Anyone have a Hyundai Elantra?

[Flaxbee]

Any comments one way or the other? I have to buy a used car, and have found a 2004 Elantra with under 50K miles for about $7.5K.

Input appreciated... thanks.

[Kingofalldems]

1. I have a 2004 Elantra

The warranty is good for 5 yrs. (I think). The car is OK, nothing special. What is the mileage? That would determine whether the price is right. Hyundais are noted for losing value much quicker than other autos.

[Flaxbee]

4. about 47,000 miles --

not sure if I should spring for a Toyota or Honda and pay a bit more. I know Hyundais lose value, but they seem to be good cars. Hm.

[Kingofalldems]

8. The warranty is great --60k bumper to bumper

But I don't know if it is transferable. $7k is high tho.

[Swede]

2. Check the timing belt.

If it is worn it can break and destroy the engine.

[Flaxbee]

3. ugh, had that happen to us already about 2 years ago --

and then two weeks ago our car was totaled when someone ran a red light going 60mph and broadsided us. Joy. I did NOT need this right now -- to have our only car, paid in full w.great gas mileage, totaled.

[harmonicon]

5. isn't that a little pricey?

I had one as a hand-me-down from my dad for a year or two. I can't remember what year it was, but I think maybe a 2002, and it was only like 11 or 12k new - he bought it because he needed a car and could get it with what he had in savings because he didn't want to be making payments.

anyway...

It was a really nice and simple car. I drove it all over the country and used it as a commuter for a while as well. My only complaint was that a lot of the bits on it were obviously not designed specifically for it, but to be used on a several cars, so the ergonomics of the interior weren't the best. It was also a giant pain in the ass to change the headlights and taillights (one of which developed some weird short thing). Mechanically, however, it was always spot on, quite comfortable, and got good gas mileage. If I were in your position, I would definitely consider getting one.

[Flaxbee]

6. thanks, harmonicon -

I appreciate your review. Unfortunately, EVERYTHING I'm looking at is a little pricey, esp. if it has decent gas mileage. On used cars, 4 cylinders seem to be going for more than 6 cyl, simply b/c of fuel savings. Crazy world. :hi:

[harmonicon]

7. ah, I see

I'm out of the car market entirely for the next few years and have been without a car for over a year now, so I don't notice those kind of things. My girlfriend's parents have just bought her a new car, because she's moving to San Diego, where having a car is a must. They wanted to get her a prius, but there was a 6 month wait. They ended up with a toyota matrix.

[old mark]

9. I have a 2000 Elantra, bought it new in '99.

It's the 5 speed, which I really like. It has a few quirks, mostly in the defrost (not very good) and the air handling system ( very noisy),
but every other car has its odd points. Overall the Elantra has been a good car-pretty good MPG, regular gas, handles well and has been very reliable. Comfortable on longer trips, and has a fold-down rear seat back so you can carry really long objects in the trunk.
I'd buy another one, but I plan to keep this one till it falls apart.
ADDED: Have owned Toyotas and Nissans, and like the Elantra as well or better. Toyota repair parts are way too expensive.)
mark