I'm hoping to get a Hyundai Elantra GT when they are released. I wonder if anyone has experience with the Hyundai Service Centers in the Puget Sound (WA) area? A long warranty is great only as long as they treat you properly. I'll be posting this question on all Hyundai model boards, so thanks for bearing with me!
Does anyone have an XG300 that the trunk actually pops up (ours opens but with no handle or anything to grab, it is a pain to lift the lid up) - trunk hinges looked real cheap, weak. Any thoughts on this?
i'm just curious as to how you know the hindges look/are weak? i was spraying the hindges/door/inner hood/trunk lid with rust protectant.... and they seemed to look like any other car's hindges/lid/etc...
one thing i did notice from owning the car for over 6 months now.. is that at first the trunk wouldn't close on the first try... but as the car aged abit.. the trunk lid/deck closes fine now...i guess it needed to loosen up abit.
i find the trunk lid to be on the light side from my previous experiences with american cars..
as to the lid not opening up fully when the trunk is popped... i saw that the hindges aren't sprung like some american/japanese cars... and there aren't any shocks either...hmmm
I SAW ONE IN BLACK THE OTHER DAY, AND IST TAKE THOUGHT OF LINCOLN LS!(POOR MANS LS!!!!) WHATS THE LOWEST I COULD PAY FOR ONE OF THESE WITH MOONROOF IN NYC AREA, ALSO IS THERE ANY LOW FINANCING. THANKS
Doubt if anyone copied anyone else. LS is based on Jag S-type. Lincoln had to differentiate from Jag and make it share styling traits with other Lincolns. I saw pictures of the LS in '98. Lincoln went to great lengths to publize LS years in advance, including photos. While the LS was introduced as a 2000, she went on sale in early '99. My mom bought her's in August '99, it was built in May. I bought mine in Dec '99.
i think its a mix of infiniti I30/lincoln LS at front, bentley arnage at rear and im not sure what car from the profile. its a real good looking car tho. i used to think hyundais werent good cars, but i must say theyre turning out some nice products (at good prices with great warranties). 1 year ago i said my first car was gonna be a honda civic, now i think its most likely gonna be a hyundai elantra. but it could be a sentra, echo or focus...but the elantra is just that much better a value
I purchased my xg300 L Last Sunday. I paid under 22k for this car. Everyone I show it to thinks its a 35K car. I had test driven it quite a bit, but having it this week it only gets better. What a great ride. I got the black. It looks great. The power of the engine is more than adequate and the ride quite and smooth. I rate it much better than my friends new 2002 TL 3.2 Acura. Have only one minor glitch to fix. The "Auto" on the driver seat doesnt work. It doesnt move back and forth like it should when you turn the key on and off. I'll take it for service later in the week.
First, thanks for the info on the "Auto" function of the memory seat. That will save me a trip to the dealer. Now the car is perfect.
In regards to the negotiation it was as simple as can be. I am a member of B.J.'s wholesale club. They have a network of dealers with pre-set deals on cars. The Hyundai deal was 1% over invoice. I did have to pay the 600 advertising fee on top of the destination since it was on the invoice but they dropped all dealer fees. Dealer pep is usually 400, so I didn't complain. Then since I had helped my mother-in-law buy an accent last July, I just added her to the title to get an additional 1500 off from Hyundai for the Customer Loyalty rebate. They also gave me the 2.9 finance for 36 months, which I figure was good for another $500 in saving. I know I've only had it a week but this car is truly a pleasure to drive. More than anything I love overcoming any reticence of positive opinion from friends when I say "Hyundai" by telling them what I paid for this beautiful car. They are amazed. Every day I am more impressed by its smooth transmission and power. I used to have a Mercedes and I like the ride in this car better.
It is a really nice looking and well optioned car.The demo was already sold.I didnt drive it,but if it runs anywhere near as good as it looks,its gonna steal some sales from the Japanese.
It isn't the Japanese the Hyundai XG will steal sales from. There may be a few sold to those who might otherwise have purchased a Maxima, Avalon, etc., but the two places Hyundai may steal sales from are late-model used cars, and domestic models. Many buyers of Japanese cars are buying based on solid reputations for reliability, quality and resale value that Hyundai can't yet offer. But neither can Detroit in many cases - and Hyundai's much better warranty may persuade those who otherwise might have purchased an Impala, Intrepid, or Buick to take a chance on Hyundai.
Hyundai sales are up - no doubt about it. But so are sales for Toyota, Honda, Nissan, etc. - it is Detroit that is losing sales to Hyundai and Kia, not the Japanese.
Interesting that in Motor Trend's current issue they tested the Hyundai XG300 against both a loaded Accord ES V-6 and Dodge Stratus ES. Will be interesting to see who ends up buying the XG. If you are looking for a Taurus, Impala, Malibu, or Stratus, you might consider one given the price. Same for variations of Accord, Camry, 626, Maxima, or Galant. Its price and features make it competitive with a tremendous number of mid-size sedans.
what i've heard in canada is that the Xg300 was introduced in north america to keep present hyundai sonata owners, who are looking towards moving upscale in size and options,in the hyundai "family".
i've heard only about 1500? 2001 xg300's were alotted for Canada...
and i think in the range of 10,000-15,000 units for all of US..
I'm not familar with a Camray - is it a new model from some someone that hasn't been released in the U.S. yet?
The XG300 is an alternative to slightly used Japanese models, and to new or used domestics - it isn't going to be seriously considered by most buyers of the Accord, Camry or Maxima. I suspect that if those buyers decided to take a chance, it would be on a domestic - not on a completely unproven model from an automaker not known for making luxury models.
I ended up buying the Avalon XLS. It was really hard choice. I followed the xg more closely because I was a little cautious. Put 500 miles for the weekend and man the car is a ten. Still kind of wish I got the xg. I know I'll still follow this discussion. This took me too long to decide. Buy the way... 2001 XLS Black- GU package (Leather, JBL,etc), Sunroof,VSC,Mudguards, Cargo nets/floor Mats(that should be free), other crap that was already on the car, 4800 miles for $30,500. Pretty much invoice plus miles. It took a little bickering on trade-in. Time to go to work. Had to wash it last night, but black looks sooo good!
Where did you get the impression that XG is out to get converts from domestics? I for one, would compare XG to Accord LXV6, Camry XLE V6 and Maxima GLE based on pricing. It looks to be a decent alternative to some "near-luxury" cars also although the price difference is even greater. I certainly won't compare the XG to Dodge Stratus. I think it's in a different class, as far as look and feel is concerned.
You might make that comparison; I suspect were you to survey the average person considering an Accord/Camry/Maxima, that Hyundai would not be under consideration. I would not say the XG would be an alterative to a Stratus; the Sonata is there for that. It might be a serious contender for somone considering a Concorde, Intrepid, Impala, LeSabre, or similar model, however.
When I bought my XG300 I I considered only, the Acura TL, the Infiniti I30 and the Avalon XLS. All of them were great cars. I bought the X. because frankly, I liked the way it looked and the way it drove, better. I also liked paying about $8,000 less for the privlige. I have never had much luck with American cars. If the XG holds up as well as it drives, I'll be very happy.
experience with the XG300 progresses.I'm waiting to see what the Leganza 6cyl is like.My wife drives the Leganza CDX we own now.I love the car,but it has opened my mind to the other Korean makes also. I think you made a good choice.My brother owns a 2000 Impala and it does everything the Avalon does better and cheaper.The Maxima is a good car ,but like you said the XG300 looks better and a whole lot cheaper.keep us updated.
My short list at the end included Avalon XL, Camry Solara, Jetta VR6, and Maxima GLS. I think the XG stacks up very well against all these cars. Accord and Accura didn't make the cut because their uptrim models have sunroofs and I simply didn't fit. The only American car on my list was the sood to be discontinued Oldsmobile Intrigue.
I had the pleasure Monday and Tuesday to have use of a dealer's new '01 XG300L. Wife and I were able to drive it over all the roads we normally use and in our usual traffic. Black on black. Was seeing if I could get my wife interested to buy. She will but only if it can be had with a wood shifter. (The plastic one is a bit cheezy.)
I own a loaded '00 Lincoln LS8 Sport and a '96 Impala SS. I used to own a couple Infiniti G20s and got to drive new '97-'99 I-30s loaners all the time for routine LOF work.
For the price, the XG300 compares favorably with a host of cars, including my LS8. If you sit in it without knowing it is a Hyundai, you could think it was an Avalon, Acura TL, Maxima GLE or I-30, Mitsu Diamante, Mazda Millenia, etc. The dash looks like a '99 I-30. Except for the shifter, the look and feel of the interior materials is better than in my Lincoln. It rides and handles quite nicely for a luxury FWD non-sport suspension car. The 5-speed auto shifts nicely, as does the Shiftronic. Less lag than in my Lincoln. Large, well shaped trunk and backseat.
Only minor gripes: even the premium stereo could use a bit more power and a couple extra speakers; the steering wheel needs to have stereo controls on it; the cruise control controls on the steering wheel need to be illuminated at night; needs a 2nd trip odometer; the computer should also be capable of performing average MPG calculations; trunk should use the non-intrusive trunk hinges; full-size spare; should have 4 sunvisors; unimpressed with look of alloy rims; needs service loaner program.
Bigger gripes: needs 16 inch tires and a sport suspension option. Could use another 20 HP/TQ
To post #433,add all the stuff you have on Lincoln LS,and the XG300 will list @$36,000.00.Hardly needs what you would want,guess your wife is out of luck.By the way are you in Miami,New York or Televieve?
Does any body know the date when the 16" wheels are due. Also for any one who owns the XG300, Can you let me know if you find the front seats comfortable and supportive? after long drives? Also if I ordered a six way power seat motor and switch from parts department, and replace the 4 way switch and motor, Would I be able to make passenger side a six way instead of 4 way seat?
Two of my windows roll up to high and had to be adjusted by the dealer. Anybody else have similar problems. Gas milage is great with 75% highway and 25% city I am getting 25.5 MPG over 1,000 miles of driving. I do have a light foot at $2 per gallon of gas.
Hyundai did a blind comparison test of the XG against other well known brands and siad that most people liked the XG better. I don't remember what the other models were or thier trim levels. In adddition to proving that the XG was comparable to the other makes (at least new) it also proved that they have a horrible reputation in the U.S The statistic they failed to mention was how many people still wanted one AFTER they found out it was a Hyundai. Honda and Toyota have built a repution of building some of the most reliable cars in the business. It's going to take a lot more than a lot of chrome and geegaws to sway the Toyota/Honda loyalists.
Hyundai has very good recognition today,thanks to consumer reports,motor trend, road&track,etc.They have all rated the elantra and most publications.thexg300 highly.Yes Toyota & Honda did at one time make reliable cars,but their quality has slipped,especially Toyota in recent years.I have owned 6 Toyotas in the last 19 years,and one Honda.Honda was most uncomfortable car ever.I now own a XG300,excellant car,.excellant value,best in price range.
A high percentage of actual people in the United States think "poorly built" or "cheap" when it comes to Korean cars. That's proven here daily. Changing those kinds of inherent ideas take a lot more than magazines. That's what's going to keep Honda/Toyota number one because they have the name recognition of the general population of building great cars. New and used. Hyundai is about 6 or 7 years away from changing this because 3 to 5 year old cars are many peoples first car ownership experiences. We are going to have to see if used Hyundais an Kias are as good as new ones. What value is there if there is no warranty?
I agree with your post #440. A good indicator of the (percieved) reliability of a vehicle is the re-sale value. Toyota and Honda have a very good re-sale value due to the reputation of making long lasting, dependable cars. Hyundai has notoriously had a very poor re-sale value which is a direct reflection of the early reputation of building cars that were not very reliable. (You can really see this if you ever have a dealer go through any lease calculations on a Hyundai.) Things are changing but it will take time . . .
That having been said, I am looking to purchase a new sedan in the next year. Currently, I am looking at the 2001.5 VW Passat and the 2001 Hyundai XG300. Each vehicle has its merits and faults and I was curious if anybody in this forum had cross shopped these vehicles?
no... the 4 way adjustables won't turn into an 8 way just b/c you change over the controls... it has acculators/motors that move every other way..
if you check the service manual.. they have one page for the drivers side and another for the passenger side... you probably could do the conversion but the expense isn't worth it.
those of you not satisfied with the current XG300.. i suggest you wait a couple more years for the upcoming LZ450 (equus/centennial)
it will have all the functions you are looking for.
as for the 16" wheels.. i don't think they are worth waiting for b/c the current ones out in the korean market right now ,does not look that much more nice than the current one in my opinion.
There are always exceptions to every rule, however, in my experiences, the cars with the highest re-sale value have been the more reliable vehicles. My observations are not based on any published data but rather peresonal experience. Just my $.02
This morning dealer and I negotiated a price for a new XG300. However a few minutes later he calls to tell me the loyalty program is over. Heck, we had been talking about it earlier this week and then he says it's off. If it's off, then our deal is, too. Anyone know if the loyalty program is off? Everywhere? Or is it on anywhere??? HELP!
I got lucky. On May 5th I called one dealer and he told me the loyalty rebate and low special rates were not it effect. I just went immediately to a different dealer near me who was still running the ad with both and bought the car. They gave me both the rebate and the low rate without any question. I have no idea how or why, but I didn't ask. Actually, they are still running the ad mentioning the rebate.
I have read this message board for the past three months and finally bought an XG-300 yesterday. A major change for the owner of three past Camrys. the first two in the 80s were fantastic. The third in 1997-No!. I don't like having tires wornout on a new car at 30,000 miles or do I like another repair at 52,000 miles for $600.
More to the point. Money-Hyundai has a $1,000 rebate going in May for the XG-300-but its a rebate to the dealer. And they have a financing deal. 0.9% for two years or 2.9% for three years. You don't get both. With $1,000 rebate cost of XG-300 was $21,539 with Sunroof. Negotiation in New York metropolitan area was awful. Best experience was through Autobytel with a dealer in Union, New Jersey. Very good-no hassle. Told me about the $1,000 rebate while others did not.
Comments
I paid $22,123 + Tax & pic
Car is great so far I will keep all of you informed.
Thanks to all of you for all of your feedback.
Don I
one thing i did notice from owning the car for over 6 months now.. is that at first the trunk wouldn't close on the first try... but as the car aged abit.. the trunk lid/deck closes fine now...i guess it needed to loosen up abit.
i find the trunk lid to be on the light side from my previous experiences with american cars..
as to the lid not opening up fully when the trunk is popped... i saw that the hindges aren't sprung like some american/japanese cars... and there aren't any shocks either...hmmm
to the ones my ' 96 Camry had.Never had any problem with them.
I've been trying to get an alignment... but no one has the specs yet.. not even the dealers..
i finally got the specs today.. but my alignment guy sorta screwed up... i need more negative camber up front due to the wider tires.. = (
check out my new signiture pic
http://www.yk911.homestead.com/files/thumb2.jpg
Hyundai better ratchet up production because Motor Trend just did them a favor.
as i know it... the lincoln LS was introduced in 2000?
when it resembles the infiniti more i think..
so no one copied no one? hehe.. okie..
In regards to the negotiation it was as simple as can be. I am a member of B.J.'s wholesale club. They have a network of dealers with pre-set deals on cars. The Hyundai deal was 1% over invoice. I did have to pay the 600 advertising fee on top of the destination since it was on the invoice but they dropped all dealer fees. Dealer pep is usually 400, so I didn't complain. Then since I had helped my mother-in-law buy an accent last July, I just added her to the title to get an additional 1500 off from Hyundai for the Customer Loyalty rebate. They also gave me the 2.9 finance for 36 months, which I figure was good for another $500 in saving. I know I've only had it a week but this car is truly a pleasure to drive. More than anything I love overcoming any reticence of positive opinion from friends when I say "Hyundai" by telling them what I paid for this beautiful car. They are amazed. Every day I am more impressed by its smooth transmission and power. I used to have a Mercedes and I like the ride in this car better.
Hyundai sales are up - no doubt about it. But so are sales for Toyota, Honda, Nissan, etc. - it is Detroit that is losing sales to Hyundai and Kia, not the Japanese.
i've heard only about 1500? 2001 xg300's were alotted for Canada...
and i think in the range of 10,000-15,000 units for all of US..
I'm not familar with a Camray - is it a new model from some someone that hasn't been released in the U.S. yet?
The XG300 is an alternative to slightly used Japanese models, and to new or used domestics - it isn't going to be seriously considered by most buyers of the Accord, Camry or Maxima. I suspect that if those buyers decided to take a chance, it would be on a domestic - not on a completely unproven model from an automaker not known for making luxury models.
2001 XLS Black- GU package (Leather, JBL,etc), Sunroof,VSC,Mudguards, Cargo nets/floor Mats(that should be free), other crap that was already on the car, 4800 miles for $30,500. Pretty much invoice plus miles. It took a little bickering on trade-in. Time to go to work.
Had to wash it last night, but black looks sooo good!
on american soil. <------ you forgot to add..
i'm just trying to make it abit more clear.
I think you made a good choice.My brother owns a 2000 Impala and it does everything the Avalon does better and cheaper.The Maxima is a good car ,but like you said the XG300 looks better and a whole lot cheaper.keep us updated.
Base XG white with 8500 miles and still smiling.
I own a loaded '00 Lincoln LS8 Sport and a '96 Impala SS. I used to own a couple Infiniti G20s and got to drive new '97-'99 I-30s loaners all the time for routine LOF work.
For the price, the XG300 compares favorably with a host of cars, including my LS8. If you sit in it without knowing it is a Hyundai, you could think it was an Avalon, Acura TL, Maxima GLE or I-30, Mitsu Diamante, Mazda Millenia, etc. The dash looks like a '99 I-30. Except for the shifter, the look and feel of the interior materials is better than in my Lincoln. It rides and handles quite nicely for a luxury FWD non-sport suspension car. The 5-speed auto shifts nicely, as does the Shiftronic. Less lag than in my Lincoln. Large, well shaped trunk and backseat.
Only minor gripes: even the premium stereo could use a bit more power and a couple extra speakers; the steering wheel needs to have stereo controls on it; the cruise control controls on the steering wheel need to be illuminated at night; needs a 2nd trip odometer; the computer should also be capable of performing average MPG calculations; trunk should use the non-intrusive trunk hinges; full-size spare; should have 4 sunvisors; unimpressed with look of alloy rims; needs service loaner program.
Bigger gripes: needs 16 inch tires and a sport suspension option. Could use another 20 HP/TQ
Lincoln LS,and the XG300 will list @$36,000.00.Hardly needs what you would want,guess your wife is out of luck.By the way are you in Miami,New York or Televieve?
Also if I ordered a six way power seat motor and switch from parts department, and replace the 4 way switch and motor, Would I be able to make passenger side a six way instead of 4 way seat?
Can't ask for more than that
thanks
Honda and Toyota have built a repution of building some of the most reliable cars in the business. It's going to take a lot more than a lot of chrome and geegaws to sway the Toyota/Honda loyalists.
road&track,etc.They have all rated the elantra
and most publications.thexg300 highly.Yes
Toyota & Honda did at one time make reliable
cars,but their quality has slipped,especially
Toyota in recent years.I have owned 6 Toyotas
in the last 19 years,and one Honda.Honda was most uncomfortable car ever.I now own
a XG300,excellant car,.excellant value,best in price range.
That's what's going to keep Honda/Toyota number one because they have the name recognition of the general population of building great cars. New and used. Hyundai is about 6 or 7 years away from changing this because 3 to 5 year old cars are many peoples first car ownership experiences. We are going to have to see if used Hyundais an Kias are as good as new ones. What value is there if there is no warranty?
That having been said, I am looking to purchase a new sedan in the next year. Currently, I am looking at the 2001.5 VW Passat and the 2001 Hyundai XG300. Each vehicle has its merits and faults and I was curious if anybody in this forum had cross shopped these vehicles?
the lights will run you 899 US, from www.hdkautosport.com plus you must change to a 25amp fuse in the process.
if you are thinking the hyundai HID has the blue tint to it... it doesn't.. it pure white.. and very bright.
email me if you need pics.
it has acculators/motors that move every other way..
if you check the service manual.. they have one page for the drivers side and another for the passenger side... you probably could do the conversion but the expense isn't worth it.
it will have all the functions you are looking for.
as for the 16" wheels.. i don't think they are worth waiting for b/c the current ones out in the korean market right now ,does not look that much more nice than the current one in my opinion.
if you need to see pics...look here.
http://www.fxtreme.org/forums/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum&f=11
More to the point. Money-Hyundai has a $1,000 rebate going in May for the XG-300-but its a rebate to the dealer. And they have a financing deal. 0.9% for two years or 2.9% for three years. You don't get both. With $1,000 rebate cost of XG-300 was $21,539 with Sunroof. Negotiation in New York metropolitan area was awful. Best experience was through Autobytel with a dealer in Union, New Jersey. Very good-no hassle. Told me about the $1,000 rebate while others did not.
Good luck to everyone. Car is great!