1985 Hyundai Pony Reviews - Page 2 of 2

No maintenance was done by the previous owner. Associated problems as can be expected by not replacing oil/tranny fluid/radiator fluid, etc.

Brakes were likely never replaced. Needed replacement @ about $400CDN.

Leaks oil with 5W30 all over the place. Switched to 10W30, and not a drop escapes.

Heater core is cooked. Blows radiator fluid into cab. Threw jar of leak sealer into the rad instead of replacing the heater core. $3.50 instead of $400...

This is a great car. I admittedly have babied it out of necessity more than anything. I am a student, and can't afford for this car to die on me. My wife liked it way more than me, because I hate automatics. But I have spent a bit of time and money on it, and can see the value in it. It is very simple, and a great car to tinker with. I have taught myself to replace the spark plugs, wires, thermostat. I have changed the oil, flushed the rad, and some other tinkering here and there. The plan is to keep it running, and when I get a decent vehicle, sell it to some student for $5 with a new stereo installed, and all fluids replaced.

Done standard repairs over its lifetime, brakes, mufflers. No major problems.

Head Gasket just blew at 190,000.

It has become somewhat of a rust bucket running 17 years including some hard Montreal winters.

Used for low yearly mileage in suburban community.

Over the 16 years has become a part of the family.

We have given it to our friends 12 year old. It's his first car and its mechanical simplicity makes it the perfect first car on which to learn.

We'll miss her, but she's still around.

Master cylinder failed at 125000. I replaced it with a used one for $30.00.

Valve seal is leaking, but still runs fine.

New muffler at 138000.

Interior light works sometimes, doesn't work other times.

Horn works sometimes, doesn't work other times.

Has been a great first car. Bought it for $500 and have invested only $300 in 5 years.

It has brought me across Canada and through 4 years of university.

It is very simple inside and out. As a result, it's not so comfortable for long trips (I'm 6'3), but it's very easy to tinker with.

For the most part, the car has been very reliable... though over the course of the last 4 years the alternator has been replaced twice, due primarily to an engine oil leak (common problem with these cars) which dripped oil on the alternator.

Aside from that, the vacuum assisted brakes seem to require more adjustment than other cars.

Had thermostat replaced, but car seems to overheat easily if left in a stationary idle for long period of time.

Generally a very reliable car, the 1.6L Mitsubishi engine just keeps on going! I agree with the comments raised earlier that oil leaking from the gaskets seem to be a major problem with these cars, but it does not affect everyday functions if you are dilligent about checking the oil on a regular basis.

Perhaps a strong point for these cars is the generally solid feel of everything, it is much more solid feeling than Japanese cars from the same era... unexpected surprise.

Valve seals began to leak at about 140,000 km, causing much smoke.

After breaking the insulator of a spark plug out of its threads at about 170,000 km, I removed the head, had the valve seals replaced, and the valve seats ground. At that time, I found that the head was cracked between some of the valves. I didn't bother to replace it since the engine had been running well before. As it turns out, it was not a problem.

The differential went at about 180,000 km and was replaced with a used one.

The suspension has a tendency to ride harshly.

The driver's side door is sagging.

The alternator went at 240,000 km.

This is essentially a disposable car made for the commuter. Despite that, it has served me well and continues to do so (despite its age). It is, by now, worn down and on its last legs, but I don't think it owes me anything. It has worked well.

This car is easy to work on for the do it yourself-er.

When I bought it, the brakes needed a complete overhaul. I'm buying it because my father had one that did 350,000+ km.

Still on the original factory clutch.

Great little car.