Budget MPVs come no more affordable than here, but don't be blinded by the attractive used values, because running costs can be high. Fuel and maintenance costs can be wallet-wilting and despite the fact that a five-year warranty was standard, the Trajet isn't always as reliable as you'd hope. Refinement also leaves a lot to be desired - but despite all this, the Trajet is a lot of car for the money.
Key Dates
6/00: The Trajet debuts, with a 2.0-litre petrol engine only.
1/01: There's now a 2.7-litre V6 petrol engine also offered.
6/01: A 2.0-litre turbodiesel joins the range.
2/02: All models get dual air-con as standard, apart from the 2.0 petrol which has to wait another year.
6/04: A facelift brings a new radiator grille, fresh rear lights, a revised dash and extra standard equipment. There's also a new engine for the 2.0-litre petrol model.
Hyundai Trajet (2000-2008) Checklist
- Alternators can fail prematurely because they're badly misaligned.
- Manual gearboxes can prove weak, and replacement costs are high.
- Anti-lock brake sensors can fail (an MoT failure)
- The front suspension top mounts can fail, leading to the car collapsing.
- The interior trim can prove fragile.
- Windscreen wiper mechanisms sometimes prove to be weak.
- Check servicing costs before buying; franchised dealers can be costly.
- Front tyres don't wear well because of the weight over the front axle.
- Brake discs also wear quickly because of the car's weight.
We Like
- Value
- Space
- Practicality
We Don't Like
- Thirsty petrol engines
- Cheap interior plastics
- Poor refinement