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Hyundai Tiburon

669 messages,  Last post on Oct 26, 2011 at 2:38 AM

You are in the Hyundai Tiburon Forum.

What is this discussion about? Hyundai Tiburon, Coupe, Hatchback

Messages Page 17 of 68

#154 of 669 Love my 2003 GT-V6! by skuuter

Apr 04, 2003 (1:21 pm)

I accidentally ran across one of the new Tiburons while checking out a Mazda 626 and debating about giving a Sonata a chance. Once I drove the Tiburon, I had to have it! The car exceeded my expectations in every way. And the price was more than reasonable.
 
Due to my daily commute, I opted for the Shiftronic automatic version, so you'll have to take that into account. I'm 46 so my legs just don't care to be shifting all the time anymore.
 
The following is my rundown of what I've experienced over 29,000 miles:
 
MILEAGE:
 
24-26 mpg doing my commute (mostly freeway, but lots of traffic jams)
 
As high as 29 mpg on a 600 mile trip averaging 80MPH! Most trips I get 27 mpg.
 
PROS:
 
Very reliable, so far.
 
Plenty of low end grunt and very acceptable acceleration for passing. I recommend downshifting manually to experience the best response (the auto tranny is a little hesitant to do so at times).
 
I like the stares and all the people asking what kind of car it is!
 
Very comfortable, yet firm, seats on long trips.
 
Lots of luggage room.
 
Very good stereo system, in my opinion.
 
HANDLING:
 
With the right tires, and some experience behind the wheel of this car, it does very well. While not as nimble as some higher end cars, it's shortcomings are easily compensated for.
 
Steering is slightly numb, but predictable.
 
Ride is a bit too firm, but steering response benefits from this. I hate potholes!!!
 
Body roll becomes an issue on long sweeps, but in the twisties it's not a problem as long as you set up your entry/exit properly. Lower the car a little and add a strut bar to eliminate most of this. The car is a lot of fun on well paved winding roads!
 
Brakes are excellent, even without ABS. I have yet to lock up even on emergency type stops. Slight fade on roads requiring a lot of braking and downshifting.
 
CONS:
 
Paint chipping on rocker panels - re-painted under warranty.
 
Noisy idler pulley when new - replaced under warranty.
 
DISLIKES:
 
I wish the dash console and steering wheel were integrated so they'd tilt simultaneously.
 
Need more cupholders.
 
Tail lamps and headlights could be easier to service for bulb replacement.
 
I don't like the Mercedes style cruise control stalk. I'd prefer buttons on the dash or steering wheel.
 
Too much black on the dash and too many blank option buttons. I wish they'd added a bit more aluminum colored trim, but this is all available on the aftermarket now.
 
OVERALL:
 
A great car! If it was wearing a different logo, you'd never guess it was a Hyundai. Most people don't anyway

#155 of 669 skuuter by lngtonge18

Apr 04, 2003 (6:21 pm)

Thanks for the in depth report! It's nice to finally hear from someone who has put some mileage on the 03 Tib. I was wondering if you could answer a few questions for me. How quiet is the car on the highway? Do the tires make a lot of noise? What about wind noise? Has the firm ride caused any annoying squeaks or rattles? The rock hard ride was one of the main reasons I didn't buy one, but I'm thinking of overlooking it when I'm ready to buy in a year's time as long as it isn't leading to annoying interior noises. Any input is appreciated!

#156 of 669 Noisy idler pulley by cfbd372

Apr 06, 2003 (9:22 pm)

skuuter what kind of noise did the pulley make?
 
My car makes a ticking noise when I first start it.
 
I can't think of it being anything but maybe the valves are knocking. Thanks

#157 of 669 Replies to lngtonge18 and cfbd372 by skuuter

Apr 08, 2003 (12:09 pm)

Glad to give the report!
 
As for how quiet the car is? On the highway, with windows up, the car is very quiet, in my opinion. No wind buffeting noises or whistling and the engine only announces itself when you floor it. There is a fair amount of road noise from the tires, more so from the new Toyos I put on, but it's definitely reasonable. Turn up the tunes and what little noise there is becomes irrelevant.
 
I have, on occasion, thought the car was developing rattles, but discovered other causes, like my sunglasses in the overhead weren't sitting on the rubber liner, seat belt not fully retracted, a lunch box left in the back and a loose jack handle in the spare well.
 
The firm ride can be a problem on bad roads. I cringe every time I don't spot a manhole cover or utility cover in time to avoid them on the roads here in the Portland area (I still want to know why manholes can't be placed in the turn lanes, bike lanes and/or on sidewalks instead of thru traffic lanes!!?). Anyway, on city streets or rotten freeways like I-205, the rough pavement and potholes can make for a rough and sometimes irritating ride! However!!! on nice interstates and winding back roads like we have out in the high desert, the car is nothing but fun to drive, so it makes up for the hassles of city driving.
 
Crank pulley: made a loud chattering noise. The ticking you hear is normal until the engine warms up. I believe the hydraulic lifters make the ticking until the oil warms up.

#158 of 669 Just Being Paranoid by cfbd372

Apr 08, 2003 (9:04 pm)

I have been working with a lot of delta v-6's over the past year but never heard the sound mine is making. Probably cause there brand new engines I guess.
 
But you’re right it's probably the valve lifters because the sound goes away in about 10 seconds.
 
Thanks for the help.

#159 of 669 How much did you pay for you 03' Tiburon? by caleb2001r

Apr 20, 2003 (3:08 pm)

I'm just about to purchase my Tiburon and have been quoted a price of $18,531 for the 03' Tiburon w/ Ultrasports 3 package (6-speed, spoiler, sunroof). Did anyone get anything cheaper than this?
 
By the way, there is a slight possibility that I may have to postpone buying my new car, due to the unusual difficulties I'm having selling my current car. Does anyone know how often Hyundai has this $1000 cash back sale? Was it active last month? I know this one currently ends on 4/30, and I just don't want to miss out.
 
Thanks,
Steve (Future Tiburon Owner)

#160 of 669 caleb2001r by lngtonge18

Apr 20, 2003 (5:05 pm)

I'd say you are doing pretty darn good, with a price right around invoice if not less! I was offered this weekend to pay 20673 (sticker price) for an 03 Tiburon automatic with sunroof with 10600 given for my trade (a still brand new 03 Suzuki Aerio SX with only 9400 miles). I of course balked at that ridiculous price and the sales manager didn't even try to deal with me. I couldn't believe he didn't want to make $1000 on the sale of that car! There is no guaranty the rebate will continue but since the new car market is in a slump over the economy and war, I would say it will probably be renewed. Good luck!

#161 of 669 Ingtonge18 by caleb2001r

Apr 21, 2003 (4:04 am)

Thanks for the tip. I may just have to wait, but not sure. At this point, I'm starting to get to ridiculously low prices for my car, and still no one is biting. Maybe all car sales are just low right now. LET'S ALL HOPE THE REBATE GET'S RENEWED!

#162 of 669 Ok, I'll Try Here by masked

Apr 22, 2003 (7:38 pm)

Hey fellas,
 
I'm pretty happy with my 01 Tib, but I usually end up dragging 3-4 people around and I'd like a little more power (more specifically on the low end) to get up and go when I need to impress off the light
 
Anyway, I was just wondering what I could get for about 175-200 bucks that would help out my low end acceleration.
 
Thanks.

#163 of 669 Go Parts by cfbd1273

Apr 22, 2003 (8:42 pm)

Your best bet would be ether air intake or exhaust modification.
 
As far as air intake goes you can do something as simple as new air filter (K&N) or a whole new intake system (Injen) up to porting and polishing the valves very expensive.
 
I have a K&N and have always used them there a great product.
 
If you want to go the exhaust route new headers are a good start they might be more than $200 dollars though for good ones any way. New pipes or a muffler might be more in your price range.
 
For cost reasons I would recommend you try modifying your air intake system to start with.
 
If you’re looking for places to shop for parts let me know and I can give you some Hyundai performance web sites.
 
Good luck hope this helps.

Messages Page 17 of 68

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