1988 Hyundai Excel
Summary:
Lacks grunt, but is very reliable
Faults:
The CV Joints required replacing at about 205000km. This was probably due to my erratic driving rather than anything else.
There is a slight amount of rust beginning to develop just above the front windscreen, and on the door on the right hand side of the vehicle, behind the driver.
Otherwise I have been surprised by the reliability of this vehicle.
General Comments:
The model that I own is the most basic five door. It appears a bit odd without the mirror on the left hand side (passenger) door, and the steering, especially in car parks, requires muscles. The four speed manual leaves you wishing there was a fifth gear.
The acceleration in third gear going up anything steeper than a 10 degree hill is terrible. To go from 40kph to 60kph takes around 10 seconds.
It can handle the erratic nature of my driving (e.g. taking a round-a-bout at 60kph).
It goes through about 10L/100km of unleaded on the wide Australian roads. I could probably get 8L/100km if I did not push the car so hard.
Struggles at 100km on the freeway. The engine is very loud at this speed.
It can get really hot left out in the sun. Probably requires air conditioning to make it comfortable.
The heater is very effective, but it is seldom needed.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 13th May, 2004
16th Jul 2004, 09:57
Well there goes that car. If you are after something safe, stay well clear of this car. It was hit by the bull bar of a Landcruiser at about 10k/h and the back end crumpled like aluminum can being squashed by a shoe. So, it's a write-off. Thank God that the Landcruiser wasn't going any faster, or I'd be in hospital.
27th Jun 2004, 09:11
Please note that I did not mean to deter readers from buying this car, as the blue frown suggests. If anything, I would probably put a smiley face up there because it starts every time, and it has caused me little grief.