The Hyundai Getz from 2002 to 2010 is a compact hatchback that is affordable and straightforward, available in three or five doors. It was imported to Russia from South Korea, with the majority of units offering five doors.
With the 2006 refresh, standard equipment gained features such as ABS, power steering, air conditioning, and a switchable passenger airbag.
Hyundai Getz
Advantages:
- Low purchase price including equipment
- Reliable and simple core components
- Durable interior materials
The design remains clean and functional. After the restyling, the engine temperature gauge was replaced by a warning light.
Defects
- Most Getz examples on the market have higher mileage now, making low-mileage cars rare
- Small trunk capacity at 254 liters
engines
The gasoline engines are aspirated with cast iron blocks and distributed injection and run on AI-92 fuel. Some engines trace back to Mitsubishi units from the 1990s.
The 1.1 Jr (66 hp) came in two versions, G4HD initially and G4HG after the restyling. It is a three-cylinder unit with a tendency to overheating and a block head that can fail, and it can serve up to about 250 thousand kilometers with repair opportunities. It is compatible with MCP only.
The 1.3 engine (G4EH, 85 HP) is an inline four; after the restyling it was followed by the 1.4 (G4EE, 97 HP), which became the most common choice. The 1.6 engine (G4ED, 105 HP) dropped out of the lineup a few years before sales ended.
The general benefits of these three engines include resilience to variable fuel quality, hydraulic lifters, and noticeable oil consumption only after around 150,000 km. All engines are designed for plug-and-play timing belt maintenance. The oil pump life is limited, and nozzles, the throttle, and idle speed controller can clog. Ignition coils show instability, and gaskets and seals tend to leak. Hard starting and reduced traction are often linked to debris in the fuel filter. Overall, a useful lifespan of at least 250 thousand kilometers is typical, with the 1.4 and 1.6 variants capable of reaching 350 thousand kilometers. Abundant spare parts are available.
The 1.5 diesel arrived unofficially in some markets. It is known to be finicky, and cylinder head cracking becomes common around 200 thousand kilometers.
Transfer
The original two five-speed manual transmissions in early years exhibited bearing failures on primary and secondary shafts, sometimes requiring replacement before 100 thousand kilometers. After improvements, reliability rose. The clutch assembly frequently lasts up to 200 thousand kilometers, though the release bearing may fail sooner.
The four-speed automatic A4AF3 or A4BF2, based on the Mitsubishi F4A21, was used with the 2.0 engines for higher torque and provided a reasonable safety margin. Before the restyling, these cars suffered from several age-related issues, most of which were resolved later. With careful use, these transmissions can exceed 300 thousand kilometers.
operational notes
The suspension proves firmer than expected but remains comfortable on normal roads up to about 100,000 kilometers. On rough surfaces, silent bushings and rear dampers are the first to show wear.
The steering system can be surprisingly durable, with the steering rack and power assistance lasting 150 to 200 thousand kilometers.
- The European currency was problematic for cars fitted with a 1.6 engine before 2005.
- Brake pads and discs wear quickly, sometimes needing replacement after 20 to 30 thousand kilometers.
- Calipers can corrode rapidly.
- Rust often starts at the lower body and the fifth door area, while other panels tend to hold up better.
- The fuel tank can corrode from the inside within 10–12 years, after which rust particles may clog the fuel filter.
Euro NCAP 2004 results: driver and passenger each four stars, child five stars, and pedestrian one star.
The strongest secondary market option remains Getz 1.4 MCP.
Best options: Getz 1.4 manual or automatic
For similar money: Chevrolet Aveo, Opel Corsa, Peugeot 308, Renault Sandero
- Information on the cheapest used Getz and how not to misjudge a purchase is described here.
- Insights on driving can be found in the mobile chat section.