Hyundai Coupe (2002 - 2009) 2.0 SIII 3d Owner Review

2.0 SIII 3d

23 November 2022

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In their own words

GOOD: Looks good. Nice interior and if cared for great exterior (mine is Shine Red)
Very economical on motorway especially with cruise control engaged. Very reliable, no detail faults common on British or European cars. Good OEM speakers but radio reception is a bit crap. (Get a DAB and Bluetooth)
Engine bay is spacious and easy to work on.

BAD: Turning circle of an aircraft carrier.
Non structural rust on rear arches. Earlier models have notoriously thin paint and lacquer so recommendwaxing and keep an eye out for stone chips and scratches. Handbrake weak and frequently needs adjustment. Not a difficult repair but you may find it necessary nearly every year. Rear quarter visibility not great. Really needs an auto dim mirror as you will get a lot of dazzling from SUVs and vans because you are lower down than other cars. OEM headlights are a bit meh and dated. Consider upgrades, like at least Osram Nightbreakers and some good sidelights.

I know many who own these cars through Facebook and they are a friendly and enthusiastic bunch who organise meets and often help each other source parts and with upgrade ideas. These people have encyclopedic knowledge of these cars which is handy as there is no Haynes manual for this model.

How reliable do you find the car?

Aircon will rot if not used regularly. Luckily not to difficult to replace major parts such as condenser or compressor pump. Condition of condenser is easy to inspect as it is right out in front behind the front grill. I had to replace condenser and pump costing me just north of £550.