The Hyundai ix35 has something of a split-personality.
It began life in 2004 under the name Tucson, before switching in 2010, to ix35 as part of Hyundai’s move towards Euro-style alphanumeric names.
The arrival of a new model in August, 2015 saw the name return to Tucson.
Most Hyundai ix35s are used as a family wagon rather than SUVs.
In all-wheel-drive format they can be driven on mild forest trails and the like.
In August 2012 the ix35 received a mild facelift and satellite navigation was introduced in the Elite and Highlander variants.
November, 2013 saw the arrival of the Hyundai ix35 Series II.
Mechanical updates including new direct-injection petrol engines and revised suspension.
The turbo-diesel remained virtually unchanged.
Projection headlights with LED positioning lights, aerodynamic roof rails and striking new alloy wheel designs certainly changed the appearance.
Significant suspension changes to suit Australian conditions and drivers’ desires were made in the Series II.
It has revised coil springs and stabiliser bars front and rear.
A major upgrade was the use of a solid-type sub-frame mount to a more flexible bush-type system.
The latter giving better isolation of impact harshness and vibration and sharper steering.
Three trim levels are offered: Active, Elite and Highlander, with a choice between 2.4-litre petrol and 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engines.
The topline Highlander is pretty upmarket for its class, with a panoramic glass roof, leather trim, powered and heated front seats, a rear-view camera, dual zone air conditioning and a topline audio system.
There’s also keyless entry, Aux and USB port with iPod connectivity, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise control.
There’s good leg and headroom in all seats. Cleverly, the rear seat is on rails to slide back or forward to permit juggling of seat/luggage space.
Shoulder room in the back is marginal if you want to carry three adults of average size.
The size of the multiple stowage areas inside the cabin is impressive.
Even with all seats in use the Hyundai ix35 still has a generous luggage capacity of 591 litres.
This increases to 1436 litres with the rear seats folded down.
The loading platform isn’t too high off the ground and the shape of the cargo area makes it easy to access.
Hyundai has become a major player in Australia in the recent years.
No longer the maker of cheap ‘n’ cheerful hatches it now has an extensive range of models in various categories.
The ix35 has certainly played its part in one of the fastest growing areas of all in the sales race.
As a result of this expansion the emphasis on quality customer service has also grown, as has the number of dealers.
Most dealers are in metro areas but there’s an ever-increasing number in country towns.
We’ve had no real complaints on availability of parts and prices are about average for this class.
These are relatively simple vehicles, at least by the standard of the early years of the 21st century, and most good amateur mechanics can do a fair bit of work.
Don’t tamper with safety items, though.
Insurance premiums are about average for this vehicle type and there doesn’t appear to be a lot of difference from company to company.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Check out the door trims, carpet fit, including in the boot and the backs of the front seats as these can be damaged by bad children.
Look at the condition of the engine oil by checking the dipstick. If it’s too dark the servicing may not have been done on time.
The turbo-diesel engines should start within a few seconds, if not there may be problems. Definitely one for a professional inspection
Make sure the automatic transmission shifts gears quickly and without any shuddering. And that you think it’s in in the correct ratio for the conditions.
If there’s any doubt, have it by a transmission specialist at their premises.
Manual gearboxes that are reluctant to change or crunch during shifts may have had a hard life. Or it could be the clutch is on its way out.
Off-road use, even gently driven, may have resulted in scratches in the doors from foliage, scuffs on the corners of the front bumpers and door sills.
Underbody off-road damage is a no-no in a semi-SUV like the ix35 and is almost certainly a sign to keep well clear of the crossover.
HOW MUCH?
Expect to pay from $5000 to $9000 for a 2010 Hyundai ix35 Active FWD; $7000 to $11,000 for a 2010 Elite AWD or a 2012 Active FWD; $9000 to $14,000 for a 2011 Highlander AWD or a 2013 Elite FWD; $11,000 to $16,000 for a 2014 Elite AWD; $12,000 to $18,000 for a 2014 Trophy AWD; and $13,000 to $19,000 for a 2015 Highlander AWD.
CAR BUYING TIPS
Take a friend with you when shopping for a used car.
That way they can keep the chattering sales person at bay while you check out the car without interruptions.
Used car prices have generally increased during the period of new car stock shortages.
Start looking at adverts for used vehicles several months before you intend buying.
That way you can get a feel for the price being asked and whether they are rising and falling, as dealers need to clear stock due to overcrowding.
Keep an eye on adverts for new cars that say there are specials on particular models.
This can lead to a lot of traded-ins taking up too much space in yards and they will be discounted to get rid of them.
Keep an eye open for ads of unpopular cars, as there can vary greatly in price.
Owners struggling to find a buyers may be forced to grit their teeth and drop their asking price.
If checking a used car at a dealership look at other cars on the lot.
This can provide an insight into the quality of the vehicles in which the dealer specialises.
If buying privately ask for proof of ownership and make sure the insurance covers you for taking a test drive.
Take a slow walk around any car you’re considering, looking for obvious defects.
It amuses us how many people dive into tiny details, only to discover later a major ding somewhere on the other side of the car.
Ideally any road test of a car you’re getting serious about should be done with the engine stone cold. Early morning is best.
If you’re serious about buying a vehicle, tell the seller you would like to take it for a good long test drive.
If they insist on coming that’s understandable, but try to avoid them “selling” the car to you.
Put bluntly, ask them to shut up,
In their later years, cars with a reputation for being long lived and trouble free sometimes attract buyers who have no intention of ever servicing them.
The next owner may suffer as a result.
RECALLS
To browse recalls on all vehicles go to the ACCC at: www.productsafety.gov.au/products/transport/cars/