XG350, Good car for the $ ?

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angelsbridge

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Looked at more pricey cars, nissan-honda-even chrysler.. The xg350 seems like a lot of features for the price. Has it been a reliable car?? I see it's got a long warranty. Thanks, Y.D.
 
I think it's the least reliable of the Hyundai U.S. line. I don't think it's any worse than any of the American products, however, in terms of reliability. Be sure you test drive it. Some people don't like the electronic throttle. I personally don't like the floating ride or uneasy handling, but that could be what you're looking for. I wouldn't rule it out, just make sure you'll be getting what you want.
 
hyundaitech said:
I think it's the least reliable of the Hyundai U.S. line. I don't think it's any worse than any of the American products, however, in terms of reliability. Be sure you test drive it. Some people don't like the electronic throttle. I personally don't like the floating ride or uneasy handling, but that could be what you're looking for. I wouldn't rule it out, just make sure you'll be getting what you want.
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Hyundaitech-
Having undertaken extensive research on the XG350L for my next car purchase, and eventually purchasing a 2004 model this past July- took great note of your comments. A few queries and observations in return:

1) Your statement "least reliable" was quite striking and sweeping (whole model line..?). However, you did qualify that with a "think" modifier. Would definitely appreciate some specifics and FACTS, pertinent to the 2003-2004 years.

2) Reviewed all customary XG350L sources (Edmunds, Carpoint, etc.), Hyundai-specific forums (including this newsgroup), and direct Hyundai resources (TSB, alerts, etc):
a) NO data or facts, even from Hyundai itself, indicate ANY reliability issues great than any other Hyundai model. Frankly, the XG350L shows the least. Why the discrepancy between your "thoughts" and actual available data??

3) Specifically regarding the electronic throttle, I'll agree there IS a difference. But does difference = reliability; how so??

4) Appreciate your "opinion" on the ride/handling; but again, is this a relability factor?? Think not. Moreover, many reviews for the XG350L explicitly note its ride handling aspects as NOT being a "sport-tuned" experience. Neither is it an overt wallowing whale or disaster. As you state it IS a matter of opinion/preference.. Is the XG350L ride/handling aspect a reliability issue? Is it the worst of the whole Hyundai model line?

Would appreciate any specific factual responses for my enlightenment.. Regards, Robert G. Ragosta
 
Would appreciate any specific factual responses for my enlightenment..
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For those that review Consumer Reports, here is what they had to say:

f you want to reminisce about a brand-new Buick from the 1960's, this is it. Hyundai's flagship, the XG350, has a torquey 3.5-liter V6 engine. The interior is roomy and fairly quiet, and features amenities such as automatic climate control and heated, powered leather seats. Handling is ungainly, with pronounced body roll and slow steering. The ride, while comfortable and isolated, can get floaty on undulations, especially at higher speeds.

Although invitingly priced for its size and content, the XG350 faces a raft of more established and more competent high-end V6-powered family sedans.

Reliability has been average and depreciation is much worse than average (poor rating).

-
 
Curtis said:
<snip>
For those that review Consumer Reports, here is what they had to say:

f you want to reminisce about a brand-new Buick from the 1960's, this is it. Hyundai's flagship, the XG350, has a torquey 3.5-liter V6 engine. The interior is roomy and fairly quiet, and features amenities such as automatic climate control and heated, powered leather seats. Handling is ungainly, with pronounced body roll and slow steering. The ride, while comfortable and isolated, can get floaty on undulations, especially at higher speeds.

Although invitingly priced for its size and content, the XG350 faces a raft of more established and more competent high-end V6-powered family sedans.

Reliability has been average and depreciation is much worse than average (poor rating).
Click to expand...

Curtis-
Appreciate the CR quote. However, I view CR as the LEAST accurate/consistent of any of the major sources of auto assessment. Regardless, the perception of ride/handling in a clearly stated NON-sport vehicle is just that perception and preference- since, I could quote (at minimum) 5 other "professional" reviews which praise the XG350L's smooth and comfortable ride/handling. One thing mutually agreed to- this is NOT a sport vehicle; although it never asserted it was...

Additionally, am still looking and waiting for FACTS and SPECIFICS which will confirm/validate the comment that- the 2004 XG350L is the "least reliable of the Hyundai U.S. line".

Regards,
Robert G. Ragosta
 
Ditto on being happy with my '02. There have been some little nagging annoyances (search Google for some of my posts), but in all in all, I have no regrets.
-B
 
I don't have any specific data to present, nor did I intend my post to suggest I did. My statements are based purely on my personal experience and observations servicing Hyundais. Take that for what it is, possibly even my own personal prejudice.

The only point I can address specifically is the electronic throttle issue, for which I've replaced several throttle bodies due to binding throttle motors and several accelerator position sensors. Throttle bodies on models without electronic throttle tended to be replaced only for coolant leakage issues where the throttle body couldn't be repaired. I think in 11 years I've replaced exactly one throttle cable, and that was because it was physically damaged. So yes, I can see a correlation between electronic throttle and reliability. I also believe it's not a cause and effect matter. The parts in question can be better constructed to not lead as easily to the problems that are occurring. Once again, my
02.

As always, free advice is only worth what it costs.
 
hyundaitech said:
I don't have any specific data to present, nor did I intend my post to suggest I did. My statements are based purely on my personal experience and observations servicing Hyundais. Take that for what it is, possibly even my own personal prejudice.

The only point I can address specifically is the electronic throttle issue, for which I've replaced several throttle bodies due to binding throttle motors and several accelerator position sensors. Throttle bodies on models without electronic throttle tended to be replaced only for coolant leakage issues where the throttle body couldn't be repaired. I think in 11 years I've replaced exactly one throttle cable, and that was because it was physically damaged. So yes, I can see a correlation between electronic throttle and reliability. I also believe it's not a cause and effect matter. The parts in question can be better constructed to not lead as easily to the problems that are occurring. Once again, my
02.

As always, free advice is only worth what it costs.
Click to expand...

Hyundaitech-
Really appreciate your reply and personal experience specifics. Overall, as I expected- a GREAT balanced and measured response- my compliments..

Regards,
Robert G. Ragosta
 
Not specifically an XG350 owner since I bought an XG300 new in November
2000. But I have had overall a good experience with the car. It is not a sports car as the lawsuit made clear but it is a nice car for the money. The electronic throttle body needs to be replaced because periodically the check engine light comes on but since its not covered under the warranty (falls under emisions apparantly) I have declined to have it repaired. If you wait a day the light will go back out. (no big to me) And this has not affected the overall ride. I have 90K miles on the car now and will drive it until it completely falls apart which hopefully be 3-4 more years.

The overall fit and finish has held up I think better than American made sedans but maybe a bit behind the Toyota's of the world. If I knew what I know now, I probably would not have bought it but only because I think I would have bought a truck instead.

Good luck
David
 
I've posted here many times, but I'll give you my opinion. I purchased a brand new XG350L with 8 miles on it. Got a very good deal (at least I think so). I paid $20,000 out the door (sticker was $26,818).

I put 32,000 miles on it before I traded it in about 2 months ago (so maybe you're going to buy my old 02??). Anyway, I really liked the car. The fit and finish is far superior to any American make (I'm comparing mainly to Ford). The only problems I had were the following (and I'm sure Hyundaitech will say they are know problems, but if you can't get Hyundai to fix them that's another issue).

1. Car would surge while lightly accelerating (like from a stop) about 2% of the time. Do a search on Google for XG350 and lunge and you will find many past posts.
2. AM radio sucks (on all the Hyundai's, not just the XG350).
3. The climate control was not very accurate.

All of the above problems the car had when it was brand new, so they were not bad enough to be a deal breaker. I really did love the car but would have to give it a 7 on a scale from 1 to 10 because of the above issues. A similar car like a Lexus would cost easily $40K, but MAY not have those problems. It handled well, got great gas mileage (21 MPG avg) and is a very safe heavy car.

My main reason for trading it was I really missed my SUV so I bought a 04 Toyota 4runner. By the way, the climate control is a perfect 10 in the 04 4runner along with the stock am/fm/cassette/cd radio.

Why didn't I buy a Hyundai Santa Fe?? Well my wife has a 02 so I get to drive it a lot and found it a little too small for my needs. The Kia Sorrento is the perfect size, but without the Hyundai logo I just don't trust it (even though it has the same engine as my XG350L, and shares many parts with the Santa Fe).

By the way, I did have a very hard time trading it a Toyota dealerships. Many refused to take for $100 (my starting offer) saying they just don't want a Hyundai on the lot. Now my XG350 was MINT! No dings, dent's or scratches.
 
On Tue, 10 Aug 2004 02:04:43 -0400, wrote:

I have a 2002 XG350L with 23,000 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. One of the CV joints failed three days later. Took two months to get the original driveshafts in and two more months for the replacement. It was just replaced three days ago and I am holding my breath. 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. Hyundai design 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. The doors do not open, if locked, just by pulling the door handle. The cheaper Elantra opens the locked doors just by pulling on the door handle. Why do they not include this on the XG?

Hope you have better luck!
 

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