1998 Hyundai Lantra SE review from Australia and New Zealand

The driver's door failed to lock using the central locking system not long after picking up the car. Problem was fixed under warranty, however just recently the actuator has burnt out which means the driver's door must be unlocked and locked manually.

At about 60,000kms, the car developed a problem where it would occasionally surge back and forward and lose power. At idle, the revs would fluctuate between 500 and 1000rpm. Hyundai were unable to find any problem with the car and continually dismissed it as the result of poor quality fuel. A trip to a local mechanic revealed the car had a blown oxygen sensor, broken idle adjuster and that the throttle opener and fuel filter were both clogged.

At about 65,000kms, the spark plug leads blew one night at a set of traffic lights. New leads fitted within five minutes.

At 75,000kms, a gasket in the transmission blew resulting in the transmission fluid leaking. Problem was easily rectified during scheduled service.

Provided you have a good mechanic and regularly keep the car maintained, it should operate relatively trouble free.

Hyundai's service centres are fine for general servicing, however they rely too much on the cars computer to find faults, thus making it hard to fix known problems.

With a decent set of tyres, a Lantra will handle very nicely and be a delight to drive on twisty roads.

Performance is fairly good for a 1.8litre, although the engine can struggle significantly with the air conditioning on.