Hyundai I30 2015 Problems

Unfortunately, you’re unlikely to get a manufacturer to pay for repairs on a car that is well and truly out of warranty (as a 2013 Hyundai, which came with a five-year warranty, is). The difference would be if the faulty radio was a pre-existing condition that Hyundai had been notified of before the warranty ran out.

It’s very unlikely that a car-maker would issue a recall for something like a faulty radio, as recalls are generally caused by safety-related problems and faults. But manufacturers do issue TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) for non-safety problems.

I have heard of Hyundai radio units giving trouble, usually starting with a lack of volume and working their way up to no sound and then no power at all. The good news is that the trade knows about it and there are specialists who have a dedicated fix for these units. In the meantime, it would certainly be worth asking your Hyundai dealer if they’ll fix or replace the head-unit. For instance, since you’re obviously a Hyundai family, or if you were a long-time, repeat customer, you might find the dealership will listen sympathetically in order to keep your business into the future. But don’t go to the bank on it.

It’s a toss of a coin, both are good cars and should give you a good run for the five years you want to keep them.

Don’t mess about, if it hasn’t been fixed take it back, and continue to do so until it is fixed. Don’t let up, and if the dealer isn’t doing what you think he should go to Hyundai’s customer service people (phone: 1800 186 306). It is Hyundai’s responsibility to fix the problem.

You need to consult a qualified automotive engineer with experience in safety that should be able to assess the wreck and hopefully give you the information you want. Try Vicroads for the names of possible engineers.

You need to decide on whether you want an SUV or a hatch before you do anything else. The SUV gives you a better view of the road, is practical, and the CX-3 is a good choice, but hatches can also be attractive. I would rule out the Mazda2 in your case, as it would seem to be too small for your needs, but the 3, Corolla and i30 are all good cars that would deliver on the things you want.

Headlamp globes are listed in the warranty as consumables and not covered. It's the same with all carmakers Hyundai is no different. It's not a big deal.

The i30 gets The Tick from me, is definitely not a throwaway, and is a better choice than the smaller and less refined HR-V, despite the flexibility of the Honda's cabin.

Even Hyundai admits there are shortcomings in its Bluetooth setup so, although it works fine for you, perhaps you have not had the opportunity for a back-to-back test with 10 other vehicles including the super-impressive Mercedes-Benz GLC.

The three cars you nominate are all sound and good buying in the small to medium class. I wouldn't recommend buying European, they are generally less reliable and more costly to run than cars from Asia. You could also consider a Honda Civic or Kia Rio.