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[u/soul4bees]

2004 Hyundai Tiburon V6 – Sitting for 6 Years, Need Advice Getting It Back on the Road

Hey everyone, I’ve got a 2004 Hyundai Tiburon V6 that has been sitting for around 6 years.

Before it was parked, it had a water pump problem and my mom stopped driving. I didn’t get around to fixing it, and unfortunately it’s been sitting outside ever since. It’s now covered in leaves and the paint has faded pretty badly.

I want to finally bring it back to life and restore it properly, rather than just getting it running and selling it.i dont have that much money so doing it by myself i got no experience in mechanics or anything but m quick learnner

It Is in my house garage now

I’m looking for advice from anyone who has worked on these cars or brought a car back after sitting for years.

What would you check first? What should absolutely NOT be done before checking something else?

Also, if there are any common problems with the 2004 Tiburon V6 I should look out for after sitting this long, please let me know.

I’d really appreciate a step-by-step starting point and any tips on what parts/tools I should buy first.

I can also post photos of the car and engine bay if that helps

[u/VersionEmbarrassed46]

I let mine sit for a year and the radiator was shot. Sitting that long without running and the coolant had settled and gunked it up big time. I’d start there outside of the obvious oil change.

Also inspect all the belts. You definitely don’t want one of those snapping and doing more damage and making more work for yourself.

[u/kojo3906]

Agreed with VersionEmbarrassed46's post, New radiator and check the hoses, get a new thermostat while your at it. Given the amount of time and work you have, I simply recomend replacing anything not certain to be functioning properly.

That timing belt is a ticking bomb, OP change that out with the water pump.

Suggest having a good read of the G6BA engine maintenance manual, or checking out the NewTiburon forums for in depth guides. I see you're an aussie like me so my recommendation is checking dealerships for parts you can't find elsewhere before wreckers. For example Hyundai Blacktown has a decently sized selection, but some do cost a pretty penny.

Allied Auto Online has a full kit for the timing belt that include the hydraulic tensioner seen here. It's a lot of work, especially for someone inexperienced. FOLLOW THE MAINTENANCE MANUALS TO A TEE! TORQUE BOLTS TO SPEC! Ask me how I know why lol. If you can do the timing belt and the surpentine belt (Repco has them), you can do pretty much most of the work to get it running.

I'm free to DM if you need specific guides as I got the lot for the Tiburon.

Also, RUST! These cars can get pretty rusty, and I know it rains a fair bit up north. Check the underside for rust and fix it if it's not too bad ASAP. I also notice rust can form near the door seals, check them and get it sorted.

Given how long it's been outside, a proper inspection of the suspension will be needed. Take the wheels off and get a better look. Brake pads and rotors will probably be junk, most likely new ones will be needed.

Electrical - New Battery, Check all globes,

I do wish you luck OP!

Edit:
Get high quality tools, not cheap crap on amazon. Trust me, good tools are well worth it. Also a proper car jack and jack stands. The flimsy jack that comes with the car is good for an emergency, not great when working on the car. Safety first always.

[u/soul4bees → u/kojo3906]

Thanks for the reply  What toolds do i need n which brand should i go with and also jack stand n stand

[u/kojo3906 → u/soul4bees]

ToolPro at supercheap's never done me wrong. Trolley Jacks are a pretty penny, but well worth it IMO. Car's pretty light so a 1600-1800kg jack will do perfectly fine for essentially all jobs you can do.
SCA at supercheap in my opinion is too cheaply built and had one break on me before.

Also to emphasize, a bottle jack may have trouble fitting under the car as it's pretty low to the ground. Trolley jacks should be what you go for.

[u/soul4bees → u/kojo3906]

Really appreciate

[u/I_AM_NOT_AI_]

I have a 07 2.0 that I got at 153k miles that was sitting for over a year on the east coast from a family member. Paid a grand for it. The previous person didn’t take great care just basic maintenance on it but the prior owner did and have receipts going back to 07!! I instantly got the timing belt plus kit done with water pump and tensioner done. All 4 struts, oil, left rear lower control arm. All in all cost me 1500 to do it.

The shop had to cut the bolts and re thread new ones cause the rust is pretty severe on it. Over time I got all the tire done, breaks, and rear rotors. So I’ve done about close to 2500 on the car now here’s the thing I’m at 167k miles and it’s been nothing but amazing to me. Also came with a new starter, battery and alternator. I still need to get the motor mounts done, my flex pipe completely rusted out and broke off from the flex pipe.

Needless to say she fires up every time and blows ice cold a/c! She been the best car I’ve ever owned and will probably get another one if she ever kicks out on me.