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How to Choose the Right Used Hyundai for Sale

By Auto Auction Mall Team Updated: 01/31/2023 Posted: 12/11/2018

Choosing the perfect used car is no easy task and you will find that while there are many options available, not all options will meet your needs. Whether you are finally ready to jump out of that clunker and into a newer car or you have been eyeing that used Hyundai for sale on the neighbor’s lawn, now is the time to do some research and find out which car is right for you.

It is not as simple as finding a car with a for sale sign, buying it, and it being in good condition. Plus, you need to take time to learn more about the used car, the brand, the model, the features, and inspect it to ensure it is in its best condition before you drive it home and find yourself stuck in the mechanic’s shop.

The more time you take to make a decision about a used car for sale, the better the outcome for you. Surely, you want to make sure the vehicle you choose will last you for many years. So, what are some of the steps you should take as you shop for a used car? Well, you want to inspect it, test drive it, and negotiate the price, when possible. Unfortunately, not all consumers know how to do these things, or they become excited about their purchase and forget to test drive the car.

Further Reading

  1. Considering a Used BMW for Sale? Here Are 10 Reasons Why You Should Buy One 
  2. White Paper: Market Report for New and Used Cars in the US 

As you think about the type of car you want, make a list that includes the features you want the car to have, the features the car needs to have, and then some questions the car needs to answer such as:

  • Is the car safe?
  • Does it have good safety ratings?
  • Is the price fair?

We get it! It is overwhelming to have to think about all these things all at once and you may not even know where to start breaking the car down at. Do you test drive it first or determine if it has the features you want first? Fortunately, in the guide below, you will learn more about used Hyundai cars for sale, why Hyundai is a great brand to choose, and how to purchase the right one for your needs. We will cover a lot of information, but this information will help you make the right decision about a used Hyundai for sale in your area.

Hyundai: What Makes the Brand Special?

Before you jump feet first into any used car or vehicle in general, you want to learn more about the brand, the manufacturer, and what drives them. Hyundai is a popular automotive manufacturer that has grown substantially over the years. Their passion is to make your experience of owning one of their vehicles the best it can be. They call it the Hyundai Way.

Hyundai is a Korean company, but they do sell and manufacture more than half of their vehicles in the United States. Their main manufacturing plant is in Montgomery, Alabama, their engineering facility is in Michigan, and all research, design, and tests are performed in California.

The Hyundai headquarters is located in Fountain Valley, California and has been recognized many times for its innovation, construction, and design. The building first opened in 2014 and has continued to perform at its optimum ability while providing jobs to residents and creating future designs.

Hope is The Mission

Hyundai has always had a passion to help the community and with every car purchase comes a little bit of hope. What does this mean though? Hope is standard with all Hyundai vehicles and a portion of all sales goes towards the Hyundai Hope on Wheels foundation, which helps fund research that searches for a cure for childhood cancer.

To date, Hyundai has donated more than $145 million and continues to donate as cars are purchased.

Better Ownership Experience

As mentioned briefly, Hyundai focuses on making the ownership of a Hyundai the most rewarding experience. They call this the Hyundai Way. But, what does that mean to you? Let’s look.

  • Hyundai has been ranked number one in customer loyalty for 9 years in a row.
  • Provides the best warranty in American since 1999.
  • Sells certified pre-owned cars that go through an extensive certification and inspection process.
  • Hyundai has the lowest 5-year cost to own of any large mass brand.
  • Has placed an emphasis on safety and has won Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ awards.
  • Hyundai continues to be a leader in both dependability and quality.

Hyundai is Committed to Forward Thinking

The Hyundai Way has continued to be a recurring theme with the automotive manufacturer and that is because they place a strong emphasis on making sure that all vehicles are innovated, safe, and ready for the consumer.

Hyundai has made a commitment to forward thinking as well and this allows them to envision the future and make a push towards that. Their dreams for innovation don’t die and only strengthen over the years.

The automotive manufacturer focuses on advanced technology, emissions reduction, connected car service, better fuel economy, and innovation.

Hyundai is a Popular Choice

Hyundai is a popular choice amongst consumers and as of May’s 2018 sales report, Hyundai’s total car sales were up by 10 percent. With that in mind, Hyundai also received a highest SUV sales month with more than 28,777 SUVs sold, which made up 44 percent of all Hyundai sales.

Sales of the Elantra were up by 27 percent. Overall, in May 2017, Hyundai sold 58,259 vehicles and as of May 2018, they sold 64,980.

Used Hyundai Auctions

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Hyundai Used Cars for Sale: Is Used the Right Choice?

When it comes time to choose between a new and used car, you may be on the fence. That is okay! Most people are on the fence as to whether they should choose a new or used car. Of course, there are pros and cons to each scenario, but a used car does yield you MORE for your money than a new car would. Most consumers do find that their money is better spent when they purchase a used car as they have more leeway than with a new car.

We all know that a new car is tempting – after all, it is new, and NO ONE has driven it any length of time. When you purchase a used car, you may feel like you are getting someone else’s hand me down, but, fortunately, it does not have to feel this way, especially with NEWER used cars on the market.

If you have spotted a used Hyundai car for sale, do not just walk away. The award-winning brand has pumped out some wonderful options and continues to innovate and excite with its designs, technology, and more.

As you ponder a new or used Hyundai car, let’s take a step back and provide you with some information and data that may help make the decision a little easier.

Kelley Blue Book is a reliable source for information about car prices including both new and used. As the economy continues to strengthen, the cost of new cars rises. As of January 2018, the price of a new car rose by 4%. This means that you can expect a new car to cost you an additional $1,360 making the average cost of a new car about $36,270 as of January 2018. The average cost of a used car is $19,657. As you can see, a new car, could, on average, cost you $16,000 to $17,000 MORE.

While the cost of a used car has risen over the last few years, that is due to the fact the used cars on the market are much newer than they were previously. You can easily get into a 2015, 2016, or 2017 used Hyundai for much less than that new car price and the car is still almost new.

Based on price alone, a used Hyundai car for sale is a wonderful option and considering there are many newer used cars on the market, you are sure to find exactly what you want without overspending.

4 Reasons to Get into a Used Hyundai Car for Sale Today

If you are looking for more reasons to buy a used car over a new car than just the price, we have four of them for you.

You Get a Better Car for the Money

When purchasing a used car, you get a better car for your money. Yes, it is true. We explored about the average cost of a new car and that isn’t even a fully-loaded car. This means that you will spend more to get the bells and whistles you are after.

With a used car, you receive much more in the car than what you would get with a new one. For example, your budget of $20,000 may only buy you a baseline or level one trim option of the new car, but that $20,000 can get you into the luxury or top trim option in a used car of the same choice.

Your money goes much further when you purchase used and you will find that you can get all the features you want your car to have without having to shell out the additional money for it.

Depreciation is NOT a Worry

We have all heard the saying that when you drive a new vehicle off the lot, it loses value. This is true. When you purchase a new car, you will take a hit on the value of the car. In fact, the moment you drive it off the lot, you are already upside between what you paid for it and its current value.

Depreciation happens to all new cars but if you purchase a used car, you do not have to worry about depreciation and this is because the original owner of the new car already took the hit.

But, is depreciation THAT big of a deal to make buying a used car better? Let’s see.

The moment you drive your new car off the lot, you will lose 11% of the car’s value. This happens immediately too, not in a month, not in two months, the MOMENT you drive away.

From there, you can expect your car’s value to continue to decrease and within the first year, you will lose another 20% to 30% of the car’s value. As the car continues to age, you will lose another 15% to 18% from years two through six. In general, you can expect to lose more than 50%, sometimes more than 60%, of your car’s value within the first five years.

Let’s take a quick look at what a new car may be worth in five years using the depreciation model:

(Note that we used the lowest figures/percent to arrive at the following numbers)

  • New car price: $30,000
  • One year of ownership: $24,000
  • Two years of ownership: $20,400
  • Three years of ownership: $17,340
  • Four years of ownership: $14,739
  • Five years of ownership: $12,528

Safety Has Improved Ten-Fold

Consumers would often turn to new cars because they believed that used cars were unsafe decades ago. Fortunately, there have been many advancements that have led to used cars being much safer than they once were. Today, used cars have many of the newest advancements in safety and technology that allow you and your passengers to feel safe inside.

Some of the most common safety features you can find standard in cars today include electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, and air bags.

Car manufacturers have stepped up their game when it comes to driver and passenger safety and it would be almost unheard of to get into a used Hyundai or any used vehicle that does not have quality safety features. In fact, all cars manufactured from 2009 and on include the above-mentioned safety features in them. Stability control was also mandated by the National Highway Safety Administration to be standard in all cars manufactured from 2012 and going forward. Research has shown that stability control alone can help prevent single vehicle accidents on the road.

Less Risk Involved in a Used Car Purchase

Decades ago, purchasing a used car was almost like a guessing game. You simply had to take the seller’s word that the car was in good condition. There really was no way to KNOW for a fact that it was even with an inspection or test drive.

Fortunately, technology and advancements have come a long way and now, used car purchases are not as risky as they used to be. This is because vehicle history reports are now available, and they allow you to see the history of the car you are interested in. While a vehicle history report is no surefire way to say there is nothing wrong with a car, it allows you to have more power and feel confident about your purchase.

In general, you can expect a vehicle history report to show you if the used Hyundai you want to purchase was involved in an accident, how many owners it had, and what maintenance or repairs were made to the vehicle.

These vehicle history reports help to reduce risk and take the guesswork out of making an informed choice about a vehicle.

Used Hyundai Cars Are Affordable!

If you have been tossing around the idea of whether a used Hyundai for sale is worth it to purchase, the answer is yes! Hyundai is known for their reliability, safety, and most importantly, affordability. Buying yourself a used Hyundai is a great decision.

Below, we will look at some of the awards that Hyundai has received over the years based on the price of their cars.

Best 2014 Affordable Small Cars Award:

  • Hyundai Veloster
  • 2014 Hyundai Accent
  • Hyundai Elantra

Top 10 Cheapest Cars of 2015 Award:

  • 2015 Hyundai Accent

10 Most Affordable Cars of 2016 Award & Best 2016 Affordable Small Cars:

  • 2016 Hyundai Accent
  • Hyundai Elantra
  • 2016 Hyundai Accent
  • Hyundai Veloster

20 Most Affordable New Vehicles of 2017 Award:

  • 2017 Hyundai Accent

Should You Purchase a Used Hyundai Car for Sale?

Hyundai has won numerous awards based on their price in 2014 through 2017. While you may not look at price alone as you think about whether to purchase a used car or not, it is one of the factors you must consider.

A used Hyundai car allows you to get the most bang for your buck, so to speak. If you are looking at a used Hyundai from a price only perspective, they are an affordable option.

Safety Features of Hyundai Used Cars for Sale

Whether you are looking at a new or used car, you want to know that you and your passengers will be safe inside the car. Fortunately, Hyundai believes the same thing. In fact, their motto is, “With safety, good enough is never good enough.” They are committed to making sure that all consumers are protected while behind the wheel of a Hyundai and they continue to make advancements to ensure this happens.

Hyundai also takes a stance about accidents, which is, “The best way to deal with accidents? Don’t have them.” The team ay Hyundai has spent a lot of time making sure that their vehicles include the latest in safety technology to not only protect you in an accident but to avoid the accident altogether.

Hyundai is proud to announce that over the years, they have won many accolades and awards that supports that their vehicles are top of the line in safety. In fact, Hyundai has focused on engineering some of the safest vehicles on the road. The manufacturer has received numerous Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has highly rated some of their vehicles when it comes to crash tests. We will explore these awards and accolades, below.

As you search high and low for your perfect used car, you want to make sure you look at the safety features of the car because you do want to know that you will be safe in the event of an accident. As we have mentioned above, electronic stability control comes standard in most vehicles manufactured from 2009 on and is mandated in vehicles manufactured in 2012 and on. In addition, most vehicles come with anti-lock brakes and front and passenger air bags. Many newer vehicles also include side curtain air bags as well.

Hyundai Safety Features

Both new and used Hyundai models come with multiple safety features to keep you protected in your car and to help you avoid accidents. All safety features equipped in your car are designed and created to provide maximum protection and peace of mind. Hyundai has placed a major emphasis on protecting its consumers and their passengers as they drive down the road.

Hyundai calls its safety features cutting edge and they promise that within your car, you have 360 degrees of protection. Each one of the vehicles manufactured by Hyundai comes with a wide range of features that are always looking out for you.

The Hyundai SmartSense safety technology is designed to give you the peace of mind you need and want with the feeling that you have an extra set of eyes protecting you and your car whether you are driving it or it is parked.

Below, we will talk about some of the additional safety features that Hyundai has included in its lineup of vehicles to help protect you and your passengers while on the road.

Driver Attention Warning

The driver attention warning system is designed to help you avoid accidents while on the road. The system will monitor your driving pattern and then detect any changes in it. If a change is detected, the system will send out an audible alert to warn you.

Forward Collision Avoidance Assist

The forward collision avoidance assist is designed to let you know when a vehicle in front of you suddenly stops or slows down. You will receive an audible warning and if you do not stop in time, the system kicks in and applies the emergency brakes to help you avoid the accident or reduce how severe the accident is, when it cannot be avoided.

Some Hyundai models also come with a pedestrian detection option that helps alert you when there are pedestrians in your pathway that you may not have seen and if they are, the system engages braking to help avoid an accident should you not apply the brake in time.

Blind Spot Collision Warning

The blind spot collision warning system will alert you visually when it detects another vehicle within your blind spot. If you attempt to make a lane change, you will be alerted with an audible sound.

High Beam Assist

Visibility on the road is paramount because if you cannot see, you cannot be as safe as possible. Turning on your high beams and then having to turn them off and repeat multiple times not only is a hassle but it takes your attention off the road too. The high beam assist system will automatically turn on and off your high beams at appropriate times.

Lane Keeping Assist

The lane keeping assist is designed to help you avoid accidents on the road and uses both audible and visual alarms to warn you when you may be in danger or at risk of an accident. The system detects when your vehicle moves or drifts into another lane without signaling. If you do not correct the wheel in time, the lane keeping assist will apply corrective steering to your wheel to keep you in your lane.

Safe Exit Assist

Getting out of your vehicle can be just as dangerous as crossing the street and Hyundai recognizes this. The safe exist assist is designed to provide you with warnings when it is not safe to exit the vehicle due to an approaching vehicle from behind. If there is an approaching vehicle, your car’s system will engage the child safety lock until it is safe for passengers to exit the car.

Smart Cruise Control

The smart cruise control system will travel at a speed set by you but will use a radar located in the front of the car to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. The cruise control will automatically adjust to avoid tailgating or a rear-end collision.

Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning

Limited visibility when reversing is a problem and many accidents occur in parking lots because of this. Hyundai recognized a need to have a system in place to warn you and it is called the rear cross-traffic collision warning. This system will alert you when it senses a vehicle approaching from the left or right at the rear of your car.

You’ll Be Protected in Your Used Hyundai

As you can see, Hyundai has spared no expense when it comes to making sure that drivers and passengers are as safe as possible. There is no question that you will be protected and have the peace of mind you need as you drive down the road. With the above features in place, you can drive confidently knowing that the safety systems will kick into action when you need them the most. Remember, Hyundai focuses on accident avoidance first but if an accident is inevitable, you will be safe.

Hyundai Crash Test Ratings and Safety Awards

Now that you have learned more about the safety features of Hyundai vehicles, it is time to see if these cars are as safe as they seem. All the bells and whistles can sound great but unless they do the job, they are not helpful.

Below, we will explore some of the different crash test ratings for the four most popular Hyundai vehicle models by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

2017 Hyundai Elantra

  • Frontal crash star rating: 4 stars
  • Side crash star rating: 5 stars
  • Rollover crash star rating: 4 stars

Complete NHTSA Crash Rating

2017 Hyundai Sonata

  • Frontal crash star rating: 5 stars
  • Side crash star rating: 5 stars
  • Rollover crash star rating: 4 stars

Complete NHTSA Crash Rating

2017 Hyundai Santa Fe

  • Frontal crash star rating: 5 stars
  • Side crash star rating: 5 stars
  • Rollover crash star rating: 4 stars

Complete NHTSA Crash Rating

2017 Hyundai Tucson

  • Frontal crash star rating: 5 stars
  • Side crash star rating: 5 stars
  • Rollover crash star rating: 4 stars

Complete NHTSA Crash Rating

2016 Hyundai Elantra

  • Frontal crash star rating: 4 stars
  • Side crash star rating: 5 stars
  • Rollover crash star rating: 4 stars

Complete NHTSA Crash Rating

2016 Hyundai Sonata

  • Frontal crash star rating: 5 stars
  • Side crash star rating: 5 stars
  • Rollover crash star rating: 4 stars

Complete NHTSA Crash Rating

2016 Hyundai Santa Fe

  • Frontal crash star rating: 5 stars
  • Side crash star rating: 5 stars
  • Rollover crash star rating: 4 stars

Complete NHTSA Crash Rating

2016 Hyundai Tucson

  • Frontal crash star rating: 5 stars
  • Side crash star rating: 5 stars
  • Rollover crash star rating: 4 stars

Complete NHTSA Crash Rating

2015 Hyundai Elantra

  • Frontal crash star rating: 4
  • Side crash star rating: 5
  • Rollover crash star rating: 4

Complete NHTSA Crash Rating

2015 Hyundai Sonata

  • Frontal crash star rating: 5
  • Side crash star rating: 5
  • Rollover crash star rating: 4

Complete NHTSA Crash Rating

2015 Hyundai Santa Fe

  • Frontal crash star rating: 5
  • Side crash star rating: 5
  • Rollover crash star rating: 4

Complete NHTSA Crash Rating

2015 Hyundai Tucson

  • Frontal crash star rating: 4 stars
  • Side crash star rating: 5 stars
  • Rollover crash star rating: 4 stars

Complete NHTSA Crash Rating

2014 Hyundai Elantra

  • Frontal crash star rating: 4 stars
  • Side crash star rating: 5 stars
  • Rollover crash star rating: 4 stars

Complete NHTSA Crash Rating

2014 Hyundai Sonata

  • Frontal crash star rating: 4 stars
  • Side crash star rating: 5 stars
  • Rollover crash star rating: 5 stars

Complete NHTSA Crash Rating

2014 Hyundai Santa Fe

  • Frontal crash star rating: 5 stars
  • Side crash star rating: 5 stars
  • Rollover crash star rating: 4 stars

Complete NHTSA Crash Rating

2014 Hyundai Tucson

  • Frontal crash star rating: 4 stars
  • Side crash star rating: 5 stars
  • Rollover crash star rating: 4 stars

Complete NHTSA Crash Rating

Below, we will list some of the safety awards that Hyundai has won over the years and for which vehicles.

When looking at safety awards, the IIHS Top Safety Pick and IIHS Top Safety Pick+ are the best awards you can win. The IIHS is stringent with their ratings and only awards them to the safest cars on the market.

Hyundai is one automotive manufacturer who has received the most IIHS awards for their vehicles.

2018 Top Safety Pick+

  • Sonata
  • Kona
  • Santa Fe
  • Santa Fe Sport
  • Elantra

2018 Top Safety Pick

  • Elantra GT
  • IONIQ Hybrid
  • Tucson

2017 Top Safety Pick+

  • Elantra Sedan
  • IONIQ Hybrid
  • Santa Fe
  • Tucson

2017 Top Safety Pick

  • Sonata
  • Tucson
  • Fe Sport

2016 Top Safety Pick+

  • Elantra Sedan
  • Genesis
  • Tucson
  • Sonata
  • Santa Fe
  • Santa Fe Sport

2015 Top Safety Pick+

  • Sonata
  • Tucson
  • Genesis

2015 Top Safety Pick

  • Hyundai Sonata
  • Hyundai Elantra Sedan

Used Hyundai for Sale: What about Fuel Economy?

One of the most important factors of any vehicle is how much fuel you need to put in it, week after week, month after month, and year after year. If you are not familiar with what fuel economy means, it is the distance that your vehicle is able to go before you need to fill up on gas again. Therefore, if your car’s fuel economy is 20 miles per gallon and you have a 15-gallon tank, you would be able to drive an estimated 300 miles before you needed to fill up the tank again.

While this number may not seem significant now to you, it is because it will affect the true cost to own your car over its lifetime and will determine how often you need to visit the gas station. Vehicles that have a lower miles to gallon ratio will spend more time at the local fuel pump.

Fuel Economy of New and Used Hyundai Vehicles

Below, we will present you with the fuel economy numbers for both new and used Hyundai vehicles to provide you with an idea of what to expect. In most cases, the fuel economy does not change much between the new and used vehicles, which means you can get into a used Hyundai and still have a wonderful fuel economy.

Hyundai Elantra

  • 2018 Hyundai Elantra – 32 city and 40 highway
  • 2014 Hyundai Elantra – 28 city and 38 highway
  • 2010 Hyundai Elantra – 26 city and 34 highway
  • 2006 Hyundai Elantra – 27 city and 34 highway

Hyundai Accent

  • 2018 Hyundai Accent – 28 city and 38 highway
  • 2014 Hyundai Accent – 27 city and 38 highway
  • 2010 Hyundai Accent – 28 city and 34 highway
  • 2006 Hyundai Accent – 32 city and 35 highway

Hyundai Sonata

  • 2018 Hyundai Sonata – 28 city and 37 highway
  • 2014 Hyundai Sonata – 24 city and 35 highway
  • 2010 Hyundai Sonata – 22 city and 32 highway
  • 2006 Hyundai Sonata – 24 city and 34 highway

Hyundai Genesis

  • 2018 Hyundai Genesis – 19 city and 27 highway
  • 2014 Hyundai Genesis – 19 city and 27 highway
  • 2010 Hyundai Genesis – 21 city and 30 highway
  • 2009 Hyundai Genesis – 18 city and 27 highway

Hyundai Santa Fe

  • 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe – 18 city and 25 highway
  • 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe – 18 city and 25 highway
  • 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe – 21 city and 27 highway
  • 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe – 19 city and 25 highway

Hyundai Tucson

  • 2018 Hyundai Tucson – 25 city and 30 highway
  • 2014 Hyundai Tucson – 23 city and 29 highway
  • 2010 Hyundai Tucson – 23 city and 31 highway
  • 2006 Hyundai Tucson – 22 city and 27 highway

Service Schedule and Recommended Factory Maintenance on Used Hyundai Cars

Whether you choose a new or used car, you will need to factor in the cost of maintenance, repairs, and service. For your vehicle to last, you need to make sure it is maintained and serviced as indicated in the owner’s manual.

Many cars these days last well past the 100,000-mile mark and go beyond the 200,000-mile mark, which makes any vehicle a great investment. When shopping for a used Hyundai, do not shy away from cars that have 60,000 or 70,000 miles on them because if they have been well-maintained, then they will last you many more miles. Of course, you can check whether a car has been maintained through a vehicle history report.

Maintenance Schedule

To ensure your used Hyundai stays in good condition, safe, and drivable on the road, you will need to make sure you follow Hyundai’s strict factory maintenance schedule. If you do not pay attention to this schedule, then you may find that your car is unreliable or needs some serious repairs over time.

Whether you drive your vehicle a lot or a little, you still need to make sure the car is maintained and serviced on time. Below, we will show you want the recommended Hyundai service schedule is but always use this as a guide and receive service and repairs, as needed or when there is an issue with your vehicle.

Some of the most common maintenance and repairs performed on cars include:

  • Fluid refills, flushes, and top offs
  • Wheel alignments
  • Oil changes
  • Filter replacement
  • Tire rotations and balances

If you are mechanically inclined or you like to perform service on your car, you can perform maintenance at your home. In fact, you may need to maintain your car on your own anyways to ensure it remains on the road and drivable.

Recommended Factory Hyundai Service Schedule

A used Hyundai car is reliable, especially when it has been well maintained. You can expect a well-cared for car to last many years and go well over the 100,000-mile mark. Often, many newer cars have an indication warning light on the dash that lets you know when your car needs to be serviced or when it is time to have an oil change performed.

While you may have the indicator light feature, you should always refer to the Hyundai factory maintenance schedule on when to have service performed and what services should be performed.

Below, we will briefly cover some of the services and maintenance you can expect to happen at your mileage-interval checkups.

7,500 Miles

  • Change oil and oil filter
  • Inspect air filter, change if needed
  • Inspect the battery
  • Tire rotation
  • Inspect vacuum hoses

15,000 Miles

  • Change oil and oil filter
  • Inspect air filter, change if needed
  • Battery inspection
  • Brake lines and hoses inspection
  • Inspect steering system and all components
  • Inspect air conditioning refrigerant
  • Suspension system inspection
  • Inspect the driveshafts, boots, muffler, and exhaust pipe
  • Inspect brakes and all braking system components
  • Vacuum hoses inspection
  • Tire rotation

22,500 Miles

  • Change oil and oil filter
  • Inspect air filter, change if needed
  • Inspect the battery
  • Tire rotation
  • Inspect vacuum hoses

30,000 Miles

  • Change oil and oil filter
  • Inspect air conditioning system and refrigerant
  • Inspect brake fluid, parking brake, brake system, and components
  • Battery inspection
  • Inspect the driveshafts, boots, muffler, and exhaust pipe
  • Inspect fuel filter and all fuel components
  • Suspension system inspection
  • Inspect vacuum hoses
  • Inspect vapor hose
  • Replace air filters
  • Change coolant

37,500 Miles

  • Change oil and oil filter
  • Inspect air filter, change if needed
  • Inspect the battery
  • Tire rotation
  • Inspect vacuum hoses

45,000 Miles

  • Change oil and oil filter
  • Inspect air filter, change if needed
  • Inspect the battery
  • Check the brake lines and hoses
  • Inspect steering system and all components
  • Inspect air conditioning refrigerant
  • Check suspension system
  • Inspect the driveshafts, boots, muffler, and exhaust pipe
  • Inspect brakes and all braking system components
  • Check vacuum hoses
  • Tire rotation

52,500 Miles

  • Change oil and oil filter
  • Inspect air filter, change if needed
  • Inspect the battery
  • Tire rotation
  • Inspect vacuum hoses

60,000 Miles

  • Change oil and oil filter
  • Inspect air filter, change if needed
  • Inspect the battery
  • Check the brake lines and hoses
  • Inspect steering system and all components
  • Inspect air conditioning refrigerant
  • Check suspension system
  • Inspect the driveshafts, boots, muffler, and exhaust pipe
  • Inspect drive belt
  • Check fuel system, filter, and lines
  • Inspect brakes, parking brake, and all braking system components
  • Inspect vacuum hoses
  • Check vapor hose
  • Tire rotation
  • Replace coolant

67,500 Miles

  • Change oil and oil filter
  • Inspect air filter, change if needed
  • Inspect the battery
  • Tire rotation
  • Inspect vacuum hoses

75,000 Miles

  • Change oil and oil filter
  • Inspect air filter, change if needed
  • Inspect the battery
  • Check the brake lines and hoses
  • Inspect steering system and all components
  • Inspect air conditioning refrigerant
  • Suspension system inspection
  • Inspect the driveshafts, boots, muffler, and exhaust pipe
  • Inspect brakes and all braking system components
  • Check vacuum hoses
  • Tire rotation

82,500 Miles

  • Change oil and oil filter
  • Inspect air filter, change if needed
  • Inspect the battery
  • Tire rotation
  • Inspect vacuum hoses

90,000 Miles

  • Change oil and oil filter
  • Inspect air filter, change if needed
  • Inspect the battery
  • Check the brake lines and hoses
  • Inspect steering system and all components
  • Inspect air conditioning refrigerant
  • Check suspension system
  • Inspect the driveshafts, boots, muffler, and exhaust pipe
  • Inspect drive belt
  • Fuel system, filter, and lines inspection
  • Inspect brakes, parking brake, and all braking system components
  • Inspect vacuum hoses
  • Check vapor hose
  • Tire rotation
  • Replace coolant

97,500 Miles

  • Change oil and oil filter
  • Inspect air filter, change if needed
  • Inspect the battery
  • Tire rotation
  • Inspect vacuum hoses

105,000 Miles

  • Change oil and oil filter
  • Change spark plugs, if needed
  • Inspect air filter, change if needed
  • Inspect the battery
  • Check the brake lines and hoses
  • Inspect steering system and all components
  • Inspect air conditioning refrigerant
  • Suspension system inspection
  • Inspect the driveshafts, boots, muffler, and exhaust pipe
  • Inspect brakes and all braking system components
  • Check vacuum hoses
  • Tire rotation

112,500 Miles

  • Change oil and oil filter
  • Inspect air filter, change if needed
  • Inspect the battery
  • Tire rotation
  • Inspect vacuum hoses

120,000 Miles

  • Change oil and oil filter
  • Inspect air filter, change if needed
  • Inspect the battery
  • Check the brake lines and hoses
  • Inspect steering system and all components
  • Inspect air conditioning refrigerant
  • Check suspension system
  • Inspect the driveshafts, boots, muffler, and exhaust pipe
  • Inspect drive belt
  • Check fuel system, filter, and lines
  • Inspect brakes, parking brake, and all braking system components
  • Inspect vacuum hoses
  • Check vapor hose
  • Tire rotation
  • Replace coolant

127,500 Miles

  • Change oil and oil filter
  • Inspect air filter, change if needed
  • Inspect the battery
  • Tire rotation
  • Inspect vacuum hoses

135,000 Miles

  • Change oil and oil filter
  • Change spark plugs, if needed
  • Inspect air filter, change if needed
  • Inspect the battery
  • Check the brake lines and hoses
  • Inspect steering system and all components
  • Inspect air conditioning refrigerant
  • Check suspension system
  • Inspect the driveshafts, boots, muffler, and exhaust pipe
  • Inspect brakes and all braking system components
  • Check vacuum hoses
  • Tire rotation

142,500 Miles

  • Change oil and oil filter
  • Inspect air filter, change if needed
  • Inspect the battery
  • Tire rotation
  • Inspect vacuum hoses

150,000 Miles

  • Change oil and oil filter
  • Inspect air filter, change if needed
  • Inspect the battery
  • Check the brake lines and hoses
  • Inspect steering system and all components
  • Inspect air conditioning refrigerant
  • Check suspension system
  • Inspect the driveshafts, boots, muffler, and exhaust pipe
  • Inspect drive belt
  • Check fuel system, filter, and lines
  • Inspect brakes, parking brake, and all braking system components
  • Inspect vacuum hoses
  • Check vapor hose
  • Tire rotation
  • Replace coolant

Estimated Repair Costs for Used Hyundai Vehicles

As with any car, there will be times when you need to have a part replaced or you need a repair. The cost of the repair will greatly depend on the availability of the part, the extent of the issue the car is facing, and the type of service or services that are needed. Often, repairs are minor, and the fixes are affordable, but sometimes, repairs and replacement may be more expensive.

Below, we will talk about some of the most common repairs and replacements needed and the cost that is associated with them.

  • The average cost of an oil change on a used Hyundai Elantra ranges from $100 to $160.
  • The average cost of a spark plug replacement on a used Hyundai Elantra ranges from $$75 to $120.
  • Oxygen sensor replacement’s average cost on a used Hyundai Elantra ranges from $170 to $310.
  • The average cost to replace an air filter on a used Hyundai Elantra ranges from $30 to $65.
  • The average cost to replace a fuel pump on a used Hyundai Elantra ranges from $300 to $600.
  • Battery replacement’s average cost on a used Hyundai Elantra ranges from $130 to $150.

6 Popular Used Hyundai Cars for Sale

Shopping for a used car in general can be stressful and you may find yourself overwhelmed with how many options there are. Fortunately, we have taken the tedious process out of the equation for you and will present you with six of Hyundai’s most popular used options, their average price, consumer rating, and why consumers love the car.

  1. Hyundai Elantra

  • Average Price Range: $11,200 to $13,900
  • Average Overall Rating: 8.2

The 2016 Hyundai Elantra has won several awards for its size, reliability, and price. Consumers enjoy this car because it is fuel efficient and offers a roomy interior, which allows you and your passengers to sit comfortably inside. You can expect the engine in this car to put out anywhere from 145 to 173 horsepower.

  1. Hyundai Sonata

  • Average Price Range: $8,300 to $10,800
  • Average Overall Rating: 8.6

The 2013 Hyundai Sonata is a wonderful choice for any family or individual. This car was awarded number one in affordable midsize cars. With a reliability score that trumps other similar sedans, it is no wonder that the Sonata takes the cake. With a good fuel economy and a stylish interior, we are confident you would enjoy calling this car yours.

  1. Hyundai Genesis

  • Average Price Range: $10,700 to $14,000
  • Average Overall Rating: 8.2

The 2012 Hyundai Genesis was a show-stopper when it first hit the market and ranked number 10 in luxury midsize cars. Since this is Hyundai’s luxury version vehicle, you can expect the interior to be an upgrade from the base model. The rear seats are a consumer favorite as they are extremely roomy and allow enough leg room. You do have two engine options which include a V6 and V8.

  1. Hyundai Accent

  • Average Price Range: $7,300 to $8,600
  • Average Overall Rating: 8.0

The 2014 Hyundai Accent won multiple awards in its year to include the most affordable small car and best subcompact car. While you will find that the Accent is small, it delivers enough room inside for both driver and passenger. A little car like this does boast some speed and get up too as it comes equipped with a 138-horsepower engine.

  1. Hyundai Santa Fe

  • Average Price Range: $7,300 to $10,200
  • Average Overall Rating: 8.1

The 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe is a sporty little SUV that won awards for being one of the most affordable SUVs of that time. Consumers have a lot to brag about with this sport utility vehicle and many of the perks include a wonderful USB system along with Bluetooth, a lovely safety score, and tons of features that make your ride comfortable. You can choose your choice of engine which ranges from 175 to 276 horsepower.

  1. Hyundai Tucson

  • Average Price Range: $11,500 to $15,000
  • Average Overall Rating: 8.1

The 2014 Hyundai Tucson ranked as one of the most affordable SUVs in that year. Consumers seem to love this SUV as it offers a beautiful and comfortable cabin and it handles well both on and off road. When choosing this model, you do have an engine option which ranges from 164-182 horsepower.

What Will it Cost Me to Get into a Used Hyundai?

As you can see, Hyundai vehicles are extremely affordable, and you can get into a used one for a handsome price. When it comes time to search for the right Hyundai model for your needs, you should think about the price, but not make price the only deciding factor.

When it comes to price, there are several factors that will affect how much you pay, and we will look at what they are below.

Type of Vehicle

The type of vehicle you choose will affect the cost of the vehicle. For example, a small car will cost significantly less than a full-size sedan and a full-size sedan will cost less than an SUV or truck.

As you shop for a used vehicle, keep the type of vehicle you want in mind, so you can look for deals and spot them easily.

Age of Vehicle

The age of the vehicle will affect the cost of it as well. The older the vehicle, the less expensive it will be. For example, you can get into a 2011 Hyundai for less than you can a 2016 Hyundai. With that said, not all vehicles lose their residual value too, so you may find that some used cars are priced higher too.

New vs. Used

As with the age and type, you will find that a new is more expensive than a used vehicle. Above, we mentioned how the price is affected and the difference between a new and used vehicle can be somewhere between $15,000.

Available Features

Lastly, the features packed into the car will determine the price of it. For example, if you choose a car with tons of features, it will cost more than the baseline model. With that said, you can still get into a fully-loaded used car for less than you can a new car.

What Does a New Hyundai Cost?

When you look at the cost of a new Hyundai, the price can range significantly depending on what you choose. For example, the lowest-priced Hyundai costs about $13,995 and the most expensive Hyundai costs about $41,000. (Do note that the cost of a new Hyundai will fluctuate depending on the features you choose.)

To help you better understand the cost differences between a new and used Hyundai, we will look at the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Hyundai Elantra below.

Brand New Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Used Hyundai Santa Fe

  • A brand-new Hyundai Santa Fe has an MSRP of $24,950 to $41,300.
  • A used 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe has an MSRP of $16,123 to $24,024
  • A used 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe has an MSRP of $13,100 to $17,859

Brand New Hyundai Elantra vs. Used Hyundai Elantra

  • A brand-new Hyundai Elantra has an MSRP of $16,950 to $24,350
  • A used 2015 Hyundai Elantra has an MSRP of $10,336 to $13,441
  • A used 2013 Hyundai Elantra has an MSRP of $7,424 to $9,639

How to Ensure You Choose a Quality Used Hyundai for Sale

As you home in on the exact used Hyundai you want, you want to make sure you make an informed decision and you do not jump into a purchase. While it can be easy to look passed the sticker price or forget about the test drive, you do not want to make these mistakes as it could mean that you choose a poor-quality Hyundai car.

You do not want to feel like you have been taken advantage of and you take a moment to look at the recommendations below from our team of experts to learn more about what you should do as you shop for a used Hyundai.

  1. Set a Budget for Your Used Car

It can be complicated to sit down and try to determine the budget for your used car. You must think about your current bills, future bills, and how much you can put towards the car now and later.

As you do look to set a budget, you must look at the whole picture and not just the monthly payment on the car or the cost of the car. You will need to consider repairs, maintenance, fuel, and more.

For example, if you can afford to put $10,000 towards a car, then this does not mean you put the whole $10,000 towards the car because then what will you use to pay for gas and repairs that come up?

While you may find yourself swayed by the lower cost of an older car, you also need to think about how old the car is. Remember, the older it is, the more it will need repairs and the more you may have to pay. You need to find the balance between cost and age of the car.

Once you have a budget in mind, you can start your search for the perfect used Hyundai car.

  1. Check the Vehicle History Report for the Car

Many consumers never even think to look at the vehicle history report of the car they are interested in. Most dealers will provide this report to you free of charge and you can inspect the report right there before you purchase the car. However, if you do go to purchase a used car from a private party, they may not have the report readily available and you may need to pull one for yourself. There is usually a cost to do so but it is not too expensive, and it will give you the peace of mind you need.

One of the top providers of vehicle history reports is CARFAX. Many dealers use CARFAX and you can as well. One of the main things you need to keep in mind about the vehicle history report is that if something was not reported about the car using the VIN, the information would not show up on the report. Most dealerships and auto shops do record the data.

When looking at a vehicle history report, you can expect to see the following on it:

  • Recall information about the vehicle and any fixed recalls
  • Accidents or damage that has been reported, the severity of the damage, and where the impact occurred
  • Maintenance records to include repairs, oil changes, filter changes, etc.
  • Number of owners
  • What the vehicle was used for (personal, business, lease)
  • Last reported odometer reading
  1. Inspect the Vehicle and Take it on a Test Drive

It can be scary to go out and buy a used car, especially when you do not know who drove it or the history of the vehicle. As mentioned above, a vehicle inspection report can help but is not always 100% indicative of the history of that specific vehicle.

Before you purchase a used car, take a moment to look over the recommended steps you should take to ensure you do not end up with a poor-quality used Hyundai on your hands.

Inspect the Car Thoroughly

You can tell a lot about a car by looking at it and it is important to look at both the interior and exterior of the car. If you were to open the hood and notice rust all over the engine or battery, then you may shy away from it because it could mean potential problems down the road.

You should inspect the exterior of the car first and make note of any issues that you see such as deep scratches, dents, or rust. Sometimes, it is better to walk away but it is possible that the dealer will fix the issues before you take the car home should you decide to purchase it. The key here is that you want to inspect the exterior of the car to ensure there are no major issues with it. Large dents, damage in odd areas, or crumped corners of the bumper can mean the vehicle has been in an accident previously.

You should then inspect the interior of the car. Take your time and make sure that all components in the car work such as the radio, air conditioner, and lights. Additionally, you should also take a moment to look over the seats and interior to ensure that there are no rips or tears.

Test Drive the Car and Check for Leaks

The next step is to take the car out for a test drive to see how it handles and drives on the road. This test drive is more important than the initial inspection as you will be able to see, hear, and feel any issues with the car. These issues are not just on the body or cabin of the car, but they are the mechanical problems that reside within the car.

If you find that a dealer or private party will not let you drive the car, then this is a red flag and you should avoid purchasing the car.

You want to take the car on local roads first to get a good feel for it and see how it responds to the stop and go traffic and turns. While doing that, listen for any odd sounds or problems when you engage the accelerator or brakes.

You then want to take the car on the highway and really get a feel for it. You should listen for any noises and make note of any vibration or problems with the car as it moves down the road. If you notice jumping, grinding, or louds noises, this can indicate a problem with the engine or transmission.

A leak test is a great way for you to determine if there are any issues with the car. To perform one, you should park the car on a clean parking area and allow the car to run for one minute without moving it. Once you have done this, move the car forward to a new spot and inspect the ground where the car was.

If you see any type of fluid on the ground, take a close look at it and keep the following in mind:

  • Green fluid = antifreeze
  • Black fluid = oil
  • Pink or red fluid = transmission

Get the Car Inspected by a Mechanic

The last step is to have the used Hyundai you are interested in inspected by a certified mechanic. You can never be too cautious and even if the vehicle drove well on the road, you want to make sure it is in its best condition and you did not miss something along the way. Hey, we can all use an extra set of eyes – there is nothing wrong with that.

If you find that the dealer or private party seller does not want you to have a mechanic look at the car, this is a red flag and you should be concerned that there are some major flaws with the vehicle.

When you have a mechanic come look at the car, they will inspect it just as you did, and they will be more thorough about it. Since it is YOUR mechanic doing the used car inspection, they will be able to provide you with their honest opinion.

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