11th Sep 2011, 09:25
As a car salesman, I have had dealings with both the Hyundai and Kia, and I won't be getting involved with them any more, even the smaller cars and hatchbacks. All are badly made and feel cheap, and their road manners are terrible. I don't think the Koreans understand what Europeans expect from a car, even if they are cheap to buy. Steer clear.
12th Sep 2011, 15:28
How long ago were you involved with Kia and Hyundai? They built inconsistent rubbish about 7 years ago and before, but especially Hyundai has been pretty good in my experience of late.
19th Sep 2011, 11:37
I have a 2005 Kia Rio 1.5 CRDi. Currently on 80000 miles/120000km and also used to tow a small caravan. Apart from servicing, brake pads, battery and one steering ball joint, the car has been trouble free. Crap quality? I don't think so!
14th Jun 2012, 09:59
My IX35 is working brilliantly, and it has better build quality than Japanese cars. I have owned the Honda CR-V, Suzuki Grand Vitara and Honda Integra, and none of them have been close to the build quality on my IX35.
29th Jul 2012, 15:03
I've owned a Hyundai ix35 petrol, and now a diesel Elite version, and I do agree that these cars are terrible. Cheap plastic, noisy cabin, very low MPG, very bad brakes (I changed them on 15000 km) etc. etc. I'll never buy Hyundai again.
7th Mar 2014, 08:47
My work gave me a Hyundai ix35 for the day as I needed to go on a course. The driving mainly consisted of motorway, and I have to say, I did not enjoy driving this car at all. At motorway speeds it felt unstable and the steering gave little feedback. The diesel engine felt gutless and unresponsive. I wouldn't consider buying this car, and prefer my mk4 Astra by far.
14th Oct 2015, 07:52
As an owner of 7 Integras, Preludes and Accords, I think you are confused - there was nothing better built than the 1990-2001 Acura Integra. Hyundai and Kia do not even come close to the quality that Honda produced and continues to produce.
3rd Mar 2011, 06:18
Reconsider your decision, because Hyundai/Kia began to produce new models much faster than good cars can be developed. Previously known for their reliability (but also simplicity), new models are not so reliable. And they weren't able to manage the well known faults like bad paint. Modern electronics are crap (like radio unit in i30, I doubt that radio is any better in this model). Just beware of these things.