Good Bye Sally - after ownership report and thanks to everybody here...

[Rango]

First off thanks to everybody here for the good information over the year.

After Ownership Report
Owned for 12 months
12.5K miles
Sold for 18.5K net(17.5 plus a 1k "trade in rebate")

Best Highway mileage 35.5 for a 100 mile run. Could not get the 40 mpg even on flat ground 65 ( 55 will get you run over where I live)
Average Combined 25 to 28 depending on time of year - A/C and a highway run to help the average...
City only a little over 25 mpg with Max A/C

Pro - A year later and this car still turns heads. Slick ALMOST FUN to drive car...
Keyless operation is nice
Good value overall
Fun to drive once it's up to speed.
Good brakes
Hatch will let you get a lot of stuff in it.
Easy to park
Interior and trim held up well
Sunroof worked well and was air tight
No squeaks or rattles
Center display was nice
I'm 6'4 and I FIT
Controls were well placed and easy to use for the most part (Nav excepted)

Con -
Mileage isn't even CLOSE to the claims
I decided I could put up with the lack of power for that mileage... HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT HERE. And I'm an Engineer I get how EPA numbers are obtained. It was pretty obvious that Hyundai decided to sacrifice everything "drivability" wise to hit that 40 MPG Hwy number...
Using backup cam disables radio controls
AC system SUCKED IN THE CABIN AIR FILTER - only "warranty work" required.
Tech package didn't include a Garage door opener
Nav System is useless
XM radio needs a buffer and a better antenna - drops signal at every overpass.

Overall - It was a fun car but I couldn't recommend it due to the lack of power. This thing could get you killed in Los Angeles trying to merge on the freeway. I Wish I had waited for the Turbo.

Peace out.
Chris

[w107kam]

You're an engineer and don't get why XM cuts out when you go under an overpass?....

[MTD]

What did you trade it in for?

[jkt1954]

You're an engineer and don't get why XM cuts out when you go under an overpass?....

Reread what was written: "XM radio needs a buffer and a better antenna - drops signal at every overpass."

This is not because he doesn't understand. He offers what is needed to correct that. And he is correct.

As to anyone in a metropolitan area thinking they will ever achieve EPA MPG's, now that's what anyone should have known. However, we fall in love with the car and will believe anything is possible even in the city! LOL

BTW, I bought the Veloster one year ago today. Con's: it doesn't take itself to the gas station and refill, and it doesn't wash itself. Pro's: I spent less than a $100 on maintenance this entire first year! I only had to pay for one tire rotation, and one oil change (which I had a coupon at the dealership for).

[Rango]

Reread what was written: "XM radio needs a buffer and a better antenna - drops signal at every overpass."

This is not because he doesn't understand. He offers what is needed to correct that. And he is correct.

As to anyone in a metropolitan area thinking they will ever achieve EPA MPG's, now that's what anyone should have known. However, we fall in love with the car and will believe anything is possible even in the city! LOL

BTW, I bought the Veloster one year ago today. Con's: it doesn't take itself to the gas station and refill, and it doesn't wash itself. Pro's: I spent less than a $100 on maintenance this entire first year! I only had to pay for one tire rotation, and one oil change (which I had a coupon at the dealership for).

Sounds like you understand the XM issue.

I'm in the MIDDLE of the Mojave Desert at a little garden spot known as "China Lake"... Lot's of Flat but fast runs. It's 118 miles one way to Costco. I knew I wouldn't get 40 going 80 with the A/C on but I expected it to get close if I was doing 65. 35 wasn't "close" - to me. Occational trips to LA were and adventure trying to merge! LOL!!!

It was cheap to run and seemed to hold a fair amount of value. Really a nice car overall... Still would like to spend some time in the turbo! ;-) Pretty dang stylish for an "econ-box" price. A little more GO and it would be a game changer.

[Variable]

There's nothing wrong with this . Go Find that car that Makes you feel more Whole. And I feel you on the satellite radio issue. Hey, If a Cellphone signal works underground, Then they should figure out a way to keep a satellite signal.

[silverarrow27]

If you weren't pleased about the n/a Veloster mpg's, you definitely won't be pleased with the turbo Veloster.

[w107kam]

Sounds like you understand the XM issue.

I'm in the MIDDLE of the Mojave Desert at a little garden spot known as "China Lake"... Lot's of Flat but fast runs. It's 118 miles one way to Costco. I knew I wouldn't get 40 going 80 with the A/C on but I expected it to get close if I was doing 65. 35 wasn't "close" - to me. Occational trips to LA were and adventure trying to merge! LOL!!!

It was cheap to run and seemed to hold a fair amount of value. Really a nice car overall... Still would like to spend some time in the turbo! ;-) Pretty dang stylish for an "econ-box" price. A little more GO and it would be a game changer.

Hate to break it to you, but buffering does not fix line of sight...

[Bucephalus]

Overall - It was a fun car but I couldn't recommend it due to the lack of power. This thing could get you killed in Los Angeles trying to merge on the freeway.
Chris

Didn't you test drive one first? This should have been clearly evident before taking delivery...

[airics]

First off thanks to everybody here for the good information over the year.

After Ownership Report
Owned for 12 months
12.5K miles
Sold for 18.5K net(17.5 plus a 1k "trade in rebate")

Best Highway mileage 35.5 for a 100 mile run. Could not get the 40 mpg even on flat ground 65 ( 55 will get you run over where I live)
Average Combined 25 to 28 depending on time of year - A/C and a highway run to help the average...
City only a little over 25 mpg with Max A/C

Pro - A year later and this car still turns heads. Slick ALMOST FUN to drive car...
Keyless operation is nice
Good value overall
Fun to drive once it's up to speed.
Good brakes
Hatch will let you get a lot of stuff in it.
Easy to park
Interior and trim held up well
Sunroof worked well and was air tight
No squeaks or rattles
Center display was nice
I'm 6'4 and I FIT
Controls were well placed and easy to use for the most part (Nav excepted)

Con -
Mileage isn't even CLOSE to the claims
I decided I could put up with the lack of power for that mileage... HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT HERE. And I'm an Engineer I get how EPA numbers are obtained. It was pretty obvious that Hyundai decided to sacrifice everything "drivability" wise to hit that 40 MPG Hwy number...
Using backup cam disables radio controls
AC system SUCKED IN THE CABIN AIR FILTER - only "warranty work" required.
Tech package didn't include a Garage door opener
Nav System is useless
XM radio needs a buffer and a better antenna - drops signal at every overpass.

Overall - It was a fun car but I couldn't recommend it due to the lack of power. This thing could get you killed in Los Angeles trying to merge on the freeway. I Wish I had waited for the Turbo.

Peace out.
Chris

i still want to know what you traded for. I almost made the fatal mistake of trading for a Fiat 500. I have 6k on mine... I was offered 21,000 (yes in writing) against a brand new 2013 Fiat (base + wheels.. msrp 16200) at 14,800.... only doing it to lower the payment...
at 17,500, i would have punched the salesperson..

this all happened last week..

the nav is awesome by the way..
as for getting killed in los angeles merging, how is that possible? Traffic is always stopped...

[Rango]

i still want to know what you traded for. I almost made the fatal mistake of trading for a Fiat 500. I have 6k on mine... I was offered 21,000 (yes in writing) against a brand new 2013 Fiat (base + wheels.. msrp 16200) at 14,800.... only doing it to lower the payment...

at 17,500, i would have punched the salesperson..

this all happened last week..

the nav is awesome by the way..
as for getting killed in los angeles merging, how is that possible? Traffic is always stopped...

Ford F-150 FX4 Twin Turbo V6.

As far as merging... every once in a while you get on the Freeway JUST PAST the accident! LOL!!!

For those that don't get the RF Antenna / Buffering in a MOVING Car... I can't help with without doing a class in RF design theory, buffering and data recovery and verification. It can be done much better, believe me or don't. You can verify this for yourself if you like... Drive your V down a stretch of hwy with overpasses... note the drop outs. Go test drive a current gen F-150 with Sync and xm down the same stretch (or any Toyota or Chevy with Factory XM) and note the drop outs - or complete lack there of... for the Chap that chimed in about "line of site" - the CAR IS MOVING - Not a fixed HAM station.

Liking the turbo V - I get there is a trade off of power vs. fuel mileage.

For those bristling that I called your baby ugly - get over it. It's just a car and I speak the truth as I see it - the baby isn't ugly - she just has room for improvement.

GOOD Bye, fare well.

[c230lover]

Sorry Guys,
He is right about the XM at least in LA. I had a 2008 Acura TSX with XM and it only cut out right in front of Universal City here in LA. My veloster's system seems to cut out all over the place. No matter, I did not sign up for XM after the trial period. Good luck trying to go 65mph when the freeways are moving in LA. I was on the 134 East in the San Fernando Valley and people were flying at 70 or higher. I think they are crazy for a multitude of reasons. Sadly, people tend to act like lemmings. When I can, I go in the far right lane at 65. Even then people will get on your tail. This explains why California has so many high speed accidents. My ex refers to it as,"Highway Darwinism".

[garyinok]

I haven't had my Veloster all that long, but comming from a F150 myself I got to tell you you're in for quite a surprise on the mileage front. If you think Hyundai over estimates the mileage numbers wait to you see Ford. I had the small V8, which actually gets better mileage than the V6. I got a whopping 14 down hill with the wind at my back. Horrible vehicles for mileage. Great truck though. I wasn't expecting the numbers Hyundai was touting what with ethanol blends, and summer/winter gas, but overall I was very pleased. I can't imagine that you took the depreciation hit over the XM radio, Nav, and a few mpg's?

[Rango]

I haven't had my Veloster all that long, but comming from a F150 myself I got to tell you you're in for quite a surprise on the mileage front. If you think Hyundai over estimates the mileage numbers wait to you see Ford. I had the small V8, which actually gets better mileage than the V6. I got a whopping 14 down hill with the wind at my back. Horrible vehicles for mileage. Great truck though. I wasn't expecting the numbers Hyundai was touting what with ethanol blends, and summer/winter gas, but overall I was very pleased. I can't imagine that you took the depreciation hit over the XM radio, Nav, and a few mpg's?

Bought a house on 2.5 acres and needed a truck again. As far a depreciation hit - Paid around 22K after the rebate and dealing - sold for 18.5 net and put over 12k miles on it - not my best deal but it is what it is...

I Rented an F-150 XLT 4x4 with the 5.0 in it for a 800 mile round trip for work, the week before I bought the truck. So I knew what I was getting into...My Truck is around 16.5 for the first 1000 miles - EPA was 17 combined - It's close enough for me. Hey I almost bought a F-150 RAPTOR - that would have really been a shock at the pump! LOL!!!

Don't get too hung up on the "Con's" - I wrote Pro's too I had a lot of fun with the car buy my needs changed so I sold it - simple as that - I didn't sell it because of XM, or mileage or any other one thing.

This will start a fight but... We own a Prius too and gave my wife the choice...after a couple of days she said "you test drove that and still bought it? it's gutless"...She chose the Prius. In fairness the Prius was about 6K more than the V, it SHOULD be a better car.

I'd still like to spend some time in a VT.

[mrselfdestruct]

Overpass schmoverpass, tree branches hanging slightly over the road (not full coverage) caused songs to cut out multiple times for several seconds at a time. It usually didn't even make it through 1 song before my girlfriend or myself said "f*** this" and put a CD in. I know XM needs a "clear view of the sky" but it's way too sensitive to make it worth paying for IMO.

[trooplewis]

Biggest complaint was MPG, and you traded for an F150.
Hmmmmm. Because 35mpg wasn't close enough to 40mpg. OK

[xxxotiknightz]

good man. i know if i could afford it id trade mine for another ram. hyundai promised a lot and delivered very little.

[Rango]

Biggest complaint was MPG, and you traded for an F150.
Hmmmmm. Because 35mpg wasn't close enough to 40mpg. OK

If you read the whole post, I sold because my needs changed....

I voiced that in my EXPERIANCE that the CLAIMED mileage was NO WHERE NEAR the ACTUAL mileage.

....hmmmm I seem to have seen something in the news about that lately....

Maybe I was not alone with that experiance

Like any car, it's got good points and not so good. Even after a year, it turned heads everywhere it went!

FWIW - this was only posted to help people who might be Looking at buying a V to go in with their eyes open...

[nouse4aname]

Biggest complaint was MPG, and you traded for an F150.
Hmmmmm. Because 35mpg wasn't close enough to 40mpg. OK

Sacrificing power for mileage is only OK as long as you're getting that mileage...

[Rango]

Sacrificing power for mileage is only OK as long as you're getting that mileage...

Exactly I made that decision when I bought - "Okay it's not a rocket, but for 40 MPG I'll put up with it..."

If it would have made the mileage numbers, I wouldn't say anything about the power.