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Hyundai i30 diesel fuel consumption
QWe replaced our 2004 Toyota Corolla with a Hyundai i30 diesel, even though it cost $4000 more than the petrol model. The decision was made partly because of the fuel savings possible with the diesel based on the stated fuel consumption of 4.6 L/100 km, but the very best we have averaged for country driving is about 6.5 L/100 km, which is similar to our 1.8-litre Corolla. The dealer has told me that the fuel economy is excellent and Hyundai allows for a 50 percent variation from the advertised results. The vehicle is currently being advertised as doing more than 1000 km on a tank of diesel, but we get only 700km on long runs. I can only presume there is either something wrong with our car or they advertise incorrect fuel figures. What do you think?
Hyundai claims an average fuel consumption of 4.7 L/100 km for the i30, with 4.1 L/100 km in extra urban driving and 5.7 L/100 km in urban driving. The fuel consumption figure used by Hyundai, and all other carmakers, is derived from the standard test conducted in a test laboratory, not real life. The purpose of publishing the test result is to provide buyers with a means of comparison between makes and models, it's not really meant to be taken as a real life measure of what you would get yourself. But it shouldn't be too far from the mark either, and I would reckon a 50 per cent variation is too much. More to the point you need to take into account your driving conditions, do you drive in flat or hilly conditions, do you have a lot of stop-start traffic on your way to work, do you mainly do short trips. The consumption you get is on the high side, and you could ask the dealer to check your car to make sure it is running well, but I believe the problem will be environmental.
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Graham Juler
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Following on from your comments regarding the legal error rate allowable in speedos, where would one stand if, following a series of "surprising" speeding fines, it transpired that my vehicle's speedo was inaccurate in reading slow by 17 per cent. While I did not take any action at the time I did carry the letter from the firm that fixed the speedo for a number of years in case I found myself in the position of possibly losing my licence due to accumulation of points. If a speedo can be legally inaccurate to the extent you mention one trip up the highway to Gympie would very likely see sufficient points accumulated to cost a licence.
11 August 2011
See Smithy's answerArlen Gmelig, e-mail.
When my 2003 Ford Focus ST170 began running weirdly recently I assumed it needed a new clutch, but as I was going to service it soon I figured I could hold it off until then. But when I went to check the oil dipstick, there was only a smidgen on the tip, so I quickly bought some more oil and topped it up. It had been serviced by Ford around the start of the year, should I take it back and complain about it? And do you think this could've caused any internal damage?
11 August 2011
See Smithy's answerMark Pearson, Ballajura, WA.
We replaced our 2004 Toyota Corolla with a Hyundai i30 diesel, even though it cost $4000 more than the petrol model. The decision was made partly because of the fuel savings possible with the diesel based on the stated fuel consumption of 4.6 L/100 km, but the very best we have averaged for country driving is about 6.5 L/100 km, which is similar to our 1.8-litre Corolla. The dealer has told me that the fuel economy is excellent and Hyundai allows for a 50 percent variation from the advertised results. The vehicle is currently being advertised as doing more than 1000 km on a tank of diesel, but we get only 700km on long runs. I can only presume there is either something wrong with our car or they advertise incorrect fuel figures. What do you think?
11 August 2011
See Smithy's answerGordon Tambimuttu, e-mail.
I have been told that the fuel pressure regulator in my 2000 Ford Explorer needs to be replaced, but Ford does not stock them and cannot promise to get me one. Ford customer service sent me a letter advising me to "contact parts recyclers or aftermarket suppliers for the required parts." I have tried aftermarket places, but without luck. Could you help?
11 August 2011
See Smithy's answerPaul Bowker
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We own two Mercedes-Benzes, a 1999 E280 and a 2008 C180 Kompressor. We were told by the dealers we must use premium fuel because of the injectors, but with the price of premium now $1.63 or so I'm wondering if the cars can run on normal unleaded?
11 August 2011
See Smithy's answerRoss Warnock
E-mail
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11 August 2011
See Smithy's answerGraham Maloaney.
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09 August 2011
See Smithy's answerBrendan Castles.
This year I bought a 2010 Ford Ranger XLT, which was advertised by the dealer as including cruise control and at the time all Ford information stated cruise control was standard on the XLT. Between signing the contract and collecting the vehicle the cruise control recall was issued and I noticed as I was driving my new car home from the dealership that it did not have cruise control. I was not notified at any time that there had been a change in specifications and both the dealer and Ford deny any responsibility unless the contract states that cruise control was included. Ford refuses to confirm if and when cruise control was standard on the XLT. My reading of the ACC and Consumer Affairs websites suggests this conduct is unlawful, as they have not provided the advertised product although they are claiming there are disclaimers on all advertisements and brochures so they are refusing to reimburse me for the cost of cruise control. Do you believe I have a lawful claim, what further action should I take and can you confirm if the 2010 XLT did come with cruise control as standard.
09 August 2011
See Smithy's answerMuhammad Iqbal Majied.
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09 August 2011
See Smithy's answerMark Quilkey.
My 2006 Nissan Navara is about to go through its third clutch even though it’s only done 65,000 km. While it is out of warranty I believe this is unacceptable and have approached Nissan. Unfortunately the company has declined my request under its goodwill policy, which is not really good will at all. I’m not sure what steps I can take on this, as I don't believe I should be held accountable for this issue and expense. Any advice you may be able to provide would be greatly appreciated.
09 August 2011
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