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When shopping for a new or used vehicle, one expense is often overlooked: maintenance. Maintenance costs can vary wildly from one model to another. Some things that can contribute to maintenance costs include rising labor rates, parts availability, and vehicle components’ complexity. That brings us to Hyundai’s reliability.

Hyundai is one of the more affordable vehicles on the market. However, when calculating affordability, it is also important to include yearly maintenance costs. Let’s look at four Hyundai models with annual maintenance costs under $400 per year.

1. The Hyundai Elantra GT

According to RepairPal, the Hyundai Elantra GT costs around $397 per year to maintain. With a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5, Hyundai is ranked fourth among the automobile brands out of 32. This evaluation is based on the average of 345 different models.

One of the most common problems related to the Elantra GT is that no sound comes from the speakers. The optional navigation system in the Hyundai Elantra GT could unexpectedly stop playing music through all speakers. This includes audio from CD players, radios, satellite radio, navigation systems, and phone calls.

However, this software error can be fixed with a “hard reset,” so no parts need to be replaced.

2. The Hyundai Excel

The Hyundai Excel has a maintenance cost of $363 annually, according to RepairPal. It has five common associated problems, including issues with a faulty ECM ground, stalling when shifting the automatic transmission to reverse, manual transmission shifting difficulty, engine slow to warm up, and coolant leaking from the right side of the dash. 

The website reports three recalls on models that were manufactured in the 1990s. No longer available as a new model, the Excel was discontinued in 2000 and replaced with the Accent.

3. The Hyundai Scoupe

A side profile shot of a red 1994 Hyundai Scoupe model parked near foggy mountains
1994 Hyundai Scoupe | Hyundai Motor America

The Hyundai Scoupe was sold in the U.S. from 1991 to 1995. This sporty model was later replaced by the Tiburon and has a yearly maintenance cost of $283, according to RepairPal. The most commonly reported problems were the automatic transmission slipping or loss of fourth gear, water leaking into the trunk, and a hard start due to an in-tank fuel line.

The Scoupe was Hyundai’s first attempt at a sporty model in their lineup. What made the Scoupe sporty was the addition of a 115-hp turbo option, which was introduced for the 1992 model year.

4. The Hyundai XG350

The Hyundai XG350 was manufactured from 2002 to 2005. RepairPal reports that this model has an estimated yearly maintenance cost of $395. Some of the most commonly reported issues include a rough idle due to a faulty EGR switching valve, confirming the latest software for the transmission control module and correct fluid for proper shift quality, a PCM software update to correct faulty oxygen sensor code, inactive-merged-rough idle due to faulty EGR switching valve, and alternator problems.

The XG350 was considered a luxury vehicle from Hyundai when it was made. However, Hyundai now has a luxury division called Genesis that is also offering one of Hyundai’s newest and most popular EVs, the GV60.

Maintenance is essential to the health and longevity of your vehicle. Some of the cars on this list are no longer manufactured, so this estimate can be more or less depending on how the previous owner treated the vehicle. Additionally, when shopping for a car, it is important to consider all the costs of owning the vehicle, including the yearly maintenance. Consistent maintenance will lead to years of use for your car.

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