Essentially very little has gone wrong with this car which was bought new. As you can see from the details above, I travel a fair way to and from work each day. Much of this traveling has been on major highways, and mostly at 120k/hr. Subsequently I believe I am in a reasonable position to write about reliability. The vehicle has been off the road only for routine servicing and for one warranty claim (front discs as detailed below). It has been very reliable, and has not left me stranded on any occasion. Further it consistently delivers around 7.2 l/100Ks (38 m/imp.gal)
BUT it has its fair share of faults none-the-less.
1. Both front discs were replaced within a month because of warping.
2. Mechanically no faults.
3. Electrically no faults.
4. External paint and trim is acceptable (just). Internal trim (BAD, BAD, BAD). Non-stop rattles and squeaks from the day I bought it. Internally everything rattles: the dashboard, doors, boot (trunk), windows etc. There is a rattle for every road surface and every speed and every ambient temperature.
5. Road handling is poor, and it hates going around corners (under-steers badly).
6. Road noise is unacceptably high.
7. Good driver's seating, especially with the lumbar support. I never get a sore lower back after driving this vehicle for long distances.
I've been reading all the Hyundai reviews and it seems this car is very prone to rattles and squeaks. And I don't know about you, but rattles annoy the life out of me so this has put me off Excels and I think I might stick to the Mitsubishi Magna after all.
Have owned at 98 model excel now for 2 years and have had no dramas with the vehicle. I often travel great distances and have not experienced any road noise, it is always a very smooth and quiet trip. A well recommended vehicle.
Currently own a 1998 Excel sprint, which was purchased new and have traveled close to 120,000 kilometers. Have never had any rattles, or breakdowns! This car at $12990 incl. air conditioning (after $2000 cashback) has been extremely good value for money.
I am interested in buying a 98 excel hatchback, i am wanting to know your opinions...
I purchased Hyundai Excel six months ago. I replaced the entire suspension system with a new one along with new tires. The vehicle has already covered a distance of 1,50,000 km and is doing exceptionally fine except for high engine noise at a speed of over 100kmph and a rattling noise of the dashboard.
The Air-conditioner of the vehicle is excellent nad there is sufficient space in the hood.
Indeed it is a reliable car which can be maintained very cheaply with a need to have much better spares parts back up support.
I own a 96 model Excel, and I couldnt agree more about the horrid RATTLES!!! I think some excels didn't recieve as much attention as others : (
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