2001 Hyundai Coupe: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 Hyundai Coupe?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 Hyundai Coupe than on all cars registered in 2001.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.5× usual
  Hyundai Coupe

  18.8% All 2001 cars

  7.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.9%, against 4.1% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Suspension arm4.3× usual
  Hyundai Coupe

  13.8% All 2001 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.3% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Sub-frame2.8× usual
  Hyundai Coupe

  11.6% All 2001 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.2% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

Common 2001 Hyundai Coupe MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 Hyundai Coupe MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  44% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  42% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  35% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  23% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Rust and bodywork
  18% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  15% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2001 Hyundai Coupe

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2001 Hyundai Coupe as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 4.3× as often on the 2001 Hyundai Coupe as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2001 Hyundai Coupe as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?