Having Second Thoughts about My Purchase of Used Hyundai i30

vsvsvs on 24/04/2024 - 13:01
Last edited 29/04/2024 - 10:38 by 1 other user

So I was getting an i30 for $13k from a private seller. Dealers seem to be selling it at $16k. Seller had advertised they have full logbook and 2 keys. I checked the car - got a pre purchase inspection from a company called GPS Australia. They reported a lot of scratches and scuffs on the car but mechanically no issues except battery not taking full load. They still rated it poor as they had clicked some 15 or so pictures regarding physical aspects also stating that rear bumper has slight colour difference and may have been repainted. But when I checked the car, it didn't look so bad - since it was 7 years old I was anyway not expecting it blemish-free. And so I went ahead to buy and made the payment.

the red flags:

  • They said they are not able to find the logbook and the second key as they recently shifted. They had committed at the time of buying that they will look for it and call me up. After 3 days, I feel they have no intention of finding anything.
  • While PPSR was clean, I could see that it was previously registered to a business outside NSW. Then the registration changed to NSW.

Now I am worried although the inspection did not give any mechanical issues or engine faults. I am thinking of taking it to Hyundai authorised service centre, but am worried if this thing is a rebirthed car or something fishy. Not sure. I have their address, licence copy etc, but I don't think I can do anything to return this (I haven't still transferred rego).

Automotive Car Hyundai Motors

Comments

  • cashless on 24/04/2024 - 13:04
    +57

    They still rated it poor.

    That report from GPS Australia was the first red flag at which you should have walked away

    • vsvsvs on 24/04/2024 - 13:08
      -2

      I spoke to them on call. They said engine and drive had no issues at all. So I went ahead. Now trying to figure out a solution.

      • HeWhoKnows on 25/04/2024 - 15:23
        +23

        Too late to worry now.
        This is called "buyers remorse"
        Lots of poeple go through this doubting they made the right decision.
        So its not unusual.

        Stop worrying and just drive and enjoy your newly acquired car.
        Obviously there arent any problems coming up right now.
        If any problems crop up later then deal with them then.

        Meanwhile give it a FULL SERVICE!
        i.e. Change oil, oil filter, transmission oil, spark plugs, air filter.
        Check condition of all 4 tyres as well and check air pressures.
        That should give you reason to be relieved that all is good and well

        PS Its not a rebirthed car. PPSR would have brought that up.
        You can cut new keys at many places so get that done ASAP.
        You can check if mileage is correct with a car history check here:
        https://www.carfacts.com.au/.

        • MrDad9000 on 27/04/2024 - 08:11
          +4

          This is the best advice in my opinion.

          I'll just add, you'll probably feel regret / buyers remorse for a few more weeks, but as the car continues to do its job (assuming it does) you'll move on to enjoying it for the price you got it at.

    • Seraphin7 on 25/04/2024 - 12:51
      +19

      Absolutely this.

      Pay for an inspection. Get a "poor" inspection report. Think, "Meh, stuff the report I'll get it anyway, because reasons". Items advertised suddenly not available. Registration search not to your likely. Questionable Facebook profile. Shifty looking vendor.

      FMD. What would have actually prevented you purchasing this thing???

      • lunchbox99 on 25/04/2024 - 13:50
        +5

        Sir our qualified mechanic has determined the car is actually on fire right now… "nah it'll be fine".

      • SuperLate on 27/04/2024 - 12:04
        +1

        Mechanical vs Aesthetics. I would stay away from it if any mechanical issues are identified. I would personally ignore aesthetics to the extent it justifies the price.

        • BartholemewH on 27/04/2024 - 17:41

          If the service records aren't with the car when inspected, they don't exist.

    • npnp on 27/04/2024 - 13:48

      My two cents: Hyundai cars aren't mechanically bad cars, they can't be compared to Corolla but aren't as bad as many German cars. Also, 120K isn't that high either. I would personally buy a Toyota with 200K (if the price is right) but wouldn't buy a BMW with 100K. I'd buy an i30 with 120K also for this price, I think it's a good price even without service history.
      Determining accident history solely based on PPSR is naive. I've seen many cars with obvious accident damages (with cow boy fixes) but with clean PPSR history. So you definitely have to do your own research on the car before buying in addition to the PPSR.
      Would I rely on those third party inspectors? Of course not. If I do my research properly on the car that I'm buying, I wouldn't have to rely upon some potentially useless advise from a third party.

  • Fredfloresjr on 24/04/2024 - 13:06
    +1

    120k KMs = this should come with Panadol.

    • vsvsvs on 24/04/2024 - 13:11
      +4

      In 10k-15k price, unable to find anything with lower KMs.

  • jv on 24/04/2024 - 13:06
    +5

    Now the red flags:

    RUN !!!

    • vsvsvs on 24/04/2024 - 13:19
      -5

      Already bought and figuring out if there is any way to reduce the mess up.

    • smartazz104 on 25/04/2024 - 11:29
      +17

      They have the car, they can drive now.

      • apey2000 on 25/04/2024 - 23:30
        +6

        That will be a maybe..

  • Dollar General on 24/04/2024 - 13:08
    +7

    If you bought it, I’m certain others will ignore all the red flags when the time comes to sell it

    • vsvsvs on 24/04/2024 - 13:10

      Not sure if you are being sarcastic or kind 🧐😔

      • CocaKoala on 25/04/2024 - 11:36
        +2

        General is not the kind types.

    • vsvsvs on 24/04/2024 - 13:29
      +2

      Are you sure, I thought it was 29K for a new one.
      The KMs on this are 120k.
      (This is the first time I am buying a car, so only thing I went by is Facebook listings and carsales listings and dealerships listings)

        • Gdsamp on 24/04/2024 - 14:33
          +24

          There are No 2023 Hyundai i30s listed for less than 25k on carsales.

    • DazMon on 25/04/2024 - 12:53

      150K
      where did you get that from?

      • us3rnam3tak3n on 25/04/2024 - 23:24
        +3

        Probably from the dubious claim that it's travelled 6k in three years.

  • CodeXD on 24/04/2024 - 13:32
    +1

    Walk away and find another one. There are too many red flags already and I cannot see it get any better.

    • vsvsvs on 24/04/2024 - 13:34

      Already bought. Trying to figure out if I can do anything to reduce the mess.

      • CodeXD on 24/04/2024 - 13:37
        -1

        You already bought a car when the previous owners have a set of the car key?! This means that they will have a copy of the key to your car. That sounds absolutely ridiculous.

        If they know where you live, or if there was a tracker in the car, they can easily hop in and drive off with it.

        • vsvsvs on 24/04/2024 - 13:58

          I suppose I will need to get it reprogrammed! If it's insured and they steal it, I am covered by insurance right?

          • knk on 25/04/2024 - 12:15
            +5

            @vsvsvs: Yes, you will be fine insurance wise.

            No, getting it reprogrammed isn't really an option. You'd need to change the barrels and everything, sort out the electrical side and would be pouring a shitload of money into it. Not worth it. At least not in my opinion. You might be able to invalidate the old keyfob though, middle ground at least?

            I still have a spare key for a car I sold like 7 years ago here in a drawer for some reason. I text the guy saying I found it and he never responded lol, offered to post it.

            I highly doubt they've come into this malicious intent to defraud you….seems a bit far fetched. Sure maybe less than honest sale, but that's it.

        • magic8ballgag on 25/04/2024 - 07:41
          +29

          Stop scare mongering, this is literally the case for any car sold/purchased privately.

          Besides, it's not hard.to get additional keys cut & programmed by either the seller or buyer.

          • Jackson on 26/04/2024 - 01:10

            @magic8ballgag: And usually when you get additional key fobs programmed in a car this new, the old key fob is no longer usable unless its reprogrammed at the same time

        • watwatwat on 26/04/2024 - 00:07
          +1

          Eh. If someone wants to steal a car, there are easier ways.

          I bought a house off someone and I didn't bother changing the locks. If someone wants to break in, not having a key is not going to stop them.

  • Muzeeb on 24/04/2024 - 13:33
    +7

    If it's the 2 litre theta motor then it will take care of your problems by itself.

    The rod bearings are due to fail any moment and that can be your excuse to buy another car.

    • vsvsvs on 24/04/2024 - 13:35

      It's the 1.8L engine. GD4 Series II. How much would lack of logbook impact resale price?

      • Muzeeb on 24/04/2024 - 13:38
        +17

        I have no idea because I only buy cars after I have witnessed the completed logbook.

      • PeterSnoot on 25/04/2024 - 08:22
        +3

        Proof of servicing. I would not purchase a vehicle without one.

        • Crossgates on 25/04/2024 - 15:55

          Absolutely, without a logbook you have no proof that the vehicle has been serviced, on time, or to what extent. You can definitely find cars that have been well cared for without a logbook, but it's a huge bargaining chip for anyone looking to buy the car from you down the track.

      • Jackson on 26/04/2024 - 01:22
        +4

        I am not familiar with that car but I do have an 04 Elantra, which is basically your cars predecessor. A lot can change in 13 years, but at the time everyone I spoke to told me to buy a 6 year older corollas with at least double the kms because buying a Hyundai would mean the wheels would fall off.

        Fast forward 20 years and 280k km later and the car has not broken down a single time, doesn't leak a single drop of oil (unlike my camry that had done less kms) and it's been loaned out to mates for the last 6 years and some of them trash their cars and it's held up. I have also done most of the servicing myself in the last 10 years, so it's cost virtually nothing to maintain. You got an inspection, and they said the motor and gearbox is fine, so just take a chill pill and drive it. Regarding the lack of log book and key, this should have allowed you to negotiate down at least a few hundred bucks, and maybe in the case of the key you could ask them to foot the bill for a recode, but if it's not from a dealer you are likely to be ghosted. You can get fobs with blades from aliexpress cheap (usually 415mhz in Australia for hyundai at least) and get them coded by taking your current and new key to a locksmith and paying him as low as 40 bucks if you cna find a good and cheap one, but you shouldn't have to pay more than a hundred.

        As an aside, people on this site can be quite wealthy, and lately people, even poorer people who probably should be saving their money, insist on getting new cars because they know SFA about them and don't want any hassles and are overcompensators. Do t take it to hyundai you will get hammered on the servicing cost, find a decent local mechanic and get them to do it or learn to do the basics yourself and take it to the mechanic to do the major ones (although really they are that major and you ciuld do those too after watching some YouTube or reading a service manual).

        • Assburg on 26/04/2024 - 09:31
          +1

          Thank you for restoring my faith in this forum.

          • Jackson on 26/04/2024 - 15:15
            +1

            @Assburg: All good, happy to do so. The forum is full of people that have no idea but love to comment. Too many people think anything older than a 2 year old car is a death trap that will leave you on the side of the road. Either that or they are just making excuses to get the latest cool thing

  • Drakesy on 24/04/2024 - 13:46
    +13

    They said they are not able to find the logbook and the second key as they recently shifted. They had committed at the time of buying that they will look for it and call me up. After 3 days, I feel they have no intention of finding anything and probably they never had a logbook or a service history. Nor the other key. General secondhand scumbaggery
    While PPSR was clean, I could see that it was previously registered to a business in Brisbane. Then the registration changed to NSW. How is this a red flag?
    when this owner bought it, it was 115k and in last 3 years the owner lady drove just 6k.How is this a red flag?
    the seller profile on Facebook had no posts and only a child's photo. I had asked them and they said she had posted it from her daughter's profile. Just me worrying if its a fake profile and should have been my first tell. This is on you unfortunately
    her rego was on full concession at 30 yrs of age and was an immigrant so definitely not veteran concession or disability concession. Her husband certainly gave the vibe of people who would try and get by on schemes (or maybe I am being judgemental based on the tone of conversations thus far). This is on you unfortunately

    People need to stop playing the victim, at some point you have to own your choices.

    • vsvsvs on 24/04/2024 - 13:54
      -1

      I agree, I need to own my poor choices. I am just trying to figure out about selling it without a logbook. How much lower than market would I typically expect this to sell at?

      • Jake D on 24/04/2024 - 15:28
        +12

        In 2 years when the car is almost 10 years old, not having a logbook will not affect sale price.

        • Binchicken22 on 25/04/2024 - 21:43
          +4

          Look, it still will a bit, or at least, effect it's ability to actually sell.

          If you've got the choice of 50 other 10 year old i30s with logbooks, why would you buy the scratched up one without it 🤣 Unless the price is right…

          • Jake D on 26/04/2024 - 09:59
            -1

            @Binchicken22: Probably 5% of 10 year old cars still have log books. Of those, 5% have entries in them made in the last 5 years.

    • elgrande on 24/04/2024 - 18:28
      +7

      previously registered to a business in Brisbane. Then the registration changed to NSW. How is this a red flag?

      Brisbane .. the maroons.. big redish flag

  • Duckie2hh on 24/04/2024 - 13:54
    +14

    TLDR

    OP f-ked up and now he is sweating bullets.

    • vsvsvs on 24/04/2024 - 13:58
      +4

      Yup yup…that's exactly what is happening.. In trying to save 3k in buying from dealer, I might have a 13k lemon.

      • Jake D on 24/04/2024 - 15:28
        +16

        Dealers sell lemons too.

      • lew380 on 25/04/2024 - 12:43
        +1

        You are massively over thinking it, you have a good car and got it at a good price because of some scratches and the retards lost the log book. You even have a few k to spare before you start losing out. Drive it for a few years and stress less.

        • splicer on 26/04/2024 - 12:03

          Where did they get it serviced? Call the mechanic, if they have the name on file, great, it has been regularly serviced,. They may even have all the previous details on file.

      • CocaKoala on 26/04/2024 - 15:43

        You good buy a lemon from anywhere, including a dealer. Your problem is ignoring many major red flags, and professional advice that you paid for.

    • magic8ballgag on 25/04/2024 - 07:43
      +1

      Nah, they didn't, don't feed into it.

    • DazMon on 25/04/2024 - 12:56
      -2

      You got negged but I agree, the title already had be worried, now I'm going to get negged right?

      • JIMB0 on 25/04/2024 - 13:45
        -2

        The negs don't worry me. Most likely from people who regret buying a Hyundai instead of a Toyota.

        • us3rnam3tak3n on 25/04/2024 - 23:33

          Of course Toyota Corolla > Hyundai i30 but also $36k > $26k

          • JIMB0 on 26/04/2024 - 08:59
            -1

            @us3rnam3tak3n: Get an older model then. It'll last far longer than a chintzy Hyundai.

  • ajiau on 24/04/2024 - 14:29
    +2

    Get a logbook, and start logging all future services, that will cover some of the discrepancy.

    • Monad on 25/04/2024 - 22:22
      +1

      Keep itemised work and reciepts of mechanics services/repairs and tell the seller the logbook was lost (as it was).

  • Euphemistic on 24/04/2024 - 14:37
    +15

    You got it inspected. They said it was mechanically fine but poor exterior, there's nothing wrong with that. As for log books, thats on you for not spotting sooner. Spare key is a bit of a pain, but you drove away without it so consider it gone. They're pretty unlikely to steal it.

    Relax. You didnt think it was in bad condition. Give it a detail, buff the paint, touch up some scratches ita look a lot better. Dricw the car. Sell it in a couple of years.

    Learn a lesson or two and dont do it again.

    • kaleidoscope on 27/04/2024 - 00:20
      -1

      100%… I don't know why OP's having such a hard time. They clearly made the decision to purchase based on all the facts at the time and none of that has changed. Just move on with it.

  • Worf on 24/04/2024 - 14:38
    +2

    Two owners… hopefully the first owner (business) had it serviced… possible that the second owner hasn’t had it serviced since purchase, three years ago, and has only driven 6000km in that time. If true, should be reasonably ok due to few km, probs a fair bit of short trips though, have a look at the oil dip stick.

    Being an i30 I wouldn’t worry about theft or resale value too much… getting keys reprogrammed might be expensive… heck even a second key fob is expensive these days. Can you request they cover the cost to get a second key made?

  • milanoxpress on 24/04/2024 - 14:42
    -7

    Hey OP I cannot give you specific advise about your current situation but I will give some personal advise of buying a $15K~30K everyday car.

    1. Buy a Toyota Corolla (hatch, sedan, wagon)
    2. Buy a Toyota Camry
    3. Buy a Toyota RAV4
    4. Buy a quality used Mazda 3
    5. Buy a quality used Honda Civic
    6. Skip any Hyundai i30, Elantra, i20, Getz, i40, i45, Sonata, Tucson
    7. Skip certain Hyundai/KIA engines that is a ticking time bomb.* Check US Hyundai forums for distrasous recalls.
    8. Skip KIA Cerato, Rio, Seltos, Sportage, picanto. * Sportage I mean the older 2000-2020 models.

    Lastly, just stick to Japanese cars except Nissan, some Subaru models.

    Why don't you buy a brand new MG3 or Haval or GWM cars for similar coin to used Korean or Japanese cars

    If you earn a lot more later on life, avoid avoid avoid European & UK car brands. Unless you have unlimited funds in your bank account. Unless you want to flip cars before thebl warranty runs out.

    • milanoxpress on 24/04/2024 - 15:48
      -1

      I'm not completely straight out opposed to European + UK + Hyundai/KIA cars but statistics & real data show otherwise.
      My local mechanic is making good money on European+UK+Hyundai/KIA + Nissan+ Subaru used cars. Without those cars needing major repairs of some sort he will be just changing oil & filter on some mainstream Japanese cars. Little money there to the shop owner.

      If my comment made some owners salty or pissed let see the your current car stacks up after 10 years, 15 years or so. NO car is perfect, heck a top of range Rolls Royce will have issues. & That Porsche, Lamborghini, Ferrari Maserati, you see on the roads will be safe for the duration of 3 years warranty. Then the "magic" slowly disappears & you need to spend $$$$ to fix/replace components.

      It's good that most brands offer 5 years warranty & Kia /Skoda offer 7 years & Mitsubishi offers 10 years industry leading warranty*
      Some Chinese brands offer 7years trouble free warranty on new cars. Good value I reckon.
      Nothing wrong with Chinese cars, your iPhone is made in China as well. To put into perspective.

      • Daabido on 24/04/2024 - 16:22
        +1

        A warranty does not become trouble free just because of a large number in front. It could be made out of apple cores and old Chinese newspapers or rust up because it was parked close to the coast. There are plenty of things wrong with Chinese cars.

      • JIMB0 on 26/04/2024 - 11:00

        So if someone took a dump in a box and slapped a guarantee on it you'd buy it?

        https://youtu.be/a5dpBpaFiMo?si=uV1R5FN7F9_d0p3K&t=93

    • Muzeeb on 24/04/2024 - 16:17
      +6

      but I will give some personal advise of buying

      Well I've got some for you also.

    • crentist on 24/04/2024 - 18:58
      +2

      I agree that the Japanese models are a no-brainer, but not sure what you think is so bad about the Koreans. They've been rating close to the Japanese - this link even puts Kia in front. I'd put the Koreans next on the list for anyone who doesn't want a Japanese car.

      Personally, I drive a 13 year old i30 diesel that I bought 3 years ago and have had no mechanical issues.
      In the past I've owned a few old Toyota Echos, which are the most bulletproof cars on the road, but this i30 doesn't feel too far behind. With the added bonus that it can drive up hills.

      • miwahni on 24/04/2024 - 21:27
        +2

        I've found that the ability to drive up hills is quite useful in a car.

      • milanoxpress on 24/04/2024 - 21:32

        I'd like to add one major thing Hyundai/KIA does best. That is, diesel engines. 1.6 & 1.7 crdi & 2.2 diesel is a reliable engine if you keep up with regular maintenance.
        Steer clear of gdi gasoline direct engines from Hyundai/KIA. Works great when new but high chance you'll encounter problems later on.
        Also the petrol turbo engines & dct trannies are problematic sometimes. Simple naturally aspirated 1.6 & 1.8 & 2.0 litre engine from Kia/Hyundai are comparable to Toyota/Honda/Mazda/Subaru naturally aspirated counterparts. But I wouldn't touch a petrol turbo or dct transmission configuration.
        For KIA/Hyundai, it's the N/A petrol & turbo diesel engine with a traditional torque converter with 4/6/8 speed transmission that is the best combo. Wouldn't touch anything else. Manual transmission is good also.

        I think KIA has improved alot over the years & the same goes for Hyundai but imo Kia has the edge over the Hyundai sibling over design, warranty & electric vehicle lineup. I would choose KIA over Hyundai if I had to pick a new or used car.

        • BigglesKDH on 26/04/2024 - 10:36
          +1

          Hyundai Motor Group owns Hyundai, Kia and Genesis and a lot of their cars share the same engines, transmissions etc.

    • kiwimex on 25/04/2024 - 12:21

      Bought two of my kids new Kia Rios, brilliant cars with absolutely zero issues. one is 8 years old the other is 3

      • KSMLJ on 25/04/2024 - 20:55
        +7

        one is 8 years old the other is 3

        A bit too young to be driving!

    • CocaKoala on 26/04/2024 - 15:53

      Tell that to me Genesis G80. It's MY 2016 and I've put nearly 95,000 KMs on the car and it's not had one single issue to speak of.

    • spriggan43 on 27/04/2024 - 07:38

      It's funny how they didn't do the recall here. My 2015 ix35 ran out of oil in between hyundai servicing, at the 180k mark you need a new engine.

  • stuffandthat on 24/04/2024 - 15:57
    +3

    Time to send the bikies around to get that log book.

    • vsvsvs on 24/04/2024 - 16:29

      Honestly I was thinking of driving down to their house again. I don't know what to expect though. I go there ask for it they say they don't have it and probably they spent the money or something.

      • fullmetal on 24/04/2024 - 16:43

        Lower the price if no 2nd key and log book.No 2nd key is a red flag.
        It is so strange Aus doesn't have a centralised log book system.

      • Lastchancetosee on 25/04/2024 - 09:06
        +3

        It's pointless. Caveat emptor. They don't owe you anything now you've paid the full price.

        There's a lot of good advice here. Get the key changed if you're worried about it, and enjoy the car. Worrying won't change anything and life's too short to fret over this.

      • smartazz104 on 25/04/2024 - 11:40
        +1

        You bought it knowing they don't have it, too late now.

      • Monad on 25/04/2024 - 22:27

        They either lost the key or logbook or didn't have them when they bought the car. Why would they withhold them, they just wanted to sell the car. The chance of them having the key and using it to steal it or whatever is very unlikely.

      • us3rnam3tak3n on 25/04/2024 - 23:41

        Isn't there some kind of small claims court for this (or have I consumed too much American TV?). You agreed on a price including log book and second key which they are yet to produce.

  • zonra on 24/04/2024 - 16:00
    +8

    Too late to do anything about it now. Just drive it and hope it doesn't sh*t itself early.
    In the future, if seller promise logbook and spare keys (or even the actual car for that matter), make sure you see them first and only pay at hand-over.

    • vsvsvs on 24/04/2024 - 16:31

      Yes, lesson learnt but hurts! I am getting this to Hyundai service next week. Fingers crossed.

      • larndis on 25/04/2024 - 08:05
        +11

        Skip Hyundai and just take it to a good local mechanic. Don't worry about it until you actually have issues. All cars have issues, a logbook is no guarantee.

      • CocaKoala on 26/04/2024 - 16:15
        +2

        am getting this to Hyundai service next week

        Where you'll get flogged even more. And for a beat up old i30.

        Find a decent independent mechanic instead who will actually care about you.

      • hamroll on 28/04/2024 - 02:21
        +1

        I’m struggling to understand what is the painful part of this process? You have yet to discover any issues with your purchase. All the other issues you mentioned were already known by you prior to purchase.

  • netjock on 24/04/2024 - 16:01

    Maybe look up the business in Queensland and call them up to see whether they ever had a car like the one you purchased.

    • Daabido on 24/04/2024 - 16:27
      +9

      Why not put your balls in a vice and see if applying pressure will hurt too while you're at it. Just use it, enjoy it, or sell it and take your loss. Don't get it serviced at Hyundai. You're just pissing money down a drain. Go to a reputable independent mechanic and save.

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