[Ozzibiker]

After being in Japan, me a Sydney-sider, is going to settle in Brisbane.

I'll need a car and a mechanic friend suggested Hyundais. It seems they are very reliable and, after looking around, I don't believe they have the same name-brand price of other brands.

I find the i30 badging as clear as mud, but I want a bigger car, so I guess I'm after an i30 CW. Probably a diesel, but a big factor is price. Looking to get something for about $10,000 with under 100,00km. How much can I push on prices? I can do a fair amount of maintenance myself, and I want to get the most value out of the car by running it into the 300,000km+ mark.

When buying I guess I'll just check oil and water, CV joints, OBD diagnostics, engine sounds / smoke and any strange noises. Anything else should be looking for?

I was thinking about buying one in Sydney and driving up to Brisbane with it, but at the moment the increase in COVID cases may make that impractical.

Any help is welcome.
Thanks

[Ozzibiker]

Also, what differences are there between the years 2009- 2012? It doesn't seem much, but I noticed blue tooth in the 2011 models.

I'll also be looking to get the online manual. Anyone else use it?

[eye30]

Welcome

[Dazzler]

Welcome Ozzibiker,

I'm keen to give you some help with this. I'll be back shortly. LOL

[Dazzler]

Ok, I'm back!

We've had four i30's including an FD (series 1) 2008 diesel hatch and a 2010 (Model year MY11) 2.0 Petrol CW, both Manuals.  My Wife also had a Series 2 (GD) 2014 Manual 1.6 Petrol Tourer (wagon) So, I think I can be of some help with your enquiry.

Firstly, I'd like to say, while the i30 is generally a reliable car, any car approaching 10 years old can have its issues. The FD has been known to have some issues with the 4 speed Auto transmission in 2010/11 models and occasionally there has been issues with the Electronic power steering as well.

Might be worth browsing the problems sections for info on those.

The little CRDi motor is a gem but the 2.0 petrol in the FD performs quite admirably too. My wife found the fairly good little GDi 1.6 Petrol in her 2014 a bit underwhelming after the zippiness of her 2.0 CW.

I alway felt the CW body CRDi engine combo (preferably manual) was the pick of the FD series. Even though some stats suggest the GD Tourer was just as roomy in the 'Boot" as the CW we found it much less usable. As a bonus I thing the CW is better looking than the Hatch from the back and the side.

I'm a bit out of sorts tonight so I'm of to bed and got quite a busy day tomorrow but if I get a chance I'll try to answer some of your questions more directly. I'm sure others will have some feedback for you too. 

I did do this review on youtube of our CW. I repeat myself a bit but you might pick up a thing or two.

CW Review.mkv - YouTube

[Ozzibiker]

Thanks a lot. Very helpful.

A bit busy at the moment, but I'll check things out about the transmissions.

[Cadal]

Mechanic wise I have a good one but I think it really depends on where you opt to settle in Brisbane.

My wife has quite liked our late 2009 FD i30cw diesel, we are however thinking about upgrading since it is now 11 years old. The only issue we have had with it is the side mirror motors went - which is apparently a thing 10+ years - their manual now.

When we went to check on a 2018 model we found out the unfortunate news for the i30cw range in Australia.. (silently discontinued)

I hear the GD Tourer apparently has a less actual space then the FD series but the 2016 might still be worth a look by the sound of it.

There is apparently a come back through the N line in 2021 but wife and I aren't that interested in a performance marketing of the N line... Good luck - Ps I'm not an knowledgeable as most of the people here so grain of salt !

[Dazzler]

Mechanic wise I have a good one but I think it really depends on where you opt to settle in Brisbane.

My wife has quite liked our late 2009 FD i30cw diesel, we are however thinking about upgrading since it is now 11 years old. The only issue we have had with it is the side mirror motors went - which is apparently a thing 10+ years - their manual now.

That's pretty good reliability if that's the worst. Why not try a wreckers yard for a couple of replacements?

[Ozzibiker]

I wasn't sure where to put this post.

It seems I'm going to have to look at dealerships also in order to get a CW sometime soon. I'm just wondering if anyone knows how to get the best deal. I have the money and don't need a loan. Looking to pay $10,000 - $12,000 for less than 100,000km.

Thanks

[Shambles]

I wasn't sure where to put this post.

Probably better tagged onto your original request. Bingo! Done.

[mickd]

I wasn't sure where to put this post.

It seems I'm going to have to look at dealerships also in order to get a CW sometime soon. I'm just wondering if anyone knows how to get the best deal. I have the money and don't need a loan. Looking to pay $10,000 - $12,000 for less than 100,000km.

Thanks

Wrong !  $7750 to  $9750 . Admit to no more and slowly creep up to 1/2 the diff.
Don't be afraid to walk out of the dealership.
A mate offered a dealer $58K for a new Merc, no finance. They said you're joking, he walked out. Went to next dealer said same , drive away 2 hrs later.
Did have $60k in his bum bag .

[Ozzibiker]

I had a drive of a diesel today. It looks like leaks. Any opinions.
Oil was jet black, and appeared to be overfilled.
Oil could have been spilled , or it could be more serious. 130,000 km, so shouldn't have any problems from what I've heard.
A noticeable turbo whine even on the inside. Is that normal.
Also, after shutdown, some solenoid is clicking and a air hissing sound.

I'll try to post some pictures.

[Ozzibiker]

[Dazzler]

Oil does get very dark and dirty pretty quickly in all diesels. It's the nature of engine.

[Ozzibiker]

Any opinions on this paint?
A respray?

[Ozzibiker]

Also. This is a car I'm looking at.
Leaking a little oil around the engine rocker cover.
Any opinions?

[Dazzler]

Any opinions on this paint?
A respray?

Yep, definitely had some work done, but a lot of 10 year old cars have.

Can't comment with authority on the oil leaks.

[Ozzibiker]

Thanks for your help.
Paint nowadays tends to last well, so I'm a little surprised. Maybe it was left in the sun. Door seals were a bit ratty too.

I'm looking at two more cars this weekend. Hopefully something comes up.

[Dazzler]

Thanks for your help.
Paint nowadays tends to last well, so I'm a little surprised. Maybe it was left in the sun. Door seals were a bit ratty too.

I'm looking at two more cars this weekend. Hopefully something comes up.

Solid red is terrible for fading especially in the harsh Aussie sun. I don't mind metallic red but wouldnt personally buy another solid red car after the quick to fade red Lancer I had in the late 80's. I'd be more concerned it was a sign of damage repair.