2007 Hyundai Tiburon SE from North America - Comments

TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) light comes on even if tires are all aired up.

After 10 months and 11,0000 miles this car is still a blast to drive. The smooth V6 power, the torque, the handling, the brakes, the seats, high speed stability, the warranty, the car looks and feels like a high dollar sports car. However one of the downsides of most sport cars is the rough ride on bad pavement.

How does this car really compare to your previous car, which as you stated was a corvette.

I don't think that comparing this vehicle to a Corvette is a fair comparison, that is, unless you want to trade in your Corvette for a Hyundai product, which has a superior warranty and better build quality.

The Tiburon a credible statement that a quick, sporty, eye-catching automobile doesn't have to break the bank in order to get one. As you can tell, I am a Hyundai/Kia fan (5 new 2007 models in our family).

Back to the comparison... The Corvette is brutally fast and eye-catching as well, but there are considerations to factor - (1) American build quality (2) Price (3) Fuel Consumption (4) Insurance (5) Depreciation opposed to initial cost - OK, the Hyundai Tiburon depreciates quickly too, but it costs less than half of the Corvette. All in all, people want the flash and go of a sport coupe, but rarely legally get to exercise the vehicles power potential. The Tiburon is a fine example of looks, build quality, amenities, and low price.

My first introduction to this website was back in '06 when I was looking at a Tiburon. The negative comments, especially those dealing with Hyundai's refusal to honor the warranty, helped me decide literally at the last minute to pass on the Tiburon. I eventually bought an '07 Mustang, which cost only slightly more and is flawless so far.

As for the Corvette comparison, they are BOTH great cars, but nowhere near in the same class. The comment (in 11:58) about the Corvette's build quality is a bit odd, as sales of the Corvette has gone up 300% in Europe since 2000 BECAUSE of the car's build quality. It is a world-class sports car, and is one of Car and Driver's "10 Best Cars in the World" choices.

I read your review on the '07 Tiburon SE and thought it was right on the money! I have the same car and sold my old 78 Corvette Pace Car so I could tour in a fun little coupe. The Tiburon doesn't get the lookers that the Vette did but after five years of pouring money into the pit I didn't care anymore. This little hot rod only has to make one person happy and after two long distance jogs into the Colorado Rockies I'm sold. A year, 13k and its still Fun, Fun, Fun.

I noted a reference to Hyundai not honouring the warranty. My son is considering buying an 08 Tiburon. I like the car, but if the company doesn't honour its warranty commitment, then I must advise him to pass on it.

Could you give me some examples of Hyundai's refusal to keep their side of the bargain?

The warranty rocks!!!

Bought the brand new 2008 Coupe.

During the delivery day, the car had some wiring problems.

Hence rejected the car.

They replace it with ANOTHER BRAND NEW COUPE without question!!!

Love the car.

Handling rocks (note the FWD, hence can't compare with AWD, RWD).

Fuel economy is not bad.

Constant speed at 140km for a distance of 290km only takes half tank (fuel consumption).

Just talk to the dealer or service crew nicely.

Trust me, they will entertain you like there is no tomorrow :).

Best of luck to all.

This is my second Hyundai Tiburon. First one, never had a problem. Second one, the flywheel crumbled into pieces and the hydraulic clutch came out. This was covered under warranty in October 2008. Keep in mind I bought the car in April 2008.

In December 2008, the same thing happened again.(only about 4 weeks apart) This time Hyundai refused to cover under the warranty. Said I didn't know how to drive even though I've drove a stick for the last 20 years. At this point with Hyundai I have found out the warranty is not worth the paper it is written on. I will never buy another product of theirs and would warn anyone who does that if something happens to the vehicle and Hyundai fixes the vehicle the first time - the next time the money will more than likely come out of your pocket. Mine is going back because I refuse to pay over $2 to $3K to get it back because this was not my fault. Also, if you are looking at Hyundai's check out Consumer Affairs at all the problems.

To the Dec. 08 guy with the clutch issues, and more importantly the DEALER issues...

You problem was probably a locking up transmission due to improper lubrication from the factory, I have replaced two of these for that, (I'm a Hyundai Technician). I am sorry you had so many problems with your dealer honoring the warranty. But you have to understand, that it's a dealer problem, not a Hyundai problem. Some dealers are crap and shady, and customer pay jobs pay way more than warranty jobs. What they got you on is mileage. Clutch systems are covered for 12 months/12000 which ever comes first. What you got them on is that what they did, did not fix you problem. You have every right to call Hyundai consumer affairs and demand satisfaction. And in the future, if you still own your car, go to a different dealer.

A question for the Hyundai technician: Someone said that there's a delay valve on the clutch slave cylinder that is responsible for the clutches wearing out so early (it lets the clutch slip when shifting). He said if that was removed it would solve the problem. Do you know anything about this? Frankly, I've been scared off of getting a Tiburon with manual tranny because of this issue and its costs...

Rick.

To Rick.

I don't think I'd remove that valve if I were you. The whole reason that it's there is pressure regulation to keep excessive lash out of the clutch pedal when speed shifting. It has NO bearing on how quickly the clutch will wear out. Now if removed (and I'm not sure it would be even possible to remove without changing slave cylinder to an aftermarket one that doesn't have one if such part exists) your trans could take some damage when speed shifting if you don't know how to drive and shift properly when racing. The whole reason why Tiburons have the reputation of "weak clutches" is because that they do have weak clutches. I tell everyone who enquires about racing applications for their car that the first thing you do is switch to a stage one or two clutch. The factory clutch is fine for normal everyday driving, but it will NOT hold up if you are constantly on it racing and all. So it all really depends upon your application, are you trying to race, or just want to drive?

Hope this helps.

M.O.C "The Hyundai Tech"

I purchased a 1 owner 2008 Hyundai Tiburon GT with 23000 miles on it on August 3 2009.

This is my second problem with the dealer honoring the warranty, and it's now December 14 2009.

First the dealer said the car was submerged in water and had sucked water in the intake, and the whole under carriage was rusted; even rust on the engine and oil pan.

When I had it taken in for a catalyst efficiency check, the engine light came on. I then took it to my mechanic to ask him. He said the what the dealer claimed was false. He said the engine and oil pan are aluminum and can't rust. I went back to the dealer and he denied saying that to me in person, and denied trying to get my warranty voided. What they thought was rust was actually red clay that's on the roads in NW Florida and SW Georgia.

Now the car completely lost all power to the engine, and made a noise like the muffler was clogged. Again my mechanic was 2 blocks away so I took it to him for diagnostic first to have backup info when the dealer tries to not honor the warranty again. My mechanic said the "timing jumped" and there is nothing I could have done to cause this, and it should be covered under the warranty. I am waiting for the dealer to get back with me because the district parts and service manager is to be notified before any repairs are to be done.

What do you think the problem could be?? Timing jumped and they will fix it, or could it be something else? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.