2008 Hyundai Coupe: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Hyundai Coupe?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Hyundai Coupe than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Exhaust system2.1× usual
  Hyundai Coupe

  18.2% All 2008 cars

  8.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 2.4% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Rigid brake pipes1.8× usual
  Hyundai Coupe

  17% All 2008 cars

  9.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1.7% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Steering rack8.4× usual
  Hyundai Coupe

  8.4% All 2008 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.4%, against 0.6% of all 2008 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.

• Headlights1.7× usual
  Hyundai Coupe

  15.1% All 2008 cars

  9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.6%, against 4.1% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

Common 2008 Hyundai Coupe MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Hyundai Coupe MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  50% 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
  46% 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
  40% 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
  32% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  20% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  10% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 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 exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2008 Hyundai Coupe as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2008 Hyundai Coupe as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering rack? (Flagged at MOT 8.4× as often on the 2008 Hyundai Coupe as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?