Standard used family sport-ute checks apply to the Tucson candidate you’re considering. Scrutinize the interior for signs of excessive wear, noting any faded or ripped fabric, gouged or scratched plastic trim, and damage to the cargo area upholstery or trim. Outside, inspect the body thoroughly for rust, especially at the edges of the doors, hood and tailgate.
A check beneath the vehicle by a mechanic can quickly ascertain the condition of the used Tucson’s suspension components and undercarriage, while revealing any leaks that could be signs of trouble.
Ensure the air conditioner works properly, and ensure the stereo system will accept and eject a CD properly-- as some Tucson owners say their machines have ‘eaten’ their favourite CD and refuse to spit it back out.
Inspect the instrument cluster for a ‘check engine’ light, which could indicate a problem with one or more sensors that control the engine. It could also indicate a problem with the vehicle’s fuel pump, which is a relatively pricey repair. Do not buy a used Tucson with a check-engine light illuminated until you’ve determined why it’s switched on.
Some reports of automatic-equipped models have surfaced in which the transmission refuses to shift into park or drive, though it’s unlikely the seller would attempt to rid themselves of a Tucson in this condition as a test-drive wouldn’t be possible.
Ensure all fluid changes are up to date, and that the model you’re considering has no recall work outstanding, either. If you’re unsure of its service history, budget for a full fluid change and tune-up to be safe.
Be sure to check the vehicle’s tires for signs of excessive wear or alignment issues by making sure the treads on each tires are worn evenly across, but not below the wear bars. On models with a manual transmission, ensure the clutch doesn’t slip when the throttle is applied hard, and skip models that ‘grind’ or ‘clunk’ into gear when shifted. If in doubt, ask a mechanic or mechanically-inclined friend for help with the latter two items.
Ultimately, the used Tucson looks to be a fairly solid bet when it comes to a small used SUV model. Owner reports of expensive, systematic or worrisome failure of engines, drivetrains or other pricey components were infrequent in the usual online forums. Albeit a few bits of recall work, shoppers can largely expect the first-generation Tucson to be a reliable performer-- if it’s been lovingly cared for and properly maintained.
A check beneath the vehicle by a mechanic can quickly ascertain the condition of the used Tucson’s suspension components and undercarriage, while revealing any leaks that could be signs of trouble.
Ensure the air conditioner works properly, and ensure the stereo system will accept and eject a CD properly-- as some Tucson owners say their machines have ‘eaten’ their favourite CD and refuse to spit it back out.
Inspect the instrument cluster for a ‘check engine’ light, which could indicate a problem with one or more sensors that control the engine. It could also indicate a problem with the vehicle’s fuel pump, which is a relatively pricey repair. Do not buy a used Tucson with a check-engine light illuminated until you’ve determined why it’s switched on.
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| 2007 Hyundai Tucson (Photo: Hyundai) |
Some reports of automatic-equipped models have surfaced in which the transmission refuses to shift into park or drive, though it’s unlikely the seller would attempt to rid themselves of a Tucson in this condition as a test-drive wouldn’t be possible.
Ensure all fluid changes are up to date, and that the model you’re considering has no recall work outstanding, either. If you’re unsure of its service history, budget for a full fluid change and tune-up to be safe.
Be sure to check the vehicle’s tires for signs of excessive wear or alignment issues by making sure the treads on each tires are worn evenly across, but not below the wear bars. On models with a manual transmission, ensure the clutch doesn’t slip when the throttle is applied hard, and skip models that ‘grind’ or ‘clunk’ into gear when shifted. If in doubt, ask a mechanic or mechanically-inclined friend for help with the latter two items.
Ultimately, the used Tucson looks to be a fairly solid bet when it comes to a small used SUV model. Owner reports of expensive, systematic or worrisome failure of engines, drivetrains or other pricey components were infrequent in the usual online forums. Albeit a few bits of recall work, shoppers can largely expect the first-generation Tucson to be a reliable performer-- if it’s been lovingly cared for and properly maintained.
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