I did want mine to go much longer than 18.5 years, and there are cars here that are still going strong. The only thing I would say is the 4th gen doesn't drive like a modern car anymore, the way the steering/brakes/motor perform. I remember posting here that I got smoked by a Sonata V6, so I steer clear when I see that badge on a Sonata, and this was 10 years ago lol

At this point one can wonder and there are differing opinions....if we paid $22k for a fully loaded 98 SE stick back in 1998, at what point have we gotten our money's worth from the car....I say at least 10 yrs, maybe more, but prolly 15+ is in the ballpark...

 

its still a hyundai, have fun seeing an 18 year old hyundai.. that may be as rare as big foot.

 

had my 2001 maxima se a/t 120-155k miles, I think I replaced half the car in 35k miles time, ended up giving up it couldn't run right after new computer iac and **** their were still running issues so I junked it.

got a 2000 maxima se 5 spd man, LOVE it, I got it at 185k and currently sitting at 220,044 miles. Idles at 650,no misfires,has never slipped, car still screws with the OE motor and trans

other than body rot this car will not die, I've blown spark plug #3 and it ran fine for a month with a missing spark tip lolol I probably still raced too.

5th gen > 5.5