Thinking of Buying a Used Hyundai i10 (Pros & Cons) HYUNDAI i10 II Hatchback (IA, BA) (08.2013 - ...)

Considering a used 2016 Hyundai i10, here’s a detailed overview of its pros, cons, and common issues to watch out for:

Pros of the 2016 Hyundai i10
- Reliable and well-built: The i10 scores above average in reliability surveys, ranking 4th out of 19 small cars in a recent What Car? survey with an overall reliability score of 98.6%.
- Good value for money: It offers a sensible package for city driving with decent interior quality and features that still feel relevant years later.
- Fuel efficiency and smooth engine: The Kappa 1.2L petrol engine is known for being quiet, linear in power delivery, and efficient, making it an engaging and economical city car.
- Low maintenance costs: Parts like wiper blades have shown good longevity, and general upkeep is affordable compared to many competitors.

Cons and Common Issues to Watch For
- Rear brake pads sticking: A known issue where rear brake pads can stick to the discs, especially after sitting idle, causing noises or dragging brakes. Hyundai has acknowledged this and addressed it in later models, but check carefully for symptoms.
- Rust spots: Some owners report tiny rust clusters on body panels like the front and boot lid. Though Hyundai offers a 10-year rust warranty, inspect the paintwork and underbody closely for early signs of corrosion.
- Gearbox and clutch problems: Some i10s experience difficulty engaging first or reverse gear, especially when cold. Clutch wear can be faster than expected, with slipping or juddering reported. These issues are more common in manual transmissions.
- Starting issues: A few owners have reported problems with the car taking several attempts to start, often resolved by software updates or specific ignition procedures.
- Exhaust rust: The exhaust system can attract rust over time, requiring treatment or replacement to avoid further damage.
- Headlight sealing: Some headlight assemblies may have improper sealing, leading to moisture ingress and reduced lighting performance.

Interior and General Wear
- The interior generally ages well with good material quality, but watch for wear on frequently used controls like the start/stop button, which can become less responsive.
- Overall, the cabin remains comfortable and quiet, with no major issues reported in long-term ownership experiences.

The 2016 Hyundai i10 is a reliable, economical, and practical city car with a strong reputation for longevity if well maintained. When buying used, pay special attention to:
- Rear brake condition (check for sticking pads)
- Signs of rust on body panels and exhaust
- Gearbox and clutch operation, especially in manuals
- Headlight condition and sealing
- Starting behavior and battery health

With these checks, the i10 should serve well as a low-cost, dependable vehicle for urban and occasional highway use.

If you want a fuss-free small car with good reliability and reasonable running costs, the Hyundai i10 is a solid choice.