2002 Hyundai Amica: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Hyundai Amica?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 Hyundai Amica than on all cars registered in 2002.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints3.2× usual
  Hyundai Amica

  21.6% All 2002 cars

  6.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.5%, against 3.1% of all 2002 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 performance2.1× usual
  Hyundai Amica

  16% All 2002 cars

  7.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.6%, against 3.4% of all 2002 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.

• Brakes pulling to one side3× usual
  Hyundai Amica

  7.1% All 2002 cars

  2.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.2%, against 1.8% of all 2002 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.

• Door condition7.8× usual
  Hyundai Amica

  4.7% All 2002 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 0.6% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Battery3.7× usual
  Hyundai Amica

  4.8% All 2002 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.3% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the car starts cleanly and there are no warning lights once running.

Common 2002 Hyundai Amica MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 Hyundai Amica MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  49% 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
  39% 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
  34% 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
  31% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  22% of testsRough price £60–£350

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  18% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2002 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 3.2× as often on the 2002 Hyundai Amica as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2002 Hyundai Amica as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brakes pulling to one side? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2002 Hyundai Amica as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?