Coming home from work today, I spotted not one, but two seemingly new Honda Accords on the road. Now, I can certainly understand how men of means might be willing to shell out the won for a quality imported luxury car like BMW or Lexus. But a Honda Accord? I mean, if all things were equal, sure, I can see how someone might, for whatever reason, choose an Accord over a Hyundai Sonata. But things aren’t equal–an Accord V6 goes for W39.4 million in Korea. Even the most pimpin’ Sonata–the V33 Premier A/T–sells for W32 million, with basic models starting as low as W16.89 million.
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24 Comments
I thought it was wonderful to buy a 2-year old Matiz with only 12,000km for 4 million. Cars are cheap here, but is the quality the same as the export versions?
Most cars are priced as junk once they hit 100k km, and from the dearth of old cars on the road, I would assume that most of them hit the junkyard soon after. I’ve heard that you generally start having major mechanical repairs somewhere around 60k. By comparison, my dad’s VW Golf is still plugging through the Canadian winters at 450k km.
Sure, Korean cars may be cheaper, but if the import lasts 4 times as long, what’s the better deal?
That said, I think Korean export cars are about on par in quality to US brands, but still behind Europe/Japan.
Why buy a Honda? Why not? They are good cars.
VW at 450km? You are extremely lucky. VW is suffering from quality issues for a number of years and they still haven’t figured it out. My sister’s 1999 VW Jetta had so many stupid problems that she got rid of it after the 2nd year, for almost decade old Lexus. She has not had any major problems to this day.
European cars are interesting to drive and to look at because they are techonolocially complicated. But it’s also the complexity that’s causing them to fail in reliability.
Geesus, I love talking about cars.
On the question of where do old Korean cars go - the answer is 3rd world countries.
You’ll find old Korean buses in Mongolia, and many Korean cars make it to China, SE Asia, or even Africa. I estimate about 25-30% of all cars in Khartoum, Sudan to be of Korean makes; Hyundai, Kia, and Daewoo (of course Toyota dominates most of Africa).
Many are still out there, puttering along.
The Accord probably appeared on a Korean drama recently…
Taking the bus to Chongno the other day, I saw a cherry red Ferrari waiting for the light at Kwanghwamoon. Any idea how much one of those will cost you in Korea?
Actually Hyundai sends its best to America in terms of more highly inspected and assembled vehicles. Still the Korean consumer benefits from the trickle down effects, but the Honda’s may not be a result of a retail buy but from a Japanese Korean bringing it over as is the case for many high end vehicles that Korean Americans bring over to make a few bucks on difference on the tax breaks.
For Koreans, it is a symbol of higher ch’emyon (??) to own a foreign car. This allows them to condescend toward other drivers on the road.
Korean-Americans on USFK bases prefer European or high-end Japanese cars so that they may condescend to drivers of American cars as well as their fellow Koreans.
It’s all about face!
For Koreans, it is a symbol of higher ch’emyon (??) to own a foreign car. This allows them to condescend toward other drivers on the road.
Korean-Americans on USFK bases prefer European or high-end Japanese cars so that they may condescend to drivers of American cars as well as their fellow Koreans.
It’s all about face!
I guess its the ‘face’ thing in Korea. Bigger (aka expensive) is better. Funny thinking it is…
I thought is that some of them will probably end up parking it (and the Equus’es and Lexus’es) in the basement for all eternity.
but the Honda’s may not be a result of a retail buy but from a Japanese Korean bringing it over as is the case for many high end vehicles that Korean Americans bring over to make a few bucks on difference on the tax breaks.
Are you saying that the Hondas on the road here are because of people importing themselves from the US or Japan?
I don’t think that’s what it is at all. Just as there has been a rash of Lexuses and BMWs on the road (just the other day I found myself boxed in by three aggressive BMW drivers), Honda is also benefitting from drastically lower taxes and significantly lowered import restrictions (and probably the removal of the threat to audit people who had enough money to buy “expensive foreign cars”).
Honda dealerships are right here in Seoul. Several of them. One just walking distance from my house near Seoul Station and another right on the way to work, not far from the Seoul Arts Center. In fact, I walked into the one near my house and talked with the guy about buying a Honda CRV, which I think would be my next car when my Kia eventually craps out (it’s five years old and has 110,000 km and it runs fine).
Prices have gone down dramatically, and now the difference between the Sonata and the Accord isn’t that much greater, percentage-wise, than it is in the States, right? Not now, anyway.
Many Koreans themselves don’t yet recognize that Hyundai Sonata has become a quality car, and many assume the export model is better than the import model, so the Accord’s perceived quality may be a plus. Some of the Honda dealers will also make sure you know that these are Japan-made Hondas they’re selling, not US-made ones, if you ask about such things.
But aside from quality, Honda also has novelty going for it. People on their second or third car might want something different that is good, and Honda is that. Same with Volkswagen, which is also making a good showing here. Even for people in the middle-income level, these cars are affordable now, unlike the Lexus and BMW. So why not?
As for used cars, most Koreans don’t want pre-owned cars. They’ll tolerate driving their own once-new car as long as possible, but they don’t want someone else’s. Used car lots are very rare (most used cars are bought through things like e-bay, I think). Most of them end up abroad. The Sonata taxis in Manila, for example. I sometimes wonder where my old Hyundai ended up.
“Actually Hyundai sends its best to America in terms of more highly inspected and assembled vehicles.”
I’ve heard that a lot from Koreans in the past. When I ask them how they know, they say that’s what they’ve been told. I’ve got a feeling that’s another Korean urban myth like the fan death.
“Are you saying that the Hondas on the road here are because of people importing themselves from the US or Japan?”
That’s easy to tell. If the steering wheel is on the right side, then it was imported from Japan which I doubt happens that much.
Re: the lack of visible used cars, I recall once reading that Japan had or has a system where cars have to pass an expensive inspection that makes it painful to keep cars for more than a few years. While this might actually be out of a legitimate concern for the environment and safety; it does have the side effect of forcing people to support the car industry.
I’ve always wondered if the Korean bureaucracy has imposed similar requirements.
I hate to be pro Japan on this issue. Most of 1.5 or 2nd Gen Korean Americans usually drives Japanese cars. Just check out the Korean American church parking lot on one Sunday morning. 75% of the cars are Japanese. I always drove Japanese cars. I drove Honda Accord for 12 years before the engine start to over heat. Now, I drive Camry and my wife drive Isuzu Trooper.
I always heard negative things about Korean car’s quality ever since Hyundai, Daewoo and Kia was introduced to US market in the mid-80’s. It will take a miracle to convince me to buy Korean cars.
“with a recent U.S. survey placing Hyundai in a tie for second place with Honda on quality.”
Hyundai
ain’t
doing bad
at all
as the marmot pointed out its all about money and things aren’t equal. from my experience (2 korean cars in korea) they are pretty average quality, but also a pretty good price, so in the end it all balances.
As for them having too many problems to be worth keeping, i haven’t found that. getting work done on cars is actually quite cheap here. the mechanics are pretty useless, but the parts and labour are so cheap it doesn’t matter. they just start replacing parts til the problem is fixed. I have never broken down (i have had minor problems but nothing that has stopped me) and both my cars have done well over 100k.
Better quality Korean cars in the U.S.?
Yes - the U.S. has higher standards, I’m guessing do to higher speed limits (and what people actually drive most often). It’s not a myth, the cars are different, and you can’t import a regular Korean (domestic) car to the U.S.
Kimbob wrote:
I’ve heard that a lot from Koreans in the past. When I ask them how they know, they say that’s what they’ve been told. I’ve got a feeling that’s another Korean urban myth like the fan death.
Or more like the urban myth that USFK personnel are running amok committing tens of thousands of crimes. Urban myths are dangerous weapons that can be pointed at anyone.
“Are you saying that the Hondas on the road here are because of people importing themselves from the US or Japan?”
That’s easy to tell. If the steering wheel is on the right side, then it was imported from Japan which I doubt happens that much.
I think you missed the point of my question. It seemed to me that the original writer was suggesting that the Hondas in Seoul were brought into the country by their owners from the US and Japan.
JYCE wrote:
I hate to be pro Japan on this issue. Most of 1.5 or 2nd Gen Korean Americans usually drives Japanese cars. Just check out the Korean American church parking lot on one Sunday morning. 75% of the cars are Japanese. I always drove Japanese cars. I drove Honda Accord for 12 years before the engine start to over heat. Now, I drive Camry and my wife drive Isuzu Trooper.
No, no, no! It’s a lie! Everyone knows that every Korean hates Japan with fiery hot passion. You made this up.
Um, more seriously. How is that pro-Japan? 1.5 and 2nd generation KAs don’t want to seem like their country bumpkin cousins (which is anyone in Seoul or the rest of Korea) so they drive good-quality and nice-looking Japanese cars.
I love my Kia, but when I get back to the States, I’m buying an Acura again, or maybe a Lexus. Depending on what I’m doing.
rowan wrote:
As for them having too many problems to be worth keeping, i haven’t found that.
Me, neither.
getting work done on cars is actually quite cheap here. the mechanics are pretty useless, but the parts and labour are so cheap it doesn’t matter.
A lot of mechanics are barely worth what you pay them (which isn’t much to begin with). But there are some top-notch ones out there, and the trick is to stick with one once you find him.
they just start replacing parts til the problem is fixed.
Yeah, but isn’t that true with modern cars in general? Full of low-cost parts rather than expensive systems. Pull out what’s wrong and replace it. If Dr. Hwang succeeds, humans will be the same.
I have never broken down (i have had minor problems but nothing that has stopped me) and both my cars have done well over 100k.
I had someone at a Kia Q-Service place fix a part that had been recalled on my power steering system (Kia recalls almost anything that tends to go wrong), and a few hours later my car had no power steering because the guy had forgotten to put a plug or something back in and all the fluid drained. The mechanic, his supervisor, and the owner/manager of the facility each called me and apologized over and over.
Richardson wrote:
Better quality Korean cars in the U.S.?
Yes - the U.S. has higher standards, I’m guessing do to higher speed limits (and what people actually drive most often). It’s not a myth, the cars are different, and you can’t import a regular Korean (domestic) car to the U.S.
Are those quality-related standards or are they something else? Safety standards, I would imagine, might be higher in the U.S. for seatbelts for example.
Also, places like California require extra smog equipment that even vehicles sold in other states must have in order to be brought permanently into California. Could it be that this is the nature of the stricter requirements?
Does anyone know for sure what these stricter requirements are for Korean cars sold in the U.S. that supposedly make them better than their Korea-market siblings?
I appreciate rooting for the home team no matter what the sport and would certainly like to see Korea cars earn a better international reputation.
I also agree with Marmot here… if you’re going to pay for a foreign car in Korea, why a Honda? Perhaps they were purchased elsewhere and brought here when someone moved back?
What I don’t get, however, is Marmot’s interest and seemingly vast knowledge about automobiles, especially when none of it will help him on a written driving test should he ever actually decide to take one for the first time in his life.
Hey, Oranckay, get your facts straight — I took the written test. Just not the road test.
I love my Kia, but when I get back to the States, I’m buying an Acura again, or maybe a Lexus. Depending on what I’m doing.
I love my Kia, and when (if?) I go back to the States I would favorably consider purchasing another one. It’s a good car — and believe it or not, when in the States, out of sentimentality I usually look for an acceptable Korean product when I have a choice.
It’s not having the choice, or having the playing field tilted so the winner is pre-determined, that bothers me about Korean mercantilism.
I’ve heard that Korean domestic cars are not as safe especially with regard to the roof and the glass. You cannot import a Korean car manufactured for the Korean market to Canada. Period.
Did you ever check the price of used Korean cars here? I’d love to take home a Korean used car but Canada’s import website says no dice…….
Hyundai is superior in quality and design for sure, but it needs more marketing and advertisizing to improve its image. Most Americans still don’t know very well about Hyundai and confused the two, when I tell them I am driving a Hyundai not Honda.
Some of the Honda dealers will also make sure you know that these are Japan-made Hondas they’re selling, not US-made ones, if you ask about such things.
Silly people. They must think that the Japanese-made ones are better quality than US-made ones.
There are real differences, one can measure, of course. They are:
US-made and -sold Honda Accords are substantially larger and more powerful than Japanese/European models of Accords (in fact, Acura TL, V6 280 HP, sold in the US is based on the US-made Accord, while Acura TSX, V4 200 HP, is based on the Japanese/European model Accord).
As for Honda Accord (US) vs. Hyundai Sonata (US):
The Accord has fairly agile handling, and the ride is steady and compliant. The cabin is roomy, and controls are intuitive. A telescoping steering column facilitates an ideal driving position. The Accord is quiet, though less so than the Toyota Camry because of some road noise. The automatic shifts very smoothly and responsively. The four-cylinder engine is smoother than many V6s. Side and curtain air bags are standard. The V6 model is very quick and relatively fuel-efficient. V6 models also get standard stability control for 2006. The hybrid version is even quicker and gets 25 mpg overall. Crash-test results are impressive.
Now the Sonata:With a thorough 2006 redesign, the Sonata attempts to compete with the refined Toyota Camry and Honda Accord but at a lower cost. Built in Alabama, it features new, more powerful four- and six-cylinder engines and increased interior room. Comprehensive safety gear, including stability control and side-curtain air bags, is standard. First impressions indicate that handling is secure but not sporty. The ride is firmer than the previous model’s. The 235-hp V6 is refined, but not as punchy as expected, while the 162-hp four-cylinder engine seems civilized and competitive.The final verdict is that Hyundai is getting competitive, but is not quite yet first-in-class like Honda and Toyota.
When my wife and I were starting out, our top choice in sedans was Honda Accord. Now that we have some gum money, we prefer Lexus and Infiniti.
Oh, by the way, the comparison is from Consumer Reports for the 2006 models.
Sigh . . . Kimbob has made some valid points but it does not change the corporate history of Hyundai’s painful learning curve into the US market. He also underestimates the audacity by K-corps to stiff the K consumer. Senior management teams in the US only changed tack after legal and NGO scrutiny that ate up profits [Personally, I feel it was not all stick, Samsung's success was well noted by others, but it was later in the 90's]. An example of this brazeness coupled with newly found managerial experience is LG’s sale of large screen TV’s to Koreans that broke frequently and could only be fixed usually by . . . gasp . . . an LG technician for a fee. Yet, LG chose not offer its early models to US market despite its then superior display quality because the team well understood the headache dealing with angry American consumers + vendors who would insist that LG fix and take back defective sets. Same goes for Hyundai. If you remember a while back, the H team was in a quandry concerning its intial foray into the US market esp. when its product had been enthusiatically praised as the pride and joy of Korea. The management team then prudently outsourced motors from then troubled Mitsuibishi. Hyundai then without fanfare offered these Sonatas to the US consumer. How many of these souped up Sonatas do you think were sold in Korea, hmmm . . . ?