1999 Hyundai Tiburon?

Question

Hey guys, I'm thinking about possibly getting a Hyundia Tiburon for my first car. I love the way these cars look, and I'm just looking for some honest opinions. Here are some specs:

3900$

1999 Hyundia Tiburon

97,399 miles

4 cylinder

5 speed

coupe

power windows/steering

has a 3 month/3500 miles warranty on it provided by the dealership.

has a CD player

Was just inspected, and had oil and filter changed and all fluids were checked.

Here's a link to the car to look at it and see all the info for yourself...

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=242529840&dealer_id=38178752&car_year=1999&num_records=25&systime=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1990&engine=&keywordsrep=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsfyc=&certified=&fuel=&body_code=15&awsp=false&search_type=used&distance=50&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&first_record=26&make=&color=&keywords_display=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&body_style=CONVERT&body_style=COUPE&body_style=HATCH&body_style=SEDAN&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=2&sort_type=priceDESC&address=19544&advanced=y&end_year=2009&pager.offset=25&transmission=Manual&doors=&max_price=4000&cardist=17

Thanks to all who help!!

Answer 1

The price they are asking is within dealer retail specs.  It is always a different price than if you buy it from Joe Schmo down the street.  Dealers have more overhead than a private owner.  That being said, you could probably get them down to $3500 without much opposition.  Especially on a base model with 100k and what looks like a big dent in the passenger door.

It wasn't driven into the ground.  98k in 9 years translates to less than 11k miles a year.  The national average is 15k.  Anyone will have problems with a clutch if they don't operate it properly.  Any make is susceptible to premature wear if the driver is incapable.  

This year Tiburon did have problems with front wheel bearings.  I would make sure the selling dealer checks all four to be safe.  Also make sure if his 3/3500 warranty includes the powertrain or is it just bumper to bumper.  What will they cover if the clutch does go within the warranty?

Ask any question you can think of.  Tires good or do they just pass inspection?  Was the timing belt done at 60,000?  How do the other belts look?  Color of coolant and trans fluid?  Get the VIN and call a dealer to check on warranty repair history.

Answer 2

Sounds fine to me, now have you bargained them down from the asking price of $3900 yet?  http://www.nada.com shows the clean retail value of this car to be $3500, I definitely wouldn't pay more then that.  Personally I would rather spend another $2500-$3500 and get a 2003 model, not so old and better looking body IMO.

Answer 3

I would go for the newer model (2003+) because 1999 was when Hyundai was still an upcoming car company in the USA and was known for cheap cars.

The car you picked seems fine, you could prolly save a couple hundred bucks on it though.  And Hyundai's clutches are known for going out early, check out your local forums.  Clutches are never covered under any warranty because they are a wearable item.

Just think about it, you could prolly save a few more bucks and go for a newer Tiburon with fewer miles, or buy this car with close to 100,000 miles (very high mileage for a Hyundai) and hope (with your fingers crossed) the engine and clutch don't go after 3 months.  

Depends on what you are willing to risk.