Hyundai Coupé

Sourcing new and used parts.

The first-generation Hyundai Coupé from 1996 was a great little car, and if you could live with the front-end facelift applied to the 2000-on version, things got even better.

However, it was the model from 2002, with its aggressive, more angular styling and the option of a V6, taken from the Sonata, which really caught the imagination of coupé bargain hunters. Especially since, being a Hyundai, it was largely ignored by the badge snobs and its reliability promised to be good. Today, you can pick one up for as little as £500.

A 2.0- and 2.7-litre V6 were available from launch, followed soon after by a 1.6, the latter being the least popular model in the range. A minor facelift in 2005 added smoked headlamp covers, revised tail-lights and a deeper front spoiler, as well as leather seats as standard even in the 1.6S. There was a more significant makeover in 2007, dubbed the SIII in the UK. It can be distinguished from its predecessor by thinner angled headlamps, more delicate rear lamps and some nice brushed alloy details to the upgraded interior.

Just prior to production finishing in 2009, the South Korean firm released a limited edition TSIII in the UK, featuring quilted leather seats, stiffer Eibach sports suspension and anthracite alloys.

Hyundais are well screwed together, but that doesn’t mean that neglected cars won’t be hiding a host of problems, with electrical issues being high on the list of potential pitfalls.