By Josh Rosenberg
Hyundai discontinued the Tiburon following the 2008 model year, they are becoming harder and harder to find in good condition and with reasonable mileage. But they are indeed out there with careful and patient shopping.
And with the current high prices of used cars, many consumers are looking for "older" models that better fit the budget.
We've driven a number of them over the years and have always been impressed with their tight handling, energetic power (particularly the GT V6 model), ease of steering, supportive seating and the clutch-shift interaction of the manual transmission. These cars are just a lot of fun to drive.
While the Tiburon isn't as common on the roads today as it was in its prime years, you can still find a good number of them in use, especially among car enthusiasts and owners who have maintained them well. Given that these cars are now over 15 years old, their numbers have dwindled due to factors like aging, wear, and accidents.
However, because the Tiburon has a reputation for being affordable to repair and relatively reliable when maintained, many have remained in the hands of dedicated owners who keep them running. Additionally, it's popular among younger drivers and those interested in modifying or tuning cars, which has helped preserve a subset of the Tiburon population.
The availability of used Tiburons on the market can vary by location, but they are still relatively easy to find, especially in areas with milder climates (where rust and corrosion are less of an issue). If you're looking for one, you might have more luck with the later model years (2006-2008), as they tend to be in better condition.
But first, two very important suggestions ...
1. Things To Do When Considering A Tiburon:
Locate Lower Mileage Vehicles: They are certainly out there to be found with careful and patient shopping. Be willing to drive a distance if you have to.
Vehicle History and Maintenance: Ask for the vehicle history report (CarFax or AutoCheck) as well as documented maintenance and repair records. If not provided by the dealer or private seller, it's best to move on.
Pre-Purchase Inspection: Have the vehicle independently inspected before making a final decision. This usually will cost in the $150-$200 range but is well worth it given the potentially thousands in savings over the long term.
2. Know How To Get The Lowest Used Car Price:
Get Dealers To Compete For your Business: When you are searching vehicles to possibly purchase, the following is the absolute best way to get the lowest price, and it is extremely easy and stress-free.
Just go to a national car listing site, (I happen to prefer CarsDirect.com for their massive dealer participation and ease of use, although others will get the job done as well) and find several listed vehicles that you may be interested in.
Then write something like the following in the "Check Availability" box or "Contact Dealer" box or whatever the site you are using uses.
"Hello, I've contacted several dealers about cars I am interested in and am looking for the best value. I am also a serious buyer planning to make a decision soon. Please send me your best out-the-door price. Thank you.
After receiving the offers, follow up by explaining that based on the price, you're leaning in another direction but still really like their car and would certainly consider another offer. When dealers drop out, you'll know you're at the best price.
Using the internet to get dealers to compete for your business is extremely important. More details on this and how to intereact with the dealers can be found here at Best Used Car Buying Techniques.
Hyundai Tiburon Reliability And Possible Nechanical Problems
The Tiburon (also known as the "Hyundai Coupe" in some markets) is generally considered a reliable car, especially for an affordable sports coupe. However, its reliability varies depending on the model year, maintenance history, and the engine and transmission options. Here’s a breakdown of its reliability:
Engine Reliability: The Tiburon offers two engine options: a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and a 2.7-liter V6. Both engines are reasonably durable with regular maintenance. The 4-cylinder is generally considered more reliable due to its simpler design and fewer parts to fail.
Affordability: Parts and repairs for the Tiburon are relatively inexpensive compared to European or high-end sports cars, making it easier to maintain.
Transmission: The manual transmissions are usually reliable with proper care, but the automatic transmissions in older models may be prone to wear and tear, especially if not maintained well.
Build Quality: The Tiburon is known for decent build quality, though it doesn't reach the level of more expensive sports cars. The body and interior materials can hold up well with proper care.
Potential Issues:
Electrical Problems: Some owners report electrical system issues, especially in older models, such as faulty sensors, window motors, and lighting issues.
Suspension Wear: The Tiburon’s suspension components (such as struts, bushings, and ball joints) may wear out faster, particularly in models used in harsh driving conditions or aggressive driving.
Timing Belt: The Tiburon’s engines, particularly the V6, require timing belt replacements at regular intervals (usually around 60,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on the model). If the belt is not replaced, it could lead to serious engine damage.
Rust and Corrosion: Like many older cars, the Tiburon is prone to rust, especially in areas with harsh winters and road salt.
Overall, With proper maintenance, including regular oil changes, timing belt replacements, and addressing minor issues early, a Tiburon can last well over 150,000 miles. Owners who invest in preventive care often report relatively trouble-free ownership.
It's a reliable car for its price range, especially when well-maintained, but potential buyers should be mindful of age-related wear.
Hyundai Tiburon Features
The base GS trim comes with a 4-cylinder 138 horsepower 2.0-liter engine. As you might expect, a 5-speed manual transmission wa standard, but an automatic transmission was available as an option. The GS is also outfitted with a long list of standard equipment.
The Tiburon GT would be a more athletic choice for those interested in beefing up performance. The GT is equipped with a 2.7-liter 172 horsepower V6. It also has an upgraded suspension, larger 17-inch wheels and firmer spring rates.
Additional features on the GT include alloy wheels, automatic climate control, cruise control, and a rear spoiler. Move on up to the GT Limited and a sunroof, leather seats, and an 440 watt Infinity sound system are added on.
The top-of-the-line SE trim provides the most dynamic ride and is just loaded with features, including a six-speed manual gearbox, a premium Kenwood sound system, a high-mounted spoiler, and aluminum pedals.
When it comes to shopping for one, we are primarily talking about its second generation - those produced for the 2003 through 2008 model years. We really don't recommend those from the first generation which made its debut in 1997 and was produced through the 2001 model year. There was no Tiburon produced for 2002.
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Unless a particular vehicle has extraordinarily low mileage and has been extremely well maintained, we tend to pass on this first generation due to age and the fact that Hyundai, overall, really hadn't found its stride yet. The second generation Hyundai is also vastly superior when it comes to performance as well.
Tiburon shoppers should note that after its 2003 debut, the 2004 Tiburon's base 2.0-liter inline four was fitted with continuously variable valve timing, while in the looks department a rear spoiler became standard. Also offered in 2004 was the Tiburon GT V6 Special Edition which was essentially a GT loaded with options as well as special badges and trim accents.
For 2005, Hyundai made some interior and exterior styling revisions. On the outside, the Tiburon got a new lower front fascia and grill, new headlights and foglamps, new taillights, redesigned side mirrors, and some new badging. On the inside, the interior was upgraded with new seat cloth, floor mats, an overhead console, and center air vent controls. In addition, 6-speed manual models got a new shift knob.
For 2006, the GT Limited model was added with its beige leather upholstery and a 440-watt Infinity sound system.
Hyundai again made exterior changes to the Tiburon for 2007, including revised front and rear fascias, front fenders, headlights, taillights, hood, and exhaust tips. The interior was also upgraded with blue backlit gauges, chrome accents, and MP3 capability. In addition, SE models got standard stability control, traction control, a track-tuned suspension, larger brake rotors, and a full-size spare tire.
In its final year of production, 2008, all Tiburon models were given standard satellite radio and an upgraded Kenwood audio system.
Most drivers interested in a Tiburon tend to place a higher value on a sportier appearance and performance. As such, the Tiburon SE with its V6 engine paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox gets a lot of attention. It's red front brake calipers, foglamps, and high-mounted rear spoiler also give the SE a sportier look. It's also pretty well loaded inside, including the premium audio system, aluminum pedals, and auxiliary gauges.
Overall, even though these can be hard to find, they are fun enough and feature-laden enough to consider. There's just a lot of performance, features, and unique styling at attractive pricing if you can come across a good one.