hyundai i30 2012 problems Page 7

The 2012 Hyundai i30 is generally a sturdy little workhorse, but time reveals the usual gremlins that sneak in like uninvited ibis at a picnic.

Common complaints owners report include:

• Steering-column knock or vague feel from a worn rubber coupler in the EPS
• Rear suspension bush wear causing clunks over bumps
• Automatic transmission hesitation or harsh shifts if fluid's neglected; manual clutch wear on city-driven cars
• 1.6 CRDi diesel: DPF warnings on short-trip use and sensitivity to wrong oil
• Air-con blower resistors and interior trim squeaks as plastics age

Check for a full service history, smooth steering with no knocking, and that the diesel completes DPF regens on a decent test drive.

As ever, a pre-purchase inspection and a quick scan for outstanding recalls will save you from adopting someone else’s mechanical soap opera.