Used Hyundai Tucson 4x4 2004 - 2010 review

You buy a Tucson because of its low prices. Even as a new car, it costs a lot less than its obvious rivals, but once it's used, it's a real bargain.

There's no shortage of equipment on any models, and they all have plenty of space inside. You can fit five adults in complete comfort, and the big boot - along with rear seats that slide forward and can be split 60/40 - gives it real practicality.

However, there are some areas where you can see where you're making sacrifices over a more expensive car. The steering wheel only has rake adjustment, for example, and some of the plastics look and feel rather low-rent.

On the road, too, the car is something of a disappointment. The steering is vague and there's more body roll than in, say, a Nissan X-Trail, although it is well controlled and the ride is composed at speed. http://www.whatcar.com/classifieds/used-cars/Hyundi/Tucson)**

Compared with Japanese rivals such as the X-Trail, the Tucson looks a real bargain, especially as some models are beginning to escape the Hyundai network, leading to even cheaper prices.

They're pretty inexpensive to run, too. You'll get better fuel economy from a Tucson than you will from, say, a Jeep Cherokee or Suzuki Grand Vitara, and insurance groups are generally par for the course for a 4x4. Just the Kia Sportage really undercuts it, and only then by a couple of groups.

Likewise, you should have nothing to fear from routine running expenses. It may cost more to service the Tucson than an average hatchback, but it's no worse than other 4x4s.

Hyundai's five-year warranty also should keep costs in check. Even if you need some unscheduled work done, it shouldn't be too pricey. Figures from Warranty Direct show that Hyundai dealers have among the lowest labour rates, and that average repair costs for Hyundais are also pretty cheap.

As on most 4x4s, the diesel engine makes the best choice, of course. Naturally, it's the lightest on fuel, but the extra pull low down in the rev range means it's ideal for off-roading and towing.

The 2.0-litre petrol is worth looking at, though, especially as its 34mpg is not far short of the diesel's. It's also the only engine available with two- as well as four-wheel drive.

The V6 is best avoided: the standard automatic gearbox strangles the engine's power, so it's not that quick, and the costs of buying and running it are too high.

For much the same reason there's no need to pay any more than for the basic, but very well equipped, GSI models. You can step up to CDX (standard on the V6), which has leather upholstery, a sunroof and climate control rather than simple air-con, but we wouldn't bother.

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