Opinions on 2000 Grandeur

Hi All,

I am considering purchasing a 2000 Hyundai Grandeur. The car I am looking
at isn't the fully loaded option (i.e. no leather seats). It has 57,000 km
on the clock. I'd be interested to hear from owners who have an opinion on
this model. I'd be interested to know what problems you have experienced
with this car. I currently have a 3.0L Mitsubishi that I am considering
trading for the Grandeur.

I'd be expecting to travel about 500km a week in the car, so it is essential
that it is reliable.

Many thanks in advance.

 

For people that don't know the Hyundai Grandeur is the US model Hyundai
XG350.

Thomas wrote:
Hi All,

 

I've seen several expensive problems with the electronic throttle and
variable intake on 2001 and up XG's, usually with 60k miles (95k km) or
so. If this car doesn't have those features, it may be more reliable. I
also know of several issues with the automatic 5-speed transmissions on
the early XG's. Once again, I don't know if this vehicle has the 5-speed
tranny. My impression so far of the XG is that it's the electronically
controlled bells and whistles that have the issues.

 

Absolutely the worst automobile I have ever owned. I have a 2002
XG350L with 22,000 miles and it has been into the dealer for a
multitude of problems, some many, many times.

1 When cold the engine bogs under mild acceleration - pressing
the accelerator pedal slightly has no resulting increase in
speed/power - pressing just slightly further results in car shooting
forward. Never fixed. You will HATE this drive-by-wire throttle.
2 Also has very poor throttle control when warm. Accelerator
pedal movement does not always sync with engine output. Pressing the
gas does not always result in corresponding acceleration, especially
in turns. Pressing slightly further causes too much acceleration.
Never fixed - the electronic drive-by-wire throttle SUCKS!
3 Had to replace power seat track drivers side during which
dealer damaged the interior.
4 Rough idle often. Both when cold and when warmed up.
5 Shudder/vibration felt through car upon mild acceleration.
Finally, after two years this was repaired after I found a TSB issued
this year - they replaced both front drive axles. That is good but now
one of the CV joints has failed (three days later) so it needs to be
replaced yet AGAIN.
6 Shifts from gear to gear are abrupt, especially when the car
is running hot in stop and go traffic. They have replaced the
transmission FOUR TIMES.
7 Delay before shifting into reverse after a drive, one to two
seconds before shifting, does not drop immediately into reverse after
selecting it. They say this is normal for this transmission.
8 Left turn signal occasionally sticks when using it to change
lanes.
9 Loud noise (LIKE AN ALTERNATOR WHINE) coming from left front
speaker when radio is on during a hard rain.
10 Wiper's chattering across windshield . They replaced wipers as
they were warped.
11 Bad skunk-like odor comes from air conditioning when turned
on. Takes a long time to moderate. They sprayed Frigi-Fresh into AC
inlet.
12 Automatic climate control fan speeds have a mind of their own
- change constantly. During the winter the "fan delay until engine
provides heat" function does not work after car has been sitting
during the day. The fan comes on immediately and blasts cold air. When
the car is started cold in the morning the heat is delayed and does
not come on even when the car shows it is fully warmed up.
13 Front suspension has a persistent knock/clunk when traveling
over mild pavement dips. Finally fixed after finding a TSB about sway
bar bushings - they replaced front sway bar and mounts/bushings.
14 Windshield wiper one-wipe button causes wipers to stop halfway
up glass. This happens on Sonatas also. Hyuindai defect.
15 Front left speaker buzzes when radio is playing. Never fixed
16 Front left glass misaligned. Never fixed.
17 Front brakes have rotor runout - severe brake pulsation and
vibration when stopping, especially from speed. They cut the rotors to
fix.
20 The already-replaced left sun visor is now splitting at the
seam. This has been replaced THREE TIMES.
21 Mirror trim pieces on both sides have paint flaking off. These
have been replaced THREE TIMES plus they messed up the weather
stripping so now I have wind noise.

More notes:

Autochromatic mirror does not have a manual override (needed for
daytime glare).
Accelerator pedal drive-by-wire horrible.
Automatic dipping mirrors do not completely return to their home
position if engine is shut off while they are moving.
Vanity mirrors do not light if engine is not running.
Vanity mirrors only have one bulb and it is of too low wattage.
Trip computer cannot display average MPG. If it knows gallons left in
tank (which it does) and can compute the distance to empty (which it
does) why is average MPG not provided in display?
Rear seat ventilation needs its own fan with speed control - output is
poor.
Car feels heavy and ponderous - steering is heavy and slow.
Lot of wind noise through sunroof and windows when open.
Steering is dead - cannot trust the car is going where you steer.
Not enough directional control for A/C vents. They need more
adjustment range so they do not blow air onto passenger or driver.
Displays wash out in sunlight including the dashboard.
Parking brake needs to be of more modern style - a pull-handle - not a
foot pedal.
Transmission shifts poorly one moment and correctly the next - no
consistency.
Slippery steering wheel - the fake wood may look pretty but it is too
slippery.


Do not buy this car, especially if it is used. Look at the Accord and
Camry first. They are worth the extra money.