New XG350L: insights, recommendations..?

Having been a loyal Toyota owner (Cressida, Camry, Corolla, etc.) for the
last 17 years- have now formally joined the Hyundai realm with my purchase
of a 2004 XG350L (all options) last week. This switch was definitely not an
impulse buy; did a LOT of research, reviews, internet comments, etc..
Simply, for the value, options, and styling (yes, even that) considered it
the optimal choice (vs. Camry, Accord, et. al.).

So far, as many of the comments reviewed stated- I am extremely satisfied
with overall: quality, features, performance, and the curious looks from
others (...what make is that..?).

Wishing to do the "right/good thing" from the start- thought it would be
prudent to query Hyundai-aware users on:

- breaking in approaches
- things to be extra aware of
- key operation/maintenance items
- any other XG350L-specific factors not widely known (if any..)

Any comments, insights welcomed... Hope my choice now "proves" to be a
confirmed best one...

Regards,
Robert G. Ragosta

 

I am certainly happy with my 2002 XG350L. The only thing it could use is a
good AM radio receiver. The stock one is junk, and is about as good a radio
as two tin cans and crystal radio sets we made as kids for 25 cents.

Gary

 

I'm fairly happy with my '02 stereo unit (and the car as well...). While I
live in Los Angeles, the only AM stations I listen to are the 2 all news
stations and have no problem with reception or fidelity (such as it is on an
all news station). The FM and CD changers are also fine.

 

I have a 2002 XG350L with 22,000 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. That is good but now
one of the CV joints has failed (three days later) so it needs to be
replaced yet AGAIN.
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 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!

 

KR-
Wish to note a few things:

1) VERY sorry about all your difficulties with '02 XG350L. No one warrants
half the issues you have had; quite unfortunate.

2) Appreciate the detail and specific identification of your problem
observations.

3) Not only did I check/review everything regarding the 2004 XG350L- but I
even carefully reviewed YOUR prior postings in this newsgroup PRIOR to
purchase.
- your problems are NOT indicative of my findings, particularly as regards
the 2004 model year (or even '03 or '02). Doesn't make your issues any less
disappointing/real..

4) So far, even though vehicle is '04 "new"- have seen NO indications (or
even hint of..) of ANY quality-performance items
- of course, usage/time will tell

Thank you for your comments/insights- and will update here as events (or
not) warrant..

Regards,
Robert G. Ragosta

 

my friend bought one just after mine and he has had no probs.
guess I just got the lemon of the bunch.

 

What a nightmare. I do believe, though, every make of car turns out an
occasional lemon. I purchased a 2004 XG350L last February. I've only
experienced a few disappointments that you have:

? Automatic climate control fan speeds have a mind of their own
- change constantly.

? Mirror trim pieces on both sides have paint flaking off.

(Not on my mirror but under driver door (2 chips) which occurred the
second week I had car, and on roof (1 chip). I 've called local dealer,
and dealer where I purchased and both are cautioning me that they won't
be covered under warranty because it's probably due to rocks, will only
cover if paint is "defective". I've never had a car with paint that
chipped before, and very disappointed with the two dealer's attitudes.
Very concerned now for future warranty repair issues. From reading
posts here, it seems to depend on the attitude of the dealer how well
you're treated. I had read on Edmunds consumer reviews several people
mentioning paint problem early on in all models.

? Not enough directional control for A/C vents. They need more

So annoying and uncomfortable, often having to adjust.

? Rear seat ventilation needs its own fan with speed control - output is
poor.

Yup, can barely feel A/C in back seat vent.

? Lot of wind noise through sunroof and windows when open.
Is there ever! You can't hear conversation, the radio.... Is there a
visor that can be purchased for the sunroof noise?

? Car feels heavy and ponderous - steering is heavy and slow.

Yes it does - and Jason, if you're reading this, I admit you were
right. This car IS a boat. Which is why I'm seriously considering
selling it privately very soon. It's just too big. So, now considering
less car - Corolla, Civic, Focus and Elantra. I would be much more
inclined to Elantra if I hadn't experienced paint chip problem, and lack
of cooperation from two closest dealers (one of them, where I
purchased).

Robin

 

Sounds as though I am either overly insensitive to minor problems, or you
are overly critical. Have you had the computer reprogrammed for the
acceleration problems? I had mine done at the dealer, and it runs like a
dream.

Here in the midwest with snow and abrasives being used for ice and snow
removal, I have to replace my wipers every year. The chemicals eat the
rubber like an animal desires raw meat.

FC

 

You might check your state's laws for a "lemon law" . We have one here in
Mo.

FC

 

"I'm fairly happy with my '02 stereo unit (and the car as well...). While I
live in Los Angeles, the only AM stations I listen to are the 2 all news
stations and have no problem with reception or fidelity (such as it is on
an
all news station). The FM and CD changers are also fine."


The FM reception, and the cd is great. It is also forgiving, in that it
plays computer made cdr's where my wife's 2003 Buick Regal GL spits them
out with an error message. got no complaint there.

I guess i am an old man, but I remember well my dad's Buick sonomatic radio
that would (even during the daylight hours, bring in stations 75 miles
away. It would also run the battery down in about 10 minutes too. lol

AM reception is so noisy on the rice burner, that it is like trying to get
enjoyment out of hearing a coffee grinder running, even when the engine is
shut off.

FC

 

The car was brand new and the wipers were warped. The computer has
been reprogrammed twice.

 

I agree. Check your state lemon law. It would qualify easily here in CA. (I
think it's 4 trips to dealer for repair and problem(s) still not solved or
something like that.)

Sorry about all the problems you're having with the car.

 

Robin, sorry you are souring on the XG.

My wife and I are still very happy with ours. We have a bit over 6,000
miles on it now. So far, no problems to note. Only gripes, other than
getting used to the stereo system, are the overly sensitive automatic light
controls that flash under bridges at dusk, and the fact that you have to set
the parking brake if you want to be able to use the memory seat feature
before entering the car. The drive-by-wire throttle did take some getting
used to for me, but I have certainly not experienced throttle or tranny
issues that pre-'04 model owners would gripe about. Really, for the money,
we are quite happy. No paint issues here, and no complaints about the AC
vents either. It's been 90+ every damn day here this summer (eastern NC),
so the blower runs constantly, but keeps the car cool. We never drive with
open windows, and seldom with the sunroof open, so I can't complain about
wind noise either. Gas mileage has been a bit better than expected, about
21 mpg.

 

I haven't soured on the car, I still think its more than fabulous for
the money. Everything I listed below are annoyances, all of which I can
live with. I have touch up paint for the chipped areas. For whatever
reason that wasn't clear to me before I decided on this car, I am really
missing the advantages of a smaller car (parking, narrow roads, more
room in garage, gas mileage, and handling). So now considering Elantra
but as I said before, my local dealers aren't helpful or even pleasant
in some cases. I may just call the Hyundai Corp office to voice my
disappointment. I will also be considering Corolla and Focus. And, I
may very well just keep my XG. If I do, I will be adding additional
speakers. I test drove a Civic, and I was SO glad to get back in my XG.
Robin