Hyundai Elantra

[Ed G]

I need to get a new car fairly soon.

Anyone have an Elantra?

How do you like it? Would you recommend it?

What was your total "out the door price"?

I need a car that's priced low, decent gas mileage, long warranty and one that will hold up to several years of driving 500 miles a week.

[ajmoritz17]

Sounds like you need a honda my friend...

[Ed G]

I'll bite,

why a Honda over an Elantra?

[moombadaze]

hi Ed,
yes the elantra has a 100k warranty, best advise is read the fine print-not what a salesman says as far as how to keep it in force, i have a salesman that i worked with 9yrs ago at a honda dealer, we both left but he sold hyundis for a year and we both work at a honda dealer again. he was telling me about them and just could not believe the difference in quality, one thing he mentioned fwas the residual value in 4-5 yrs, honda still worth80% and the hyundia worth 30%--keep in mind this is his figures. anyway- yes look at the honda's-ive been working a honda dealer for 16 yrs and its not uncommon to see 200-350,000 mile cars going strong. not that flashy'st but a good solid car that doent need or get lots of warranty repairs, still would advise to get a extended warranty, or better yet buy a certifeid used and its covered by honda.. if it works for you the civic seem to be the best as far as that goes(reliablility)-that is what my what ive got my wife driving.-anyway good luck,-any questions ask away

stacy

sorry ive my words are jumbled--getting over the flu with medicine head kicking in

[danimal365]

I think that 80% is an extremely inflated figure. Sounds like a Honda salesman...

Here are the top 10 from Edmunds with the percentage of retained value:

BMW Z8 54 percent
Mercedes Benz C class 54 percent
Mini Cooper 53 percent
Porsche 911 53 percent
Porsche Boxster 53 percent
Lexus SC430 52 percent
Acura TL 52 percent
Honda s2000 52 percent
Dodge Viper 52 percent
Lexus GS300 52 percent

[Ed G]

lets forget about resale value.

I typically keep a car at least 10 years and don't care about selling the thing. It's longevity that matters.

Stacy, the 100,000 mile warranty is a power train warranty.

The bumper to bumper warranty is 5 years/60,000 miles. I'll go thru that in 2.5 years.

A typical 3 year/36,000 mile waranty will be gone in 1.5 years.

[maxpower220]

Both of the Korean car companies have made big strides in reliability in the last 3-4 years. They do cost much less at initial purchase and should last for a very long time. I am not sure how much you are looking to spend, but you may also consider a Honda or a VW diesel. Hondas are well made, but are at the top of the pricing. VW diesels are consistantly getting 48-52 mpg and the diesel should last 200-300K miles.
If you read Car and Driver or Motortrend, the "experts" say that the quality of every car made today is very good and any car should last to 150K miles. Obviously there are exceptions, but the Elantra should be a nice car.

[kaneboats]

Be sure to check out the Corolla. It's not a fashion statement either but after my brother's wife's experience we put Mom in one. Both very happy. One after 4 years the other after 2 so far.

I've also heard that Ford has really been making an effort to up the quality of its vehicles. They have some mid-size sedans that are winning awards now. Don't know about their small cars but probably worth checking out where a few years ago I wouldn't have bothered.

[Digger]

I could not help but add my two bits... I drive a 1 ton diesel pickup so my experience is not firsthand. However, my sister has a mazada and both of my folks drive honda's. The mazada has been good to my sister but over time the honda's have been much better vehicles. I buy a new truck every 2 1/2 years and my mom's accord has seen 5 of my trucks come and go. Apart from brakes, tires and oil changes that car has not required a thing. It has about 200,000 + miles on it and it is still strong. My dad bought a Honda ridge line about 2 years ago and is having the same experience so far. I think that although Hyundai's have come along ways they still have a bit to go before they have the proven their worth. Good luck with whatever you buy. One quetion that I have learned over time to ask is not what is covered on the warrenty but what is not. Dealerships always seam to try to squirm out of their warrenty obligations.

[jmvotto]

Honda you wont go wrong,
BMW will go forever not sure you want a used one.
:?:

[zabooda]

I had Acura Integras for many years but the last one I gave to my daughter and it got stolen. Certain Hondas and Acuras are being stolen all over the place and iI knew it would just be time before this one was taken. Insurance was very high and I'm glad its gone. Excellent car though but wanted by too many people and they're not exactly bringing cash. It had 160K miles on it with still the stock exhaust system. They're not forgiving in fender benders though. I run around in a Corolla and there are lots of them out there and top end for highway passing was the same as the Acura but the Corolla dogs it off the line. It's passing acceration that I really like the most. I've heard good things about the Hyundi.

[Psmartell]

Hello from Az Ed. As an ex working ASE Master Tech I am impressed with the Elantra. Hyundai has made great strides in quality, my wife drives a 2001 with 109,000 miles to work every day and has not had any problems outside of normal wear items. The Accent cost around 8,000.00 new,great gas mileage,decent ride for what it is. The power train is very responsive for its class. Every one has their own opinion on every thing, take a test drive with an open mind, you own a Outback and not a Master Craft or Correct Craft, so you like more bang for your buck. Who needs all the extra stuff that really makes no difference when it comes to getting to work and back?

[Ed G]

Thank you Philip!

Your post is exactly what I am looking for - a report from someone who actually owns a Hyundai

I do appreciate everyone's suggestions. Been very helpfull.

yea, if I wanted bells and whistles and willing to pay more than $16,000 for a daily commuter, I'd buy another SAAB.

Dealer proximity to my work is really important right now and within a 6 mile radius, there is a Toyota and a Hyundai dealer.

Oh, in case anyone else is shopping for a new car & financing, I was just contacted by Bank of America and offered a loan at 5.04% APR.

[Buttafewcoe]

5% seems awful high. I'm paying 1.9% on me Ford. Hope this helps
.
B

[Ed G]

1.9%

Dealer financing?

if not, who?

[Buttafewcoe]

Yeah dealer financing. Ford Motor Credit, to be exact.
.
Although I realize A LOT of car parts these day are mfg'd outside the US then shipped here for assembly, I still try to buy products that american workers have had their hand on.
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'Made in the USA' means something to me.
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Yes, I am guilty of buying Chinese, Japanese, etc, etc, also. These days the markets are flooded with the crap.
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B

[maxpower220]

If these issues matter to you, you should look at Chevy. They have a great warranty, 0% for 60 months and most of their cars get better gas mileage than Japan/China/Korea competition.

[Ed G]

taking those low financing deals at car dealers gets you financing on a higher priced vehicle

You get either low financing or you get discounts, rebates and incentives.

Not both.

[Buttafewcoe]

But I saved more money by taking the low rate than if I took the rebate. Almost double, I think

[Ed G]

In the end, all that matters is you are happy with your deal.

Right now I'm having a few dealers compete for my business.

All one has to do is keep e-mailing the best offer around and dealers keep coming back with lower prices. It's actually quite fun!

[spyder]

Sounds like a sick new Tow Vehicle :twisted:


:arrow: :arrow: :arrow:


:lol:

[maxpower220]

2 Hyuandias made Consumer Reports best car under $25K, including the Elantra

[Ed G]

Just to let update everyone who has par-toked in this thread....

Today I bought the Elantra.

A red with tan interior 2008 Hyundai Elantra GLS with the popular equipment package.

Price "out the door" was $16,200.

Anyone want a 1999 Saab turbo convertible cheap? Runs great.

Thanks for all the suggestions and advice.

I'm awfully proud to be a member of such a great Moomba community!

[Hughes144]

Ed, congrats on your purchase!

I love SAAB! I am going to force my future wife into getting it later in the future! Then I use it to drive to work and let her use my SUV! Smart move huh!? :lol:

[Buttafewcoe]

Oh well, South Korea used to be an ally, nice to know still thinkin' of supporting them!
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jk
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I was thinkin' bout a Kia, mesef. Tradin' in the Shadow....naw what the heck was I thinkin. I'd rather have the bike!
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B

[Ed G]

your talkin to a guy who's family rides and sells Harleys.

Shadow ain't a bike. It belongs on the Moomba so you can throw it overboard and keep the Moomba from drifting.

You show up any where near here with a shadow, they will laugh you 125 mph and 2 hours north out of Daytona.

Joking

[Buttafewcoe]

I'd rather ride me shadow than werk on me harley.
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I've had a harley E. Heck of a time to keep the thing from vibrating apart. course tho 'ol lady liked it.
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jk
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B

[Ed G]

the old lady?

Be proud you shared it with your mom. Not everyone can say that.

[Buttafewcoe]

Is that all you got?

...you need to get yersef some new material.
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roflmao
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B

[Buttafewcoe]

pic of the bike in question......mom took a minute out of her busy day..
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http://inlinethumb61.webshots.com/41660/2791345880101167634S600x600Q85.jpg
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B
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..........no that's not mom, it's my daughter

[Ed G]

oh. c'mon B,

is that good looking gal really a product of your genes?

I bet your a busy guy trying to keep the boys away!

[Buttafewcoe]

I love you, E...don't ever change!
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Come to think of it, she does look a little like the mail man. :P
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8)
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B

[Psmartell]

Hey Ed, Phil from Az. Glad to see you have purchased an Elantra, I don't think you will regret it. As you know routine maintainance is vital in keeping cars and boats et al in top notch shape . C0ngrats on a wise choice, also a warning as you might develop a taste for kim chee LOL. Take Care Ed

[Ed G]

as an update to this thread....

in case anyone else is thinking about getting a new vehicle for a very decent price - I must say I highly recommend the Elantra.

It doesn't handle as well as my old Saab, but it is a very comfortable car, comes standard with more bells and whistles and electronic gadgets that I could ever need (including tire pressure monitoring) and...

what really astounds me....

I'm averaging 37 miles per gallon!!!