The Hyundai Tucson has been a popular platform for the automaker for several years. What started as an economy four-wheel drive vehicle has steadily improved in quality and features over the years. Now, the Tucson is one of the best sellers for the company. And, I own one that I have enjoyed. It’s no Jeep Wrangler. But, it has served me well. 

What to do with the 2005 Hyundai Tucson

I am, however, faced with a conundrum. A family member is looking for a first vehicle. Do, I keep the Tucson and find something else for the family member? Or, do I mildly restore it before I give it away to the family member? My little 2005 Hyundai Tucson has been paid off for many years, but it is old. Is it worth it to repair it?

I’m not going to lie, the choice wasn’t hard. Although I have come to love the little crossover SUV, giving it to my family is the right thing to do. I know that looking for a used first car for the family member is a gamble. People will always question a used car’s condition. However, the family Tucson already has a repair history I am acquainted with. Also, I know that the little things needed to bring the condition of the Hyundai Tucson back are minor. The engine, transmission, and suspension are strong, and those are the important things. Everything else is minor, right? We can hope,… right?

Fixing it up makes the most sense

Pondering all of this, I have determined to fix up the Hyundai Tucson and pass it to the family. This is the only way I can have peace of mind that the family member was getting something without a questionable past. I can find something for myself after the pandemic lockdown is done. For now, I barely use the little Tucson anyway, maybe once a week for a grocery or pharmacy run. It would be more useful to the new driver in the household.

Since I’m a bit of a car nut and like to write car-nutty things, I’m guessing that some of my readers would actually be interested in the rebuild. So, here I am at my keyboard, attempting to bring y’all along with my budget rebuild. Hang on because this could be a really boring ride, or… it could be inspiring. After all, fixing things is a valid way to make things last longer, instead of throwing money at a new vehicle. There’s a place for both. For me, today, I’m choosing to extend the Tucson’s run in our family. 

The 2005 Hyundai Tucson punch list 

The punch list, or checklist, of things that need to be done before handing the vehicle over, is not very long. Most of it is cosmetic. But, a few larger issues definitely need addressing right away. So, I have developed a list to work on. 

• Tires, all four
• Recharge the airconditioner
• Fix the driver’s power door lock
• Restore or replace the headlights
• Restore the center caps
• Restore the wiper arms
• Liftgate window shocks
• Reupholster or replace the passenger seat
• Radio upgrade?

Before anybody says anything, I know other important things are not on the list. But, the vehicle just went through a major service a few months ago. So, I already know that the brakes, engine, and transmission are okay.

The restoration of the Hyundai Tucson continues

In the next installment of this series, I will bring you along as I dive into prioritizing and attacking the punch list. Keep an eye out on Mondays and Fridays for the saga that is this Tucson rebuild. As you can anticipate with any rebuild, there are surprises along the way.