Like the title already stated, I've purchased my first Elantra this week. It is a 2008 GLS 5-speed manual in the "Purple Rain" color (not my first choice, but it was the deal of a lifetime) with 82,000 miles.

So far, I absolutely love it. Hyundai has been in my family for a while; my wife recently owned an '07 Accent (her first car back in 2006), my in-laws have an '08 Santa Fe and they also used to have an '03 Tiburon. So I'm quite familiar and comfortable with my Elantra.

However, I have developed one concern. Occasionally, and not very consistently, while driving there is a noticeable burning smell. It smells like something has gotten too hot. I'm not sure what an electrical burning smells like, but my theory behind the electronics stems from my A/C and heat turning on and off intermittently while in use. The lights on the dials ticked on and off and it was obvious the fan was turning on and off.

Possibly related to the electrical system, the blue backlight on the clock won't go off sometimes. Some days it goes off like it should, but other days it stays on, turns off for a few seconds, and comes back on.

The engine temp stays in a safe range, so I don't think I'm overheating, but I'm definitely smelling something getting too hot.

Other than that, the car runs fantastic. The transmission and clutch are very smooth and it's got enough power for me to pass by slower cars in traffic when I need to.

Cosmetically, I would like to find an aftermarket grille that isn't horribly tacky. No offense to anyone else, but I don't like the chrome/billet look.
I'd like to have something black, as I think that would look good with the purple.

Any advice is appreciated!