Hyundai Coupé or Alpha 156

Morpheus

Ive got a punto,

im considering trading up to a 99 or 00 one of these (i.e. ive got about about 10 or 11 thousand to spend (that includes my puntos value)...

Which of these cars is better in your opinion and why?

do either of them come in a 1.6 variant or is 1.8 the smallest engine size?

cheers

Discovering

The Alfa comes in either a 1.6 or 1.8 TSpark.

The Hyundai Coupé is a 1.6, I think.

This is how I would make my choice:

Which is more important to you? Looks/Image or Performance/Driveablility

Hyundai Coupé = Looks/Image
Alpha 156 = Performance/Driveablility

I would also go with the 1.8 in the Alfa as this is a sweet lively engine.

Also strangely enough you may get it hard to get insurance on both but in particular the Hyundai Coupé as insurance companies hate Coupes.

Nuttzz

I have only ever seen chicks drive hyundai coupe's if your over 5'10" they are a no go. But I wouldnt put performance and Alfa in the same sentence.

ToxicPaddy

Both are very good looking cars but I wouldnt touch either to be honest...

In saying that, the Hyundai is probably the more reliable and you would be more likely to get a model with a nice few extras on it for the money you have going in
that with the alfa..

I personally would sell the punto privately and go to a dealer as a cash buyer, then
you have a lot more clout and believe me a much bigger range of cars open to you..

Tox

Morpheus

well whats a nice car to buy secondhand for 10K thats no bigger than 1.6??

Hobart

You could go for something like this the engine is really sweet and it will hold it's value somewhat. I drive an Alfa. I have just upgraded my GTV to a 2.5V6. Don't listen to people who tell you that performanec and Alfa don't go together. They have either never driven one or don't know what they are talking about.

Discovering

I think you are on the right line Morphéus however there are some other options:

Ford Puma (chick car)
Audi A3/A4 (too corporate)
96 BMW 318 coupe
Renault Megane Coupe 1.4 or 1.6

But the best option I think is the Hyundai Coupé try get a fx model as it comes with lots of extras and look out for ones that have been trashed.

Morpheus

i must find out first if insurance will be a major problem with the coupé, its bad enough with the punto, im going to hibernian tho, they do a deal for anything 1.6 or under, and im 27 with 3yrs no claims and full licence.. i wont even think of phoning my current insurer "quinn direct"

tinofapples

they do a deal for anything 1.6 or under

IIRC The Hibernian "deal" you are referring to is the Ignition scheme , the car has to be 1.4 or smaller.

i wont even think of phoning my current insurer "quinn direct"

To be honest I don't think you'll find insurance too bad , I changed last year (Mid-way through my policy) from a 1.6 Vectra to a 2.0 Honda Accord. My renewal quote in January was only €889 for TFF&T. I'm also 27 but have 5 years NCB. When I quizzed them about adding my fiance as a named driver they added her for nothing !! I couldn't believe it.

I also drove a Punto , before the Vectra !! Gradual increase in power , 1.2, 1.6 ,2.0 . Don't think I'll go any bigger €500 a year on tax is quite enough for me Mr.Taxman !!

unkel

The Hyundai (old model) is looking dated now imho. The design of the new model is an awful lot better. Still a hairdressers car though

The 156 is still almost as fresh as when it came out. If you're max is the 1.6, then get it chipped (couple of hundred €). Buy from a dealer and get a warranty and after that's expired just wish for a bit of luck

The 156 wasn't so popular with company car drivers for nothing. For pretty much the same price as a Nissan Primera or a Opel Vectra, they could drive a car that comes near enough the driving characteristics of an entry BMW

Originally posted by Hobart
Don't listen to people who tell you that performanec and Alfa don't go together. They have either never driven one or don't know what they are talking about.

Indeed

Tommy Vercetti

I wouldn't worry too much about the insurance, once you hit 25 Quinn Direct have very little variation between most cars in the 1.6 - 2.0 bracket. You get screwed for tax instead.

I'd definitely go with the Alfa though, the Hyundai is a total girl car, and anyone who knows anything about cars will laugh at you:)

[DF]Lenny

The 156 is much the better car although running costs are higher.My 156 experience was the best car i had in donkeys years