About the Hyundai Veloster
Amelia purchased this Hyundai Veloster used for $22,000 (including all on-road costs) in 2022. Amelia would buy this car again because: “I would buy it again as I enjoy having the flexibility of a nimble sports car with the everyday functionality of an economic hatchback. It is economical and easy to maintain whilst not breaking the bank and is comfortable to ride in.”
How reliable has your car been? Tell us about any issues.
I have found the car to be reliable so far in the time that I’ve owned it. The only thing I’ve had to replace so far is the water reservoir for the wiper jets, which was <$30 and terribly minor.
I could comfortably rate a 9.0 or higher, but only having the car for around six months, I’m still early into my ownership experience.
What do you think of the ownership experience with your car?
I did a lot of research before purchasing as I was always interested in the Veloster for its quirky looks, small size and small engines – but was well aware of the issues plaguing pre-FS2 models (especially the turbo) and wanted to ensure I found one with a reliable service history before making the dive.
It’s been fuss-free and like my husband’s i30 and my parents’ i30 and Sonata, it’s never been difficult to book in a service or find consumable parts like headlights, wiper blades, etc.
I find all the features to be reliable and comfortable to use. The electric panoramic sunroof feels like such a luxury coming from my base model 2009 Lancer, and having Bluetooth, leather seats and a subwoofer is just enough niceties to keep me content on long commutes to work.
Are you happy with the price and features of your car?
Definitely. I really wanted a + variant, which came ‘fully loaded’ with the luxuries as aforementioned.
The + model has the extra little things I really wanted in my next car, bordering a mid-life crisis (at 30) and so the sunroof and leather seats were definitely on the list.
What do you think of the performance and economy of your car?
A naturally aspirated 1.6L is never going to blow your socks off. I find myself finding a gap in traffic, only for the DCT to fumble and struggle to get going in a pinch. That’s where I miss the extra power from my Lancer which as a 2.0L felt like it had a little more guts to get me out of trouble.
In saying that, the car didn’t need to be a rocket or a girl racer, which is why I decided against the Turbo version (although my heart said “yes” my head said “no”).
The economy is amazing and I enjoy getting about 600km minimum from a tank of fuel, which is great for my long commutes and nipping around town.
I believe the FS2 managed to iron out some kinks in the DCT gearing and stretched a little more oomph from the engine – but for me, it’s fine for 90 per cent of my driving.
What do you think of the technology in your car?
2014 satellite navigation in 2022 is an interesting world. Whilst the satellite navigation is archaic and slow to use, mobile phone apps are superior and work far easier – so my default is always the phone.
The navigation system glitches and doesn’t work above 40km/h. But, in retrospect, the Bluetooth and AUX connection is enough to give me a little show tunes at the traffic lights (albeit with the sunroof closed).
On the note of drowning out my terrible singing, my Bluetooth has been commented as being very crackly and hard to hear – common with Hyundais – but for myself, as long as I can ask the hubby to grab milk on the way home, a quick call is all I need to muster at best.
I have contemplated updating the head unit, but as it has the climate control features programmed in to the head unit, swapping it out would mean I lose my climate control display and other minor settings. So, the 2014 Windows CE system it is.
What do you think of the ride comfort and handling of your car?
She’s nimble, she’s quick, and she’ll dart around potholes without any fuss. I find it comfortable on the bumpy, pothole-ridden roads of South East Queensland without eating my pants too much.
I like it has the lower profile without feeling too stiff, although some more steering response wouldn’t go astray in more ‘spirited’ driving.
Do you have any additional comments about your car?
Well… I have fulfilled my mid-life crisis and bought my sports car without having to haemorrhage my mortgage or jeopardise my licence.
It’s been a fun experience so far and look forward to seeing how my ownership of “Pickle” will go over the next few years.
Then… it’ll be Mustang time. Or maybe a Jimny? I did originally set out to buy a 4×4 and ended up with the Veloster, so maybe I’ll get that 4×4 after all?
Until then, I’m very content with the Veloster.