Hyundai Terracan (2003 - 2007) 2.9 CRTD 5d (2006/06) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Well, a Hyundai says I prefer substance over the badge. The car says I should have a dog or two (yes), I need to move lots of bulky stuff regularly (yes) and I take this thing in the mud, the streams and on difficult terrain (yes).

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

They are amazed at the light spacious cabin, the comfort and the sheer internal dimensions. They also like the fact that it is a Hyundai and so know it will last. They are also surprised at the cheap servicing.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I would buy another tomorrow without hesitation. I stopped at a Landrover dealers in April 2012 and they laughed. I drove a Discovery and I laughed. The dealer took both on a short off road excursion and really rated the Terracan. Then he quoted me mine plus £52,000 for the Discovery. Guess who had the last laugh...

What are you likely to buy next?

I can't see me needing anything to replace this for a long time. Then, I would try and find a slightly newer lower mileage Terracan.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£6,000

When did you buy the car?

September 2011

Did you get a good deal and why?

I got an excellent deal as the vast majority of buyers of 4x4's either want a discovery or a lifestyle 4x4. The Hyundai Terracan is neither, it is a serious and full on brutal off road vehicle andtherefore under the radar of most buyers, which means good value.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

A combination of a son going to university, a regularly wet labrador and I fancied the possibilities as a photographer of getting to locations my car wouldn't get me to.

What was the dealer like?

Excellent

What's it like to drive?

After a week I had adapted to the change from my previous car, a Jag S Type R. No, you can't thrash this in the same way, but adapt to the smoother driving style required of a 2 1/4 ton 4x4 and it it hustles along very well. Yes, it rolls a bit, but that is a pay off for serious off road ability.

What's it like to park?

I would suggest a few practices when you first get it if you haven't driven a big car before. Otherwise get parking sensors fitted. That back window is a long way away, and low down objects aren't obvious.

Have you had any problems with the car?

No, very much as expected really. Any manufacturer who puts a 5 year warranty on a monster like this trusts their build quality.

What's most practical about your car?

The huge boot, made even bigger by the simplest seats ever to fold. Over 2000 litres of room in the back tells you a lot and 2 levers put either of the back seats down in under 10 seconds.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Gadget - the full 2 wheel high, 4 wheel high and 4 wheel low ratio manual gearbox. Oh and the huge windows make it twice as bright inside as a Discovery.