About the Hyundai i20
Nick E purchased this Hyundai i20 used for $10,000 (including all on-road costs) in 2015. Nick E wouldn’t buy this car again because: “This was the perfect car for a stage in my life when it was what I could afford. It’s been reliable and affordable and meant I can save and invest. My next purchase will be a reward for hard work.”
How reliable has your car been? Tell us about any issues.
My i20 has mechanically been flawless. It has only broken down once and that was because the dealer didn’t reconnect something correctly on the engine (can’t recall what) after a logbook service. I had steam billowing out from under the bonnet! But was an easy fix and I had roadside assistance as part of the service package.
The radio died once within warranty and was replaced by Hyundai, but died again last year and so was upgraded.
What do you think of the ownership experience with your car?
I chose the i20 because of the five-year warranty and my assumption that it would be cheap to service. The warranty was handy, but the servicing wasn’t so cheap!
On average I paid between $300 and $500 a service which seems excessive to me for when it was a new car. I changed to a private mechanic after the warranty period and have found them to be much more reasonable.
Are you happy with the price and features of your car?
I bought the i20 when I was a broke uni student who was sick of riding his bike more than 60km a day! I wanted a reliable and affordable car and it’s been exactly that. Nothing flash or clever, it’s a simple no-fuss a to b.
The greatest feature is the low price point. I paid it off years ago, graduated uni, entered my professional field and achieved other milestones like buying my first home and getting engaged.
The i20 has been our ride the whole way and with the odd scratch or dent, it’s not a stress. It’s also great to take to the beach with our dog Crispy because we don’t mind getting the interior dirty!
We own it, it’s costing us nothing and it causes no stress. That’s really awesome.
What do you think of the performance and economy of your car?
Driving in Melbourne’s inner suburbs it averages about 6.0L/100km and on a highway I’d say about 5.0L. The manual transmission is essential, because going up a hill or overtaking on the freeway is a bit of a challenge for the engine so you’re best to lock it into a low gear.
Having said that, it’s never been sluggish and you have perfect control. It’s a great and handy city runabout that’s easy to park.
What do you think of the technology in your car?
The i20 is about as manual and no-frills as a car can come… and I love it. No fuss. Radio, electric windows and air-conditioning. Simple.
It has a trip computer and a digital clock on the dash, but I haven’t kept them up to date. But it’s nice they’re there I suppose.
What do you think of the ride comfort and handling of your car?
The ride is fine when it’s all you know. You feel the bumps and potholes on the road, the cabin lets in road noise etc. The handling is fine but not dynamic. But when it’s the only car you drive for eight years you don’t worry about any of that.
Do you have any additional comments about your car?
My i20 has tackled its fair share of dirt roads, steep hills, paddocks and even crossed a creek.
It’s only ever been reliable and fun to drive. I have a lot of great memories in the little blue beast.