1996 Hyundai Lantra from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

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.

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.

Ah! the original Blandmobile...

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

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.

I love my Hyundai Lantra, she's my baby. I am in the process of pimping her up, and she's going to look like a full on rally car. It is true though about the clutch and gears, all ready had to get the clutch renewed and I now need new bushes for the gear box, but I think she's worth it. She takes off real fast and I guess I can't complain much as I only paid a grand for her at the auctions. That's Aussie money. I will send a picture when she's finished. Beck x.

I just bought one (a 1.8LT SE series), for the money I am very happy (paid $2,300 with 6 months rego). Has minor paint blemishes. Clutch will probably only last another 12 months at most by the looks of it. However when factoring this cost into the purchase price its still a very good buy. This car, like most Hyundai's as well as other cars, will still be good at 200,000kms (as this one is) AS LONG AS THEY'RE SERVICED REGULARLY and generally looked after). Our previous run around 'second car' was a 1996 Hyundai Excel. It had not been looked after by the previous owner, and as a result it was a clapped out piece of rubbish in comparison. Still a Hyundai, but it just shows the difference between a well looked after car is in comparison with a non looked after car. I suspect you are used to a better build of car (Toyota), in which case a Hyundai will never compare. They are cheap cars, but get a goood example of one and they're not that far behind any mass produced car of the mid 90's.

I have owned my Lantra for just over a year, and I have not had one problem. I give it a hard time and she still keeps going. I would own another one.