1996 Hyundai Lantra GL 1.8 from Croatia

Summary:

Check before you buy and you will live happily ever after

Faults:

Alternator stopped filling @190k, replaced the voltage regulator myself.

Battery died because of it, but it was already old so I replaced it.

Rear hub @195k - replaced myself.

Rear brake calipers leaked not long after I bought it - could have avoided it if I paid attention. Replaced it with half price second hand from dealer (not very cheap though, but was something of emergency).

Had to replace almost new brake pads because of it - again, I could have avoided it if I reacted on time.

Driver door window guide - replaced it myself.

Dash board no light - I welded wire, everything OK.

Crankshaft sensor replaced by the dealer - not really sure it was necessary.

Back door lock rattled annoyingly. Fixed it in 5 min (after listening it for 2 years). Sound like a new car now.

Other than that the usual - oil, belts, rubbers, filters, boots,...

Should change shock absorbers soon.

Some squeaking noise in speed sensor.???

General Comments:

Have it for two years now.

I put the LPG unit immediately after I bought it - it drinks 8 L/100km of gasoline or 10 L/100km of gas. Fuel cost like diesel, speeds like rocket.

One time it left me on the road (5 min walk home) when voltage regulator died.

All faults are due to age and are understandable.

I use it pretty heavy - not so fine roads, towing heavy trailer, long highway trips.

It does 180km/h with no problem. Does have a wind hissing sound on high speeds - not so quiet. seats are reasonably comfortable.

Engine behaves bit like a turbo - slow acceleration until 2500rpm, then just flies off. Don't know if that's normal.

The longer I have it, the more I love it and take care of it and vice versa. (Haynes helps a lot, thank you Haynes)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 16th January, 2009

1996 Hyundai Lantra 2.0 petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Total rubbish, spend your money elsewhere

Faults:

Clutch failed.

Gearbox failed twice.

Bonnet primary catch failed on a freeway which was scary, as being a Hyundai wasn't sure whether you could trust the secondary catch.

Seats very uncomfortable on long distance if you are a six footer.

Seat fabric cheap fabric that makes you sweaty, feels a bit like pantyhose if that's your thing.

Radio failed.

Bonnet and boot panels didn't line up properly, this was a new car.

General Comments:

Expensive for what it was and total rubbish.

Had many 10 or 15 year old bangers that was far superior to this in every respect.

Without doubt the worst car I have ever had the misfortune to owned, may be OK as a budget car used infrequently, but for average mileage forget it.

Very poor gear change, quick changes when overtaking are out the question as the gear lever would feel like elastic with the stick in the 3rd gate, but the cog still in 2nd gear.

Cheap plastic looks and is very very cheap.

The door trim is tacky and nasty, not unlike the anti-vandal trim on public transport.

Left the keys in it once in an unsavoury area and even the local hoodlums didn't want to know.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 31st March, 2004

2nd Apr 2004, 16:13

Ah! the original Blandmobile...

26th Oct 2005, 01:18

Very good car if treated right only problem I have ever had was the auto trans and my car has done 250,000 km.

28th May 2006, 22:21

This car in it's wagon form is OK, but fast changes in gear, don't think about it, I also hate the clutch and brake start when it's out of gear.

It's dad's spare car and I DONT drive it much now since I've got my P's, but It's reliable and quite cheap on fuel, just don't push the car over about 140.

We have and it doesn't like it.

1996 Hyundai Lantra CDi Auto Estate 1.5i petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Unlock button on remote locking keyfob wears out after a short number of uses but Hyundai always happy to replace it.

General Comments:

Feels more luxurious than its price tag. Must be the cheapest medium sized estate auto with A/C and electric everything.

Size is somewhere between Escort and Mondeo.

Headroom might be tight for tall drivers.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th August, 1997