When I purchase my 2004 Hyundai Accent the AM radio built into it could
not pick up distant stations. Do I need a better radio or better
antenna? The radio in the car that I traded in was able to pick up
distant stations. Thank you. abxxx
you’d need a better antenna most likely. And it’s a crap shoot. I’ve put about 4 on my MR2 (the SO keeps taking it through car washes with the power antenna raised), all the same brand, all get different levels of reception ranging from fair to fantastic.
Go get an HD stereo system, which will give you a clear signal to about a thousand frequencies, all free. They don’t even cost much.
Before replacing anything, check the antenna is properly connected and properly grounded.
Assuming the antenna’s connected, I’d do like kizwiki says, get an HD radio. AM sections on radios get little attention these days, they’re worse than the were 20 years ago.