• Our Opinion

• Buy with Confidence

• Legal Disclaimer

Our Opinion

Our Opinion

We Like:

Styling, space, hatchback versatility, engine's performance

We Don't Like:

Quality and durability woes, low image and refinement

Hyundai entered the Australian market with the Excel in 1986 via the ill-fated Bond Corporation. The Hyundai provided basic, reliable transport at a rock-bottom price which attracted customers who would not normally consider buying a new car. The X3 model range of three-door and five-door hatches and a four-door sedan was released in October, 1994. These completely new models had big improvements in styling and dynamic ability. The package and price proved to be just what buyers wanted and the Excel has been a phenomenal success with sales doubling between 1994 and 1997, making it the most popular four-cylinder car in Australia.

The exterior dimensions of the Excel are larger than most of its competitors. This translates into more interior space, particularly in the rear seat and boot areas, with a driveaway price more than competitive with the Excel's rivals. The three-door Sprint was the entry level model into the Excel range with equipment to match the price. There is an AM/FM radio, rear window wiper and remote releases for the fuel filler and hatch door, but little else. The Sprint uses Hyundai's 1.5-litre Alpha 2 engine which is larger than normal for a car of this size and price. It has a single-overhead camshaft to operate three valves per cylinder and a multi-point fuel-injection system. The power output is 65kW at 5500rpm with 131Nm of torque at 3500rpm. The extra power and torque put the Excel at the front of the class in performance terms, at the expense of slightly higher fuel economy. Even so, the Excel could never be called thirsty. Fuel consumption for a manual version in normal city and suburban use will be in the 8.0 to 9.0L/100km range, improving to about 7.0L/100km on the highway. The four-speed automatic transmission uses about 10 per cent more fuel in city conditions and will almost match the manual version's fuel consumption on the highway. The suspension package is pretty much standard front-wheel drive layout. Handling and ride abilities are all about average for a car of this age in this price bracket, but refinement sure isn't a strong point. The early '98 facelift saw all Excels gain a 74kW twin-cam 1.5 in lieu of the 66kW single-cam version. Many were sold with power steering and air-con as a $13,990-driveaway deal, starting a price war with the palpably superior Toyota Starlet.

Sure, the X3 Excel is cheaper than its contemporary rivals. But the qualities that made it so popular as a new car aren't so compelling now that the factory warranty isn't a drawcard any longer. Especially as the X3's low quality ill-construction and durability woes have surfaced. It's one reason why Hyundai decided to drop the popular moniker when the much-improved Accent displaced it in 2000.

Buy with Confidence

Buy with Confidence

Before making your purchase, make sure you know exactly what you're buying, research your seller, and understand how eBay Australia and PayPal protect you.

Know your purchase

Carefully read the details in item listings.

• Check the car's value and determine how much you want to pay. Use the Completed Listings search option to get an idea of how much a similar model has sold for recently.

• Check if the car is covered by eBay Australia's Vehicle Purchase Protection.

• Ask for a test drive or consider getting a History Check or a Vehicle Inspection if you can't inspect the car yourself.

• Read the description carefully. If you want more information, ask by clicking the "Ask seller a question" link under the seller's profile.

• Always make sure to complete your transaction on eBay Australia (with a bid, Buy It Now, or Best Offer). Transactions conducted outside of eBay Australia are not covered by eBay Australia protection programs. Classified Ads are not covered by Vehicle Purchase Protection.

Know your seller

Research your seller so you feel positive and secure about every transaction.

• What is the seller's Feedback rating? How many transactions have they completed? What percentage of positive responses do they have?

• Cars listed by Sellers with a feedback rating less than 0 are not covered by a Vehicle Purchase Protection program.

• Some car dealers may have a low feedback rating because classified ads do not generate ads. But they will have a icon next to their user name.

• Depending on the car, some car dealers provide a limited warranty. Do they offer a warranty on the car you are buying? What are the terms and conditions?

Buyer protection

In the unlikely event that a problem arises during your transaction, you may be covered by the Vehicle Purchase Protection program

• Vehicle Purchase Protection: When you buy a car online through eBay Motors, you may be covered for up to $20,000 of FREE Vehicle Purchase Protection insurance*.
  
  * Terms and conditions apply.

eBay Australia Security & Resolution Center: Visit the Security & Resolution Center to learn how to protect your account and use eBay Australia's quick and efficient resolution tools.

Legal Disclaimer

Legal Disclaimer

Buying Guides are intended merely as a guide or review for members when considering what products or services they may be interested in bidding on or purchasing. eBay does not make, and nothing in these Buying Guides is intended to constitute, any warranties, guarantees, representations or assurances about the accuracy of the information or content contained in these Buying Guides. Furthermore, eBay does not make, and nothing in these Buying Guides is intended to constitute, any warranties, guarantees, representations or assurances about the nature or performance of the products or services appearing in the Buying Guides. eBay is not affiliated with nor does it endorse the use of any particular product or service.

The content of this guide is licensed from GoAuto © 2006