A big mover in the sales race in Australia, Hyundai's Getz falls into the super mini class and can transport a family with ease if the kids haven’t yet reached the hulking teenager stage. Though well priced these days, it was a bit of a slow starter when first introduced to Australia in September 2002 because it was relatively expensive. Buyers simply weren’t prepared to pay a Euro-style price for a South Korean car.

From March 2003, Getz was offered with a smaller engine. Though it only displaced 1.3 litres it was mated to a gearbox with lower ratios than the 1.5-litre. So performance was similar off the line and when overtaking. The price was trimmed, using the smaller engine as an excuse to do so and sales really started to take off at this time.

Hyundai charged the initial high price because this machine is genuinely aimed at the European market. Getz has a tall-and-chunky, cab-forward Euro look. Large rubber protection strips on the doors and bumper corners are aimed at helping it stand up to the rough and tumble life of being parked on the street in European cities.

Getz is sold with three or five doors, with the latter being the price-leader, however, most have the added convenience of back doors.

The boot is reasonably large for such a small car, but the usual compromise means some space has been taken from it to provide decent rear-seat space. There's the usual split-folding rear-seat backrest to further increase carrying capacity.

Some earlier imports of the Getz had air conditioning as an extra cost option and wasn’t installed in all cars.

We have mentioned the lower cost 1.3-litre engine, the Hyundai Getz began its life in here with a 1.5-litre unit. In a car weighing just on a tonne this made for sprightly performance and the ability to climb most hills without a struggle.

Hyundai uprated the engine range as part of an overall upgrade of the Getz in October 2005. This time the capacities both increased; to 1.4 and 1.6 litres. At the same time the car received a facelift and tail tuck.

Transmission options are five-speed manual and four-speed automatic throughout the range. The auto does cause a noticeable loss of performance, but we have felt worse. The automatic transmission also increases petrol consumption, so is probably better suited to owners stuck with heavy-duty commuting.

There are plenty of Hyundai dealers in this country. Though they tend to be gathered in the major metro areas there's a decent representation in the bush as well.

Spare parts prices are about average for this class, meaning they are generally reasonable. We hear of few real complaints about parts being hard to get, though it can take a day or two for them to arrive if you live away from the beaten track.

The makeup of the Getz is simple and a good home mechanic can do a lot of the routine work. It’s always best if safety related items are left to the professional. And it’s wise to buy a workshop manual for the car before attempting anything other than basic work.

Insurance charges are usually in the low-medium range and don’t seem to vary much between the major insurers. It still pays to shop around, though.

Getz benefits from Hyundai’s big five-year, 130,000 kilometre warranty. That warranty should transfer to the new owner if you buy a used one. If in doubt, contact Hyundai directly for full details.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Quite a few will have begun their lives as hire cars. Not necessarily a bad thing as servicing will have been done by the book. But some get driven badly by uncaring operators. Look for cars with a lot of kilometres for their ages.

An engine that smokes when worked hard and/or is hard to start when cold could be due for an overhaul.

Gearboxes that crunch when you change down fast could likewise be due for major repairs. The oft-used three-two change is usually the first to suffer.

Body damage, or repaired panels, could be a problem. Look for paint that doesn’t quite match, for paint on bits that shouldn’t have it such as glass, badges or rubber seals. Sight along panels for signs of a ripple finish.

Uneven tyre wear, especially at the front, can indicate hard driving. Or suspension that’s out of alignment.

Check for excessive wear and tear inside the cabin, particularly in the back seat. Also check out the boot in case it has been used to cart rough and/or bulky items.


CAR BUYING TIP
Wise used-car buyers start their research and shopping at least a fortnight before getting serious about buying a car. Thus gaining a good knowledge not only of the car, but also of the current state of the market.