2001 Hyundai Amica: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 Hyundai Amica?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 Hyundai Amica than on all cars registered in 2001.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.8× usual
  Hyundai Amica

  17.8% All 2001 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.1%, against 2.8% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Braking performance2.4× usual
  Hyundai Amica

  18.4% All 2001 cars

  7.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.6%, against 3.6% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Wheel bearings2.8× usual
  Hyundai Amica

  11.8% All 2001 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 1.1% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Headlights1.8× usual
  Hyundai Amica

  16% All 2001 cars

  9.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 3.7% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Brakes pulling to one side3.4× usual
  Hyundai Amica

  8.4% All 2001 cars

  2.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.6%, against 1.9% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

Common 2001 Hyundai Amica MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 Hyundai Amica MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  48% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  45% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  37% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Suspension
  32% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  24% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Driveshafts and joints
  18% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2001 Hyundai Amica

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2001 Hyundai Amica as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2001 Hyundai Amica as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2001 Hyundai Amica as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?