Thanks KB and SLO for your replies. Don't disagree with anything you've posted.

The 2nd dealer had been in touch with Hyundai (for authorisation) and they knew the clutch/ flywheel had already been replaced (I had told them this). I would have expected the dealers to have been on the lookout for contamination from a failed oil seal. Perhaps I'm giving them too much credit though.

I can't help wondering if there was something out of alignment (or running off) with the engine or gearbox. The car had a total of 3 clutch and flywheels (original fitted by Hyundai and 2 replacements fitted by 2 different dealers). Don't believe all 3 were faulty or fitted badly.

SLO you're right about the characteristic bit. The service manager at one of the dealerships put it down to a characteristic of the 3 cylinder engine. He sounded a bit sheepish when I advised him the the 1.2 was actually a 4 cylinder.

Price was certainly a factor in buying this car. The i20 was also Pre-Reg which helped bring the price down. I always recon the more you spend on a car, the more you'll lose.

I have seen GB posting similar comments about the lack of rustproofing on Kia's and Hyundai's. I think Hyundai have upped their game now. Looking under the car and under the wheelarches there seemed to be quite a liberal coating of underseal.

"Need to change your name to ‘Disgruntled Hyundai owner’ now."

Perhaps my user name should be "Disgruntled EX Hyundai owner". i20 traded in for a Pre-reg Yaris 1.5

It's a pity though, in all other aspects the i20 was an very good and practicable car.

“Perhaps my user name should be "Disgruntled EX Hyundai owner". i20 traded in for a Pre-reg Yaris 1.5”

Or “Wise Yaris purchaser”

Or "Should have kept the Fiesta". The car before the i20!

This clearly affects some and not others. Elder daughter is on her second manual 1.2 i10 - the current one is four years old with 33,000 miles - and no problems with either. Someone mentioned 'alignment' so maybe there is some sort of crucial tolerance in the manufacture which is sometimes exceeded?

This may be one for her to flog before the 5-year warranty expires.

Had my i10 for just over 5 years - was 9 months when I got it and after 94,000 miles it is still going well...clutch has been fine...power steering failed at 4 years old but covered under warranty...no other issues....has been a reliable car and cheap to run.

Auristocrat, Alan1302 & Avant

Had a i10 (4 year old) in the family which I drove on a number of occasions and I really rated this car. Gave no problems and understand why you like them.

Another family member has a i20 (also 4 year old) which hasn't given any problems.

The positive experience with the above cars helped persuade me to buy my i20.

I know the logical thing is all manufacturers produce a few faulty cars. However if you buy one and have problems with it, it puts you off that brand. Next time you buy a different brand and hope you don't get a faulty one.

Of course the other thing is the dealers don't seem interested in diagnosing and fixing the cars properly. If mine had been fixed properly at the beginning, I would still have it and would consider another in future. It's the usual though, once the sale has been made, the customer doesn't matter.