[Renshirob]

I am about to pick up a 2013 i30 elite with only 16 k on the clock. My issue is the steering. I owned a i30 2009 earlier this year. I sold it after a few months as i just could not stand driving it due is extremely vague steering feel. Particularly in a straight line. Has this issue been fixed? I did notice that there are 3 settings on the new electronic steering box. Has this improved things.

[tw2005]

I am about to pick up a 2013 i30 elite with only 16 k on the clock. My issue is the steering. I owned a i30 2009 earlier this year. I sold it after a few months as i just could not stand driving it due is extremely vague steering feel. Particularly in a straight line. Has this issue been fixed? I did notice that there are 3 settings on the new electronic steering box. Has this improved things.

Can't comment on GD but what issue?

Are you talking about excessive free play on the FD?
Were there noises or clunks associated with it?
Was the coupler bush ever checked or have an issue?  That's the main issue we've seen and would create extra play.

What wheel package did it have, 15" Steels or the 16" alloys?

What pressures did you run?

I've driven both and they seem pretty sharp to me. Admittedly the 16" is more precise than the 15" but I thought they were pretty good.

What were you driving pre FD?

[Surferdude]

My FD had 15" rims. Steel for a few yeards then alloy.
The steering was as precise as that in my Subaru Impreza and Liberty which preceded it.
The vagueness was only prevalent when the bush problem as described above occurred. Went back to precise and direct once the bush was replaced.

[MT-RED]

I am more than happy with the steering response on my GD - 16 inch rims and tyre pressures all good.

Never drive the FD so can't really comment but as others have said theirs seemed fine hence could have been an issue with the old one.

Steering response can be a little subjective at times, so I'm sure you will get your own views in the difference and ride during the test drive. I kind of expect you will be more than happy with it tho, if it's been a well maintained car 

[eye30]

Driven both fd crdi and gd petrol.

Steering was lighter on fd than gd/ other cars i've driven and noticed this straight away on the fd from driving the Accent.

FD never gave me trouble but did feel as if it wanted to wander on motorways.

GD to me is more stable but this can depend on which of the 3 steering feel modes you use.

I use comfort and find this is best for me with doing mainly urban travel.

[Dazzler]

A very stable, big car feel has been a hallmark of all three series of i30. We've had 4 and the steering feel has been good in all of them. Definitely sounds like a chewed knuckle in the steering was the issue with your previous one. A $5 to $20 part depending on source and a $200 to $400 job including labour I believe. The lower figure is more realistic. 

[mickd]

I'm pretty sure that someone had suspect steering on an fd -it wandered around a fair bit.
My memory isn't the best , "couldn't find zero / kept over correcting " ??. Ring a bell anyone?

Have 09/16 GD4 S2,  steering is beautiful   

[Dazzler]

I'm pretty sure that someone had suspect steering on an fd -it wandered around a fair bit.
My memory isn't the best , "couldn't find zero / kept over correcting " ??. Ring a bell anyone?

Have 09/16 GD4 S2,  steering is beautiful   

Yeah, I think you are thinking of the dodgy one, whoops I mean @Doggie 1

Dave had an issue with the power steering but it wasn't vague at the straight ahead the electric assist had issues.

[nzenigma]

I am about to pick up a 2013 i30 elite with only 16 k on the clock. My issue is the steering. I owned a i30 2009 earlier this year. I sold it after a few months as i just could not stand driving it due is extremely vague steering feel. Particularly in a straight line. Has this issue been fixed? I did notice that there are 3 settings on the new electronic steering box. Has this improved things.

 
If the FD steering was such a big issue, surely you gave the new car a good test drive before you bought it?

What was the history of the 9 year old i30? No specifics given. Your experience seems IS unique.

[tw2005]

1 post bandit it would seem

[Dazzler]

1 post bandit it would seem

They might be on shift work or something.   

[tw2005]

1 post bandit it would seem

They might be on shift work or something.   

Yeah, works for NASA.

Man on the Moon , ..............I don't think he's a Rocket Scientist though.

 

[nzenigma]

 

The boy's on fire today.   

[MT-RED]

1 post bandit it would seem

They might be on shift work or something.   

Yeah, works for NASA.

Man on the Moon , ..............I don't think he's a Rocket Scientist though.