Item: Used Hyundai Tucson 4x4 2004 - 2010
Author: What Car? Team

What is it like?

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Hyundai has transformed itself from a maker of oddball hatchbacks that sold in small numbers in the UK, to a major rival to the likes of Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen.

The Korean firm’s Ioniq Hybrid is particularly impressive, having beaten the trend-setting Toyota Prius when we tested the cars back to back.

Meanwhile, at the extremes of the Hyundai range you find the tiny i10 city car – a four-time What Car? award winner – and the stylish yet family-friendly Santa Fe SUV.

As a bonus, all of these cars come with the reassurance of a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, whereas most of Hyundai’s rivals offer only three years and 60,000 miles of cover.

HYUNDAI

TUCSON

It's good value, but lags behind the best

Used Hyundai Tucson 4x4 2004 - 2010

Compared with Japanese rivals such as the X-Trail, the Tucson looks a real bargain, especially as some models are beginning to escape the Hyundai network, leading to even cheaper prices.

They're pretty inexpensive to run, too. You'll get better fuel economy from a Tucson than you will from, say, a Jeep Cherokee or Suzuki Grand Vitara, and insurance groups are generally par for the course for a 4x4. Just the Kia Sportage really undercuts it, and only then by a couple of groups.

Likewise, you should have nothing to fear from routine running expenses. It may cost more to service the Tucson than an average hatchback, but it's no worse than other 4x4s.

Hyundai's five-year warranty also should keep costs in check. Even if you need some unscheduled work done, it shouldn't be too pricey. Figures from Warranty Direct show that Hyundai dealers have among the lowest labour rates, and that average repair costs for Hyundais are also pretty cheap.

It's good value, but lags behind the best

As on most 4x4s, the diesel engine makes the best choice, of course. Naturally, it's the lightest on fuel, but the extra pull low down in the rev range means it's ideal for off-roading and towing.

The 2.0-litre petrol is worth looking at, though, especially as its 34mpg is not far short of the diesel's. It's also the only engine available with two- as well as four-wheel drive.

The V6 is best avoided: the standard automatic gearbox strangles the engine's power, so it's not that quick, and the costs of buying and running it are too high.

For much the same reason there's no need to pay any more than for the basic, but very well equipped, GSI models. You can step up to CDX (standard on the V6), which has leather upholstery, a sunroof and climate control rather than simple air-con, but we wouldn't bother.

http://www.whatcar.com/classifieds/used-cars/Hyundi/Tucson)**

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of space for all passengers</li> <li>Large boot with lots of clever storage solutions</li> <li>Good fuel economy and running costs</li> <li>All-round comfort</li> <li>High-quality interior finish</li></ul>

We define a large SUV as anything longer than 4.5 metres. These cars aren’t usually particularly cheap to buy or lease, so in return we expect a roomy cabin, a lengthy list of standard equipment and excellent cruising refinement. A few models in this class are two-wheel drive, but the vast majority have four-wheel drive for at least a modicum of off-road ability.

The Mazda CX-5 is firmly road-focused, but its 2.0-litre petrol engine is a strong, refined performer, making it looks good value for less than&nbsp;£25k. If you can stretch the budget a fair bit, the Audi Q5 provides a combination of comfort, driving prowess, quality and space that's hard to beat. Unlike some rivals, it can't be had with seven seats, though.

A more affordable, yet well-equipped alternative is the Peugeot 5008. It’s more than capable of coping with family life&nbsp;– and all versions have seven seats as standard.&nbsp;

Large SUV

Possibly the Tucson's most attractive feature is its five-year warranty from new, so any used model will still have plenty of cover left.

There aren't any particular problems to worry about, however. The car is still relatively young, and no major problems have come to light. Certainly, owners give no cause for alarm as far as reliability is concerned.

However, fuel economy has been a problem. Not only are drivers not matching the claimed figures, the onboard trip computer is calibrated in US gallons, making its fuel economy readings confusing in the UK.

Otherwise, we expect few problems with the car. Figures from Warranty Direct show that claim rates on Hyundais are only a little worse than those of Mazdas and Toyotas, and the performance of other Hyundais in JD Power surveys has always been good - the Santa Fe finished in the top 20 in 2005, and the top 40 a year later.

You buy a Tucson because of its low prices. Even as a new car, it costs a lot less than its obvious rivals, but once it's used, it's a real bargain.

There's no shortage of equipment on any models, and they all have plenty of space inside. You can fit five adults in complete comfort, and the big boot - along with rear seats that slide forward and can be split 60/40 - gives it real practicality.

However, there are some areas where you can see where you're making sacrifices over a more expensive car. The steering wheel only has rake adjustment, for example, and some of the plastics look and feel rather low-rent.

On the road, too, the car is something of a disappointment. The steering is vague and there's more body roll than in, say, a Nissan X-Trail, although it is well controlled and the ride is composed at speed. http://www.whatcar.com/classifieds/used-cars/Hyundi/Tucson)**

Used Hyundai Tucson 4x4 2004 - 2010 review

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