Used Hyundai Getz review and buying guide (2002 to 2008): which one to buy and what to check

Which used Hyundai Getz should you buy?

A 1.1 petrol's the one to go for if fuel bills matter: it's the engine singled out for good economy, while the 1.3 picked up complaints about heavy consumption. The Getz was on sale from 2002 to 2008 and nothing marks out particular years as better or worse, so the choice comes down to engine and the condition of the car in front of you.

Don't take the short list of problems as a clean bill of health; there just isn't much to go on. What does come up repeatedly is rattling from the back, from the rear drum brakes and the dampers, so the better buy is the one that's quiet at the rear on a bumpy road. One owner's 2004 car also failed its MoT on a rusted rear subframe, which is worth ruling out before you hand over any money.

Which Getz engines and gearboxes are the safe choices?

The 1.1 petrol's the pick for economy, since the 1.3 drew complaints about how much fuel it gets through. That's not the same as saying the 1.1 is trouble free. Its clutch release bearing can start squealing once the car's around four years old, and dealers later contacted owners advising a new crankshaft end pulley on that engine, so ask whether it's been done.

The diesel has one quirk worth knowing: its mass airflow meter has a lining that builds up static as air passes through, and once that lining wears away the meter has to be replaced. Beyond the 1.1's release bearing, there are no complaints about the gearboxes themselves, though that's a thin record rather than a clean one, so feel how the clutch bites and the gears go in on the drive.

What should you check when viewing a used Getz?

Get a torch under the back and look closely at the rear subframe for corrosion. One owner's 2004 car failed its MoT on it, with blocked drain holes trapping water given as the cause. Hyundai issued a bulletin to have those holes cleared, so ask whether that work's been done and treat flaking or soft metal there as a reason to leave it.

On the test drive, find a rough road and listen at the back. A rattle there can come from the rear dampers, and the rear drum brakes often rattle when you brake gently. With a 1.1, listen for a squeal as you press and release the clutch pedal, which points to a worn release bearing.

Run the wipers on a wet screen, since one owner found theirs didn't clear it properly. Ask for proof that the crankshaft end pulley was replaced on a 1.1 and, on a car with ABS, that the July 2004 recall was carried out. On a diesel, a receipt for a new airflow meter is a plus, as the original's lining doesn't last.

Paste the advert into the free check and it runs these against the listing, the MOT history and the DVLA record before you travel.

What does a used Hyundai Getz cost to run?

What do Getz owners like about them?

It's fun to drive, and the steering's decent, so it feels lively rather than dull. That counts for a lot in a small car that'll spend most of its life on short hops across town, the school run and trips to the shops, where a lifeless hatchback soon gets tedious.

The suspension's soft and the cabin's tall, so the ride is gentle and you don't have to drop down into a low seat to get in. That combination makes it a good fit for older drivers, and it's just as welcome for anyone who's fed up with ducking and twisting their way into a small car.

• This model offers an enjoyable driving experience, characterised by responsive and precise steering.
• The 1.1-litre engine provides good fuel economy, achieving around 49 miles per gallon.
• The car features a comfortable, soft suspension setup and a spacious cabin, appealing to many drivers.
• This model achieved a commendable 4-star safety rating in NCAP crash tests.