SecondHandSense: Hyundai GetzThe statistics fed into a major car reliability index in the UK, and used by What Car?, have proven a valuable resource for this column over the past few years. The monitoring of warranty claims means it is possible to get an accurate picture of which cars are the most reliable and the results will prove interesting, and also surprising, for the general reader.
For the record, the top 10 most reliable cars in this survey are made by Skoda, Mazda, Honda, Suzuki, Ford, Lexus, Hyundai, BMW, Volkwagen and Seat. The position of Hyundai at number seven may surprise many.
Hyundai is one of the major Korean carmakers and makes a comprehensive range of cars and one of them, which is quite underrated, is this week's choice for second-hand sense. The Getz is, in my view, one of the best cars made by the company. It has been around for about five years and is positioned to take on a range of small cars from several manufacturers.
It comes with a choice of 1.1 and 1.3 petrol engines and a body choice of two- or five-door hatchback styles. It was designed when Hyundai knew it had to start producing cars with a more European appeal and it worked. The Getz is a good mix of practical styling and comfort. It has been revised and refreshed recently but even the older model maintains unobjectionable looks.
It drives well and quietly and is very comfortable to drive around the city. It may lack the finish of a Yaris, but the Getz is a value-for-money car. The engine in both 1.1 and 1.3 versions is peppy and responsive, and you need to push it hard to hear any protest from it. Handling and ride are both good but it is the overall packaging of the car that is clever. Even the rear is reasonably comfortable and the boot is accommodating. You will still experience a wave of plastic in terms of finish but it is acceptable for what you are paying.
The basic model has a five-speed gearbox and two airbags. However, with a car like this I would stick to the basics for what is needed for a city runabout that will also take you on a longish journey in reasonable comfort.
The Getz achieved a very good four star rating in the EuroNCAP crash tests in 2004, which also makes it an attractive proposition for someone looking for a starter car or a safe runabout.
It has a good reliability record and the Getz has only once been recalled when 20,000 cars were found to have a faulty earth wire with the possibility of it causing a fire. All cars affected were recalled and fixed.
A 2005 model with a 1.1 engine, sunroof, metallic paint, electric windows, CD, two airbags and adjustable steering and 39,000 miles on the clock is on offer for €10,550. A similar 2004 model with 10,000 miles on the clock is on offer for €10,750, while a 2003 model with a 1.3 engine and 20,000 miles on the clock costs about €11,250. Keen bargaining should get you a good discount now, when dealers are anxious to move a lot of trade-ins.
FOR:Smart, functional, well styled small car
AGAINST:Name is not exactly a conversation stopper