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Used 1999 Hyundai Tiburon Consumer Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
45 reviews

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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1999 Tiburon, so we've included reviews for other years of the Tiburon since its last redesign.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Hyundai takes on the imports

Marks' Tiburon, 04/04/2003
1998 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Ihave to admit, I have been happy in the past with other Hyundai models but this one really surprises me. It has been a fun, reliable, comfortable, economical and flexible car to live with. It's driving characteristics remind me of much more expensive vehicules. It has been very reliable with minimal maintenance required, and given it's lift back configuration, I am able to cary large cargo when the need arises. It is enjoybale ot drive on short trips given it's road grip yet comfortable to drive on longer trips give it's fully independent suspension.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

AMAZING

AMAZING, 10/30/2007
1998 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

I bought a 1998 Hyundai tiburon and i am complete satisified! It is an amazing reliable car that is REALLY fun to drive! It is fast and stylish at the same time. A definate best buy!!

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5 out of 5 stars

hyundai is the best

david, 12/14/2009
1997 Hyundai Tiburon 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I was always a Hyundai man owning 5 new ones and many used. I bought this tib at auction with 150,000 miles on it. It now has 166,000 miles on it and I have never had 1 problem with it everyone comments on its looks. The mileage is great and I wouldn't hesitate to take it anywhere I would never buy anything but a Hyundai

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Surprisingly reliable little sporty car

Happy AZ Customer!, 07/17/2008
1998 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I'm a hardcore VW car lover, but with my insurance doubling when I moved from MI to AZ on my VW I decided I needed a new car. I wanted to buy something cheap just to hold me over until I found my real car. I was pretty shocked how much I like this car. The gas mileage is great (like 28 more or less depending on friskiness at wheel) but it has enough pep to beat any automatic with gusto and has withstood the hot AZ temps with no problems. Interior sucks, but that is probably from my climate. We're at 127000 and going strong!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Car, Fun to Drive

Tenacious D, 01/28/2003
1998 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Have had no problems at all, Love the cars style, quality, handling, acceleration, and speed. No complaints!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

The Great Silver Shark

MetalliMan, 05/08/2004
1999 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

B-E-A-U-tiful, this car is awesome. Cheap. Fast. Comfortable. All-Around Amazing. I have no bad things to say about the car except that its a great experience. The handling and cosmetics say at least $20,000, but it was sold to me for $6,999. Awesome.

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5 out of 5 stars

90,000 miles and still going strong

Bmorris248, 06/17/2003
1999 Hyundai Tiburon 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have 90,000 miles on my Tiburon and it still running great. I have only had to replace the Battery once and I got a tune-up when I hit 60,000 miles other than that I have had zero problems with it.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

The Tib

alishaffer12, 06/30/2004
1999 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

I really enjoy all aspects of my car.

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3 out of 5 stars

Save your money.

brandon20068837, 12/29/2008
1999 Hyundai Tiburon 2dr Hatchback
1 of 3 people found this review helpful

I have never been so happy to get rid of a car in my life. Put way tooo much money into a huge lemon. Constantly sinking LARGE amounts of money into this foreign car. When something goes on these cars only Hyundai dealers want to mess with them. I would cringe when i would have to stop at a red light because it would take me 20 minutes to get back to speed.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

reliable, and a blast

tyler29, 04/01/2013
1997 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car for $1100 from a college kid. Had about 110k miles and had been in an accident. There was some exterior damage, but not too bad. I loved it immediately. Its a blast to drive, and I've never had to worry about it stranding me or so much as not starting. I am going to have to get rid of it soon, which will make me sad, but because of this car I'll probably end up selling this one for a new tiburon.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

Decent Car

Decent, 06/14/2009
1997 Hyundai Tiburon 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I just rolled over 200,000 miles. Very reliable car, nothing too major done to it, tranny rebuild, replaced multiple wear parts, repaint. Never has left me stranded anywhere. Would definitely recommend to anyone that is looking to buy a cheap older vehicle.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

I love it!

Bobbi, 11/18/2009
1997 Hyundai Tiburon 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My car is pushing 200000 miles,I thought it needed a new transmission, but changed the transmission FILTER and it is fine, just no overdrive? That filter was $25.00 a new transmission...too much. Now, if I didn't have a little body damage...I might go ahead and put a rebuilt transmission in, that's how much I like the car.

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5 out of 5 stars

This car rocks

GigaHz, 08/16/2010
1997 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I purchased the car new, when they were just introduced. My third Hyundai, and it is the best car I ever driven. Ive driven a lot of other brands, and none provided the same bang for the buck my Shark does. Very reliable and sporty, not to mention thrifty. I got over 40 mpg on a trip to Upstate NY from SE Virginia one time with the CC set on 65 mph.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Great Car - Great Price

JSeeley, 07/12/2002
1997 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Never had any problems with my Tiburon. It was fun to drive and handled well in all weather conditions. I highly recomend this car if you are looking for a sporty car, with a low price tag.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great car

chichisgrl, 11/06/2002
1997 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have owned other cars before including Honda and Toyota. This car ranks right up there with them. It handles great and runs like a higher end car. I really recommend this car if you love to drive.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Hyundai engine's go on and on.....

cinsom, 10/14/2002
1997 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love my 1997 Hyundai Tiburon FX. It now has over 80,000 miles on it and runs great (never a problem). The problem with this car is that the body doen't hold up to the engine. Rust, paint peeling off, plastic popping off, power windows, etc. going. The car still goes, but the "luxery" is gone.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

MY LITTLE RED 1997 TIBERON

HONEYBUNS, 01/24/2003
1997 Hyundai Tiburon 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I HAVE HAD GREAT FUN WITH THIS CAR. THE ONLY PROBLEM THAT REALLY BUGS ME IS THAT THE SEATS HURT MY LOWER BACK ON LONG TRIPS. MY PASSENGER ALSO GETS THIS PAIN. MAYBE YOUR NEXT MODEL WILL HAVE MORE COMFORTABLE SEATS-IT MAY CAUSE ME TO BUY ANOTHER ONE!!! HB-

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Fun,fun,fun!

rachelgambrell, 10/21/2003
1997 Hyundai Tiburon 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is a great car. I have had fun driving this car and I have only had it for about 3 months.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Great!!

mandy, 05/16/2005
1997 Hyundai Tiburon 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I recently had to get rid of this car and I am sad that I did. I had 112,000 miles on the car and it was still running strong. Other than the basic repairs that you have to do to all cars, this one was great anf fantastic on gas...I give it a 9.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

a good first car

Silvercide, 01/19/2004
1997 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

i have owned this car for a few month now and after some expensive 60,000 mile repairs, the car seemed to run perfect. the design is good for a hyundai and out of all the cars in that price range this car has been rather enjoyable for a hyundai. i have noticed some problems with the transmission, as it felt like the car was shifted into park while i was driving. but other than that, its been a dream. im a taller guy about 6'4 and i fit in this car very comfortable, just as long as no one is in the back

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5 out of 5 stars

I loved my tibby

Tibby, 02/02/2004
1997 Hyundai Tiburon 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

it is an awesome car. i got looks and questions about my car everywhere i went. it was very reliable up until the day i crashed it...im still bitter and comtemplating suicide over it...lol terrible loss. handles great

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5 out of 5 stars

Awesome car

Jack, 12/27/2004
1997 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The Tiburon is such a great car! It is definitely an eyecatcher. So far my '97 Tiburon has over 140,000 miles and I have yet to have any major problems.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

Like the energizer bunny!

BlackFX, 07/18/2005
1997 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This was a demo when I bought it in 98' and it had 1,120 miles on it. I love it! In the past 7 years the paint faded off and had to be repainted, the rubber pads fell off the brake and clutch, the cluch pin jammed leaving me in 2nd gear, and the clutch was replaced, and the wiring to the turn signals shorted out. That may sound like alot, but you have to consider it's age and the reputation of Hyundai, plus it currently has 112k miles on it! Great car, very fun to drive and dependable!

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5 out of 5 stars

my best car ever

Razor_drive, 02/18/2007
1997 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

this car is a realy blast to drive.. the 0-100 in less then 10 makes it a realy fun car to drive :P got it to 0-100 in little less then 8 in a downhill yesterday :P awesome.. wonder if its turbo convertable.. and the 185kmph in 4'th gear.. love it <3 wonder what the max is :P

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Great Looks, Disappointing Performance

pepsizen, 01/25/2012
1997 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought used in 2000, I owned this ten years before it started to fall apart (at 98k miles). It is an okay car, but very little pep. The handling is really good, feels a bit sporty, but unfortunately it lacks power. The HP is not 130 as Edmund's lists - it is closer to 113 and maybe less than that (when I owned it, I received a notice of a class action lawsuit against Hyundai for misreporting the HP of the FX). It needed only one or two major repairs until 98k when a lot went wrong all at once (to the tune of $2750). Handles decently in snow. Not many rust issues. The gas mileage is awful for a car with such little pep and power, I was getting 25 mpg (half city, half highway).

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3 out of 5 stars

Trade it before it's too late

cerwinvega18, 08/29/2007
1997 Hyundai Tiburon 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have my car since it has 70k and I have been driving it for 5 years. I have dumped over 3k into last yr alone on major parts. I have had to replace the 5 spd transmission $1200, water pump 2x $510, struts $269, alt $269, exhaust work, oxygen sensor which where $160, ac problems, tail light wiring problems $200, radiator cracked, headlight wiring problems, replaced half shafts $300, and more. But the did not honestly the car was dependable until reached about 127k.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

97' Tiburon STD

rawilli2, 05/05/2003
1997 Hyundai Tiburon 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car as a "Temp" vehicle with the understanding that the 97' model was the first production year. Now it's 2003 and I have 72,200 miles on the car. I have NEVER had any mechanical defects with this car. It rides smooth and handles great. The engine needs some pick-me up and the gas mile-age is a little lower than a typical 4 cylinder. Oh yeah, the best part is my car is now paid off and I still have 27,800 miles left on the warranty.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

1997 Tiburon FX

RageZ24, 06/02/2003
1997 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The 1997 tiburon FX, is one heck of a little car. The editor throws off on it, well line it up next to a civic or a NA Eclipse(which cost about the same or more) and see what happens. Another great thing about this car is the styling. The car is held back alot by it emission/sound pollution control devices. I have seen real dyno gains of up 15hp just from a cold air intake (the stock intake you couldn't fit a dime in vertically), and 8 just from a catback exhaust system.(with great meintenance this car will go the distance.) Which is awesome unless you want to look like everyone else that drives down the road.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

its a car thats woth the experience with

nbfinest*, 03/24/2008
1997 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car besides me putting a new engine, because of past engine overheating problems has been running very well. I've noticed shaking when reach speeds from 80-90 but could be just my car... But very fun to drive, but you must realize this is a Hyundai which used to be one of the cheapest cars on the road. So far with this car Hyundai put good thoughts in my head about their cars besides the low performance pick up. But I would recomend a cold air intake to at least get the car moving faster than a turtle.. Has a lot of potential tho, just didn't start off with it.

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2.13 out of 5 stars

Not something I will buy again

Summercc1, 04/06/2002
1998 Hyundai Tiburon 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought a tiburon in 1998, and have had some MAJOR issues with this car like the transmition, shift lock override, and others (to many to list), hyundai is supposed to have turned around so much that I trusted there GREAT warrenty, well I learned my lesson never will I buy another one.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Love it!

PassionKnight10, 04/05/2003
1998 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is one fun automobile to drive! I have had very few problems (minor things) and very much enjoyment. As always Hyundai loads their cars with extra features at no cost. The handling is great even in excess of 130 mph. The braking is incredible also. I can't say enough about this car.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

GOOD.....................

RJ"Model", 05/10/2003
1998 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this vehicle in 1998(new). Have 124,000 miles now and its so good as new. Nice performance, good ride and stability.First one was a Scoupe LS and loved it but this one Tiburon FX love it more. I think that Hyundai Company are making a very noticeable change in the quality and theyre proving that they know how to built a good machine. *People doesn't know, but I saw a review years ago, and to my surprise I didnt know that the best or one of the best engines of Mitsubishi was the Precis Turbo, made by Hyundai. To keep a car in good shape, no matter the brand, give a good maintenance. Thats the life of a car.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

owned for less than a year

meegz_29, 09/16/2008
1999 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Radiator is crap, it's cracked along the seam. Blown head gasket due to thermostat sticking (according to Hyundai). Starting to get rust around wheel wells and rusting out in tire well. Very pokey til I added a racing exhaust and cold air intake, did a port and Polish on intake and head but haven't tested that yet due to trying to finish up the blown head gasket fix. Paint is faded bad on hood. Do not put a bra on your car !, looks better but kills the paint job as I found out from the previous owner doing so !

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4.5 out of 5 stars

The Shark is the car to have

flip, 05/17/2002
1999 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I became a fan of Hyundia's after buying my TIB in 1999. It has been a fun car to drive but is time to sell for me. Not a very good family car. For a fun small sports car it is underated. Should be a top contender if you want a quick, excellent handling car that can draw looks.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

hot car

mina abdelshahed, 09/27/2002
1999 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

this is a really nice car very reliable

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Super!....Mostly

Marylou, 02/15/2008
1999 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love my car and I always will. What I don't like, however, is within less than a year of owning it, it developed a "clunk" when downshifting. Both the dealer and manufacturer have refused to fix it, stating that it is inherent in the model and is not a safety hazard. As much as I love my Tiburon, I will not buy another Hyundai if I cannot count on the manufacturer and dealer to stand behind it and honor their drive train warranty.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

My First Car

Douglasmod, 01/22/2003
1999 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is the first car I have purchased. I am very happy with the styling and the comfort of the car. I would encourage anyone to buy a Tiburon.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

great car

SHEA, 07/30/2005
1999 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've really enjoyed owning my Tiburon. It's been a great car to me with no problems mechanically or otherwise. It accelerates quickly and can reach the fast speeds in which a sports car should. I can't say I have any complaints.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

i love my car

wildone, 12/18/2002
1999 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

i have only had my car about one month, but i am in love with it, and as for the dealer i got it from well thank you, thank you so much.i would never have thought i would be riding around in a car like this, i went in to look at the little cars and well the rest is history. i know what my next car will be and whom i will go to, to get it. thank you hyundai of henderson lv.

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5 out of 5 stars

An Oldy but a Goody!

Jon, 01/15/2019
1999 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is way past its prime, so I'm going to make sure to stick to how it was "back in the day". I owned this car back when it came out, and still do! Back when the Tiburon came out in 1996, this car would outperform almost every car in its price range. You'd have to move up another $5k to Eclipse territory to get beat. It was considered very sporty and had a futuristic sleek design that you either loved or hated. It seemed to be split 50/50 back then, but today I get compliments and questions by everyone I meet. I am lucky to own one of the rare FX models with the shark spoiler. Definitely a head turner! This car is just a little toy for me now since I've grown into more expensive vehicles, but the boy in me still loves to hop in and tear it up. What I love most about this car after it being 20yrs old now, is the ability to easily diagnose and fix almost any problem cheaply. It's still a solid and reliable car (considering its age), but it's almost fun to do repairs as it doesn't break the bank or take up your weekend. If you can find one of these not needing a new paint job or body work, I highly suggest picking one up as a fun and economical car to enjoy. They just don't make cars like these anymore: Simple, Cheap, and Fun!

Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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3.88 out of 5 stars

Emissions

Suzanne, 11/13/2002
1999 Hyundai Tiburon 2dr Hatchback
0 of 4 people found this review helpful

If you live in the state of Georgia don't buy a Hyundai. They will pass OBD emission test and will not do anything about it.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

get it

jason12, 06/06/2003
1997 Hyundai Tiburon 2dr Hatchback
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

The best car i have ever had.NO trouble at all.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

hot car

Mina, 09/27/2002
1999 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

this is a really nice car very reliable

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5 out of 5 stars

tiburon

shaggy, 01/25/2003
1999 Hyundai Tiburon 2dr Hatchback
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

unreal car, unstopable at the lights

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Love My Car

henryr01, 03/24/2002
1999 Hyundai Tiburon FX 2dr Hatchback
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I only wish I had two of these!

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