1997 Hyundai Lantra GLS review from Australia and New Zealand
"Low buy price and impressive at first, but watch expensive parts and long term performance"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Automatic transmission began to drop out of gear at around 45,000. This was never repaired by the dealer. At 130,000 an auto transmission specialist found fault with the torque converter.
Internal engine fault at 65,000. Noisy HLAs (hydraulic lash adjusters) - repaired by dealer.
Faulty rear hatch lifters at 80,000. Replaced by the dealer.
Suspension has been noisy since 80,000 and gets noisier over time. Ride is no longer smooth.
HLAs are noisier over time. Must change the oil regularly or they get very noisy.
Car wears quickly after the warranty expires.
General comments?
The buy price of the Hyundai is low, but the parts prices are astronomical. The equivalent Mitsubishi parts (if available) are half the Hyundai prices.
Hyundai Australia have little interest in providing service. They never bothered to follow up on a complaint regarding the auto transmission.
The car was impressive for the first 100,000km, but has gone downhill quickly since then. The warranty expires at 100,000.
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All 1997 Hyundai Lantra reviews
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| First year of ownership | 1997 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8L DOHC Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 4/10 |
| Comfort marks | 5/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 1/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 2500 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 220000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Toyota Cressida |
| Date of Entry | 25th January, 2002 |