2006 Hyundai Atoz Prime 1.1

Summary:

Has delivered more than expected

Faults:

Not much, it has been surprisingly reliable.

Some rust here and there.

Minor oil leaks.

Driver's seat is worn, and there's a hole worn in the left hand side on it.

Some minor brake problems that were fixed under warranty.

Original battery was very poor, and was replaced under warranty.

General Comments:

This is my aunt's 3rd Atos, but the others have been traded in after 3 years, and this she has kept. Initially I thought these cars to be a complete joke, but I can understand the attraction. These are dirt cheap to run, and there are seldom any problems; very reliable.

Not very good on long hauls, not very stable at high speeds, but an OK around city car, and a car for shorter trips.

The car is now really showing its age, though. It rattles badly and the driver's seat is worn. Rust is forming and both brakes, clutch and front suspension seem to have taken a beating, even after only less than 78.000 km, but considering that this was the cheapest car on the market back in 2006, it's not that bad.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th September, 2012

2002 Hyundai Atoz Prime 1.1

Summary:

Solid, but beware of resale value

Faults:

Well built car with few problems. Only thing on this car that is poorly designed is the brakes that last for a year or two. But this car never did any high km figure, so I don't know how it will work beyond 100.000 km.

General Comments:

This is my mother in law's car. She just sold it and bought a new one. Before this one she had a 2000 model. She just loves these funny little cars.

Great city car with light clutch and steering. But don't do long trips in it.

Resale value after 5 years is equal to nothing when trade in, but new price is low so it probably does not matter. These cars must be bargains second hand if you do your own maintenance.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th July, 2007

15th Oct 2012, 08:33

These strange little cars are very resilient. Driving in one, it may feel like it's falling apart with rattles and shaking. Fit and finish is nonexistent, and after a couple of years they often look like a wreck. But they seem almost impossible to destroy. For some reason they always start. My sister has one that's 10 years old, and I don't think she's been changing the oil for years. It looks like a wreck, but always starts.