Hyundai Amica (2000 - 2003) 1.0 Si 5d (2002/02) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I know a good bargain when I see one. I buy a car on merit and not on badge.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Awww, sweeeeeet!!! Couldn't decide if it looked more like a boot or a hedgehog at first, but were very impressed with what you got for your money.

Would you buy this car again and why?

If it fitted requirements at the time, then yes.

What are you likely to buy next?

A smallish, economical hatchback with a bit more emphasis on the need to make long trips.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£3,500

When did you buy the car?

December 2003

Did you get a good deal and why?

Not a lot of negotiation needed after he offered us 500 quid for an ancient Proton!

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

A replacement for my wife's ancient runabout. It was love at first sight for her, and I fell for it over time as well. Vastly superior to a Matiz of the same age

What was the dealer like?

Not pushy whatsoever

What's it like to drive?

Very economical, over 50mpg was easy to get. Brilliant little town car and keeps up with urban traffic no problem. It is fairly narrow bodied and upright, meaning that exposed, windy sections of motorway could turn into a cross between driving and sailing. We did make many successful long journeys though!

What's it like to park?

Fits into just about any space available and massive wing mirrors make parking no trouble. No parking spaces? You could almost pick it up and take it with you.

Have you had any problems with the car?

We had this car quite a while and considering what we did with it we really got our money's worth. Decent independent garages services it much cheaper than the dealer and with no loss of quality. It did have a persistent problem with the "Check Engine" light that turned out to be a dodgy wire to the sensor (i.e. nothing really). We did go through brake pads and discs quite quickly, but then again we live in the Peak District. Had a bit of uneven tyre wear, but quickly found that getting the tracking checked whenever it went into the garage for anything else helped a lot. Anyway, new tyres for an Amica is not a big bill. Hyundais of this age do depreciate fairly quickly: we didn't get much for it when we part-exchanged it recently.

What's most practical about your car?

You more wear it than drive it. Boot surprisingly big considering its size and very useful with the back seats folded down. The rear seats are not the instrument of torture you'd expect in such a small car and easily fit adults of many shapes and sizes. The height of the car helps here.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

It doesn't really have all that many gadgets. My wife's favourite was electric windows. My favourite was the remote boot lid release button... Why??? If you recline the driver's seat you could probably reach the boot from where you sat!