- Reliability Index score out of 100
- 72
- Average repair cost
- £900
- Most regular repair request
- Clutch
- Average age at repair
- 9 years
- Average mileage at repair
- 80,000 miles
Is the Hyundai ix35 a reliable choice for used SUV buyers? Here’s what the data says
The Hyundai ix35 has been a popular choice in the UK, especially during its production years from 2009 to 2016. It was part of the initial wave of crossover SUVs that included the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage, and it quickly became a staple in the UK crossover market [1]. There are some differences between crossover SUVs and standard SUVs. A crossover, crossover SUV, or crossover utility vehicle (CUV) is a type of automobile with an increased ride height that is built on unibody chassis construction shared with passenger cars, as opposed to traditional sport utility vehicles (SUV), which are built on a body-on-frame chassis construction similar to pickup trucks.
As of 2022, there were 56,673 licensed Hyundai ix35 vehicles on UK roads [2]. This indicates that the model still maintains a significant presence on the roads, even though it was replaced by the Hyundai Tucson in 2016. The ix35 was the name used for the second-generation Tucson in certain markets, including Europe, from 2009 to 2015.
In 2016, Hyundai reintroduced the Tucson name globally, effectively replacing the ix35. Interestingly the Hyundai Tucson also made it into our top 10 most reliable SUVs list and whilst they are similar vehicles, they do have notable differences in design, engine size and interior features.
The ix35 was particularly noted for being a sensible, spacious and reliable SUV, offering good value for money, although it was not the most stylish or spacious compared to some of its rivals. Despite its age, it remains an appealing option in the used car market but exactly how reliable is the ix35?
If you’re considering purchasing a used ix35, understanding its reliability and potential running costs can help you make a more informed decision. Here’s what you need to know based on recent data.
Overall reliability score
The Hyundai ix35 scores a 72 on the Reliability Index, putting it in joint 7th place. While this score places it on the lower end amongst the rest of the SUVs in the list, the ix35 still offers a good mix of reliability and affordability. However, it’s important to look at the specifics to fully gauge what you might expect in terms of repair frequency and costs.
Most regular repair request: clutch
The most regular repair requests for the Hyundai ix35 involve issues with the clutch. Clutch-related repairs can be common in vehicles of this size and type, particularly as they age or if they have been used extensively in urban driving conditions with frequent stop-start activity.
Owners of the ix35 also mention clutch problems as a known issue. There have been reports of a burning smell and issues with gears not engaging, along with the clutch pedal going soft. This seems to be happening particularly when driving in traffic [3].
To help prevent clutch issues in the Hyundai ix35, drivers should fully depress the clutch pedal when changing gears and avoid riding the clutch, as resting your foot on the pedal can lead to premature wear. Smooth gear changes and avoiding aggressive shifting, especially when the transmission is cold, are essential.
When stopped on an incline, use the handbrake instead of holding the vehicle with the clutch. Regularly check the clutch fluid level and have it inspected if any changes in operation are noticed. Following the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule and being cautious when towing or carrying heavy loads can further extend the clutch’s lifespan.
By adopting these practices, drivers can minimise the risk of clutch problems and enjoy a smoother driving experience. For that added peace of mind, you could consider an extended warranty? Under your plan terms and conditions, you are protected against expensive repair bills when driving your ix35.
Most expensive repairs: engine issues
The most expensive repair request associated with the ix35 was linked to engine issues, which can be particularly costly if they arise. The data indicates that engine repairs or replacements can reach up to £4,453.20. While major engine problems are not necessarily common, they can be a significant burden if they occur.
An extended warranty can offer some financial protection against big engine repair bills. Purchase online today and enjoy motoring peace of mind. Be sure to read the plan thoroughly before you take it out so you can make an informed decision. Remember, no warranty can include everything!
Average repair costs
On average, repair requests for the Hyundai ix35 come in at £900.37. This is relatively moderate compared to some of its competitors, but still substantial enough to warrant careful consideration.
Age and mileage considerations
Our reliability index data suggests the Hyundai ix35 ages quite well. The average age at which repairs typically arise is 9.3 years, with vehicles generally having covered around 80,032 miles. Notably, the minimum age at which repairs have been requested is 7.1 years.
Considering how old the ix35 has become since being replaced by the Tucson in 2016, this should provide some comfort to ix35 owners. However, it’s important to keep in mind that every vehicle is susceptible to vehicle faults, which can and do occur at any time.
Running costs and buyer considerations
The UK market for used Hyundai ix35 vehicles offers a wide range of options, with prices reflecting factors such as age, mileage, and trim level. According to data from automotive retailers, prices for used ix35 models start at around £3,990 for older, high-mileage examples and can reach up to £13,000 for top-of-the-range, low-mileage models from the last year of production in 2016 [4][5].
The ix35 is available in various engine options, with the 1.7-litre diesel being the most economical choice, offering up to 50.4 mpg on later Blue Drive models [6]. This SUV remains a practical and affordable option for families, offering a balance of features and value in the used car market.
Final thoughts
The Hyundai ix35 offers a compelling package for those looking for a versatile and comfortable SUV, particularly if you need a vehicle with a bit more space. However, with an average repair cost of around £900.37 and potential issues with the clutch and engine, it’s important to budget accordingly. Why not consider an extended warranty as a safety net against expensive repair bills? Get a quote and buy an extended warranty online today.
Ensuring that you buy a well-maintained example with a clear service history can also reduce the likelihood of facing major repairs early on. For current market pricing, the Hyundai ix35 typically ranges between £6,000 to £13,000, depending on age, mileage, and condition. If you find one within this range that has been well cared for, you could be securing a reliable and practical SUV for the long term.
Sources
Disclaimer: Warrantywise Reliability Index Scoring and Data: Rank is measured by repair request frequency, average vehicle age at the time of fault, average mileage, and average labour time, from 1 August 2021 and 1 August 2024, and includes vehicles between three and ten years old where there are a minimum of 250 cars on cover. Average repair costs collated over a period between 1 August 2021 and 1 August 2024. Since the sample was selected, Warrantywise has seen a significant rise in the price of labour and parts, which will impact future repair costs. All data used is from Warrantywise’s proprietary internal research. Warrantywise believes the information contained herein to be accurate at the time of release. However, the company may upload new or updated information if required and assumes that it is not liable for the accuracy of any information interpreted and used by the reader.
Warranty FAQ’s.
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A car warranty, or an extended car warranty as you may also see it called, can help to pay for the cost of fixing your car if something goes wrong with it, like a mechanical or electrical problem.
New cars usually come with a warranty that lasts for 3 years. This means the manufacturer will fix any problems during that time. After this period any repairs or problems will need to be fixed by the vehicle owner.
For peace of mind, after your manufacturer’s warranty expires to help you seek to manage repair costs effectively, you can purchase an extended warranty.
Warranties do not include all defects. Most warranties will never pay for accidental damage or premature failure of a part.
You must read the plan terms and conditions of any warranty before you take it out.
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Our warranties are discretionary. This discretion allows for flexibility, as in each case we exercise our discretion to decide whether and how to resolve repair claims.
We have appointed an independent arbiter, Edd China, to ensure that any disputes with customers are resolved in a fair and un-biased manner. In the event of a dispute between us, Edd China has the final ‘discretion’.
This is what makes Warrantywise unique.
With access to our network of approved repair centres, you can rely on professional and reliable repairs.
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An extended car warranty from Warrantywise provides protection for your vehicle beyond the manufacturer’s warranty, shielding you from unexpected repair costs that can arise due to mechanical or electrical failures. With additional benefits including recovery, car hire and onward travel, to name but a few, our warranty gives you peace of mind, eliminating the stress and hassle associated with unforeseen repairs and expenses. With access to our network of approved repair centres, you can rely on professional and reliable repairs. By choosing Warrantywise, you can budget more effectively and avoid unexpected costs with cover you can be confident in.
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Our warranties are designed to provide the widest potential scope of repairs for the age and mileage of your vehicle. We automatically select the most appropriate level of plan for your vehicle, which you can then tailor to meet your specific needs during the online quote process or by speaking with one of our team of warranty experts on 0800 001 4990, who will help you through the process.
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At Warrantywise, we aim to make the repair process hassle-free for everyone. When If you choose one of our Authorised Repairers to carry out an approved repair, we will handle the settlement of the repair cost directly with them, eliminating the need for you to make any payments.
We always recommend using one of our Approved Repairers. Their repair facilities undergo careful monitoring to guarantee the best workmanship and service quality.
However, we understand that you may have a preferred garage in mind. If that’s the case, please ensure they are VAT registered and follow our provided ‘Repairs Procedure’ outlined in the plan booklet. It’s also crucial to verify that their labour rate aligns with your warranty schedule.
If you decide to use your preferred garage, you may be required to pay the bill in full. However, rest assured, once the repair work has been agreed by us, we will promptly reimburse you directly for the agreed expenses. Our aim is to provide convenience and financial peace of mind throughout the repair journey.
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As long as your car has an up to date service history you don’t necessarily need to service the car before we issue a warranty. However, if the vehicle doesn’t have evidence that the last service was performed at the correct time, you will need to arrange to have the car serviced to the manufacturer’s recommendations before your warranty cover is effective. Please refer to Section G – Servicing your vehicle for full details.
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It is the vehicle owner’s responsibility to maintain their vehicle. Following the manufacturer’s service schedule ensures that vehicles are properly maintained.
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It is important to thoroughly check the service history of a second-hand vehicle before purchasing. Where the previous owner has missed a service, we’ll still provide a warranty if the service history is brought up to date according to the manufacturer’s recommendations (including any recommended remedial work). This must be brought up to date immediately and proof of the service provided.
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No, you don’t have to have a car inspected before it can go on cover.
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Our warranties are available in lengths to suit your needs. From monthly warranties to 12, 24 or 36 month warranties.
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You can choose to pay for your warranty in full, over 4 month or PAYG (monthly pay as you go).
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All Warrantywise plans come with a no question 14 day money back guarantee. You can cancel the plan at any time within the first 14 days and providing you have not requested that we meet the cost of any repairs, we will cancel the plan and refund your payment without deduction.
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We always recommend using one of our Approved Repairers. These repair facilities undergo careful monitoring to guarantee the best workmanship and service quality. However, we understand that you may have a preferred garage in mind. If that’s the case, please ensure they are VAT registered and follow our provided ‘Repairs Procedure’ outlined in the plan booklet. It’s also crucial to verify that their labor rate aligns with your warranty schedule.
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Our repairs office hours are 8.30am-5.00pm Monday – Friday (except bank holidays). If you breakdown out of hours, please phone our 24/7 breakdown service on 0800 054 2174. For full details on what to do with regards to repairs out of hours, please refer to Section H in your plan book.
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It is important to stop driving the vehicle immediately, and call our repairs team on 01254 355102. The lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 12pm. In the case of an emergency breakdown out of hours, please call 0800 054 2174. If you continue to drive after you suspect a fault, it could affect your warranty. Rest assured, we are here to assist you throughout the process.
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The Oxford English Dictionary defines ‘Electrical’ as: (1) concerned with, operating by, or producing electricity. This means it has to be powered by, use, or produce electricity in order to function. NB: There are some items listed under our Additions that we will never pay for under the warranty.
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The Oxford English Dictionary defines ‘Mechanical’ as: (1) relating to or operated by a machine or machinery. (2) relating to physical forces or motion. This basically means it has to be a part that moves, is moved and/or is acted upon by something else that makes it do that motion. NB: There are some items listed under our Additions that we will never pay for under the warranty.
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If, during a journey, your Vehicle suffers a Breakdown within Great Britain you can telephone 0844 693 1910 (24h service) and we will arrange for an engineer to attend. If your Vehicle suffers a breakdown whilst in the European Union, you will need to make your own recovery arrangements and submit a claim under the warranty.
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If your repair is approved and you need a hire car, because your vehicle is off the road, we may reimburse you for up 10 days for car hire, please refer to the terms of your warranty for details.
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If you purchased your warranty directly, then yes. If you sell your car, you can transfer the remainder of your warranty to your new vehicle. Depending on the make, age and mileage of your new car additional charges may apply. Call our admin team on 0800 001 4990 for full details.
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We take complaints very seriously and all complaints are thoroughly investigated by our Customer Relations Team. Our commitment to customer satisfaction means that if you are dissatisfied with the initial response, we have an escalation process in place to address your concerns further. We value your feedback and strive to continuously improve our services, ensuring that your experience with Warrantywise is of the highest standard. For more information on the escalation process, please refer to our complaints page, and if we cannot resolve your complaint between us, you can refer it to Edd China for consideration in his role as Final Arbiter.
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All calls are answered directly from our UK offices by our knowledgeable and experienced customer advice teams. We take pride in providing exceptional customer service and ensuring that your enquiries and concerns are addressed promptly and efficiently. Our dedicated teams are here to assist you with any questions you may have, offering expert guidance and support.
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Edd China fulfils the role of independent arbiter, this means he has the final say over any dispute that we cannot resolve between us, subject of course to your statutory rights.
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Quentin Willson was instrumental in working with Warrantywise from 2007 to 2023 to develop our extended warranty plans to ensure they are clear, transparent and comprehensive. In July 2023, he passed over the responsibility of final arbiter to Edd China who will use his ‘discretion’ to ensure a fair and equitable resolution on a case-by-case basis.