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Buying a used Hyundai i30? Here's what to look for

Where Can I Find the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)?

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is composed of 17 characters (digits and capital letters) that act as a unique identifier for the vehicle. A VIN displays the car's unique features, specifications and manufacturer.

The VIN can be found in a couple of places including on the car's registration label (1), on the compliance plate in the engine bay (2) or on the passenger side windshield (3), or on one of the door posts (where the door latches when it is closed) (4). See the image below:

Look for the VIN in these other locations:

  • Insurance card/Insurance policy
  • Vehicle title and registration certificate

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The Hyundai i30 is an attractive and affordable hatchback that arrived Down Under in 2007. Since then, it's proven to be one of Australia's most popular vehicles. If you're in the market for a used car that performs well and looks good to boot, it could be a great option for you. But there are some things you'll need to be mindful of when you're looking at models.

We take a look at what makes the Hyundai i30 a great used car, as well as some things you should check before you buy.

If you want your car to look good, the Hyundai i30 won't disappoint.

The benefits of buying a used Hyundai i30

There are several models of the Hyundai i30 available, each with specific features. The Hyundai i30 Active is the most common one you'll see, but if you'd like some upgrades you can keep an eye out for models like the Hyundai i30 SE and i30 Premium, which will give you a stronger performance due to the two litre petrol engine.

All Hyundai i30 models have some key attributes that make them great cars for Australian roads:

  • They look fabulous: If you want your car to look good, the Hyundai i30 won't disappoint. Both the interior furnishings and the exterior body are stylish, so you'll definitely feel classy when you're commuting to work.
  • They've got great fuel economy: The SX and SLX models come with a 1.6 litre turbo-diesel engine with 85kW of power and 255Nm of torque.1 Not only does this help ensure your driving experience is smooth and effortless, it also makes for great fuel economy.2
  • They're safe: All second-generation models (from May 2012 to May 2017) have a five-star ANCAP rating.3
  • There are plenty of features: Even the basic Hyundai i30 model comes with Bluetooth connectivity, hill start assist and one-touch indicators.4 And if you nab yourself one of the later or upgraded models, you could also get additional features. The Active model comes with cruise control, air conditioning, rear parking sensors and 15 inch alloy wheels.5

What to look for in a used Hyundai i30

There are some potential problems with used Hyundai i30s that you should be aware of when you're searching the market:

  • Radio reception: This can often be poor,6 so when you take your vehicle for a test drive be sure to check this.
  • Handbrake: If you're purchasing a manual model manufactured in early 2012, check that handbrake repairs were carried out. A recall was issued for these models whereby a new seal needed to be fitted to the handbrake calipers.7
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC): In 2016, Hyundai issued a recall for 37,334 vehicles that were sold between December 2010 and March 2012.8 The issue related to the casing of the ESC electronic control case, which could crack and allow moisture to affect the internal electronic components which could cause the ESC to malfunction. If you're buying a model from 2010-2012, check with the seller that the repairs were carried out properly.

To help mitigate these issues, ensure you check that the car has been serviced in accordance with Hyundai's service schedule and that any replacement parts are genuine Hyundai ones.9 And don't forget to purchase a Car History report before you buy your Hyundai i30 - it will help give you the peace of mind you need to make a smart decision.

1 Drive.com.au. Used car review: Hyundai i30 2007-09. Accessed February 2018.
2 Motoring.com.au. Buying Used: Hyundai i30 2007-12. Accessed February 2018.
3 RACV. Hyundai i30 second-hand buyers' guide. Accessed February 2018. 
4 Whatcar.com. Used Hyundai i30 Hatchback 12-17. Accessed February 2018.
5 Whatcar.com. Used Hyundai i30 Hatchback 12-17. Accessed February 2018.
6 RACV. Hyundai i30 second-hand buyers' guide. Accessed February 2018. 
7 Whatcar.com. Used Hyundai i30 Hatchback 12-17. Accessed February 2018.
8 The Motor Report. Hyundai i30 Recalled For Electronic Stability Control issues. Accessed February 2018.
9  Whatcar.com. Used Hyundai i30 Hatchback 12-17. Accessed February 2018.

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