Hyundai Coupe

Jimmy Bottlehead

Hey all.

Want to get opinions on the Hyundai Coupe. Looking at a 2002 model, 90k on the clock, from pics it looks spotless. Just through the NCT, valid til June 2012. Going for €3500 but I reckon I could get it lower.

http://www.adverts.ie/230948/cars/hyundai-coupe-16-02-waterford/

Anyways, from my hyundai accent thread the other day, a few people said the Coupe is reliable, but my dads mechanic has warned him that the Coupe is troublesome - he especially pointed out his sisters as burning through oil like a mad thing. I also came across a few threads on Drivers.ie forum that said they're a disaster:

http://www.driver.ie/forum/showthread.php?t=32216&highlight=hyundai+coupe

http://www.driver.ie/forum/showthread.php?t=39385&highlight=hyundai+coupe

but apart from these it is hard to find common problems with them.

I really don't want a car that'll give me bother or cost me much, I'd prefer to go for a newer Fiesta or Punto if the Coupe is likely to give bother.

I'll be getting a mechanic to give it a look if and when I go see it too, so that may help.

Any advice would be terrific, especially people who have either owned Coupe's, or know those who have.

Cheers

bazz26

I cannot say I would agree with half the stuff being written on that forum. Every car will have it's fair share of problems despite what the adverts tell you. Also alot of comparisons to the Celica, the Coupe was never designed to be a compeditor to the Celica so it is unfair imo to compare both.

My other half's sister has a 03/04 for a couple of years now and the only problem it had was with the electric sunroof motor. Apparently it is a common enough problem on them. Expensive to put right too so she just doesn't open the thing anymore.

Jimmy Bottlehead

bazz26 wrote: »

I cannot say I would agree with half the stuff being written on that forum. Every car will have it's fair share of problems despite what the adverts tell you. Also alot of comparisons to the Celica, the Coupe was never designed to be a compeditor to the Celica so it is unfair imo to compare both.

My other half's sister has a 03/04 for a couple of years now and the only problem it had was with the electric sunroof motor. Apparently it is a common enough problem on them. Expensive to put right too so she just doesn't open the thing anymore.

Aye, I've read that the electrics can give bother but tbh that's not my biggest worry... I'd be more concerned with serious engine issues!

And you're right about the Celica comparison -I know it's underpowered, but that's fine with me as I'm only fully licenced over a year, and I don't want mad power for both insurance purposes and also to appeases the folks, who don't want me zipping about at mad speeds

Boom_Bap

I had one for about a year and had no problems with it at all. I actually regret selling it.....but it was too awkward getting the child into the seat in the back, was my only reason for selling.
The only thing that happened was a loose tappet but that was because i let the oil levels go low. So it was nothing mechanical with the car.

Jimmy Bottlehead

Boom_Bap wrote: »

I had one for about a year and had no problems with it at all. I actually regret selling it.....but it was too awkward getting the child into the seat in the back, was my only reason for selling.
The only thing that happened was a loose tappet but that was because i let the oil levels go low. So it was nothing mechanical with the car.

Good stuff. Happily I just have myself, the girlfriend and a wee dog to worry about so no MAJOR space needed!

So that's one for the Coupe Any other opinions or experiences?

Michael 09

I drove one for a while and liked it. Nice to drive and did not have an ounce of trouble with it. I'd recommend one

Jimmy Bottlehead

I guess what I'd also be wondering is, is a 2002 model likely to start kicking up? The seller has informed me it's been serviced every 5000 miles, but no service history. Hasn't a bother with me letting a mechanic take a look at it either.

Jimmy Bottlehead

Jimmy Bottlehead wrote: »

I guess what I'd also be wondering is, is a 2002 model likely to start kicking up? The seller has informed me it's been serviced every 5000 miles, but no service history. Hasn't a bother with me letting a mechanic take a look at it either.

Also is 90k on the clock something to be wary of?

The aul fella's mechanic is convinced they're a disaster and has convinced my dad of this... so really don't wanna get a Coupe that'll break down a lot and give him reason to say "I told ya so".

bazz26

The important thing is how the car was looked after rather than how far it was driven. 90k miles is not that high for an 8 year old car to be honest. Just make sure that it has been checked for suspension, gearbox and clutch wear as these wear alot faster than the engine and you may have expensive bills on the horizon.

This might also be worth looking it if mileage is still a concern for you:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201032199129429