Hyundai Elantra 2001-2006

pokerdoc · July 2001

I understand your dilemma (see my post # 375); finding a good dealer in the southeast is darn near impossible. Sadly, no Tennessee dealers could help us; Johnson City had nothing, Murfreesboro wasn't much better and wouldn't deal, and Knoxville's TRA Hyundai's tactics and numbers finagling were so shockingly unscrupulous that we reported them to the Better Business Bureau (turns out we weren't the first). We spent a month looking for our car, in the process calling nearly thirty dealers and visiting ten of those within a five-state radius. We finally got what I felt was a good deal from Glenn Hyundai in Lexington, Kentucky. Decent sales staff, and a big selection on the lot. True, we had to drive all day to get it, but in the end felt it was worth it. Good luck on your search and let us know how you fare.

majorthomecho · July 2001

Go back and reread my post. I think you overreacted. My point is that someone comparing the resale value of the Elantra to that of a Honda should not feel bad because not too many cars compare to the resale value of a Honda.

That was not a slam and was meant to make an Elantra owner feel better.

pat · July 2001

Edmunds.com editor John DiPietro is full of praise for the 2001 Elantra GLS. Check out the just-published Road Test by following the link in the Additional Resources box on the left sidebar of this page. Let us know what you think!

Pat
Host
Sedans Message Board

jxs81 · July 2001

I bought a new 2001 elantra 5sp less than 2 weeks ago. A few days later, I began to realize that sometimes between shifting gears, the gear shaft will kind of stuck, but I can manage to shift gear after a little effort. Is this a problem or normal because the car is still in "break-in" stage? It's my first new car and first manual car. I am concerned about this. Can anybody give me some advice? I'll really appreciate it.

Jeff

fangio2 · July 2001

Rick Case in eastern GA AND Bradshaw in Greenville,SC are 2 dealers you might get in touch with.Rick Case has a website,I think.Bradshaw seems to have pretty good prices-new XG for about $20,000 for example.If they don't have a website I'd be happy to check prices for you.

elantra00 · July 2001

Wow, that is a great review of the Elantra. Thats right...Hyundai has the last laugh now. They are giving Honda a run for the money. Then Honda will get the shock of its life when it finally realize that they cant sell an econobox for 17 grand ESPECIALLY when you can get a better car (in my opinion) for around 13 grand, and then some with haggling. (fully loaded elantra) Or better yet, how about a Hyundai Elantra GT....Saw it being advertised in Car & Driver for 14 grand. Cant beat that...Leather interior, automatic climate control. Looks hot too

backy · July 2001

I wouldn't worry yet about a little stickiness in the shifter. My 5spd Elantra exhibited the same behavior at first. After around 1000-1500 it loosened up noticeably and now, at about 4700 miles, it's pretty smooth. Give it a little while, and if it keeps sticking you could always have the dealer check it at your first service. Sticky shifter aside, hope you are enjoying your new Elantra.

rgarbaccio · July 2001

I am liking the Elantra GT..but lets be real.

Civic EX is 16200
Elantra GT is 15000 (but popular..selling for closer to MSRP at 15500..see carsdirect)
Elantra GLS is 14100 (similarly equipped...but no ABS)

You are overexaggerating the price differences.

compensate · July 2001

fangio2:

I know northeastern GA pretty well. Is this dealer (Rick Case) near Athens, GA or Augusta?? Athens would be about a 6.5 hour drive (not bad, but nearing my limits). May check this one out. Thanks!

pokerdoc:

Thanks! I'm glad you responded. I've already e-mailed my "demands" to the M-boro dealer and one Nashville Hyundai dealer. No replies. Now I won't have to waste my time. Lexington is probably about a 5-hours drive for me - definitely do-able!

I think I'll check these two and see what they are willing to do for me.

Thanks again!

fangio2 · July 2001

I believe Rick case is in that area.They responded to an online inquiry I made.I never followed up as I bought a car in GREENVILLE.BTW-They offered $40.00 gas for driving out there.
I really like the Leganza I purchased,but the GT looks like a really
great deal.
I think Rick Case is along I-85-about an hour east of Atlanta.

lilacmoon24 · July 2001

I am a first time new car buyer!! I am ready to sign an AWESOME DEAL on a 2001 Sunfire tomorrow...the car is loaded anniversary special, best radio, sunroof you name it...the car is $300 over invoice!!! but I just heard and read all the safty crash test for this car and it was VERY POOR!! + EVERYONE keeps talking bad about GM reliability!! I am worried now!!

My only ONLY other option would be the Elantra...I can only afford these 2 vehicles (anyting else is out of the ??)

If anybody can tell me what they think is a better car please help.....I am currently driving a 1993 Geo Storm...so anything will be a better driving car for me...

I really really FELL IN LOVE WITH THE SUNFIRE....THE ELANTRA WAS NICE...BUT DID NOT GET ME EXCITED TO SPEND ALL MY $$$$

HELP!

vocus · July 2001

DO NOT GET THE SUNFIRE!! I had a 1996 Cavalier (same car as Sunfire basically) and it was nothing but trouble. Hyundai's reliability has improved over the past couple years, so give them a shot. The Elantra is a very nice car too, and its warranty almost triples GM's warranty. Give the Elantra a chance and dump that Sunfire, IMO.

jxs81 · July 2001

thanks for your advice, backy.
Actually, I never drove a manual car before I bought my elantra. So I'm worried partially because I thought I might have 'broken' it while learning to drive manual. Now I felt the stickness about 15-25% of the shifts, did you feel it that often?

Other than this, I'm pretty happy with the car:)

liljonson · July 2001

sunfire has nothing good about it. and that ugly wannabe body kit doesn't help it out either.

cjaccetta · July 2001

The platform for the Sunfire/Cavalier is getting pretty old and is due for a redesign. The Hyundai platform is newer -- that could account for Hyundai's good safety scores. Go to the IIHS or NHTSA websites and read the data for each vehicle. Plus, the Hyundai warranty is very comprehensive.

If you really, really love the Pontiac, then buy it. You will feel better and you won't have to worry about "settling" for a car you didn't get good vibes from. I have a feeling, though, that you wouldn't have made your post if there wasn't some doubt in your mind about the safety long-term reliability of the Pontiac. Remember....the car will be sitting in YOUR driveway for the next several years, so buy the car that YOU want.

I've driven both, though, and I think the Hyundai is a better performing vehicle. If it were me (and it was, four weeks ago) I'd go with the Hyundai (which I did, choosing an Elantra over the Civic, Focus, Protege, Corolla and Sentra).

Good luck and have fun with your new car.

johhu · July 2001

7.5 K service is due for my 2000 Elantra.Bought last August and no problem whatsoever.Really enjoyable.Waxed for the first time using 'wax shop' liquid ,only took me and my wife one hour.Happy to see rain beads up again.
How much do I expect to pay and what are they going to do with my baby?Thanks!

johhu · July 2001

Last month I went to the Southwest,LA,Las Vegas,San Diego.Took round trip flight to Las Vegas since it's a lot cheaper.Rent a car from 'Enterprise' for a week ($149/wk)and it was a 2000 SUNFIRE!It had 20K on it and I put 1K more.I just drove it the same way I drive my Elantra and boy,what a car..the front tire kept screaming when I made my Elantra's style turns,the engin roared when I pushed it a little bit,with the AC on (110 F)I had to floor the gas to keep up with the flow (75Miles/H)on those miles long up-slopes on the interstate 15 .................After came back to JFK
and picked up my Elantra that had sit on the lot for 8 days,the 2 hours drive back home was indeed a treat.
Suggestion:Rent a Sunfire for a couple of days and see for yourself.

zcman · July 2001

Hyundai's low prices/long warranty is a strategic decision by the company to build market share. It has already been copied by the other Korean car manufacturers in addition, other car companies are adopting the 10/100k warranty. When the marketplace decides that Hyundai cars are the equal of Honda/Toyota is quality and reliability then I believe you will see the price of Hyundai rise to that of Honda/Toyota. But at the present time the quality is not yet there.

csandste · July 2001

I have a 1997 Cavalier, I am now driving my mother-in-laws ex. 1987 Chevy Nova waiting for Elantra GT availability to be a bit better. Frankly I find the 1987 Nova a more pleasant ride than the Cavalier. Toyota engineering was far ahead of the pack in the late 80's. I recently drove an Elantra GLS back to back with a Corolla and found the Elantra to be the more pleasant ride. Frankly, I feel that Hyundai has come a long way quite rapidly. Toyota has gotten quite conservative over the last 15 years and frankly the new Corolla is probably not as nice as the 1993/97 Corolla/Prizm.

As for the Cavalier, mine has been quite reliable, but it's still a platform that is going on twenty years old. After sitting in the Nova you realize that the seating in the Cavalier isn't that comfortable and the visibility is quite poor, that's the way they put the thing together in the early 80's. The 1995 redesign helped, but you can only go so far with such an old platform.

Having said that, I think buying a Cavalier or Sunfire is a bit like comparing a dollar special fast food burger with something from Fuddruckers. You may not get the quality but you do get the full complement of fat and gristle for a low price. If you like the Cav/Sunfire platform you're the one that's got to live with it. Frankly, given the low prices and nice GM card rebate that I got in 1997 I can't say that I'm displeased. It's a whole lot less pleasant, modern ride than an Elantra, however. This is one of the reasons why Pontiac dealers are dumping the whole Sunfire franchise and Chevy dealers are begging for the new Opel platform in '04.

If you do get a Sunbird, my advice would be to opt for the larger 2.4 liter engine. My 2.2 liter engine has been reliable (no head gasket problems in 70,000 miles, I'm keeping my fingers crossed) but certainly non-inspiring.

csandste · July 2001

Just noticed that line in your post. That's not good at all for such an old car. I paid $100 over in 1997 when Cav/Sunfires were a lot more acceptable then they are now. That was accepted without any dickering at all. With my GM card I got 1.9% plus almost $5K off list. Even with all the doodads thrown in I would think you could get any Chevy/Pontiac dealer way into the holdback zone. This is a car that dealers are desparate to move. As the brand is phased out in the next year or so they'll become even more desparate. Don't overpay for such an old piece of crap!!!!

elantra00 · July 2001

No, I am not exaggerating the price differences. Lets compare the 2000 year model Elantra, the one that I own and my friends 2000 Civic EX. My car sells for 11,799 as base price, but with options it came close to around 13,500. However, I haggled and got the car for 10,900. My friend wasn't able to haggle the salesman and he paid 17,000 after taxes. Mine came to 11,800 after taxes. That is a 5,200 difference for similar equipped cars yet the elantra is more powerful. I saw Hyundai's advertisement (not a dealer) in car and driver for 14,000 for the Elantra GT. If it is popular, it could be more at the dealership because of supply/demand.

However, its all up to to what the future owner likes. If he really likes the styling of the civic and the interior, then by all means buy it. But if its a toss up between the 2, then the elantra is the logical choice

browney · July 2001

Have you done some Edmunds TMV and Carsdirect.com comparison pricing between the Sunfire and Elantra?
I did a build and compare on carsdirect.com for zip 30092.
Elantra Auto,pkg 5(to get the ABS that comes standard on the sunfire) =$13,962

Sunfire SE Sedan SE 1SB package (to get all the power and other options of the standard Elantra)=$14,166

Keep in mind that the Elantra will still have a bigger engine that gets better mileage, side airbags, and a longer warranty.

pitin · July 2001

Hi everybody,

I need some advice and help. I bought a new 5 spd elantra 01 one month ago. Since the very beginning I felt that my car holds back. I mean, my elantra after reaching any given speed instead of keep going because of inertia, it starts slowing down at a steep pace which, I think, it is not normal.

It is the first time I experience this in a car. So I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestion before I bug the dealer. BTW my car is giving 24 mpg.

Thanks

pitin

dorf47 · July 2001

Don't know where you live, but here in NE PA we have quite a few hills/mountains. Don't discount the extra hp on the Elantra. My son has a Protege and my daughter an Escort, and both have driven my Elantra and commented on how nicely the car handles the grades, without the engine working hard. All things being equal (and they usually not) as a compact the Elantra is generally more roomy, accelerates faster and is extremely well appointed for whatever selling price is being asked. Will it hold up in the long run and what will it's re-sale value be? Those are issues that are still being addressed. I know that mine feels very well made, rides well and fits me and my needs. Honda makes nice cars, but in my opinion they are overpriced for what they give you, probably because, except for Toyota, they hadn't had any serious competion until now.

backy · July 2001

This doesn't sound normal. When is it doing this? When you take your foot off the gas and it's still in gear? In what gear? When you're coasting in neutral? Either way, it should not be slowing down at a "steep pace", unless you're going up a hill (or in low gear). I'd take it into the dealer for a look-see if I were you. Could be something (parking brake maybe?) dragging there.

tonykrapil · July 2001

Do you realize that the first link in your message # 1213 no longer works. This was the write up about dirt getting by the filter.

Isnt it strange that all of a sudden it is GONE?

Tony

lilacmoon24 · July 2001

Now I am really really going nuts!!! I THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR GREAT ADVICE.....I did not sent the paperwork in for my Sunfire as of yet....the car is in PA I an in NY...the 2001 sunfire was fully loaded, sunroof, monsoon system cd player, sunroof, abs breaks, day time running lights...all the works sticker $16,605 my price $12,900 that is a great deal!!(+ i can use my $1100 in GM points) but after reading the crash tests and reliability i am scared....

so i drove the elantra yesterday! it is a nice car but very sedanish for me....I am 24 and drive a Geo Storm....I like that loud engine, tight steering little sporty car....

So my parents suggested me looking at the Ford ZX2
The car comes with NOTHING!! I MEAN COME ON I HAVE TO PAY $55 FOR FLOOR MATS! THAT IS JUST INSULTING!! but the car drove great...it got better reviews then the Sunfire...but now the problem is locating one...one that has the sunroof, the cd player, abs breaks...i found one today in black that i liked (minus the CD player) but the DAMN BLACK PAINT WAS BUBBLY AND RUST SPOTS ON A BRAND NEW CAR!!! a friend of mine had their brand new Thunderbird repainted 2x's and it is still peeling!!

Please let me know what you think of the Sunfire vs. the ZX2 I can only afford to finance $13K that is it! and I need to make my move tomorrow or I lose the rebates on the ford and the GM....

elantra00 · July 2001

Have your parking brake and foot brake checked. could be grabbing or rubbing against the rotors, therefore reducing your speed slowing you down as you go. That would also lead to why your gas mileage is bad to making the car go faster while having the brakes rubbing. That solution would solve both your problems

pitin · July 2001

Thanks backy and elantra00

Yes backy, it holds back when I take my foot off the gas and it is still in gear. Haven't tried in neutral. Maybe is more noticeable in third gear and up. It does it even downhill, well what you can call downhill around chicagoland....

I'll take it to the dealer and keep you posted.

pitin

vocus · July 2001

Hyundai is going to be your best deal for that price. What about the Elantra GT? Try that one for size. Also, Ford's Focus ZX3 might work too, but they have some reliability/quality issues too.

majorthomecho · July 2001

Comparing what one person paid for a vehicle and what another person paid for a different make and model is not an apples to apples comparison about price. The difference in price could be due to haggling ability of the person and the willingness to haggle of the dealer.

Price comparison needs to be done on an MSRP to MSRP basis.

majorthomecho · July 2001

Hyundai's longer warranty in the US has not been adopted by all the Korean car makers. Daewoo is also a Korean car maker and their warranty is still the "normal" length. Kia adopted the warranty because it is now owned by Hyundai and not necessarily because it had any choice in the matter.

browney · July 2001

Your right that link is now inactive. Apparantly the posting was from a student (~simon) at the University of Pennsylvania and it looks like his data folder is now empty.

Here is another link I didn't post before about dirt getting by the filter.

http://forums.vmag.com/suvrodeo0199/messages/2561.html

zcman · July 2001

The point is without the long warranty most people would not even consider a Hyundai. By the way the 10/100 warranty only applies to the original purchaser of the car. The warranty reverts to a 5/60 as a used car. Since the majority of new car buyers keep a car for 3 -4 years on average this longer warranty actually costs Hyundai very little. It is a good markerting ploy.

Karen_S · July 2001

....but I'm here to announce the new Hyundai Elantra Owners club now available on Edmunds.com Owner's Club board. Please stop by and introduce yourself in Meet the Members and let me know how I can help build your club.

I have linked this discussion into that folder, but it will always reside here in Sedans.

Looking forward to meeting everyone!

KarenS
Host
Owner's Clubs

hbund216 · July 2001

As a person who has had experience with all three manufacturers I would say stick with Elantra. with the Sunfire you get a fully loaded car because the car is cheap. Most GMs are. With the Sunfire you'll will most probably have a lot of problems. Ford has some quality issues but it's better than the Sunfire. We still have our abused 89 hyundai with minimal problems. I tried killing it for 2 years and gave up. The thing just keeps going.

csandste · July 2001

As I stated earlier, my Cavalier experience has not been bad, if you have GM points and can get the Sunfire under invoice you might consider it. Maintenance costs are low and parts should be readily available and cheap. It is very old technology, however.

Haven't priced a Tiburon, but with the present car being phased out that might be an option if you want a coupe plus a good warranty. The powertrain of the Tibby is essentially that of the Elantra. I've read some comments that the styling of the present Tibby is more daring than the new one.

elantra00 · July 2001

I have compared both vehicles myself. I would take the Elantra over the civic anyday. The baseline Civic DX MSRP is STILL more then the Elantra's base price. The Elantra is 12,400 while the Civic DX is a bit more then that just at 12,960. Now, for 500 dollars less with the Elantra, you get side airbags, twin vs. single cam engine with 20 or so hp more, power windows, locks, mirrors. lumbar support in the seats, 15" wheels, air conditioning, longer warranty=cheaper if anything breaks in years to come....all for $500 less. Hyundai has proven itself reliable, especially with the Elantra. I have spoken to early model Elantra owners who like their cars. So why do people buy the Civic? If they prefer the looks of over the Elantra, completely understandable....Go ahead and pay 5 grand or so more for an equally equipped Civic. But if they say that the civic is much more refined then the Elantra, that is ignorance. The new civic is just as buzzy or noisy as the Elantra, if you say that the Elantra is buzzy....I have driven both and they are of the same as in engine noise and ride feel...Elantra is actually quieter IMO. People thing anything with the "H" emblem on the front means they drive a great car....Well, lets all remember that Hyundai has the "H" emblem on the front too! You pay more for the Honda, you get that back in resale...That is true. You pay less for the Hyundai in the begining, you dont get as much back at the end as the honda....So its an equal tradeoff. But as Hyundai continues to prove itself, that will soon change. So anyone who brings up resale...Think it through! All I know is that if someone trys to sell me a 97 civic DX with 50,000 miles for 10,000 dollars, I will tell them to bite me

backy · July 2001

Might be too late, but...have you looked at the ZX3 (Focus 2dr)? It's a new design, vs. the old Escort-based ZX2. It would provide that tight handling feel you like. Crash tests are very good (except side rear impact). And price, if you watch options, should be in your budget.

backy · July 2001

Re comparing MSRP to MSRP: this is only a valid comparison if one plans to pay MSRP. Most buyers are savy enough to wrangle some type of discount off MSRP. In fact, some models like the Elantra GLS offer discounts without any negotiation, in the form of rebates. The rebates or other incentives available to everyone should be included in price comparisons. But it is true that prices vary by time and geography, so it is more valid to compare actual sale prices only within a given time frame and locale.

Re the Hyundai warranty, it is sometimes overlooked that the 10 year powertrain warranty not only applies to the original buyer, but to members of his/her immediate family. I plan to take advantage of this clause in a few years when I turn my Elantra over to my oldest son for his college wheels.

elantra00 · July 2001

I didn't even think of rebates!. I forgot Hyundai offers some kind of rebate for purchasing their cars. Also, thats true about the warranty. Actually, keeping the elantra in your family, you should still remain under the factory 10 yr warranty because you wouldnt technically sell your son the car and switch over the title and whatnot. If you have it for lets say 3 years and give it to him, then he should still be covered for another 7 years. But when you do sell it to someone else, they get a 5 yr/60,000 mile warranty.

On top of Post #1288, 2 more reasons to buy an Elantra or any other car in Hyundai's line-up!

jxs81 · July 2001

Today, the "check engin" light of my two-week old elantra lighted up suddently when I just got off freeway. Although I am a new manual shift driver, I've been driving it very carefully. I never drove it over 55mph even on freeway. And it just had a little less than 300 miles on it.

Is it a serious problem? Could it be that I did something wrong? I just began to worry how much trouble it going to bring me in the years to come. Somebody help me please!

hbund216 · July 2001

It could be that you did not screw the gas gap on tight and that set a warning off on the emission sensor which cases the engine light to come on. A "rule" to go by is 3 clicks when tightening up the gas cap.

jxs81 · July 2001

I just tighten the gas gap twice, the chech engin light is still on. Also, I noticed that the steering wheel vibrates a little bit. Could they be related?

jxs81 · July 2001

My elantra is a 5sp. The manual said that it will not start if I don't fully depress cluth. However, yesterday I forgot to depress the cluth when starting the car, it started. Then 10 minutes later, the check engin light went on. Is this a problem? I don't think starting with cluth undepressed will hurt the car because it's in neutral. Should I tell this to the service person if I have the car checked out?

jxs81 · July 2001

I just tighten the gas gap twice, the chech engin light is still on. Also, I noticed that the steering wheel vibrates a little bit. Could they be related?

fangio2 · July 2001

COULD IT BE?

presario1 · July 2001

Could you please describe the vibration, when it happens and how bad does the steering wheel shake?

wanabeamerican · July 2001

We just went out and bought a new Hyundai Elantra for my wife as we traded in her 97 Nissan Sentra.
What a great car,I just love the cruise control on it and it has a nice smooth ride.
Their is so many gadgets on it for the price.
We have just one problem with it, When you open the driver's door with the key instead of using the key less entry system the alarm goes off.
So far we have 400 miles on it in 3 days , just hope it gives good service far into the future.

crayneri · July 2001

I just wanted position 1300! Congrats to me!

Still haven't decided what to do about getting that Elantra GT.

Hyundai Elantra 2001-2006

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