1997 Hyundai Excel 1.5 twin cam from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

What a big rig

Faults:

Has an oil leak.

Wiring.

Acceleration is very sluggish and it also misses revs.

Blows blue smoke.

General Comments:

It's a good little car, very reliable, a good car to race in and for a thrash round the paddock. The top speed I have achieved is 170 and it was revving its nuts off.

The ride isn't that comfy, and when you start it most of the time it will blow big clouds of pale blue smoke.

I bought it last year for $500 and and it is proving itself to be a good first car.

The front left headlight is always dim when you turn the lights on, but when you get out and kick it, it will light up like it is meant to.

When I raced it last, I got all four wheels off the ground (about half a foot under each wheel). Ever since then the clock and the radio have stopped working and I can't fix it.

I never thought I would drive a Hyundai, let alone own one, but it's not too bad for a first car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th August, 2019

30th Aug 2019, 18:42

"Racing" a car with "very sluggish" acceleration just doesn't sound like that much fun... :(

1997 Hyundai Excel Sprint from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Very cute economical car, I love it!

Faults:

When I first purchased the car, I knew it had a tappet problem, which I didn't mind, cos I was getting it fixed anyway.

The door handles, both in and outside, are a bit crappy, I've had to buy new handles for both doors.

Oh, and I didn't have power steering, surprisingly wasn't that heavy!

General Comments:

I love it, best car ever, I've never had anything bad happen to me whilst driving it!

The petrol intake is awesome, I don't let my tank get less than half way though, but when I fill it back up, it's less than $25, which is the only weekly cost.

The aircon is in great condition, served me well during summer =P and I haven't had to get it re gassed, the body is in good condition, although there's a chunk of paint missing on the drivers corner front bar, all my fault though.. I hit the garage wall!

Runs pretty good, not with a full load though! Best buy, especially if it's for a first car, or even for an economical cute ride! =)

I want my car to last until it doesn't drive anymore! =P.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th March, 2010

1997 Hyundai Excel sprint from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

If anyone is looking for a reliable small car, buy an excel; you will never regret it

Faults:

In the last few months the Throttle Position Control switch was diagnosed as needing replacement. A problem in the throttle control caused a 'jerkiness', as if the fuel was going through in spurts.

Other than that -- absolutely no faults. I replaced the battery once, and of course the tyres because I was doing a lot of kilometres. That is all, in nine years.

General Comments:

My car died when we went over the side of a low-lying bridge, and she landed on her head in the shallow creek. Miraculously, no-one accept my car was hurt. She gave her life for me.

A brilliant car. As to be expected, in the last couple of years, she was not quite as powerful as she was in her youth; but small 4 cylinder cars are not designed to remain work-horses forever. In her prime, she would give any 6 cylinder and 8 cylinder a run for their money on the highways.

Being a hatchback, if I laid down the back seats, I was able to carry building materials etc that I could not fit into a car twice her size.

The doors were large and sometimes difficult to open comfortably in crowded car-parks, but it was my choice to buy a two-door instead of a four-door, so that was my fault not hers.

This is a tribute to my baby. I will miss her very much.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th March, 2006