Faults:

Gearbox started to whine at 135K.

Exhaust fell off, mid section.

Oil and coolant leaks.

Radiator replaced.

Major rust in its final years.

General Comments:

A very reliable and comfortable car for the money, this budget sedan done me well for many years. I bought it used in 1996 for little cash.

Not a very common sight on the road, the Stellar was Hyundai's attempt at a large family car, and it was not bad. Apparently based on an old Ford Cortina. I rather liked its boxy look. As 1980's as it gets.

GSL was a good trim level for its time (electric windows) but it did not have power steering, I believe this was only available on the 2.0 models. It was very heavy to turn when parking, the only thing ruining an otherwise OK driving experience and comfortable car.

Nothing special to drive, but the 1.6 petrol had just about enough power with the 5 speed box. I never calculated the miles per gallon accurately, but it must have been doing around 30 mpg or a little more, acceptable for its time. I kept it serviced on time.

Most of the problems I had were due to age and miles, it never left me stranded by the side of the road. A rare, unloved but reliable cheap car typical of its time. I have not seen one on the roads in over 20 years, there cannot be many left here in the UK. Not exactly a collectors item, but I would love one again for nostalgia.

Faults:

I have to replace the front wheel bearings every 3500 miles.

I replaced the prop-shaft bearing bush after 100 000 miles.

General Comments:

I purchased the car from the guy who bought it from new, full service history.

It has provided me with a very reliable means of transport for the last few years.

It is very cheap to run and surprisingly economical.

It is a hoot to drive, but you must be careful in the wet.

It is a future classic, if the rust doesn't get them.

Faults:

The rear suspension bushes tend to wear out every 40000 miles or so.

Recently, the gearbox has started to whine a bit, I guess this is to be expected at this mileage!

One or two spots of rust coming through, fortunately only surface rust.

General Comments:

A very reliable car, it just keeps on going.

Pretty comfortable on long journeys.

Parts are cheap (dealers are clearing out their stock of parts) and very simple to work on.

Faults:

The factory fitted sun roof has a large trim which protrudes down inside the car. Stellars are not that great on head room anyway, so this particular sun roof takes the car from being acceptable to drive to being a real pain when you go over bumps.

Faults:

None until the crash : (

The glove compartment really sucks! It reminds me of a tin pig trough!

Wiper motors may vary in speed once in a while.

General Comments:

To be honest, a I have seen a LOT of bad reviews about this car.

However, I have had absolutely no problems apart from body rust. The car has always started first time and is very roomy and comfortable.

Surprisingly powerful, but quite heavy on steering.