Hyundai i30 Hatchback (2007 - 2011) 1.6 Edition 5d (2010/10) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Depends who you ask? Some of my friends may think I'm a tight @rse but I'd like to think of myself as having made a very shrewd purchase.

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

My wife doesn't like driving it as much as our previous car as it is vastly different [ Vauxhall Zafira 2.0 diesel]. However, I realise we didn't need such a big car so went for the i30 for a change.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Not sure about this one. I'm a bit disappointed with the MPG [Especially after the salesman told me I would get so much more] and I feel the servicing costs are extortionate, especially the 2nd & 4th year. I like the new ix20 but the servicing costs will have to come down first.

What are you likely to buy next?

Unsure, as I've only had this one for 4 months. Who knows what will be produced in the next few years but one things for certain. My next car will have to be cheaper to run and also give more MPG.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£10,000

When did you buy the car?

October 2010

Did you get a good deal and why?

It was bought at 6 months old with a good £3k off the normal price with only 6000 miles on the clock. I managed to negotiate a bit more discount for paying cash.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I had read rave reviews in motor magazines and also in the motoring press in lots of papers. Auto Express had it at Number 1 in the polls of 2010 for satisfied customers. Also, the 5 year/100,000 miles warranty was a major consideration.

What was the dealer like?

The salesman was smooth and articulate but really full of bullsh!t. I had to correct him on a number of things through my previous research as what he was saying was so wrong. He insisted the mpg was a good 43 to the gallon :-( During negotiations, he could not make ANY decisions without speaking with the sales manager.

What's it like to drive?

Great. It is effortless with such a light clutch and smooth gear changes. Brakes work very well and stop the car. If I have a complaint to make, the engine seems to over rev.

What's it like to park?

I haven't had any problem parking it, especially with the light power steering.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Yes. When going over rough ground, I noticed there were loud knocking noises from ALL four corners. I have had it back at the garage and there seems to be a known problem with the suspension which will be investigated fully when it is having its 1st service in March.

What's most practical about your car?

It is very spacious,comfortable,has a very smooth gear change and excellent brakes.It is SO quiet I have to check it hasn't stalled. It is no slouch but it is no boy racer either. It just seems to do everything its supposed to, very well.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

I guess that would have to be the USB slot that I can throw all my music on to a pen drive instead of lots of CD's getting scratched in the glove compartment.