Hyundai Elantra 2001-2006

iowaelantra

HI guys and gals. Please read my post #511 on the Which Hatchback thread. Then let me know your pros and cons when it comes to both the Spectra5 and the Lantra GT hatch.

Thanks.

doohickie

Spec5- new body style, a slightly higher price. Has neat under-floor storage bins in the cargo area:




Elantra- tried & true but about to be updated. Ride is a little softer than the Spec5.

backy

... Hyundai put ABS with rear discs, CD player, cruise control, and active front head restraints on all '06 Elantras--and jacked up the price of the GLS sedan to, say, $13,999 + destination? That would be $700 for equipment that costs over $1000 today (I have no idea what active head restraints would cost, but Hyundai offers them on Elantras in some markets). It would put added credence behind Hyundai's "Safety for Everyone" message and allow them to match Honda in offering every car with standard side bags and ABS (although Honda has side curtains too). It would help the five-year-old Elantra compete with new models like the Civic and Mazda3 until the all-new Elantra arrives next year. Also, it would help the car-buying public prepare for what promises to be a significant price increase on the '07 Elantra--based on the pricing on the '06 Accent and the added equipment that will be on the new Elantra.

iowaelantra

Darn you doohickie,

Just when I think I may have my mind made up, you go and put some pictures up to get me confused again. Looks like there is quite a bit of space behind those seats in the Spectra5. I haven't been able to see what the Elantra has for room behind the seats (the rear seats, that is), because the dealer no longer has a hatch in inventory that I can go look at. Oh well, as I explained either on this thread or another, I'm kind of on hold until I find out whether I'm going to have any funds or not and until the local dealers get some new inventory in.

doohickie

Yep.... I'm going back and forth too.

I was pretty settled on the Elantra but I found out the local 05 Hyundai inventory is dwindling quickly. I checked the Kia dealer online inventory and saw they had several dozen Spec5s with AT at the closest dealer. Chances are they will still have some of those left at year-end. And unlike the Elantra, where the hatch is pretty rare, there are almost as many Spec5s as Spectras and they are mostly equipped about the way I want (I just need to add cruise).

I will sell my old car in a couple days, I have another to drive around for a while, and I can buy whenever I want. I just found out I need to go on a trip week after next, so I will probably wait until I get back, which puts me at the end of September. I wonder what kind of month-end deals will be available?

danf1

I would be willing to bet that ABS will be standard for 2006. They made it standard on Tiburons, and with the new Accent equipped with such, it wouldn't make sense for them not to. I wouldn't hold my breath about the active head restraints though.

iowaelantra

up on the dealer lots; could someone speak up and alert all of us to be on the watch for them? My local dealer has almost no inventory left on the 05s so will have to wait and look at the 06s when they come in.

doohickie

Well, especially since we seem to be looking for the same car, if I see the 06 Elantras are in, I'll let ya know. By the way, I drove an 06 Kia Rio sedan today. I loved it. A young kid into tuning might prefer the Scion xA, but the new Rio has a great ride, better power, and the AT shifts pefectly for what I would expect (all clear advantages over the xA, imo). It also felt much larger than the xA. I loved it. (Did I say that already?) The hatchbacks aren't in yet, but I am going to try to figure out what I could get one for and compare it to Elantra hatch and Spec5. Even if it costs the same as its larger relatives, I could see buying the Rio for its gas mileage: 29/38 with the AT.

I found out my local Kia dealer is the #2 volume Kia dealer in the U.S.; maybe that's why they're so well stocked.

danf1

They haven't even announced pricing or equipment levels for 06 yet, so we are probably at least a month away from the first shipments to leave Korea.

backy

The only thing I've seen reported on the '06 Elantras is the availability of a Limited sedan trim level with leather and wood trim. Nothing on standard ABS--I would think the auto mags would have mentioned this feature if it were coming. If the Limited has the tan leather I've seen in the Avante brochures, that would be a nice-looking color with the wood trim. One thing I don't understand is, if Hyundai can put active front head restraints on Avantes in Korea, why not on Elantras in the U.S.?

doohickie

When it comes to safety features, it could be the safety regs in the U.S. versus Korea. The U.S. govt, for example, may require very costly tests that Korea doesn't prior to allowing the restraints to be sold on cars in the U.S.

backy

In other words, Hyundai doesn't want to spend a few extra bucks on tests to help improve the safety of their cars for American drivers, when their marketing slogan is "Safety for Everyone"? That seems inconsistent. Or it could be that "Safety for Everyone" is like other marketing slogans--sounds good, but little substance. Which would explain why it took Hyundai three years to fix the problems on the Elantra that resulted in "Poor" IIHS frontal offset crash test scores. Maybe Hyundai could change the slogan to: "Safety for Everyone (Except Drivers of Elantras Sold in the U.S.)".

jimbeaumi

I just had the 60K maintenance done today on my '01 GLS. Pretty pricey (of course), but the shop came highly recommended and I had a good feeling about it when talking with the owner. On the short drive home it was sooooooo smooth, a noticeable difference from when I dropped it off, and not just because I had rented a Kia Rio. I'll spend more time over the weekend just zipping around the beautiful city of Portland to make sure everything is OK, other than brakes that seem to have longer pedal travel than before.

As for the Rio, it is OK for the money. The seats weren't half bad, driving position was pretty good, plastics were hard all around, and the ride was clop-clop noisy and rough. The Elantra -- even at age four -- feels luxurious in comparison.

Other than the brakes, a puzzlement was the manual trans fluid flush (I don't recall seeing that in the manual, but OKd it anyway), and the Hyundai recommendation for non-platinum spark plugs, despite platinum being standard issue. The belts and plugs replaced came from Hyundai. I need to remember to order the cabin filter (it's due).

This is a great car, and I'm still torn. Do I enjoy it till 200K miles, or go ahead and get a new Sonata 5-speed in a year? Decisions, decisions.

fushigi

"Do I enjoy it till 200K miles, or go ahead and get a new Sonata 5-speed in a year?"

Easy. Start making payments on the Sonata right now - to yourself. Shove 'em in a savings account or something you won't likely touch. When you actually tire of the Elantra or when you have enough banked to pay for the Sonata with cash, move up. If you have enough for the Sonata but still aren't tired of the Elantra, then keep doing the same thing; make payments to yourself. Easy way to build a nest egg. Or let you buy an Azera instead of the Sonata. Once you do buy another car, continue to make the payments to yourself and forever forward you should be able to buy your cars with cash up front.

iowaelantra

Hyundai Canada has now introduced the 2006 Elantra. In Canada, ABS and the moonroof are now standard on the SE and GT models, and if you want a color other than black or white there is a $125 Canadian Dollar charge. I did a build and price on a GT hatchback with auto tranny, Hydrogen blue collar and the following other items....side visors, sunroof deflector, winter wiper blades, block heater, carpet floor mats. The MSRP was a little over $21,448.89 which translates to something over $17,000 US dollars. Wonder what is going to happen with the US version of the Elantra. I haven't found anything on the net yet about it.

zoomzoomitis

You sure are in hot pursuit of information on this car iowa. Here's another "tidbit" for ya.

My dad just purchased a GLS sedan yesterday and while at the dealership we had a couple conversations...on a cloudy day, in the MIDDLE of the month, with 3 guys in prep shop working on his car at once...I think ya'll get the picture. We had the entire dealership to ourselves! Anyways, in two different conversations (sales fella and "back room finance guy"), neither would give me the time of day on my question regarding the arrival of the '06's. Either they honestly didn't know (something which I doubt VERY much) or they just couldn't say (if they wanted to keep their jobs.). When asked why I wanted to know so badly I simply replied, "Don't think ya have what I want in an '05 model" (want the GT hatch w/5spd and option #8 pkg - loaded, not too concerned on color). Of course they confirmed that they didn't have one and that I probably wouldn't get one. Why? Because the guy said they are doing away with the GT badging on the '06 model. Going to be calling it the Limited Edition version of the Elantra. Hmmm...if he knew this, why oh why did he not know when the '06's would be coming in...hmmm...again, hmmmmmmm...

Remember folks, information is power and I don't think the boys in the trade want us pion buyers getting to much of either.

backy

According to Motor Trend, Hyundai is adding the Limited trim line (sedan with leather and wooodgrain trim, it has been offered in Korea for some time), but is keeping the GLS and GT trim lines.

danf1

We really do not have information on the 2006 Elantra yet. Hyundai has not given us pricing info etc.... At least in the U.S. I just checked Hyundai's dealer web site, and the info is not there.

backy

Have they told you when you'll be getting your first shipments of the '06s? In prior years the new-year models started showing up at my local dealer in late September or early October.

danf1

No word yet. My educated guess would be mid to late October, but that is just a guess based on my experience with Hyundai over the years. Normally when they announce pricing, the cars come in within a month or so.

zoomzoomitis

Thanks danf1 for the scoop on the 06's arrival. Just wasn't sure about the answer I was getting ("We don't know yet.").

In all honesty, the whole experience at this dealership yesterday was a MOST pleasant experience. Dad got the car he "needed", everything he wanted on his car with no add-ons, at what he felt was a good price and the sales guy got another notch on the sales chart for the month. Heck, even the finance guy was on the laid back side. Still contend the total stress free atmosphere was due in part to our being the only ones in the entire dealership and I do mean ONLY ones! Something to think about shoppers the next time you schedule that test drive. Middle of the month, middle of the week, cloudy day.

BTW, how's the supply of ABS equipped '05 Elantra hatchback GT 5spd's in Steeltown? In the DC metro area there's one and it's damn near an hours drive away...AROUND the infamous Washington Beltway in Northern Virgina. Next to L.A., supposedly one of the most congested areas in the country. Grrrr...

Reeeeeeeally want this car with ABS but it's gonna be a real hoot to get one I'm afraid.

danf1

No hatchbacks at all around here. We are anxiously awaiting the 2006s. Our inventory is becoming depleted quickly.

iowaelantra

in Canada. When I go to the price a vehicle program, it has the following trim levels: 4 door = GL, VE, SE......5 door = GL, VE, GT. Don't know what will happen in the US. Your car guy might have been partly right because it looks like there will no longer be a GT trim level for the sedan in Canada. The SE apparently will be the top of the line model. Conversely, no SE trimline for the 5 door but GT trimline remains. The VE apparently falls somewhere in between on both trimlines. I didn't investigate them that closely to see what the differences were among the trim lines. If you want to do some investigating on your own the Hyundai address was hyundaicanada.com.

jimbeaumi

When I had my Elantra in for 60K mile maintenance, our new mechanic made mention of something I knew to be so: my tires will need to be replaced soon. The original Michelins, as many of us have noted here, did not last long (about 33K miles in my case). My replacement tires, Dunlop SP Sport A2, may last me about as long before I am forced to replace them, so I am pretty disappointed, especially considering the longevity of most tires today.

His recommendation is a Cooper SLE Touring T-rated tire. Has anyone had experience with this model tire? I do not want to lose or serious compromise the qualities of low noise, reasonable handling, etc.

zoomzoomitis

Has anybody seen, touched, smelled, read an article on or heard a whisper/rumor etc, etc.... on anything closely resembling an '06 Elantra of ANY kind? Danks in advance for any eyeballs and eardrums out there in Hyundai wanna-be-land with good juicy info. :shades:

jpmccormac

The latest issue of Motor Trend magazine said that the only change in the Elantra line for '06 is the addition of a luxury Limited model.

barista88

Hi, new here but something happened today that's really bugging me and would love some help. I got my '04 GLS, automatic, at the end of August with just under 15k on it. In Missouri. Moved to Denver, CO about 3 weeks later and got emissions test done with no problem. Got 15k check up, oil change, and the recalls fixed last Monday. On Friday we took her up to the mountains with no problems, but we went up again today (a bit farther and more twisty roads) and were having some issues. Engine was sounding overworked and didn't stop its noise until a second of two after the ignition was turned off, and we had a sputtering transmission.
We love this car, the gas mileage is great and she's got some decent pick-up (save on steep inclines), but this is a little worrisome as my wife starts travelling with her job this next week.
Any ideas as to what the cause of this problem is, and what we need to do to fix it? :surprise:

jlflemmons

Take good notes of what happened, temps, driving conditions, and anything else that the dealer can use to duplicate or track down the problem. You are still covered under the 60K bumper to bumper warranty.

What is a sputtering transmission?

Jim :confuse:

Karen_S

Owners' Spotlight

backy

Hey, that's Elantras!

barista88

By "sputtering" I mean it was getting jumpy. I'd have my foot on the gas and the power would fluctuate and make the car feel like it didn't know whether to keep going or if it wanted to die.
Now, this only happened heading up into the mountains. When we were coming back down hill, car was fine. Very strange.

backy

How much gas was in the tank, going up the mountains?

pat

Congrats, backy! That's a well-deserved honor.

newhartford

Has anyone had a favorable experience with replacement tires with more than 30K miles on them? I remember Kumho, Uniroyal being mentioned in the past and more recently Cooper.

1racefan

We put a set of Uniroyals on my wife's '02 Elantra GLS about 40K miles ago. I looked at them over the weekend, and they will probably need replaced in about 10K miles. They could probably go longer, but we play it pretty conservatively with our tires.
The tires are Uniroyla Tiger Paw Touring HR tires. Ironically, when you go to Uniroyal's website, and enter in the '02 Elantra, it says they have no tires to fit this vehicle, and it refers you to the Michelin website. These tires are the exact same size as the OEM tires were, and were highly reccomended by my local tire shop.

steve53

I OWN TWO HYUNDAIS I AND MY HEAD LIGHTS KEEP BLOWING ONE IS A2002 ELANTRA AND A 2003 SONATA IS THAT COVERED UNDER THE 60,000WARENTY THANKS STEVE

nortsr1

Please repost "without the "CAPS"

backy

I had a headlamp replaced not long ago on my '01 Elantra and there was no charge, so it seems to be covered under warranty.

If these lamps "keep blowing", there is something else wrong besides the light bulbs. Have your dealer check more thoroughly for electrical system problems.

Also, in the future you might want to post questions like this in the "Problems and Solutions" discussion.

1racefan

If you look under the "Elantra Problems and Solutions" at posts 1818-1822, there are some post regarding bulbs going out frequently.

iowaelantra

Noted today that the Hyundai USA website is now showing the 06 elantras and you can now do a build your own car on the site. Haven't been able to see any decent pictures, but doesn't appear there has been much of a change and doesn't seem like any tweaks for the interior or anything. Maybe someone has noticed more.

backy

The main tweaks are addition of 6-speaker CD audio and cruise as standard to the GLS, and the new Limited trim with automatic, beige leather, woodgrain and chrome trim, fog lamps, the chrome vertical bar grille from the home-market Avante, and a few other things. Also there's a new color choice, spruce green. And Rally Red is gone. But it's pretty much the same car. I also noticed the price for the automatic is $850--wasn't it $800 before?--and destination is now $600. So while the starting price has gone down a little, considering the new standard equipment, raises in other fees make up for that a little. For example, I priced out the GT and fully loaded it's right about where it was last year. No rebates yet. I expect they will arrive in the not too distant future, since this is the last year for this design. I'm hoping for big rebates by this time next year, when I'll need to buy another car.

iowaelantra

of the Limiteds chrome grill. Don't really like it. I prefer the black grill, but that is just a personal preference. Actually, the Hyundai site has a comparison of the 4 styles and as far as I'm concerned the Limited has very little that I would want, and the starting MSRP is higher than the GT. IF I were going to buy a 2006 I think I would get the GT with the AT and the moonroof/abs/tcs package. The GT appears to be a 5 door (which I want) while the Limited appears to be a sedan. At the rate things are going for me the 2007 might be out by the time I am ready to make a purchase. Then again, that Spectra5 sure is cute. However, I have a feeling the Elantra is actually a little larger than the Spectra but yet is not family sedan sized. Guess I'll have to do a little closer checking on the size specs between the two cars.

iowaelantra

much a "gimme". Elantra is a little larger here and there and the Spectra is a little larger in some other things. The biggest difference appears to be that the Elantra is 7" longer than the Spectra5. Still, the Spectra5 is a cute little bugger.

doohickie

In a recent news release, the EPA said the Elantra had the top-rated mileage of any midsize non-hybrid. It's usually considered a compact, but it really is close to midsize. I'm 6-2 and I noticed that there isn't as much headroom in the back seat of the hatchback as I thought. Other than that, it truly feels mid-sizy to me. If value is important to you, I suspect you'll be able to get a better deal on the Elantra than on the Spec5, since the Elantra body style is in its last year. Since I've bought the car I just love it. The more I see detail-wise, the more apparent it is that Hyundais are well-built cars.

The one area I'm not very satisfied is body roll in turns. But I'm fixing that (I hope). I'm buying a 19.2 mm Tiburon rear anti-sway bar at the dealer and will be replacing the 13 mm bar that is stock on my GLS. It was supposed to be in today, but now the dealer says Monday, so I have to wait a little longer.

backy

You are correct, the Limited is a 4-door only, and the GT is a 5-door only for '06. Also the big reason the Limited costs more than the GT is that the Limited includes the automatic standard, a $850 option on the GT.

One thing I really don't like about the '06 Elantra is that Hyundai makes people spend $1100 to get ABS, and forces them to buy a moonroof too. Even though ABS is standard on all other Hyundais for '06.

zoomzoomitis

You're right backy but for anyone considering this car, getting the sunroof will not be a bummer. One of my favorite parts on this brand new car of ours. Still think the radio reception leaves a lot to be desired but aside from that and the aforementioned "body roll" by doohickie, absolutely love this car. Super practical, affordable and drenched in "value".

doohickie

My swaybar wasn't in Friday as promised, so it will be at least a few more days until I can testify as to its effectiveness.

rjeskey

Hi doohickie, How hard is it to put on that swaybar? I noticed the same thing with my new Elantra meaning the body roll. The car has every option you can imagine what the heck might as well add one more. And what is the approx. cost of the swaybar? Im sure I will probably let the dealer install it. And also has anyone had a slight rattle on the passenger side of the car? Dealer says he cant find it. Maybe its something stupid like the headrest or (well who knows)? Well keep enjoying your Elantras, I will.

jlflemmons

If no one is sitting over there, make sure the seat belt hasn't twisted and the buckle is rattling on the door post trim. Very common rattle in both of my Elantras.

Jim

doohickie

The sway bar, at least on a clean, newer car, took literally about 10 minutes to install. Two 14 mm hex bolts to the end links, and four 12 mm hex bolts for the brackets. A ratchet wrench with long extentions is all you need (and if you don't have them, you can buy them for far less than the dealer will charge to install the part for you). There are torque specs involved, but I just tightened them up a little tighter, perhaps, than they were originally. I didn't even have to jack the car up; I just slid underneath and had enough room to work.

Swaybar cost (from dealer): $82-$97 (depending on dealer);
also requires two bushings: $10-$17 each (depending on dealer).
I ended up paying $111 including tax.

The sway bar is from a 2003 Tiburon; the Hyundai part numbers needed are:
Sway bar: 55511-2C000
Bushing (2 required): 55513-2C110

The other part that some people talk about are the end links that attach the sway bar ends to the struts (2 required). These are Hyundai part number 55530-29500 and cost $25-$35 each from the dealer. I found them online (same part made by Moog, an auto supplier, part no. K90360) for $13.50 each + S&H (for my zip code, $7.60) for a total of $34.60.

The stock end links are commonly referred to as "plastic" but I suspect they are fiberglass. They have same fit as the metal links (length, bolts, etc.). Many people think if you have the beefier sway bar, you need the metal end links, but I know of two people who say the "plastic" ones are fine- one says he has the heavy sway bar and uses his Elantra for off-road racing and his plastic end links are holding up fine; the other uses his Elantra as a daily driver and has 41k miles with the Tibby sway bar and plastic end links. I haven't decided whether I will be installing metal end links or not.

The only rattle I have so far is a slight driver's seat itchy noise (like a spring noise). I've isolated it to the seat back and will probably just take care of it myself when I get a chance to take some covers off. I suspect it is in the inboard pivot area or in the lower seat back. I've already removed the seat back cover and lubed all the contact points I could find but the noise is still there.