[i90east]

Hey there folks, long time lurker and hypermiler (in my previous auto tranny car).

I just bought a new 2010 Hyundai Accent "Blue" and I feel like this car is a seriously good value so I wanted to share. When I went to the dealer they said there was only one of these cars in the region so they ordered it. The price they offered me was $9,100 and it ended up being $11,000 after taxes and other fees. This is a 5spd manual tranny hatchback with no a/c, no abs and no factory radio (speakers are there), but it does have side curtain airbags, tachometer and roof extender spoiler standard.

The car rides smooth, dampens road noise surprisingly well and has no creaks or rattles. Consumer Reports says reliability for the Accent is above average. My bicycle fits in the back with the rear seat down and the front tire removed, so the bike now lives in the car. This is important to me since the best bike path around is near my job, not home. Acceleration and braking are adequate. The only bad thing is the handling. Tossing the car into turns does not inspire confidence.

A little about my commute: My 14 mile one way commute to work takes me 40-60 minutes. There are many many traffic lights and 5 construction projects going on along the way. This is not an mpg friendly route. Also I'm rusty with a manual and I always drive with the windows down. Despite all this my mpg for the first tank was 38.5, no highway miles. The best I ever got with my old 2000 Chevy Cavalier 3spd auto was 28.5, so I'm very impressed.

So there you have it, the 2010 Hyundai Accent "Blue". It's super cheap, reliable and great on gas.