Hyundai Elantra 2001-2006

buoyant

Actually, I PREFER the GLS to the GT (I'm quirky). I think it's a bit better looking and I absolutely do NOT want to deal with leather again. I would pay extra to get cloth if I had to.

The guy I spoke with at Metro Hyundai in Bloomington said the '01s are nearly impossible to find now. Even if I could get one, I think I'd still prefer to pay the extra $750 for an '02.

As far as the little "buttons" I'm talking about, it's difficult to explain. On the car I looked at, there were four little plastic fastener-type buttons about a half-inch in diameter on the rear seatback toward the bottom (right about at kidney level). To me, they looked like something I could cut off with a knife or scissors, but you never know. My luck, I'd buy one, cut off the little buttons, and the seat would explode.

Interestingly, I have read a number of opinions from auto journalists who don't care for the front-end styling of the Elantra. I couldn't disagree more. I rather like the looks of the front. The car's price belies its exterior appearance if you ask me. It does not look like a $12000 car at all.

And one for backy: how does the Elantra handle in snow? Does the heater warm up pretty fast? All important considerations for a fellow Minnesotan.

Thx all,

Mike

backy

I'm pretty sure those little buttons you saw are the markers for the child seat latches. I've seen these on other newer designs also, those that follow the latest child seat standards. I had forgotten all about them until you mentioned it (my kids are past the child-seat stage).

I agree, I like the Elantra's nose--although it took a little while for me to warm up to it after being used to the smooth, sloping prow of the 96-00 Elantra. I like it because it has some character, unlike most other small cars that have a very similar nose job.

Remember last winter? One of the worst in many a year in Minnesota. My Elantra handled very well in the slop. But I do little driving on rural roads. The braking is especially good, even non-ABS. Smooth and easy to modulate. The heater is fantastic, it warms up after driving about one mile and puts out a lot of heat. Quick rear defroster also, plus heated side mirrors. IMO it's a fine winter car, the only thing better would be a Subaru or the like.

mike91326

I have an 01 Elantra GLS. At what point should the low fuel light come on? Mine has never come on even thought when I filled it up today the gas gauge was on "E" an it took 13.5 gallons.

backy

My low fuel light acts similarly, does not come on until the needle is on E with about a gallon left. Contrast that to my '99 Grand Caravan, on which the light comes on when there's still 5 gallons left (20 gallon tank). At least I know with the Elantra, when that light comes on I'd better head for a gas station now. I seldom see the light, as I use Trip Odometer B to track miles per tank and when it's around 350 I usually fill up (based on average 28-30 mpg).

csandste

to me the GLS's rear lamp styling is quite a bit better than the GT's. The GT's tail lamps are tipped in the wrong direction as they wrap around the sides IMHO--kind of like the latest re-do of the Saturn SL, plus I don't like the secondary lights next to the plates on the GT--too busy.

Think there's been some comments about chipped paint on the GT around tail lights as well. I think large simpler GLS type tail lights could

I do like the Saab-ish profile of the GT better than the GLS which has a bit too much Malibu in it for my blood.

backy

I'd say more like Impala. Especially the headlights and the character line that starts at the top of the front wheel well. Maybe the rear quarter windows look like the Malibu's, but a lot of cars such as the Q45 have that same style.

How much do you want to bet that Hyundai will "fix" the rear lamps on the GT in the mid-generation freshening due in 2004? They'll probably tweak the front end too, like they did with the '99 Elantra and '02 Sonata.

csandste

it does seem that the car has a lot more "up close" quality to it than either the Malibu or Impala. However there's just a little too much Chevy in there for me.

I attend meetings with an XG300 owner, however. Same color cars and when you see them parked next to each other you notice some real family similarities. Although I have mixed feelings about the latest Sonata re-do, the grill has been made more Hyundai family-like.

csandste

has continued its completely favorable Elantra update into the October reporting period. When I first drove the Elantra I thought it was just about as pleasant to drive as a Sonata, and with greater interior dimensions than some midsize cars such as the Olds Alero. It's certainly been a pleasant experience for me, and I'm glad to see that Edmunds concurs. Came close to buying a Focus, but looking at owner comments in those threads, I think I made the right decision.

buoyant

Since the new justification/need for my buying a new car (rather than continuing on my mission to crack 200k with my current Chrysler product) is that I might be taking a new job 1200 miles from my lovely, native Minnesota, I could really give a flying you-know-what which dealer from which I'd make the purchase.

So here's what I was thinking...

Considering that sales taxes run 6% here in MN, perhaps I should *consider* buying from a dealer in the Dakotas or Iowa (I think sconi has a 5% sales tax so it probably wouldn't be worth the effort to go over there). Has anyone else tried purchasing from a dealer in a different state to save on the sales tax?

I realize it's not a huge difference, but at a purchase price of $13000, buying the car in a state with a 3% sales tax would effectively be a $400 rebate (less the costs associated with getting there and what not).

Since I would plan on getting the car essentially immediately before leaving MN, does anyone know what kind of registration nightmare this could pose?

Also, would MN still get me for the sales tax if I titled the car here before moving out of state (it needs to have SOME kind of plates/temp tags on it for my trip from MN)?

Lastly, could I register it temporarily at a relative's address in the state in which I intend to move?

Do this sound completely insane?

The salesman at Metro Hyundai in Bloomington kept trying to sell me on his dealership because they give you free oil changes/car washes/loaner cars for as long as you own your new Hyundai, which did seem like a helluva deal if I actually intended to stay here (of course if that WERE the case, then I'd just keep driving my Chrysler until the doors fell off).

If I move out of state immediately after buying the car from them, technically I wouldn't be getting my money's worth (the money for those free oil changes must come from somewhere). Don't you agree?

And one more thing, I just have to comment on how civil the posters to this Elantra board are - very refreshing. And I have scrolled back a few hundred messages, so it's not just a recent phenomena.

It's nice that some are sincerely interested in providing help to others who are debating a big purchase like a new car.

Regards,

Mike

csandste

because every state's different. In Missouri, the car is registered within 30 days of a purchase and the sales tax paid at that time. (That's a good reason to keep sales taxes out of "what did you pay" reports.) I'm not sure how out of state purchases would be treated here--good question since Illinois dealers obviously sell a lot of cars to St. Louis area drivers.

Can't remember any responses from Sioux Falls or Des Moines owners, but I think there has been an Omaha post or two.

Maybe Elantra owners are civil because we're all so happy with our purchases. If you go to CarPoint (last time I checked) you'll find that the Elantra scores higher than the Civic or Corolla in ownership ratings. Funny that doesn't transfer into high Powers ratings. Hyundai's definitely on an upswing, while many of us feel Japanese makers are becoming unimaginative and decontenting their products.

buoyant

Backy mentioned using Scotchguard on the carpeting to prevent future stains from setting. I used to hose down every car I bought with this stuff too, but it was pulled last year (I believe) from the shelves.

Apparently, the big brain scientists found that a chemical used in Scotchguard showed up in human tissue samples. While that doesn't really frighten me (I can't imagine that scouring my carpeting with toxic chemicals AFTER a spill occurs is the healthier alternative), it did frighten 3M, which didn't really care for the lawsuit invitation.

Fortunately, my parents are both 3M employees, so I've sent them on a mission to see if the employee store still has a "secret supply" of the stuff.

In the event that I can't secure a black-market source of Scotchguard, however, does anyone know of another over-the-counter fabric protector that works equally well?

claywaterfill

Don't really know about the tax question, either. But, shouldn't you buy it where you are moving? Wouldn't it be nice to be on good terms with the dealer in the event you need them for something? I used to live in a city that only had one dealer for each make. People would have to drive 30-100 miles to another town to get a "competitor's" price. A salesman at the local dealer reminded me that if you have a warranty issue and you didn't buy the car from them, they have to fix it, but not necessarily today. Right or wrong, I'm sure things like that happen. If car A was bought there and car B wasn't, it wouldn't surprise me at all to find out car A got preferential treatment. Not only that, but buying in your new community will provide tax dollars to pay your new firemen and pave the road you now live on. I've always been a fan of buying where I live, because the local impact is MUCH greater than the few hundred dollars it may save me at the time of purchase. Just my opinion, though. One other thing, there have been a couple of posts in the GT board in the last few days about bad blind spots--is that only in the GT?

jjpcat

California has a sale tax of 8% while the neighbouring Oregon has 0%. So I was entertaining the same idea of buying my car from Oregon. But I gave up the idea after talking to a friend who is a cop. He said cops are fully aware of this issue. So, if they see a car w/ Oregon tag in this area, they would stop that car. If you show them a CA driver license, then basically they know you are cheating. In CA, that's a felony and it would end you up in jail.

backy

Yes, they WILL hit you for the sales tax when you get the car title in Minnesota. I agree with claywaterfill, why not buy the car after you move? You will also put 1200 fewer miles on the car (and a cross-country highway trip at constant speeds for long distances is not good on a brand-new engine). You may want to check Elantra prices at your new hometown--they may be higher or lower than the Twin Cities.

buoyant

I've been considering this option too (buying from in dealer in the DC area rather than the Midwest).

The only kicker with that is I wanted to use the car to haul a bunch of crap out east from MN. Of course, I don't want to kill the car either (though I do tend to think some of the break-in mantra is a bit overdone).

Also, if I get one, I want it specifically in champagne, specifically with package 4 (they can try, but cannot convince me that aftermarket guys can saw a hole in the roof just as good as the factory). And I can pretty much guarantee you that these auto runners driving new cars from one dealer to the next aren't following the break-in guidelines. So, if it's not me doing it, it's the guy driving it to my dealer (and he's probably going 80mph).

I guess I could rent a minivan for a one-way trip and pick the car up when I got there. This could be the best option. Then I could haul more junk out there too (which may or may not be a good thing).

blackandblue

I read somewhere over the weekend that the government is thinking out suspending the sales tax as a way to stimulate the economy.

csandste

What state are you talking about? Most of them are in horrible economic shape. I can't imagine any of them doing that.

buoyant

That would be cool, but where?

Sales taxes are collected by the individual states. And if Minnesota ever decides to suspend the sales tax, I'll take it as a sign Armageddon is near.

claywaterfill

If they have the exact car you want there, then be my guest and buy it there. You are right, however, that renting a van would be more beneficial in the moving process--and keep those miles off of your new car. I read something about the sales tax suspension in the paper here (Atlanta) last week.

majorthomecho

I heard about this on the local NPR station. I believe it is some federal senator that is behind this.

csandste

I don't think the feds can affect sales taxes, unless you count the tax on gasoline. I guess they could enter into individual agreements with each state to reimburse the treasuries for lost tax revenues but there'd have to be easier ways of getting dollars into people's pockets. For one thing you'd have to wait until each state's tax codes were re-written.

joehyundai1

Can anyone tell me if they have replace the factory radio with an after market CD player? Was it difficult? Also, I would like to replace my rear deck speakers, but I have no way of getting to the screws from the inside.

intrepidspirit

I bought a Sony 10 disc CD changer (trunk-mounted) for my daughter's 2001 Elantra. It plays on the existing radio. I got a package deal -- CD changer + security system installed for $300 + tax. My daughter is very happy with it!

pro02

Hi all -

I need a favor, please. Would someone out there be willing to look in the owner's manual and report back on towing limits/prohibitions/
recommendations? I'm looking into replacing a small truck w/ an economy car, but it MUST be capable of towing a small sailboat/trailer with combined weight of 500#. I found that Mazda prohibits towing of any kind with the Pro & Pro5 and am curious what Hyundai has to say about the Elantra. Thanks a million.

majorthomecho

My source is Consumer Reports and they say that "typical towing ability" of an Elantra is 1,874 pounds.

hyundaima

Here's a picture of the TPS on the throttle body in the engine room:

http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/hyundaima/vwp?.dir=/My+Photos&.src=ph&.dnm=TPS.jpg&.view=t

 guys I really need your help...please pop the hood and get the

 manufacturer's name on the sensor for me. i'd really appreciate it...Thanks.

browney

I tried the link to see the photo and it keeps giving me a yahoo Error page that says I have reached a restricted area.

hyundaima

http://www.geocities.com/hyundaima/

avorobiev

people told me that a new car might have some kind of coating that could be destroyed by waxing.
Thanks

pro02

Thanks, majorthomecho, for the info on towing capacity for the Elantra.

intrepidspirit

I don't know about waxing, but do yourself a favor and check out zainobros.com. They have products (polish) that, IMHO are superior to wax in looks and last over 6 months. Easily the best long lasting shine, the price is reasonable and it is easy to apply! I have used it on my wife's car as well as mine (both 300M's) and my daughter's 2001 Elantra. I applied it within a week after purchase and it looks great! I have had it on my 2000 300M for 15 months -- just kept adding a coat every three months. This product has outperformed the high-cost waxes in independent testing.

Just my $.02....

slover

I've been looking for a package five automatic transmission GLS in Texas since 2001s shipped, just found six package five 2002 GLS in Houston. ABS models are generally not shipped to Texas and other non snow states. MSRP $15207 (base, destination, pkg 5, mudflaps and floor mats, cargo net). Dealer invoice $13,961 (Edmund's true market value calc: $14,418)

Dealer's offer: $14,335

Reasonable, considering this is a car I'd have to drive several states away to get?

(dealer said local advertising charge from Hyundai is approx $200, but I don't know, even if true, if that's in addition to his invoice or built into it). Hold back is approx 2 percent of base, or $250, as long as it hasn't been sitting around too long.

claywaterfill

The offer is below the TMV and only a few hundred above invoice. Like you said, you'd have to go a few states away to find another one, so save yourself the trouble and get it in time to enjoy this weekend!

slover

Does Elantra GLS have a switch to disengage the passenger front airbag (for young riders)?

Thanks.

backy

The Elantra does not have a switch to disengage the front passenger air bag (or the side bag for that matter). This would be unusual in a 4-door sedan, since little ones can ride in the back.

seahorse8462

I've been looking into buying an '02 Elantra as my first new car and finally went yesterday to the dealer ready to rock. Unfortunately, it was one of the worst experiences I've ever encountered as far as customer care goes: (1) the saleswoman spent the entire time telling me that I probably won't get a good finance deal because I have no car credit (whatever that means) and that I looked too young to be able to afford a new Hyundai anyway -- maybe I should look into a Lancer, (2) they made me wait forever while the appraisal guy looked at my car, subsequently offering 1/4 of what it's worth as a trade-in (I know its a bad time to trade in, but that was ridiculous!), and (3) said I couldn't get a GLS package 2 for less than $15K (after tax, etc.) -- they wouldn't budge on this, even before the trade-in appraisal came back.

Needless to say, I walked out of there really upset and it didn't seem to bother them in the least. So now I'm trying to sell my car privately ('92 Accord LX) and when I do, I'm certainly not going back to that dealer. Fortunately, there is one more Hyundai dealer relatively close by, so I'll try there before I completely forget about buying an Elantra, but I wanted to know if there was anyone in the Southeastern Michigan area who could tell me what a good deal on a package 2 GLS was? I certainly hope it's less than $15K...
Thanks in advance!

dougndo

I know you asked about SE MI, but this is the best I can do. I live in grater LA, but my daughter is in the Kalamazoo, MI area. We dealt with Maple Hill Hyundai (me on the phone from CA) and they offered a GLS auto with P2 for under $15k. She had negative equity (was "upside down") on her trade, which was no big surprise to either of us, and they offered more for the trade (Nissan Altima) that we expected.

To my disappointment, she balked at the jump to Hyundai, even though I have a 2001 Sonata GLS Leather and a 2001 Tiburon in the garage. She settled for a used Accord that had a much higher price, lesser warranty, and higher interest rate. So much for learning from your Dad.

csandste

I bought a 5-speed package 2 for $11.2. This was in Missouri. California prices should be much much lower. I would think Michigan prices should be similar to Missouri. Arm yourself with some decent on-line prices and don't go near that dealer again.

pat

Follow the progress of Edmunds.com's ownership of a 2001 Elantra GLS - see the link in the Additional Resources box on the left sidebar of this page.

In addition to the introduction, 6 monthly updates (through October) are available so far - you'll find the links in in bottom right corner of that article.

Pat
Host
Sedans Message Board

newsview

RE: joehyundai1

Yes, you can replace your AM/FM cassette stereo with a double din type (AM/FM Cassette with in-dash CD). I recently found a great deal at Sears on a Jensen CM720K for just $150. On the net, it sells for $500. Check out my review at epinions.com for more information:

http://www.epinions.com/content_45185076868

My only recommendation is to have aftermarket items professionally installed even if you think you can do it yourself. This may help protect your warranty.

backy

Thanks for the post. I've been looking to upgrade the factory AM-FM/cassette unit in my '01 GLS but want both cassette and CD in the dash. How recently did you buy your Jensen unit at Sears? Was it a one-only or a general sale?

mauvas

pro02, you can check the following web site for towing instructions and weight limits. Though, some regulations apply only to England, since this is a UK site. I find it very interesting why Mazda bans any towing with the Protege. It doesn't zoom zoom to me! (they must have a very compelling reason).

http://www.rccc.co.uk/combo.htm

gnev

Don't buy a car from Giuffre Hyundai in Bklyn, NY.
You probably shouldn't buy ANY car from the Giuffre chain.
They are a bunch of lying thieves.
BEWARE!!!

joehyundai1

Thanks for your response.I wish you the best with your new sound system. Did you also replace the speakers? The rear deck speakers appear to be very hard to replace.

vocus

So what made you have an opinion of that dealership that negative? I have never been there and don't even live in NY, but it was a pretty strong statement and I was just curious what happend.

vocus

I know at Carmax they sell audio systems, and they have a double-din one. I don't know if you can buy a radio there without buying a car (I am sure you can), but it's worth a shot if you live near one. I think the unit is like $450 or something like that, if memory serves me.

buoyant

This is probably the biggest hang-up I have with the Elantra. If in the final hour I decide to go with a Dodge Neon (which gives you the option of having both a factory cassette player and 4-disc changer in the dash), it will be because of this not-so-minor shortcoming.

Hyundai should really offer a combo unit (CD/cassette) on the Elantra. Interestingly, they offer ONLY a cassette or ONLY a single-slot dash CD player.

And, as far as I could tell from my last test drive, the cassette head unit doesn't have changer controls (which means you have to deal with one of those silly little remotes if you have a changer installed aftermarket).

The other options are locating a REALLY rare single-DIN cassette/CD combo (I see Crutchfield still has one of these endangered species), sawing the dash open and wedging in a double-DIN cassette/CD (not an option for me - I am not willing to permanently change the landscape of my dash on a new car), or popping in a different single-DIN cassette receiver that has integrated changer controls and mounting a changer in the trunk (if you dislike those little wired remotes hanging from the dash of your car as much as I do).

In the future, Hyundai really should give a couple more options for owners desiring improved sound (at least adding changer controls to the cassette player). As it stands, your options as an Elantra owner are limited unless you don't mind the "high schooler's project car look."

claywaterfill

I think you have more problems with the Elantra than the radio if you are leaning toward Neon. Why can't you install the radio you like in the Elantra? I have heard tons of bad things (from owners, car magazines, edmunds.com) about Neon, but not much bad about Elantra.

mikeyjohn

I just got off the phone with 1 of the 2 dealers here in town, and find that Hyundai does not make side airbags available in Canada on either the Elantra or Sonata. I find this almost laughable as this is a safety feature, and I should be able get it even if I am willing to pay extra. The dealer told me that Hyundai Canada did a survey with current owners and this was not a concern to them so they did not offer them under any circumstances. This car was for my wife and would have included all features as well as ABS. My current driver is a Chrysler 300M which I factory ordered that included side airbags. I hope I never have to use them but I do feel better knowing that they are there. As a retired police officer, I have gone to my fill of accidents where people would have been better off if they had side airbags as well as using the seat belts. I think that all Canadians thinking of dealing with Hyundai Canada, should let their dealer know that this option should be offered. I understand that this is standard equipment on US cars, and these cars probably come off the same assembly line, and only minor changes are made ie. Km's versus Miles and daytime running lights. Hyundai has lost a customer. Shame on you Hyundai Canada!!!

blackandblue

Best Buys will install anything they sell in any car. For a price of course. But some are actualy free, depends on what other hardware might be required, brackets, connectors, ect.