Should I buy this 2017 Tucson… need advice

I’m looking at a 2017 Tucson eco with a 1.6T engine and AWD. It has 108,000 miles and the asking price is $12,900. The CARFAX looks pretty good—2 owners, good service history, privately owned (not a rental or fleet), and no accidents.

Are there any issues I should watch for in the CARFAX? How reliable is this engine past 100,000 miles? I’ve never owned a Hyundai before.

I wouldn’t buy a Hyundai from 2015–2018. These engines often have piston ring issues from the factory, which makes them burn more oil than they should. If the CVT hasn’t been serviced properly, that could cause problems too. If I were you, I’d look at a Mazda or CR-V from that time instead—they tend to hold up better.

The 1.6T engine itself is pretty solid and it likely has keyless entry, which is a nice feature. But the problem with this Tucson is the 7-speed dry dual-clutch transmission. It’s been known to cause issues and is a big reason I’d steer clear of this model.

@Miles
I think the DCT issue is overblown. There’s a bit of a learning curve, but it’s manageable.

Wyatt said:
@Miles
I think the DCT issue is overblown. There’s a bit of a learning curve, but it’s manageable.

I had a 2018 Elantra Sport with the same transmission, and it had to be replaced under warranty at 70k miles. Honestly, I don’t think it’s a great gearbox.

@Miles
I’ve got the same transmission and I’m at 50k kilometres without any issues so far. I’ve also seen similar cars with over 150k kilometres still on the original transmission. I guess it depends on how they were maintained.

Wyatt said:
@Miles
I think the DCT issue is overblown. There’s a bit of a learning curve, but it’s manageable.

The issue isn’t just that it’s a DCT—it’s that it’s a dry DCT. Wet clutches would’ve been better for durability.

@Miles
I really like Hyundais too, but yeah, the DCT in this model has a questionable track record. That said, the engine itself is great—I had it in my Sonata and it never gave me trouble.

I can’t speak for newer models, but I’d avoid older Hyundais. My 2016 Tucson’s engine failed at 95,000 miles.

NinaCaldwell said:
I can’t speak for newer models, but I’d avoid older Hyundais. My 2016 Tucson’s engine failed at 95,000 miles.

Did the warranty cover it?

Tylor said:

NinaCaldwell said:
I can’t speak for newer models, but I’d avoid older Hyundais. My 2016 Tucson’s engine failed at 95,000 miles.

Did the warranty cover it?

I didn’t bother with the dealership. I sold it to Peddle.com and got a new car instead. When the check engine light came on, a shop told me the catalytic converter was clogged. I paid $800 to fix that, and a month later the P1326 code popped up. The engine was done for.

@NinaCaldwell
Wait, are you saying the car might’ve been under warranty but you didn’t try to get it repaired? You just sold it?

britney said:
@NinaCaldwell
Wait, are you saying the car might’ve been under warranty but you didn’t try to get it repaired? You just sold it?

Yeah, most dealerships near me were booked for over a month. I didn’t want to wait, and honestly, I was over it. The car had already been stolen earlier that year, and I was tired of dealing with Hyundai. I sold it for $3,500 even though it was worth around $5,500.

@NinaCaldwell
Or you could’ve tried taking it on a long drive at high RPMs—sometimes that unclogs it.

I think this model year is one of the ones targeted in the Kia/Hyundai theft trend. If it has a keyed ignition, it’s probably at risk. Older Hyundais also tend to have higher insurance costs because of the theft issue. Some insurers won’t even cover them anymore. Personally, I’d pass on it.

Don’t do it. I have a 2017 Tucson and it’s been a nightmare. Cracked manifold, months waiting for repairs, and now the DCT clutch needs replacing. The car only has 80k miles, and I’ve already had the wheel bearings, cylinder head, and turbo manifold replaced. Stay far away from the 2016–2018 models with the 1.6T.

Avoid this car. My family member’s 2016 Tucson had a clunky DCT. The dealership insisted it was normal, but it always felt jerky—like someone learning to drive stick.

I wouldn’t touch this model. Hyundai’s dry DCT is just not worth the trouble. Even if the engine seems fine now, you’ll probably end up with costly repairs sooner or later.