Excel (Korean: 현대 엑셀), also known as the Hyundai Pony, Hyundai Pony Excel, Hyundai Presto, Mitsubishi Precis, Hyundai X2 and Hyundai XL, is an automobile which was produced by Hyundai Motor Company from 1985 to 1999.
What replaced the Hyundai Excel?
Hyundai Accent
The Hyundai Accent (X3) was introduced as a replacement for the Excel in 1994 for the 1995 model year.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Hyundai Excel years
We have researched Hyundai problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Hyundai Excel cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Hyundai Excel model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Hyundai Excel model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Hyundai Excel years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Hyundai Excel car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Hyundai Excel , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Visibility problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Hyundai Excel vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Excel model years
A total of 29 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Excel model years
There were a total of 51 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Excel model years
There were a total of 43 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Excel model years
There were a total of 2 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 470 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Hyundai Excel . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Hyundai Excel vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Hyundai Excel 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2011-07-01
- Date Complaint: 2011-07-20
- VIN: KMHVD12J7RU
- Components: SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,TIRES
- Summary: 1994 HYUNDAI EXCEL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO MISINFORMATION CONCERNING VEHICLE BRAKES AND TIRE TREAD DEPTH. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED ONE OF THE TIRES HAD A LEAK, THE SPARK PLUGS, DRIVE BELTS AND WHEEL BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, UNTIL FINALLY THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED. WITHIN A COUPLE OF MONTHS, THE CONSUMER BEGAN HEARING A GRINDING SOUND UPON STOPPING. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DETERMINED THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE WAS WORN DOWN TO THE METAL AND THE WHEEL CYLINDER WAS LEAKING BRAKING FLUID. IN ADDITION TO NEEDING NEW BRAKE SHOES, THE VEHICLE ALSO NEEDED NEW DRUMS AND WHEEL CYLINDERS. *JB
Hyundai Excel 1992
- Date Of Incident: 2009-01-21
- Date Complaint: 2009-01-27
- VIN: KMHVD12J2NU
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: DEFECTIVE LOWER CONTROL ARM..1992 HYUNDAI EXCEL..CORRODES AND RUSTS, ESPECIALLY ON PASSENGER SIDE LEADING TO LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE. *TR
Hyundai Excel 1993
- Date Of Incident: 2008-08-04
- Date Complaint: 2008-08-25
- Fire: 1
- VIN: KMHVD12J5PU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 HYUNDAI EXCEL. WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, AFTER ONLY TRAVELING ONE MILE, THE ENGINE STALLED AND SMOKE AND FLAMES APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND THEN TO HER INSURANCE COMPANY. THE INSURANCE REPRESENTATIVE DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS A FAILED ECU; HOWEVER, THEY WERE NOT WILLING TO COVER ALL THE DAMAGES TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND REMAINS AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 101,000.
Hyundai Excel 1992
- Date Of Incident: 2007-01-02
- Date Complaint: 2007-02-01
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- VIN: KMHVD12J2NU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THERE IS A HUGE SAFETY DEFECT IN THE OLDER HYUNDAI AUTOMOBILE COMPUTERS OR ECU BOXES. THE INTERNAL CAPACITORS (RUBYCON AND NICYCON) FAIL CAUSING ACID TO LEAK OUT ON THE COMPUTER BOARD, LEADING TO COMPLETE COMPUTER FAILURE. THE CAR STALLS OUT WHILE DRIVING UNEXPECTEDLY WITH NO WARNING, LEADING TO A SERIOUS ROAD HAZARD FOR ALL OCCUPANTS OF THIS VEHICLE . THE CAR WILL ALSO IDLE ERRATICALLY, YIELDING NUMEROUS COMPUTER , AND NO START AND STALLING SITUATIONS THAT ARE UNPREDICTABILITY HAVE REPLACED 4 COMPUTERS (ECU'S) IN MY 1992 HYUNDAI EXCEL . THERE ARE SEVERAL INTERNET ARTICLES AND AUTO COMPUTER REBUILD SITES DOCUMENTING THESE DEFECTIVE COMPONENTS IN THE HYUNDAI COMPUTER. I ALSO SENT CLOSE-UP PHOTOS OF THE ECU COMPONENT DEFECTS, AS WELL AS A LETTER FROM THE HYUNDAI SERVICE MANAGER TO HYUNDAI MOTORS, BUT THEY ARE UNCOOPERATIVE. I HAVE TRIED MANY TIMES TO CONTACT HYUNDAI MOTORS AND THEY WOULD NOT OFFER ANY REPLACEMENT OR REBUILD ON THIS DEFECTIVE PART. I FEEL THIS IS A DEFINITE , SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS, ROAD HAZARD THAT SHOULD BE A RECALL IN ALL THESE 1992 HYUNDAI EXCEL AUTOMOBILES. PEOPLE'S LIVES ARE AT STAKE DRIVING WITH THESE DEFECTIVE COMPUTERS IN THEIR CARS. I HOPE YOU CAN HELP~MANY THANKS. *NM
Hyundai Excel 1992
- Date Of Incident: 1997-09-21
- Date Complaint: 2005-09-21
- VIN: KMHVD32J9NU
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: DT: THE TIRES WERE LEAKING AIR. THE CONSUMER THOUGHT IT WAS THE TIRE, BUT FOUND OUT IT WAS THE RIM. THIS HAS HAPPENED ONCE EIGHT YEARS AGO, AND ONCE A YEAR AGO, AND ONCE SIX MONTHS AGO. EACH TIME THE CONSUMER HAD THE RIM REPLACED AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE DEALER SAID THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AFTER THE LAST TIME, AND THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THEY NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE FORTH ONE FAILING. *AK (11/16/05) THE TIRES WERE HEAVILY UNDER INFLATED. *SC
Hyundai Excel 1987
- Date Of Incident: 2005-08-01
- Date Complaint: 2005-08-03
- VIN: KMHLF32J45J
- Components: STEERING,STRUCTURE
- Summary: 1987 HYUNDAI EXCEL HAS A BROKEN MOTOR MOUNT AND BOTH CROSSMEMBERS ARE BENT.*MR THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE VEHICLE WAS POORLY WELDED ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE SUBFRAME. THE COVER SUPPORT BENT. THE RACK AND PINION LEAKED. THE UPPER TIE BAR BENT. *NM
Hyundai Excel 1988
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-30
- Date Complaint: 2005-07-15
- VIN: KMH6F32J8JU
- Components: STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE
- Summary: PROBLEMS WITH BROKEN MOTOR MOUNT, RACK AND PINION LEAKAGE, BENT CROSSMEMBER IN THE SUBFRAME, ETC. (NAR) *PH *CB THE CONSUMER SENT ANOTHER COMPLAINT REFERENCING 10040082,10022196,10011711, & 10003824 ALL OF WHICH WENT UN-ANSWERED. *TC
Hyundai Excel 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2005-01-19
- Date Complaint: 2005-03-30
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CAR BEGAN TO ONLY DO 20 MILES PER HOUR AFTER STOPPING AT TRAFFIC LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. DROVE FIN ON ROAD. THAN BEGAN TO DRIVE SLOWLY AFTER TWO WEEKS. HAD TRANSMISSION FLIUD CHANGE AND DROVE GREAT FOR A WEEK THEN FAILED. I AM VER UPSET BY THIS MOTOR COMPANY FOR HIDING THIS MAJOR DEFECT. MY CAR ONLY HAD 68,485 ORIGINAL MILES!*AK
Hyundai Excel 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2004-10-18
- Date Complaint: 2004-11-04
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: HEARD A LOUD NOISE , LOOKED TO SEE WHAT CAUSED THE SOUND. WHITE SMOKE, FIRESTONE TIRE BLOW OUT. *BF THE TIRE HAD BLOWN. IT LOOKED LIKE THE TIRE WAS CUT COMPLETELY AROUND THE RIM. *SC
Hyundai Excel 1991
- Date Of Incident: 1993-03-11
- Date Complaint: 2004-04-16
- VIN: KMHVF22J7MU
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSFER SHAFT BEARING BROKE, KNOCKING A HOLE IN THE TRANSMISSION CASE, CAUSING FLUIDS TO LEAK FROM TRANSMISSION, CAUSING COMPLETE LOCK UP AND DESTRUCTION OF TRANSMISSION AND CASE. MY CAR WAS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD AND HAD 50,000 MILES ON IT. *AK
Hyundai Excel 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-15
- Date Complaint: 2004-01-15
- Fire: 1
- VIN: KMHVD12J5RU
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FOR INSPECTION I HAD TO REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WHICH DETERIORATED SEVERELY. THE COST WAS 175 DOLLARS. TODAY THE CAR BECAME A FIREBALL ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND EXPLODED! THE FIREMAN STATED THE CAUSE WAS THE FUEL PUMP IN THE REAR OF THE CAR! I WAS ONLY RUNNING THE CAR AND WENT INSIDE TO GET SOMETHING & RETURNED TO A FIREBALL. I TOTALLY LOST CAR IN FIRE!
Hyundai Excel 1988
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2003-09-23
- VIN: KMHLF32J4JU
- Components: STEERING,STRUCTURE
- Summary: RACK AND PINION IS LEAKING, BROKEN MOTOR MOUNT AND UPPER TIE BAR IS BENT.*MR THE VEHICLE WAS POORLY WELDED ON ONE SIDE OF THE SUBFRAME *TS THE CROSS MEMEBER WAS BENT. *JB
Hyundai Excel 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2003-09-22
- VIN: KMHVF14NXSU
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE OFF. DEALER WILL REPLACE CONTROL ARM. CONSUMER FEELS DEALER SHOULD REPLACE THE STRUT AND SPRINGS THAT WERE ATTACHED TO ARM. *AK
Hyundai Excel 1998
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-28
- Date Complaint: 2002-10-28
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES HER FRONT RIGHT TIRE WAS MAKING A NOISE AND WHEN SHE CHECKED SHE NOTICED THAT THE TIRE HAD SEPARATED. THE TIRE SIZE IS A P175R 70 R13. TS
Hyundai Excel 1998
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-08
- Date Complaint: 2002-10-09
- VIN: PLEASE PROV
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE FIRE. PROBLEM WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER SYSTEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. MR
Latest 5 recalls Hyundai Excel
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 24 recalls for different components of the Hyundai Excel.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Hyundai Excel 1988
- Report Received Date: 1994-06-06
- Manufacturer: HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
- Components: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
- Summary: THE HEATER CONTROL VALVE STEM DOES NOT MEET THE MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS. HIGH COOLANT TEMPERATURES CAN CAUSE THE STEM TO LEAK.
- Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN A BURN INJURY TO THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER'S FEET AND LEGS.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE DEFECTIVE VALVE STEMS.
- Model: Hyundai Excel 1989
- Report Received Date: 1994-06-06
- Manufacturer: HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
- Components: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
- Summary: THE HEATER CONTROL VALVE STEM DOES NOT MEET THE MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS. HIGH COOLANT TEMPERATURES CAN CAUSE THE STEM TO LEAK.
- Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN A BURN INJURY TO THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER'S FEET AND LEGS.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE DEFECTIVE VALVE STEMS.
- Model: Hyundai Excel 1994
- Report Received Date: 1994-05-11
- Manufacturer: HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
- Summary: IN SOME VEHICLES, THE MANUFACTURER'S PROTECTIVE INTERNAL COATING OF THE ELECTRONIC CRANK ANGLE SENSOR DOES NOT MEET SPECIFICATIONS, WHICH CAN CAUSE AN OPEN CIRCUIT AT HIGH OPERATING TEMPERATURES. THIS CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO STALL.
- Consequence: ENGINE STALLING HAS THE POTENTIAL TO RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH IF IT OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE SENSOR IS INVOLVED IN THE RECALL, AND REPLACE ANY SENSOR FOUND WITH THE DEFECTIVE INTERNAL COATING.
- Model: Hyundai Excel 1990
- Report Received Date: 1993-11-23
- Manufacturer: HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE VEHICLES FAILED THE LATERAL MOVING BARRIER IMPACT TEST REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THE FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE GAS TANK EXCEEDED THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE AMOUNT OF SPILLAGE.
- Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, THE FUEL SPILLAGE CAN RESULTIN A FIRE IF EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
- Remedy: HYUNDAI HAS DEVELOPED AN APPROPRIATE COUNTERMEASURE THAT WILL COMPLY WITH ALL REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 301.
- Model: Hyundai Excel 1992
- Report Received Date: 1993-11-23
- Manufacturer: HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE VEHICLES FAILED THE LATERAL MOVING BARRIER IMPACT TEST REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THE FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE GAS TANK EXCEEDED THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE AMOUNT OF SPILLAGE.
- Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, THE FUEL SPILLAGE CAN RESULTIN A FIRE IF EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
- Remedy: HYUNDAI HAS DEVELOPED AN APPROPRIATE COUNTERMEASURE THAT WILL COMPLY WITH ALL REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 301.
Latest negative Hyundai Excel car reviews
Latest positive Hyundai Excel car reviews
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Vehicle year: 1994
I'm so glad to hear that you've had excellent service out of this car! It sounds like you've mostly been doing town driving, going to work, church, and back home.
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Vehicle year: 1992
I'm so glad to hear that you've been enjoying your Hyundai Excel for the past 11 years! Despite being a dealer's demo, it has proven to be a reliable and affordable commuter car that has served you well with almost 200,000 miles on it. While it has required a few repairs, it's still cost you about half as much as the Honda/Toyota/Nissan alternatives over the last decade. It's great to have a car that provides such excellent economy transportation. Thank you for sharing your positive experience!
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Vehicle year: 1994
This is a great car! It's very dependable - it starts right up, even in the winter. The small car and manual transmission make it fun to drive, and the gas bill and tire replacements are cheap. It always passes emissions, and the hatchback provides a surprisingly large amount of storage space (which was a necessity for my college days!). If you change the oil every 3K miles, it might go forever!
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Vehicle year: 1993
Your first new car sounds great! It was very reliable in the winter, and you had it for 5 years with 65k miles on it without any issues. Congratulations on upgrading to a Toyota 4runner and saving a lot of gas money!
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Vehicle year: 1991
I got my Excel for $400 from a mechanic who only changed the oil and transmission fluid by replacing the entire trans. I put approximately 2 grand into it and practically rebuilt the engine. Since then, I have never really had a major problem. Now, I can practically out-corner every car on the road...
Are you having problems with your Hyundai Excel?
Adrain Batz 2024-11-20
Vehicle year: 1991
Hey there! While I appreciate your interest, I would recommend looking at other options. This car can be quite uncomfortable to ride in.
Alphonso Gorczany 2024-10-14
Vehicle year: 1990
Hey there! While I appreciate your interest, I would recommend looking at other options. This car can be quite uncomfortable to ride in.
Nelson Koepp 2024-09-07
Vehicle year: 1994
Your car is running well and there are no issues with the engine.
Rosario Kerluke 2024-08-29
Vehicle year: 1993
Hey there! While I appreciate your interest, I would recommend looking at other options. This car can be quite uncomfortable to ride in.
Modesto Murray 2024-08-07
Vehicle year: 1991
I bought this car without knowing what I was getting into. Unfortunately, I had to replace the starter twice, the CV joints multiple times, and fix a major oil leak. I also had no heat, so I replaced the thermostat. When it was negative 10 outside, my car would overheat. The manual windows and door locks also had some issues, and the power sunroof once got stuck open. I thought I was buying a good car for a kid still in school, but with all the money I spent on repairs, I might as well have taken out a loan for a newer car.