Reliability of city cars and sedans: should you favor a used Korean?

Correan cars are known for their very good reliability and their warranty, which is often among the longest on the market. These qualities mean that they are increasingly sought after second-hand, which drives up prices. So are they still interesting?

To answer this question, we searched between all the models of Korean which are the most popular second-hand. At the end of each presentation, we will then tell you if they are interesting or not on the second hand market.

Mini city dwellers
Third generation Hyundai i10 photo credit: Hyundai
Hyundai i10 III 2020
The good choice : 1.0 Eco Fuel : Essence Fiscal power : 4 CV DIN power : 67 ch Maximum speed : 147 km/h Consumption : 5.5 l/100 km Crit’Air : 1 Seen second hand : We saw an Intuitive version from 2020 with 53,000 km on the clock at a price of €10,990. Appeared in 2020, this third generation offers increasing benefits compared to the older generation. It even reaches the level of best in segment. Equipped with motor 1.0 Eco, this i10 happens to be very pleasant in the city and remains sober. On second hand, the first ones offer just under the 11 000 € in the Initia version, the basic version of the i10 (sold for €11,990 new). It is better to aim for a higher finish. Verdict: too expensive!

Third generation Kia Picanto photo credit: T. ANTOINE / ACE-TEAM / EMAS
Kia Picanto III 1.0 67 Active
The good choice : 1.0 Fuel : Essence Fiscal power : 4 CV DIN power : 67 ch Maximum speed : 154 km/h Consumption : 5.9 l/100 km Crit’Air : 1 Seen second hand : We saw an Active version from 2018 with 68,000 km on the clock at a price of €7,900. With its size, this generation of Picanto shows himself very pleasant to live in if we compare it to the microcitadin. Its presentation is attractive despite the presence of hard plastic. The space inside turns out to be quite generous and very well endowed if you move towards the second finishing level, namely l’Active. The best part is that it also turns out to be less expensive than the i10 on the second-hand market. Verdict: interesting

The city dwellers
Hyundai i20 second generation photo credit: ARNAUD SAUNIER / EMAS
Hyundai i20 1.0 T-GDi 100 DCT-7 Creative restyled
The good choice : 1.0 T-GDi DCT-7 Fuel : Essence Fiscal power : 5 CV DIN power : 100 ch Maximum speed : 179 km/h Consumption : 6.7 l/100 km Crit’Air : 1 Seen second hand : We saw an Intuitive version from 2019 with 49,000 km on the clock at a price of €12,900. This generation of Hyundai i20 is a very good second-hand choice with its engine 1.0 de 100ch lively, discreet, modern, and reliable. In its finish Intuitive, his endowment is rich. It has a touch screen with Mirror Screen function, automatic headlights and wipers, cruise control, reversing camera, and lane keeping. All for a price that remains very reasonable on the occasion. Verdict: interesting

Fourth generation Kia Rio photo credit: ARNAUD SAUNIER / EMAS
Kia Rio 1.0 Active
The good choice : 1.0 T-GDi 100 Fuel : Essence Fiscal power : 5 CV DIN power : 100 ch Maximum speed : 182 km/h Consumption : 6.1 l/100 km Crit’Air : 1 Seen second hand : We saw an Active version from 2017 with 75,000 km on the clock at a price of €11,590. Upon its release, the Let’s go to Rio of this generation symbolized the new ambitions of the brand. No problems to deplore on the mechanical side which is modern, reliable, lively et about. With this version of 100 ch, the Rio only has five gears which are however well spaced. Guaranteed for 7 years, the fourth generation of Rio is still covered. Verdict: interesting

Compact sedans
Third generation Hyundai i30 photo credit: YANN LEFEBVRE / EMAS
Hyundai i30 1.0 T-GDI 120 Creative
The good choice : 1.0 T-GDi 120 Fuel : Essence Fiscal power : 6 CV DIN power : 120 ch Maximum speed : 185 km/h Consumption : 7.2 l/100 km Crit’Air : 1 Seen second hand : We saw an Edition#1 version from 2017 with 86,000 km on the clock at a price of €12,990. This third generation of i30 wants to compete with the stars of the category. Unfortunately, inside she calls on lots of cheap plastics, which harms its image. In terms of staffing, it raises the bar. A reversing camera, automatic high beams, and blind spot monitoring are standard on the i30 and those, whatever the finish. On the road, the i30 will seduce by its dynamic behavior. Verdict: interesting

Second generation Kia Ceed photo credit: WOLFANGO SPACCARELLI / KIA
Kia Ceed III GT 2019
The good choice : 1.4 T-GDi DCT Fuel : Essence Fiscal power : 7 CV DIN power : 140 ch Maximum speed : 205 km/h Consumption : 7 l/100 km Crit’Air : 1 Seen second hand : We saw an Active version from 2019 with 67,000 km on the clock at a price of €17,990. The Kia Ceed remains a good plan if you are satisfied with the version 1.0 T-GDi entry-level. However, compared to its cousin, the Hyundai i30 it is often more expensive despite almost identical services. Regarding the engine 1.4, it turns out to be dynamic. Certainly, it is very well equipped in version Active, but on occasion, its prices are close to those of a Golf! Verdict: too expensive!