I had a 1.6 first gen. Bit tinny and asthmatic when pushed hard but most reliable car ever owned. 190k miles and never skipped a beat, until I wrapped it around a lampost lol.
Love seeing reviews for these! Picked my 2L siii up 3 years ago and still absolutely love it! It does have a few gripes but for me but its easily the best looking car you can get thats actually reliable for the price Bad things: Low power Poor handling on corners Handbrake will fail the MOT no matter how new and fresh it is, its just luck of the draw Poor aftermarket support (that seems to be changing though!) Great bits: Beautiful looking car, modern but with retro styling Easy to work on Affordable parts Affordable overall A muffler delete makes it sound amazing (leave that resonator in though) MASSIVE boot space Did i say beautiful car...?
I agree! The easy to work on point is one thing that I really like. Been missing working on this car the past few weeks! It's definitely a good looker. Wanting to try a V6 at some point too, but I still feel like the 2L is the best value and middleground.
Good review but here's a few extra points which may help others to decide... I've had my 2007 SIII 2ltr in black with red leather seats since 2015, bought purely on looks, quoted reliability and unseen (bought in Wales and I live in Devon). It didn't disappoint but remember this is a cruiser not a bruiser, armchair driving with drop dead gorgeous styling. Yes it has corrosion issues such as inner rear wings, practically all the underside running gear like axles and subframes will rust but the body is treated and carried a 5year rust warranty when built and mine only had rust on the inner rear wings as it's not garaged. The main issues a lot of people have, me included, are with odd dashboard lights, sensors tripping and electrical faults but these are not a real problem. This year I had her fully overhauled by way of rust areas plated and welded, total body respray, new custom badges attached and wheels powder coated and sprayed a slightly more radiant silver than the almost white coloured originals. Don't bother with aftermarket wheels especially with the state of the roads as they are not as strong as the originals. I aim to have a new hi-fi system installed later in the year as the original Hyundai head unit is practically dead (no lights and skips even when it's stationary). Overall a great, reliable (never let me down yet), cheap to run ( fuel and parts), classy looking (still looks modern 16yrs after it's launch) and practical car (the boot is huge). It drives well but don't expect edge of the seat exciting drives it's cruiser as I say, it will sit at 70mph happily all day but most hot hatches will leave it in the dust. Don't get the 1.6ltr as it's gutless and the V6 is just too expensive for UK car tax to warrant it but the 2ltr hits the spot on all fronts and is even cheap to insure. I recommend this often over looked future classic, get one whilst you can as their numbers are dwindling fast.
I just got rid of my gutless, rusting, exhaust blowing 2005 1.6. It had just over a month left on the MOT, which it would have failed with various issues. Sold it for scrap. Managed to get myself a black 2009 TSiii, only 51000 on the clock. Drove just over 2hrs to get it. Excellent condition. Nothing at all on the bumper, no visible rust, whatsoever, minor scratches, only noticeable when close up, clear headlights. I was blown away by the condition. All black new alloys, he said the previous ones were too badly damaged, upgraded sports breaks with green casing for the pads. Inside was immaculate. I had been looking for one for most of the year. It came at just the right time. It does have some flickering dashboard lights, temperature, time, but I can live with that. Just need to change the music system to something more decent. Been turning heads since I got it, for the right reason, unlike my last one turning heads for the wrong reason 😂
I got one this year, also red. It's a great car. Maybe a tad loud, but it's really decent for its price. It's pretty much a normal sedan in a sports coupe body that share spare parts with the old Tucson, Cerato, Elantra, etc.
Yeah I agree. That’s how the car feels. So it’s great value, but doesn’t compare too well against properly ground-up designed cars in the same category.
I love the Korean version Tuscani. It comes with its own customized symbol a T in yellow and silver. I think it adds a unique touch to this master piece of Korean engineering. I would replace the Hyundai symbol with the Tuscani piece and add it to the cap covers in the wheels.
Few questions about sitting in the rear: do you hit your head against the window when leaning back? Is the front seat in your driving position and how tall are you?
Got the same car. I think the looks are the main selling point of this car. The outside kind of looks similar to a Ferrari and the interior is great too. The engine has the low end power that you need for everyday driving and still likes to rev to the limiter. I have to disagree with you on the steering wheel tho. It's way too big to properly throw it around and have fun. Overall i would say it's perfect as a first car but if you already have your license for a few years, then it can become a bit boring as it lacks proper handling, power and is fwd (which is the biggest flaw of this car)
You’re absolutely spot on! Perfectly said. I’m pretty sure the next generation which they called the Genesis is rwd… think that’s only in the states though.
in the process of moving house right now and pleasantly surprised with the storage of the Hyundai, with the flat floor in the boot you can fit a considerable amount in
Hey, I have a 2008 hyundai tiburon Gt V6 5 speed munual. I have 239,000 miles on it. I love it. It's your cars but silver with the 2.7 delta. Take care of it.
Get the V6 to get it with a 6 speed manual. I bought one (2004 model) and I loved driving it, until things started breaking and it's now been in my shop where I've fixed engine rattles and am still working on rust issues.. but while I drove it, I liked it. Smooth power delivery, surprisingly nice steering, enough cargo space to double as a van. The V6 does consume fuel, though, but it's only really a problem if it's your only car.
Can heartily recommend for someone's first car repair project - it's built in a way that makes most things quite easily accessible, and the computer intrusion is very minimal, especially on the older ones (2002 to 2006).
@@Jaggjihdrghj Really depends on amount and location. If it is in your main structure and all over walk away. You can get replacement sub frames. Personally, I loved this car it was a nice driver. Just note, if you get one do rust treatment. Also, road noise and if your roads are not the best. You will feel the road, but with that said. Mine was 2006 model and it drove well. Loved it. While it can support 4 people. It really best for 2. The back would make it is small.
They're nice cars! I believe the only difference between yours and my generation is the way they look... if that is worth upgrading to you, then go for it! Both gens are really good value for what they are, I think!
No, the SIII is the same from 2006 to 09. They did bring out a TSIII in 2008… but I think the only difference is wheels in grey and some different paint colour options!
The 2009 TSIII was the very last of the coupes so they threw everything they had left in the parts bin on it, better looking but not as hard wearing interior, (avoid the red as it goes really baggy and saggy) they all came with the high "wild" spoiler instead of the low one, dark anthracite alloys instead of the silver, Eibach uprated suspension and they made the twin exhaust pipes on the 2.0 look cosmetically like quad pipes even though they are not.
Love yoru review. Much love from South Africa. I would just like to ask your opinion on the oldern shape gen2 Tiburon. Im looking at buying a coupe from the 2007 model, but the headlights are still squared and the oldern shape. Is there anything in particular that i have to look ou for when buying myself one of these?
Thank you! They're very reliable cars, not much to look out for. Rust will not be an issue in South Africa. Just make sure the suspension doesn't knock or bang when you test drive.
I love my SIII, great looks and loads of equipment for not a lot of money. The major disappointment is there is absolutely no sweet spot when you come on cam(s) which you really should be getting on a 2.0 with a reasonably modern multivalve engine, also no 6th speed as said and they are made of monkey metal so you have to keep on top of the rust prevention.
Yeah I do wish it had just a little more pull at higher rpms. It is a good old engine though. I was wishing it had a 6th too, but beggars can't be choosers! Still great value.
Had one, bought it with 15k km on the clock and it was 10 years old !!! Old lady won it in a raffle and barely drove it until i got my hands on it 10 years later. I hadn't owned it for 3 days and the clutch went, obviously granny wasnt getting much action so she loved to ride the clutch instead. Anyway, the car was slow, heavy and the handbrake couldnt be adjusted, only new brakes and pads worked until they wore down. The only amazing thing was the sound system, i popped in an old school Pioneer instead of the Sony shite and it was awesome. I dont miss the car at all ! Traded it in for a new Mx5 ND and will never buy a Hyundai again lol :)
I had a 1.6 first gen. Bit tinny and asthmatic when pushed hard but most reliable car ever owned. 190k miles and never skipped a beat, until I wrapped it around a lampost lol.
Lol That's funny, asthmatic coupe. Yeah I can understand what you mean though. They do seem pretty bullet proof! Not lamppost proof though..
My dream car atm, im turning 18 getting my licence this year, I’ve saved up enough to look for a second hand one and i feel so close!
Love seeing reviews for these! Picked my 2L siii up 3 years ago and still absolutely love it! It does have a few gripes but for me but its easily the best looking car you can get thats actually reliable for the price
Bad things:
Low power
Poor handling on corners
Handbrake will fail the MOT no matter how new and fresh it is, its just luck of the draw
Poor aftermarket support (that seems to be changing though!)
Great bits:
Beautiful looking car, modern but with retro styling
Easy to work on
Affordable parts
Affordable overall
A muffler delete makes it sound amazing (leave that resonator in though)
MASSIVE boot space
Did i say beautiful car...?
I agree! The easy to work on point is one thing that I really like. Been missing working on this car the past few weeks!
It's definitely a good looker. Wanting to try a V6 at some point too, but I still feel like the 2L is the best value and middleground.
"You can fit lots of people.... If youre a murderer" 😂😂😂😂😂😂 I spat my drink out.
Wasn't planned, just came to my mind!!
Good review but here's a few extra points which may help others to decide...
I've had my 2007 SIII 2ltr in black with red leather seats since 2015, bought purely on looks, quoted reliability and unseen (bought in Wales and I live in Devon). It didn't disappoint but remember this is a cruiser not a bruiser, armchair driving with drop dead gorgeous styling. Yes it has corrosion issues such as inner rear wings, practically all the underside running gear like axles and subframes will rust but the body is treated and carried a 5year rust warranty when built and mine only had rust on the inner rear wings as it's not garaged. The main issues a lot of people have, me included, are with odd dashboard lights, sensors tripping and electrical faults but these are not a real problem. This year I had her fully overhauled by way of rust areas plated and welded, total body respray, new custom badges attached and wheels powder coated and sprayed a slightly more radiant silver than the almost white coloured originals. Don't bother with aftermarket wheels especially with the state of the roads as they are not as strong as the originals. I aim to have a new hi-fi system installed later in the year as the original Hyundai head unit is practically dead (no lights and skips even when it's stationary).
Overall a great, reliable (never let me down yet), cheap to run ( fuel and parts), classy looking (still looks modern 16yrs after it's launch) and practical car (the boot is huge). It drives well but don't expect edge of the seat exciting drives it's cruiser as I say, it will sit at 70mph happily all day but most hot hatches will leave it in the dust. Don't get the 1.6ltr as it's gutless and the V6 is just too expensive for UK car tax to warrant it but the 2ltr hits the spot on all fronts and is even cheap to insure.
I recommend this often over looked future classic, get one whilst you can as their numbers are dwindling fast.
Thanks for the extra points! Yeah I agree about the 1.6, definitely not the one to go for. Black with the red leather sounds beautiful...
I just got rid of my gutless, rusting, exhaust blowing 2005 1.6. It had just over a month left on the MOT, which it would have failed with various issues. Sold it for scrap. Managed to get myself a black 2009 TSiii, only 51000 on the clock. Drove just over 2hrs to get it. Excellent condition. Nothing at all on the bumper, no visible rust, whatsoever, minor scratches, only noticeable when close up, clear headlights. I was blown away by the condition. All black new alloys, he said the previous ones were too badly damaged, upgraded sports breaks with green casing for the pads. Inside was immaculate. I had been looking for one for most of the year. It came at just the right time. It does have some flickering dashboard lights, temperature, time, but I can live with that. Just need to change the music system to something more decent. Been turning heads since I got it, for the right reason, unlike my last one turning heads for the wrong reason 😂
I got one this year, also red. It's a great car. Maybe a tad loud, but it's really decent for its price. It's pretty much a normal sedan in a sports coupe body that share spare parts with the old Tucson, Cerato, Elantra, etc.
Yeah I agree. That’s how the car feels. So it’s great value, but doesn’t compare too well against properly ground-up designed cars in the same category.
I love the Korean version Tuscani. It comes with its own customized symbol a T in yellow and silver. I think it adds a unique touch to this master piece of Korean engineering. I would replace the Hyundai symbol with the Tuscani piece and add it to the cap covers in the wheels.
"Excuse the dirst and the grime" Shows a perfectly shiny Tiburon in a great shape.
I had the V6. Handling was very nice. Superb little car.
wow ur just like me... been wanting this since i got my license, cant wait til i hopefully own one one day 😁
Yeah, they're great! Hope you find a good one soon!
Few questions about sitting in the rear: do you hit your head against the window when leaning back? Is the front seat in your driving position and how tall are you?
Excellent review. Tip - lose the background noise.
Thanks. Yeah I have been eyeing up some proper equipment.
You could use ai to remove background noise even with budget equipment
I think the 6 cylinder ones come with a 6 speed .
Nice video ❤
I want it. Test is on Friday, I've got the cash and I'm looking at one soon
Got the same car. I think the looks are the main selling point of this car. The outside kind of looks similar to a Ferrari and the interior is great too. The engine has the low end power that you need for everyday driving and still likes to rev to the limiter. I have to disagree with you on the steering wheel tho. It's way too big to properly throw it around and have fun. Overall i would say it's perfect as a first car but if you already have your license for a few years, then it can become a bit boring as it lacks proper handling, power and is fwd (which is the biggest flaw of this car)
You’re absolutely spot on! Perfectly said. I’m pretty sure the next generation which they called the Genesis is rwd… think that’s only in the states though.
The styling for this car was done by Pininfarina which is why it has those Ferrari style looks.
I’ve never once heard or read design was done by Pininfarina. Can you provide relevant citation?
Very good looking car and looks well from all angles. I would very much doubt that the dash is leather.
9:17 u had me ooff guard ahahahahhaha
in the process of moving house right now and pleasantly surprised with the storage of the Hyundai, with the flat floor in the boot you can fit a considerable amount in
For a coupe, it is absolutely massive! They're very usable cars. Better rear leg room than similar cars too
Is the driver seat vertically adjustable, im looking yo buy one but im a bit vertically challeneged lol
yes, it has a wheel on the drivers seat that tilts it back for 6' bloke like myslef or forward and up for a smaller person 5' like my wife.
Hi.
I have a question, how tall are you? What do you think? I will fit ok with 6"2 in this car?
you would fit fine when it comes to your legs, but your head might be at the limit of the roof
I think you'd make it fine, plenty of space for a couple design
I'm 6'0 and my head is touching the roof
How bad is the bumpiness in this? I really need one!
Hey, I have a 2008 hyundai tiburon Gt V6 5 speed munual. I have 239,000 miles on it. I love it. It's your cars but silver with the 2.7 delta. Take care of it.
Get the V6 to get it with a 6 speed manual.
I bought one (2004 model) and I loved driving it, until things started breaking and it's now been in my shop where I've fixed engine rattles and am still working on rust issues.. but while I drove it, I liked it. Smooth power delivery, surprisingly nice steering, enough cargo space to double as a van.
The V6 does consume fuel, though, but it's only really a problem if it's your only car.
Can heartily recommend for someone's first car repair project - it's built in a way that makes most things quite easily accessible, and the computer intrusion is very minimal, especially on the older ones (2002 to 2006).
I have this car it’s my first car I’m obsessed
How much is the insurance if you don’t mind me asking?
ITS ME!!!
I agree the noise is really bad. Cut the sound track it’s fighting with the main vocal audio.
Just make sure to undercoat the car for rust. Subframe is willing rust. This is what ended my car. Had it new 2006 ended 2024. Sad day.
Looking at this car. Advisories for subframe corrosion. Is it worth considering or will it be in the bin soon?
@@Jaggjihdrghj Really depends on amount and location. If it is in your main structure and all over walk away.
You can get replacement sub frames. Personally, I loved this car it was a nice driver. Just note, if you get one do rust treatment.
Also, road noise and if your roads are not the best. You will feel the road, but with that said.
Mine was 2006 model and it drove well. Loved it. While it can support 4 people. It really best for 2. The back would make it is small.
I have the 2006 model! Thinking of upgrading to the 2009 version which is this one you reviewed. Worth it or not?
They're nice cars! I believe the only difference between yours and my generation is the way they look... if that is worth upgrading to you, then go for it! Both gens are really good value for what they are, I think!
@@carchap thank you!
Looking to get this kind of car sometime soon, is there any difference between the 2007 and 2009 variants?
No, the SIII is the same from 2006 to 09. They did bring out a TSIII in 2008… but I think the only difference is wheels in grey and some different paint colour options!
@@carchapcheers!
The 2009 TSIII was the very last of the coupes so they threw everything they had left in the parts bin on it, better looking but not as hard wearing interior, (avoid the red as it goes really baggy and saggy) they all came with the high "wild" spoiler instead of the low one, dark anthracite alloys instead of the silver, Eibach uprated suspension and they made the twin exhaust pipes on the 2.0 look cosmetically like quad pipes even though they are not.
Love yoru review. Much love from South Africa.
I would just like to ask your opinion on the oldern shape gen2 Tiburon. Im looking at buying a coupe from the 2007 model, but the headlights are still squared and the oldern shape. Is there anything in particular that i have to look ou for when buying myself one of these?
Thank you!
They're very reliable cars, not much to look out for. Rust will not be an issue in South Africa. Just make sure the suspension doesn't knock or bang when you test drive.
9:10 brooooo stop lmfao
forgot to mention the 2.7L
im 2 meters tall (aprox 6´6) do I fit in ?
Yeah I'd say so. The seat goes back quite a long way.
In the front yes (you will have trouble getting in tho) in the back NOPE :D
The 1.6 comes with the same wheels, at least mine did.
A previous owner must’ve put the 2.0 wheels on it
I love my SIII, great looks and loads of equipment for not a lot of money. The major disappointment is there is absolutely no sweet spot when you come on cam(s) which you really should be getting on a 2.0 with a reasonably modern multivalve engine, also no 6th speed as said and they are made of monkey metal so you have to keep on top of the rust prevention.
Yeah I do wish it had just a little more pull at higher rpms. It is a good old engine though. I was wishing it had a 6th too, but beggars can't be choosers! Still great value.
Whats the fuel efficiency on this
Not particularly good, for a 2.0 it absolutely drinks fuel. It is fun though.
@@HRGUY1 hows the V6 efficiency wise?
there is one local to me for 4k€
Wha can you buy for 2500 your crazy
Change the title to Hyundai Tiburon
It was called the Hyundai Coupe in the UK, which is where he seems to be from.
Still looks great.. Iv the 09 2li. And just love it.. Yes they have their probs just like other makes, they dont look Dated..
Had one, bought it with 15k km on the clock and it was 10 years old !!!
Old lady won it in a raffle and barely drove it until i got my hands on it 10 years later.
I hadn't owned it for 3 days and the clutch went, obviously granny wasnt getting much action so she loved to ride the clutch instead.
Anyway, the car was slow, heavy and the handbrake couldnt be adjusted, only new brakes and pads worked until they wore down.
The only amazing thing was the sound system, i popped in an old school Pioneer instead of the Sony shite and it was awesome.
I dont miss the car at all !
Traded it in for a new Mx5 ND and will never buy a Hyundai again lol :)