Hyundai i30 Hatchback (2007 - 2011) 1.6 CRDi Comfort (6) 5d (2009/59) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That I have a family, I like to look after them, need good space to carry the shopping / dog and camping stuff so I need reliability at an affordable price.

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

It's well accepted. It'll never set the world on fire for it's looks, but it's fun to drive, reliable, and can fit them all in comfortably.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes I would, but I'd maybe consider something else along side it as the warranty does not seem to be as easy as it should be to claim against.

What are you likely to buy next?

Probably a Seat Leon or Audi A3, something a bit better looking.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£5,999

When did you buy the car?

November 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

I believe so, my car still had 2 years warranty on it and had been well maintained as it was a fleet car, but with acceptable mileage for the age.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Good reviews, long warranty, nice sized family car.

What was the dealer like?

The dealer was fine, didn't notice a headlight wasn't working before the test drive (until mentioned) and then immediately had the bulb replaced. No pressure and seemed to know his stuff.

What's it like to drive?

It's willing, nippy, economical and really quite good fun. Don't expect it to be a silent ride though, the engine is not too loud, but the road noise from the tires is very noticable. Good visibility, but the rear window colomns are quite wide.

What's it like to park?

Light steering helps, the car's a nice size so it's not that difficult to get in a small space. The rear colomns as mentioned are a little wide, but overall visibility is good.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Headlight bulbs!!......I've had to get 4 bulbs replaced in 2 years, all headlights, not expensive, but a pain. The gear box has been investigated by 2 different Hyundai garages. It is occasionally very difficult to engage 1st, and more often takes 4 or 5 tries to engage reverse. One garage said "somethings not right, but to check under warranty you'll have to pay for the gear box to be opened and drained as it might just be the oil (£200+ quid)" the other said "I can't feel anything, maybe it's just difficult"...not ideal!!! The only other real issue is road noise....even on smooth motorways it's noticable, on poor "B" roads you may need to turn the radio up....oh....and don't go over 20mph with the rear windows down, it sounds and feels like a Lynx helicopter is landing in the boot!

What's most practical about your car?

Very good boot, well shaped and easy to access. Excellent rear room once back seats are down too. Economical too, and a willing diesel engine.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Favourite Gadget...the USB jack is handy for charging my phone (but it won't recognise it to play the tunes held within).