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Honda Civic vs. Hyundai Elantra
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Comments
I wouldn't pay $4k for a 200k mile car, but apparently the old Hondas don't drop as much as they say! That excites me somewhat, as I have 175k on my 1996 Accord, and with timing belt coming up, and a need for new struts, I'm looking at over $1200 worth of work it is going to need. I also have someone who REALLY wants this car, and has for years (for his son who will be 15 soon - he works on them and wouldn't have a problem changing the timing belt or water pump himself). I may have to check the paper to find out a fair asking price - blue book is undercutting me!
I happened to scan Elantra used car prices in a 500 mile radius the other day and was surprised how high they were. Of course, these are asking prices, but even allowing for dickering they were holding up very well I thought. Maybe all the good press the Elantra has been getting, e.g. recommended used car by CR, Edmunds's top pick for a used compact, good reliability scores etc. have been doing some good.
backy, "The Forums Test Drive Team" #198, 12 Jan 2008 1:23 pm
I was glad to have the five days in the Civic, as it gave me a good chance to compare it to the Elantra, which I've rented on several occasions. I was impressed in many ways by the Civic. I think it's better planted on the road than the Elantra, it has some nice touches in the interior such as a sliding center armrest, a thick steering wheel, and oil life gauge, and it had distinctive, sporty styling. But overall, for what I want in my next car, I'd take the Elantra SE. For hundreds less (MSRP) than the Civic LX, the Elantra offers a much larger interior (especially the rear seat), ESC, 4-wheel discs, five-spoke alloys, 6-speaker XM radio, audio controls on a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 60/40 rear seat opening to a larger trunk, trip computer, fog lamps; little touches like lighted vanity mirrors, overhead storage, two 12-volt outlets, auto on/off headlamps, rear center armrest; and of course the longer warranty. Also, the Elantra is quieter inside (less tire and wind noise) and has a smoother ride, albeit with less crisp handling. The Elantra gives up 1 mpg (EPA estimated overall) to the Civic. The Elantra is higher, meaning it's easier to climb into and out of than the Civic--more and more important as one gets older.
If someone doesn't need a roomy rear seat, likes the way the Civic handles, likes its low stance, and doesn't mind paying more to get a Honda, the Civic would make a fine choice.
Other than the ESC/traction control, the cars have similar safety features. The Civic has done very well in crash tests, as has the Elantra but the Elantra hasn't been tested by the IIHS for side impact yet.
The cars are quite a bit different in other aspects, though (I've driven both). Civic has crisper handling and slightly better fuel economy (29 vs. 28 mpg EPA combined), the Elantra has a roomier interior and trunk and a softer, quieter ride. They are both really good small cars, but you might prefer how one drives vs. the other. The Elantra SE also includes quite a bit more equipment than the Civic LX, e.g. alloys, fog lamps, leather wheel with audio controls, XM radio, rear center armrest, lighted vanity mirrors, trip computer, heated mirrors.
The other thing to consider is that although the Elantra costs less up front, the Civic has historically higher resale value. That can be important if you plan to keep the car for only 2-3 years. There are some great incentives on the Elantra now, with a rebate ranging from $1500-2000 depending on state.
The Elantra is more relaxed. The Civic is more high-strung.
The Elantra is more boring. The Civic is more exciting.
The Elantra has a slower-responding, "big-car" feel. The Civic has a quick-on-its-feet, agile feel.
Targettuning likes a more comfortable ride and doesn't like the quick-handling Civic . TheGraduate's dad likes the sportiness of the Civic and didn't want a "boring" car.
The Elantra is indeed quieter, bigger, and softer riding than the Civic. But, that doesn't mean "better" for everyone. Just like quick-ratio steering and more agile handling is "better" for target.
For people like my folks (who have a problem-free 2007 with 42k miles) the Civic is fun. My dad said he loves the "point and shoot" feel of the Civic. I've driven it, and it is fun to scoot around in; much more fun than my Accord (even though my Accord is a good deal quicker in the straight line).
My folks got their Civic EX 5AT for a little under invoice ($17,280) , and got blue-book for their Accord when they traded in. The Elantra is a value-buy, but then the Civic isn't priced like a Rolls-Royce either.
And I don't mind boring if it includes "boring" through ice and snow with the help of ESC and traction control.
I can't help but imagine the Civic will have this for the MMC. Let's hope.
And, the Mazda 3 has SO MUCH road rumble with the 17" tires I couldn't stand it (the i version has 16" wheels and aren't quite as bad). The Civic sort of meets the Elantra and the 3 in the middle.
May I ask why you are considering ditching the 3? I've always liked them, except for the tire noise and vibration in the cabin (my experience is with a 2004 3s and a 2007 3i - the 3i is seemingly better than the s).
Or just hold onto the 3 hatch for awhile and wait about 18 months for the next-gen 3?
One more thing I was offered $15300 yesterday at dealer on Elantra SE with mudguard and floor mats. Honda Civic LX seems to be coming down to $16984. So there is price difference of $1600. But on other hand when you compare that to depreciation TCO as per Edmunds it depreciates $8,840 over 5 years period whereas Elantra depriciates $12,546 at end of 5 years. So in that terms do you think Civic is better value ?
If its 5 years old then most likely its either paid off or nearly paid off. If thats the case if the Odyssey is still running good then you should keep it. The gas savings in switching to a newer more fuel efficient vehicle will not offset the costs in getting a new car.
But on other hand when you compare that to depreciation TCO as per Edmunds it depreciates $8,840 over 5 years period whereas Elantra depreciates $12,546 at end of 5 years. So in that terms do you think Civic is better value ?
Somehow that doesn't sound right, percentage wise my Elantra didn't depreciate that much in the fist five years,
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I've come to the conclusion here that we all have our preferences when it comes to the Civic, Elantra, 3 and Corolla and none of us are going to change our minds from what I can see. Each vehicle has +'s and -'s and there isn't one car overall that has what we all want or need. But I think within a few years, that one vehicle may emerge...and I for one can't wait.
What is Toyota thinking? Saw a brand new Corolla LE yesterday with the nice alloy wheels but the B pillars made it look like last years CE...what gives? Is the LE now the base CE model?
Also consider that you are not comparing apples to apples in comparing the price of an Elantra SE to a Civic LX. The SE has much more equipment than the LX. A closer comparison would be the Elantra GLS with preferred package to the LX, or the SE plus moonroof to the Civic EX.
Comparing a Civic to a Corvette, not so much! :shades:
:confuse:
Excuse me but if a Civic puts some excitement in your life you must live in a monestary,
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
* The extra 2 hp (but less torque)?
* The spiffy plastic wheel covers (vs. the five-spoke alloys on the Elantra)?
* The extra noise in the cabin smacking your eardrums?
* The firmer ride (where each bump = excitement... uh, no, we won't go there)?
* The tighter cabin (so you can be closer to those you love, especially in the back seat, with not even a center armrest to keep you apart)?
* The thought that if you go around a curve too fast, you don't have the "electronic nanny" ESC to help keep you on the road? (I guess that could get the heart a thumpin' and the corpuscles a-jumpin')?
* The realization that you'll be on your own as far as paying for any problems anywhere from 2-5 years sooner than with the Elantra?
* The sudden realization that the big blue digital readout in front of you is NOT the outside temperature, the big round gauge in front of you is NOT the speedometer, and now you know why those flashing red lights are coming up behind you?
Or maybe something else?
The Sandman
It is something else. Its putting on that huge exhaust that makes the car very loud (and slower), and a stupid looking spoiler that looks like it was made in a high school metal shop, as well as stupid looking lighting effects. So that they can go down the street looking like big wigs in a fast car that in reality will lose to a 3 year old with a big wheel.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
As you know I'm not anti-Hyundai (I try to stay pretty level-headed). Extra noise doesn't bother me (one of my vehicles is a 12 year old Honda! ), and space, warranties, and styling don't have anything to do with how exciting a car is to drive, so I fail to see your point about those attributes.
If I wanted great cornering, a zingy engine, and exceptional steering at a reasonable price there would probably be a numeral in the car's name. Maybe even the word "speed" (hints at excitement, doesn't it?).
(You thinking 328i? I am!)
But if you wanted a new car, and didn't want to spend more than $20k, those things are out of budget with the exception of Mazda's 3. The Mazda 3s is a good buy, and shares similar characteristics with the Civic (although the 3's road noise and tire vibration are much more HEAVILY pronounced in the examples I've been in). The Civic meets the two in the middle, although it leans more towards the Mazda than the Elantra.
You guys are taking my "excitement" comment way too far. I never claimed the Civic to be a Bimmer alternative, or a poor-man's Porsche; just a more fun alternative to the Elantra. The Elantra has plenty of wonderful attributes (space, ride comfort, Stability Control), but it isn't something I'd ever consider to be "fun." Sort of like a small Camry; practical, but boring.
On other hand Elantra had higher engine noise especially when you rev it up.
Also one more thing I dont get how Edmunds and CR rates Civic higher than Mazda 3. Reason being the number of features Mazda 3 offers is more than Civic. It handles better than Civic and it costs less than Civic. It has better warranty than Civic, It holds it value same as Civic. I bought mine 04 Mazda 3 Hatch with everything except leather seat for like $17500 in 2004. If I wanted to get same featureset from Civic it would have costed me more than that (and some of things like Stability control is not even available on Civic). I'd say I loved the console layout of Civic more than my 3 or Elantra. Probably I would wait for year or two to see what comes out next.
On a side note here, there are five Civic owners from this generation at my installation and none have had all the problems some keep talking about in here. Only two of us had the lug bug problem taken care of and besides that...nothing. Two were assembled in Japan, two in the U S and the last in Canada. A pretty fair random sample and nada...just five happy owners. That fact alone tells me volumes about the quality of the Civic.
Still love my Civic and the wife still loves her Mazda. Hopefully in the fall my kid will get her Elantra and then I'll be able to come back and post some real life opinions about all three cars. Enjoy your cars and if not...move on to something else. Life's way to short.
Outta here.......The Sandman
I remember him...one of the reasons why I left for a while. He had the A/C problems, yeah?
This is very surprising to notice how dead it is in here. Especially with the Civic probably getting ESC in 09...but the Elantra getting a hatchback/touring/whatever type deal.
I'm considering these two in the fall, with the spiky gas prices. I like having a hatch...but I'd also like to get nav (in dash please, no goofy add-ons with wires all over the place). I drive 100 miles to work and back per day, so MPGs are important....but so is a long warranty. My my what a quandry, hmm?
Besides, if the Elantra and Sonata are anything like my dad's Civic and my Accord, the Sonata's torquier engine will help it go over and above the EPA estimates on the highway, where the Elantra's 2.0 will have to work harder, and no exceed the numbers so well, especially in hilly or higher-speed (70+) sections. I routinely get 37+ on my Accord, and he gets about that as well, going the same speed. The difference is that I have 32 more lb-ft of torque and a lot more passing power, room, and comfort.
Around town, his car would outperform mine mileage-wise though, due to his car being lighter and having 75% the displacement of my car.
I'm semi-considering the Sonata, but I have to see how the incentives shake out. I'm really not too sure on getting something that big, though the range increase on the gas tank might be handy.
Incidentally, Edmunds gives the Sonata I4 as 30 MPG highway. Elantra is 33 MPG, Civic is 36 MPGs.
30 for the automatic, 31 for the manual. Fueleconomy.gov is the final say on EPA numbers, as far as I'm concerned.
I had owned a 2002 Elantra (auto) and averaged 28-30 mpg on my 26 mile round trip to work. With my Sonata I had averaged 25-26 for the same trip. I try to measure my mileage each tankfull by dividing miles on trip counter by gallons.
I hope this info helps!
Personally I never much understood the value of factory nav, when the time I need it most is when I am on a business trip out of town--driving a rental car. :surprise: