Hi everyone,

I'm looking into buying an Elantra and was hoping I might get some advice.

Ideally I am looking to spend 6000-8000 bucks...so obviously I'm talking used. Can you tell me if it's a good car? Obviously that's a vague question, but I welcome any helpful comments...

About the price... I'd like to be able to narrow down my search by choosing just 1 or 2 year models. What would you suggest based on my budget?

Thanks

 

I'm starting to wonder if anyone is ever going to write back to this. Anyway, I'm changing my question to more of a "what are the pros and cons of models 02, 03, 04, 05 (GLS none-hatchback). I wanted MSRPs and found them on bluebook.

 

The thing I would look for is lowish miles.... like less than 60,000 and preferrably less than 30,000. Mechanically all 01-06 Elantras are very similar. 04-06 have slightly different intakes and heads because they have Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT).

The reason I cite those miles is that Elantras are very dependable provided they have been maintained. Those are major service intervals so if you get one with less than that mileage, you will need to do the service, but you can make sure it's done right. A couple "quirks", if you will, with Hyundais is that their ATs *need* SP-III AT fluid (Mercon & Dexron are no good and I wouldn't trust "universal synthetic" that many generic shops use in flushes). The fluid should be flushed at 60,000 miles, or 30,000 miles under severe useage.

A high mileage car is fine, as long as you have full service records and can know the maintenance was done right. I read of one guy that sold his 03 Elantra for 188,000 miles and never had to replace the clutch or brakes, so if you treat them right, they can last a long time!

Also, you may want to listen to a new Elantra (the 07 engine is still pretty much the same), and compare it to one you might want to buy. If there are any pronounced knocking noises, stay away from it. Hyundais and Hondas use oil filters with the same mounting base, but if you use a filter designed for a Honda on a Hyundai, the internal specs are different which can lead to damage due to oil starvation (Hondas have a higher bypass valvepressure, so it takes longer to open up). If the car was serviced by a lazy technician, they may have used a Honda filter on the Hyundai engine.

Also, some Elantras have a shimmy at about 65 mph. Mine used to do itjust a little on the original tires, but not since I got new ones. Even when mine did it, it was minor and I didn't worry too much about it, but some people see it as a major complaint, so make sure you take it up to freeway speeds when you go for a test drive.

I have 30,000 miles on my Elantra and I love it so far. Just the other day someone in a parking lot asked, "What a beautiful car; what is it?" I love moments like that.

 

Doohickie, thanks a lot for the response. The wait was totally worth it. Nice to see there are still good folks out there willing to share information... Best part is you didn't put me off wanting an Elantra. Thanks a lot for the tips man.

 

I did a lot of research when I bought my new Elantra in 05, and I'm convinced that for the money, it was the best hatchback in its class. I haven't done much in the way of increasing power (for fear of going through too much gas!) but I've done small tweeks that have improved the handling, comfort and convenience. It starts out with an interior that's one of the best in its class in my opinion, and a few touches here and there make it even better. Here's a post about the mods I've made:
https://www.hyundaiforum.com/fb.asp?m=8452

 

God damn... Your interior and your grill... Looks so sweet!