Buying a used Hyundai Creta – 5 things to look out for
Since its launch in 2015, the Hyundai Creta has been the top-selling model in its segment. With its bold exterior design, upmarket interior, powerful engines and decent ride quality, the Creta has been a favourite among the compact SUV buyers. The Creta recently received a mid-life facelift, which means the resale value of the pre-facelift model is likely to decrease. The pre-facelift Creta came with the same engines that are being offered on the refreshed version. Moreover, it also offers almost all the features that are available on the updated model. Hence, it makes tremendous sense to buy a well-maintained used Hyundai Creta.
It’s worth a mention here that the Creta is a really popular SUV and has a huge demand in both used and new car markets. Hence, getting one at throwaway prices is really out of the question. Still, the Creta has been around for less than three years, which means you can get a sparingly used one for significantly lesser than what you would have to pay for a brand-new model.
A quick look at popular online used car classifieds reveals that a 2-year-old petrol-sipping Creta that has run roughly 40,000 kms can be bought for as low as Rs. 6.75 lakh. You can also buy a mid-level trim of the 1.4-litre diesel variant for roughly Rs. 8.5 lakh. A 3-year-old top-end 1.6-litre Diesel engine variant with a manual transmission will cost roughly Rs. 10 lakh, which is as much as Rs. 5 lakh lesser than the cost of the new car.
Hence, you can really save a lot of money by taking the used car route. However, here are five things to look out for while buying a used Hyundai Creta.
Look for steering rattle
This is an issue that’s not only observed in the Creta but also in many other Hyundai cars. On a rough patch of road, the steering column of some Creta SUVs often produce a peculiar “tak” sound. Sometimes, even the entire steering column might rattle on bumpy roads. This rattle is caused by a damaged steering column. So, while test driving a used Hyundai Creta, make sure you check the steering system properly by driving the car through rough patches and making sure there’s no unusual rattle or vibration from the steering column.
Check AVN
Some owners of the AVN-equipped Creta variants have reported frequent hangs and lags while operating the system. Also, there have been complaints of strange noises being emitted on cancelling a phone call. At times, the system doesn’t shut down even after the ignition is turned off. Even the Bluetooth features are known to malfunction. Hyundai India has reportedly solved these issues by providing a free software update to Creta owners. However, make sure that the AVN system of the Creta you’ve been planning to buy is running on an updated operating system.
Check for clutch wear in Diesel models
A lot of owners have reported that the clutch plates need to be changed within the first 20,000 kilometres. A few have even reported clutch failure while the car is being driven. Hence, check if the clutch feels a bit too hard or has issues with getting engaged. A new clutch assembly costs anywhere between Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000. Also, a damaged clutch takes a toll on the performance of the vehicle.
Check brake pads & fuel injectors
The brake pads of the Hyundai Creta are prone to get worn out earlier than usual. Replacing them will cost you roughly Rs 5,000. Hence, make sure the used Creta you plan to buy doesn’t have worn out brake pads. An easy way to check for wear is by looking at the brake pads through the spaces between the wheel’s spokes.
The outside portion of the brake pad will be pressed against a metal rotor. There should be at least 1/4-inch of the brake pad. You need to change the brake pad if it’s anything less than 1/4-inch. Also, check if the power delivery is smooth and if the car isn’t stalling frequently. This is a sign of clogged fuel injectors.
Underbody damage
While the Hyundai Creta is a bold-looking small SUV, it’s really not meant for off-roading. Moreover, while some SUVs get expensive metal plates for underbody protection, the Creta gets only a plastic cladding to save itself from underbody damage.
The Creta offers enough ground clearance to glide over most speed breakers but it’s really not meant to be used on off-road terrain. An over-enthusiastic owner can end up damaging his Creta while trying to go off the road. Hence, it’s a good idea to get an expert mechanic to check the used Creta you’re planning to buy.
Check documents
These are pretty generic points, which should be taken into consideration while buying any used car. Always make sure that all the paperwork of the car you plan to buy is in order. Moreover, cars like the Creta are favourites of vehicle lifters. So, you need to make sure that someone isn’t trying to sell off a stolen vehicle to you.
Ensure that the Registration Certificate, Insurance and Pollution Under Check Certificate are valid. Also, get in touch with the relevant RTO to make sure that the RC hasn’t been suspended. Other than this, also check the purchase invoice and the service booklet for any sort of anomalies.