Used 2012 Hyundai Veloster Base Hatchback Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2012 Hyundai Veloster Base Hatchback.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Mixed feelings on Ownership!!
burban, Sarasota, FL, 11/18/2016
2012 Hyundai Veloster 3dr Hatchback w/Gray Interior (1.6L 4cyl 6M)
Bought my 2012 used in august of 2013 with 5 thousand miles. I currently have 30 thousand on the car. Mine is modified. All suspension modifications. None to the engine, transmission, or exhaust. With some suspension modifications it transforms this car. I compete in autocross events and the car is competitive. Now don't get me wrong on a more laid out course it doesn't have the power … to turn fast times. But on most courses I run that are small and tight the car is great. I know this doesn't apply to most people. Just saying the cars chassis is very good. The right setup makes for a very good neutral and balanced car. However this car has not been what I would say is reliable. My warranty runs out in August of 2017 and that scares me. Here is most things that have gone wrong: I have had 3 steering wheels replaced because of peeling, 2 shifters replaced because of peeling, multiple speakers, battery terminal fell off, gear in steering column broke, paint fade on molding by sunroof, rear hatch button disintegrated, and the radio has needed multiple updates. All these things have been covered under warranty. I call most of this stuff minor. The mechanicals of the car have been bulletproof so far. And I am not easy on the car. But nonetheless it is a trip to the dealer which is a hassle. Other things now. The acceleration isn't horrible. No its not fast by no means but it was never designed to be a fast car. People need to remember its an economy hatchback and not a sports car. Mine is a manual which is much better that the dual clutch automatics. The interior of the car is excellent save some of the crap material Hyundai like to call leather. The seat are some of the best I have ever sat in. The controls are easy to use. Overall I do enjoy this car and I do get a lot of compliments and I have been asked a lot "what kind of car is that". Its different and stands out. Like my title reads I have mixed feeling. I do like the car but I am concerned about repairs after the warranty runs out. Also mileage is ok. I drive mine mostly all city and get 28 mpg. And I drive it hard. On our trip to new Orleans 1500 miles round trip it got 38 mpg running 70 mph the whole way.
Great Car
msh2, Frisco, TX, 11/06/2011
2012 Hyundai Veloster 3dr Hatchback w/Gray Interior (1.6L 4cyl 6M)
I have 1,000 miles on mine and it is fun to drive.
Averaging 35 mpg.
If you want speed don't buy the car, wait for the turbo.
Otherwise, it handles great, lots of amenities, looks awesome, and lot of room for a small car.
I went from an Acura TL to the Veloster.
Miss the TL's hp but love everything else about the Veloster.
Meet the CR-Z Killer
jeffdawgfan, Montgomery, AL, 09/20/2011
2012 Hyundai Veloster 3dr Hatchback w/Gray Interior (1.6L 4cyl 6M)
I took delivery of a 2012 Veloster this past Saturday.
I had been looking real hard at the Honda CR-Z but there were just some things that Honda cut corners on and left off that car that just did not sit well with me.
The hybrid motor was also a big turn off as it just over complicated the car and did not really increase its fuel economy.
Enter the Hyunda Veloster.
The Veloster is … everything that the CR-Z wanted to be.
More features, better ride, just as much power and better fuel economy with out the hybrid cost/complication.
Unless Honda does something quick the CR-Z is dead in two years I predict.
Love the looks, disappointed on the whole
John cesarini, Littleton, MA, 02/24/2016
2012 Hyundai Veloster 3dr Hatchback w/Gray Interior (1.6L 4cyl 6M)
Mileage is great. Suspension is too harsh. Steering feels disconnected. Acceleration is poor, car is underpowered in my opinion. Brakes are great. Instrumentation layout and performance is very good. Navigation system is horrible; inaccurate and a rip-off in my opinion. Rattles in dashboard and now more are starting in other places in vehicle (60K miles). Awful smell coming from hvac … system after about a year (a common problem - many internet posts about this). Interior looks 'cheap'. Low beam headlights don't illuminate the road far enough ahead. 4 season tires it came with were terrible in the snow - have since purchased other ones that are much better. One of the two automatic door lock\unlock\push button start failed after about 58000 miles. Rear view back up camera is great - better than others I have seen.
This was the first sporty car I ever owned; I really like the way it looks. I wish I'd experience driving other sporty\sports cars before purchasing it. I would not buy this car again and would not recommend it. It is also the first Hyundai I ever purchased and I would be very reluctant to buy a different model Hyundai.
Update at 85K miles: ESC stopped working at around 65K miles. Part alone was $700 to fix, which i did not do. Frozen right front brake caliper needed repair as well. Sunroof cover slider which is very thin has started warping along the sides. HvAC smell improved (after i cleaned it out per internet posts) but still present. Gas mileage continues to be great - easily over 40 mpg on highway if keep speed around 65. Still very disappointed with car. New models out this year have an increase in HP which this car desperately needed. Hopefully that will translate into better pickup.
Update at 105K miles, 3/21. Complaints about the care are still the same. However i have had no further reliability problems of any kind which has upped my opinion of the car. I have a love/hate relationship with this car. I really like the way it handles and the way it looks but it's quirks are annoying - road noise, harsh ride, noisy loose interior fittings.
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2012 Hyundai Veloster Base Hatchback
Pros & Cons
- Pro:Lots of features for the money
- Pro:innovative three-door design
- Pro:distinctive styling
- Pro:large trunk
- Pro:long warranty coverage.
- Con:Lackluster acceleration
- Con:poor rear visibility
- Con:noticeable road noise
- Con:cramped rear seats
- Con:ride quality can be overly harsh at times.
Full Edmunds Review: 2012 Hyundai Veloster Hatchback
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2012 Hyundai Veloster in Ohio is:
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