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Oh yeah... If you go to Liberty, I recommend talking to Elmer Hansen. I was pretty impressed w/him as far as dealers go.
1. Different color on the beige interior fabric. I call the color on my car "puke brown".
2. A bit smoother shifter. The 5spd is pretty good, but not quite as smooth as a couple of Civics I've owned. But most reviews have noted the slickness of the shifter, so maybe mine is not up to snuff (it was one of the first delivered to the U.S. last year).
3. Thicker paint.
4. Less expensive all-in-one radio/cassette/CD upgrade.
5. More rigid rear seat belt buckles, so the belts can be put on with one hand.
6. A shutoff switch for the center vents that keeps them shut. The only way to shut them down completely is to use the Recirculate button, which resets to off when you turn off the engine.
7. A trunk release and panic button on the remote keyfob.
8. A rear-seat cupholder (like the under-seat slide-out unit that Elantras in other lands get).
9. Fog lights available as a dealer-installed option (at a reasonable price).
10. The rear ashtray colored the same as the console (tan), instead of black.
11. Larger coat hooks.
12. Rear windows that roll all the way down. (Yes, they roll down almost all the way--how about giving us that last magical inch?)
Most of these are nits. Another thing I'd like to see Hyundai address is the IIHS crash test results, to either confirm that they were anomalies or fix the problems on cars already sold as well as the new units. Since the overall structure is crash-worthy, fixes to the driver's air bag (or the sensors) and seat track should improve the score considerably.
ALSO, the one area I really woul dappreciate being upgraded is the ummm eh, what do ya call them plastic things at the bottom of the doors ?? Well the elantra has a vinyl tape for these scuff plates. You wouldnt notice this till some idiot passenger I had was grinding his shoes into the one on his side and kinda put a small rip in it. My Sonata has the usual customary hard molded plastic type.
Aside from these items and the stoopid recirculate button defaulting to NON RECIRCULATE each time I start the car I love this car to death!
Tony
I have set my alarm off a few times by trying to unlock the door with a key after enabling the alarm. Pressing the unlock button on the keyfob shuts it off. Other than that I haven't had any alarm/locking problems. What other problems have you had? The doors should not lock by themselves (at least on my Elantra they don't--but then I don't think I've tried exiting the car and closing the door while it is running).
Needless to say, I had it reprogrammed so it is no longer self-locking. I don't know if the factory installed system has this option as well, but I would definitely check it out...I personally don't want my car locking or unlocking unless I direct it to do so!
Sitting in the driver's seat. The GT leather seats seemed hard and without cushion. Perhaps they soften up in time. The GT's leather wrapped steering wheel slid through my fingers a little too easy. I had to make myself hold the steering wheel with a firmer grasp. Thinking ahead to January, I would expect the leather seats and steering wheel to feel quite cold. I liked the easy to read GLS instrument panel. With my sunglasses on, I almost had to stare at the GT's speedometer and tach. Even with the headlights turned on and the instrument lights turned up, I couldn't see my speed with only a quick glance.
The GT back seats also seemed hard. And I had a little less rear head room in the GT. In the GT, my head bumped the ceiling. In the GLS, my head slightly rubbed the ceiling. Perhaps it is only a half inch difference, but it was noticeable to me. I'm six foot.
I wasn't able to test out the GT's handling like I wanted. I was stuck behind a slower moving car part of the time. However, the GT hugged the road better and seemed more sure footed than the GLS. On a couple sharp curves, I felt the GT's contoured seat sides holding me in place from the lateral forces of the curve. On the other hand, the GLS handled acceptably to me. Certainly better than my 1988 Dodge minivan which I took on the same roads for comparison. Both Elantra's accelerated and shifted fine. That is to be expected since they both have the same engine and tranny. Although, both stalled when I used reverse gear to turn around and head back to the dealer. I don't recall much difference between the "rides" of the two; they both seemed to smooth out the road's tar strips and bumps.
Minor gripes:
- I wish the GT's hatch back opened a little higher. It seemed I was an inch or two from hitting my head when I leaned in as though putting a box in the trunk.
- I wish the GLS center A/C vents could be directed more to the right, toward the passenger seat. This is probably the case the with GT also, but I didn't try it there.
- The GLS front grill is attached to the hood. So when you open the hood to look at the engine, you have a big black tooth hanging down to bang your head on. I suspect the GT's front grill is the same.
So, is the GT worth an extra $$$? To me, no. Most of my miles are commuting back and forth to work. I don't have any particular need to show off a more sporty car. In a few years, my oldest will start driving. She doesn't need extra reasons to be tempted with a car that is any more "fun" to drive than the GLS. And in a couple years I'll need to replace our primary family minivan with a new one. And that minivan will cost at least twice as much as a GLS. So, I'll save my cash.
Hope my test drive impressions help anyone else wondering which to get.
It would be nice if both GT and GLS trim were available on both sedans and hatches. Plus throw in the rumoured 6-cylinder super car in both body styles.
What cars do these poeple own?
Any one of you please step forward and tell me if you're worried about master cylinder failure in your car.
Why or why not?
No parts maker can make all of their products defect-free. It's just not possible.
If my memory serves me correctly, Hyundai said that they crash-tested the 2001 Elantra more than 500 times..NCAP, SINCAP, IIHS offset tests...more than enough to make sure its safety ratings are best in its class. They have their own crash test facilities....
Why do you think they requested a retest? hoping for a fluke? Did Ford request a retest on Escape? No.
There are a handful of airbag system developers in the world....they supply the brain box and tune the system, it's not done by car manufacturers. Some of the air bag computers(Elantra's has integrated sensor inside for improved reliability; no sensor wires and connectors pins to deteriorate) might not work as designed...they can test them out at the assembly plant, but some of the computers/sensors will fail to work properly later...this applies to all cars, from Alfa- Romeo to VW...deal with it.
Is there another way of accessing the October report?
Pat
Host
Sedans Message Board
Pat
Host
Sedans Message Board
BTW, I checked the links for other vehicle October/01 long term test reports and got the same result. Maybe they set up the file for October reports for availability November 1?
Any news on the problem?
Thanks.
If it is the gas tank cap, it will take 2-3 days after tightening for the light to go out...
Thanks for your help, Pat!
But the most interesting thing to me was the report on braking performance, where they compared the stopping distance on the non-ABS GLS to other small cars, some with ABS and some not. The GLS stopped shorter than all but the ABS-equipped Protege ES. I am assuming this was on dry pavement; wet/icy pavement may be a different story. But the editors also raved about how easy the brakes are to modulate. This is something I noticed right away when I drove the GLS. The brakes are really difficult to lock up, even in winter. I felt very confident driving the car last winter, one of the worst in the last twenty years in Minnesota. I did not miss having ABS at all; I can't recall one time when the brakes locked up. So maybe there is some rationale to why Hyundai does not ship many ABS-equipped GLSes to the States.
The absence of a mention of Hyundai at all in the what's new for 2002 article in the little book is a little disappointing thought.
If these things hold up, I can buy BMW-740 someday.
HeHe...
Since I'm a shareholder of Hyundai Motor Company.
Peter Lynch said that if (more than 20 years ago) a man who had some money and could afford to buy a Subaru, bought stocks of Subaru instead, he'd find himself to be a millionair, in less than 10 years...
I was also told that if a boy that crazy for PC-stuffs, had handfull of money and could afford to buy every new version of MS-software from early DOS, Office, and games, bought MS' stocks instead, he 'd find himself to be a millionair when Beta version of Window 2000 was released.
I'm not expecting that much, but I do hope that the stocks of Hyundai in my deposit turn into BMW.
Am I expecting too much?
> >
> > . Check out the web-site!
> >
> > seeing a short news listing on "CNN Headline News"
> > regarding Ford and GM's contributions to the relief and recovery
> > efforts in New York City and Washington, DC, I was prompted to
> > see what the other automotive companies were contributing. It
> > is important to know which companies are there for us in a crisis.
> >
> > I went to (the news, press release and philanthropic areas of)
> > each of the companies' web sites. If the company had several
> > sites, I tried to visit them all. Additionally, I visited the
leading
> > news and automotive sites. This is what I have found:
> >
> >
> > Aston Martin - Nothing.
> >
> >
> > Audi - Nothing. Audi's web site states "Audi News: Always up
> > to the minute."
> >
> >
> > BMW - Nothing despite other press releases/postings since
> > 09/11/01. Last updated 09/13/01.
> >
> >
> > Daewoo International - Nothing.
> >
> >
> > Daimler Chrysler (includes Dodge, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz and
> > Plymouth) $10 million to support the children and victims in
> > addition to other donations from their employees, dealers and
> > suppliers.
> >
> >
> > Fiat - Nothing.
> >
> >
> > Ford Motor Company (includes Jaguar, Lincoln, Mazda,
> > Mercury and Volvo) $1 million to the American Red Cross,
> > matching employee contributions to the American Red Cross
> > and 10 Excursions to the New York Fire Department. The
> > company has also offered emergency response team services
> > and office space to displaced government employees.
> >
> >
> > General Motors (includes Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet,
> > Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Saab and Saturn) -- $1 million to the
> > American Red Cross, matching employee contributions and
> > a fleet of vans, trucks and SUVs.
> >
> >
> > Harley-Davidson Motor Cycles - Donated one million dollars
> > and 30 new motorcycles to the NYPD to assist in relief efforts
> > and replace motor cycles lost in the attack. Harley-Davidson's
> > own employees drove the cycles to NY in a day and a half
> > and turned over the keys personally to the NYC Motor Division.
> > Check out their website at www.harleydavidson.com
> > <http://www.harleydavidson.com/> for info
> > and pictures of their generosity.
> >
> >
> > Honda (includes Acura) - Nothing.
> >
> >
> > "The latest news on Honda can always be found right here?"
> > No press releases/postings since 9/04/01 when the release
> > boasted "American Honda Motor Co., Inc. recorded its second
> > best sales month ever in August." My search included:
> > hondamotorcycle.com [other press releases posted on this site
> > since 9/11/01), honda.com, honda2001.com, world.honda.com,
> > acura.com and honda.co.jp.
> >
> >
> > Hyundai Motors Group (includes Kia) -- $300,000 to the
> > American Red Cross.
> >
> >
> > Isuzu - Nothing.
> >
> >
> > Mitsubishi Motors - Nothing.
> >
> >
> > Mitsubishi-motors.co.jp site states, "The latest news about
> > Mitsubishi Motors." I also searched mitsubishimotors.com.
> >
> >
> > Nissan - Nothing despite other press releases/postings since
> > 09/11/01.
> >
> >
> > Porsche - Nothing. Press release with condolences posted
> > on the Porsche web site on 09/12/01, but no contribution.
> >
> >
> > Subaru - Nothing. Despite other press releases/postings
> > since 09/11/01.
> >
> >
> > Suzuki - Nothing.
> >
> >
> > Toyota (includes Lexus) -Nothing. Press release with
> > condolences posted on the Toyota web site on 09/14/01, but
> > no contribution, despite earlier press releases boasting that
> > Toyota had high sales in July and August.
> >
> >
> > Volkswagen - The employees and management created a
> > Foundation, funded initially with $2 million, to assist the
> > children and victims with humanitarian help including
> > medical and psychological assistance, rehabilitation and
> > scholarships.
> >
> >
> > We have the freedom to choose which companies we make
> > purchases from and I, for one, will make my purchases from
> > and give my money to the companies that are giving their
> > money to America at this time of need. I hope that you will,
> > too. We can only hope that it is an oversight by the
> > companies that have not made a contribution and that they
> > will join the relief efforts.
> >
> >
> > Please forward this e-mail -- especially to anyone you know
> > who is thinking of purchasing a vehicle. Remember this the
> > next time you make that move to buy your next car...New or
> > Used..... Who gave what to help OUR Beautiful United
> > States of America.........
>
To make a long story short, the indivdual results when added up come out to the overall result indicated.
This can be verified by going to the respective websites.
On Toyota's site, you will need to click on the ribbon with the words, Join Us In Support Of The Relief Effort.
I have forgotten what I had to do to find the information on Honda's site.
It has been about two weeks since I checked what Toyota and Honda had done.
Shame on whoever started this e-mail for lying and using the travesty of 9-11 to further some sort of misguided "Buy American" campaign.
I should have known better.
Tony
That site is a great place to check out the validity of internet rumors, by the way.
Pat
Host
Sedans Message Board
1. There were a couple of little plastic fasteners toward the bottom of the rear seatbacks (which I thought might have been used to attach plastic to the seats for shipping). I asked the salesperson about those and he said they didn't come off, which struck me as a little weird. I haven't seen these little plastic "buttons" on any stock photos of the Elantra's interior (the brochure doesn't have them on there). So was the salesman just full of it or do the little buttons stay?
2. The carpeting seemed a bit on the cheesy side. How well does it wear and how easy is it to clean up spills on the stuff?
3. There was a bit of a wheel shimmy when I took it out on the highway. Is this fairly common or was it perhaps just a bad balancing job on the one I drove (it only had 20 miles on it)?
4. What did you guys pay for yours? The salesman I spoke with OFFERED to sell me one at invoice without my even bringing it up. But when I go to carsdirect.com and throw in a Los Angeles zipcode (rather than my own Minneapolis one), their price is about $1000 below invoice. Since the holdback on this car is only 2%, according to my calculations, they'd be losing money doing this (which doesn't make a whole lot of sense). Does anyone know if there are some other incentives that dealers are getting direct from Hyundai? Is there some kind of volume bonus Hyundai is paying its top dealers?
Like I said, I was VERY impressed with the car - the transmission linkage was great, the clutch was light, it had plenty of power, it rode well, etc., etc. and I couldn't believe how quiet the car was cruising at 75 mph. All in all, it seems like an amazing value (don't let me forget about the 10yr warranty).
I'm seriously thinking about purchasing one of these (I want a champagne 5-spd with the sunroof/pkg 4 deal). And I never thought I'd find myself saying that about ANY Hyundai product EVER. My dad thought I was nuts when I brought it up to him, so he checked one out himself - only to be pleasantly surprised...
Times they are a-changin'.
Regards,
Mike
I thought the transmission had kind of long throws, but have since gotten used to it. On balance it's the best car I've ever owned.
No complaints on the carpet. I paid $11.2 for a 5-speed with pack. 2. Think the same prices apply in St. Louis for the 02's. I think that's well below invoice and that cheaper prices are easily available in some markets like California.
I know there are plastic floor mat retainers in front, don't know if there are similar ones in the back. Is this what you saw?
1. Re "plastic fasteners": were these little orange buttons? If so they mark child seat anchor points (feel between the cushions at those points and you'll feel the mounting brackets), so they are a convenience/safety feature. If it's not those, I don't know what they are.
2. Re carpeting: yeah, it's not exactly plush, is it? I always use the carpeted mats, which do a good job covering most of the floor and seem to me to be good quality, so I have not had a problem with the carpet. Haven't spilled anything on the carpet yet. What I do on a new car is go right out and buy a can of 3M Scotchgard and spray the seats and carpet right away--it's helped me several times with spills on seats (in other cars, no big spill yet in the Elantra).
3. Re wheel shimmy: DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT buy this particular car! Test drive other Elantras until you find one without the wheel shimmy. Many owners have reported on this forum about wheel shimmy problems. Some have been difficult to rectify, while others have faded away over time. Alternately, have the dealer fix the problem to your satisfaction BEFORE you take delivery--you have no negotiating power AFTER delivery.
4. In the Twin Cities, invoice price for a new '02 Elantra is a fair deal but not a great deal, based on what I have observed in the Twin Cities market over the past year. Los Angeles is a much tougher market and buyers there have reported ridiculous prices, e.g. $9500 for a base Elantra. According to Edmunds.com, there is no longer a rebate on the GLS. I expect that may change given the economic climate and the incentives offered by other automakers, but who knows what it will be and when. Anyway, the invoice price is $13,173 for the pkg 4 5-speed, with destination. I saw base models advertised just yesterday for around $11,500. The lowest advertised price I have seen on a base model 5-speed in the past year in the Twin Cities is $10,990 (for a '01). If they offered invoice to you right off the bat, I suspect you may be able to do a little better with some negotiating, but pkg 4s will be more popular than base models thus command a higher markup. Remember the newer the car (on the lot), the larger the dealer's holdback so the more room they have to deal.
Good luck in your car hunt!
The 01 Elantra I have was as smooth as can be, then the wheels were rotated and BAM ! there is the shimmy.
it is one of the wheels on the front of my car now. One of these days I will rotate ONE side only and isolate which wheel or tire it is exactly.
Even though I cant feel the vibration when the suspect wheels are on the back of the car, I want it fixed.
I am not sure if it is the steel wheels or the tire. It does seem that all the shimmys that were reported did have michelin tires though.
ALSO, if you do take delivery of one without a shimmy, there is always the chance as with mine it will show up after rotating the tires.
Good luck
Tony
P.S. I confirmed at www.hyundaiusa.com that there is no rebate in effect right now for 2002 Elantras, but there is a $750 rebate on '01 GLSes. Since there is no difference between them except pkg 5 has the CD on the '02s, maybe you could ask your dealer to locate one.