Hyundai Elantra 5-door

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Comments

  • tb88tb88 Member Posts: 242
    >...I'm thinking about holding off and getting a 2002 model since they should be out shortly. Does anyone know if the price will go up on them?...<

    According to a salesperson, there will be a 6% increase for the 2002... but personally, iI think it is very unlikely, because if they start raising prices with the economy going south, and fierce competition; they would be the loosers.

    .
  • alaskapbalaskapb Member Posts: 4
    We test drove a blue one with manual transmission. In our opinion, the blue is very pretty. But they didn't have the right combination for us in blue so we bought the pewter one...
  • xwebxweb Member Posts: 12
    Good info, thank you. Maybe I'll just take my bike to the dealer to test.... Of course, I'll have to disassemble it to cram it in the back of my little Saturn to get it there! Man I miss my old Tercel SW. - x
  • hung0820hung0820 Member Posts: 426
    It is very easy to fit a long bike inside the Elantra GT very easy if you are traveling by yourself. You just basically to fold all 3 seats (2 rears plus the front passenger's seat) and then slide the bike close to the front; it will take out a just little more space but as far as I know you can just fit it in without the need to fold the front passenger's seat... "I hope that the Elantra Gt Can fold the front passenger's seat; I do see the matrix can fold the front passenger's seat; not sure about the Elantra". However, I do know that the Elantra is quite long and have similar size of the my Santa Fe SUV and therefore I don't think you need to fold the front seat. It should just fit perfectly in the cargo area when fold the seat; just leave the bike lay side-way like the "X" letter as I assume..
  • cjaccettacjaccetta Member Posts: 236
    We've just passed the 3000 mile mark on our new Elantra GT and we couldn't be happier. The car has performed wonderfully and given us no trouble at all (aside from the minor wheel wobble that disappeared after 400 miles). Consistently turning in 25 mpg in about 90% city driving. The car had it's first oil change and our baby came home with a clean bill of health.

    Problems:
    -- Rear window washer nozzle appears to be aimed too low; washer fluid sprays into the window/roof line and then spills onto back window.

    Pluses:
    -- Car still very tight; no squeaks or rattles to report.
    --A/C is the coldest I've ever felt; very helpful during recent heat wave; doesn't sap too much power.

    I thought the car might "loosen up" a little bit, but it continues to handle very well and is still fun to toss into corners.

    I honestly can't find any real faults with the GT yet. Though I had my initial doubts about long-term reliability, the car so far shows no signs that it will fall apart. It is a very pleasant and capable car for my daily 50-mile round trip commute. Its also a handy car to drive on those weekend errands. The GT is everything I thought it would be: a practical, stylish car that is also fun to drive.
  • billrubinbillrubin Member Posts: 10
    My new GT (auto, package 7) came with the "comfort suspension" and I am fairly sure the model had not been hanging around for long (how can I tell -- I could not find a date on the car I bought while I did on the car I test drove at another dealer). I think it all depends on how the dealer orders it, or what car they happen to get.

    Bill
  • billrubinbillrubin Member Posts: 10
    As someone else said, $14750 is below invoice by quite a bit for an automatic with package. I paid $15,300 and believe that was roughly invoice including the California/NY emissions, destination charge and the overpriced floor mats. Do you actually have someone willing to sell you one for that price? I'd be rather suspicious, personally.

    Bill
  • billrubinbillrubin Member Posts: 10
    >>...I'm thinking about holding off and getting a 2002 model since they should be out shortly.
    Does anyone know if the price will go up on them?...<<

    >According to a salesperson, there will be a 6% increase for the 2002... but personally, iI think
    > it is very unlikely, because if they start raising prices with the economy going south, and
    > fierce competition; they would be the loosers.

    Is this 6% for all Hyundai's or just the GT? I think the case can easily be made that the GT is underpriced considering all of the stuff that is included standard (the NY Times article said it was a major bargain). If it's $2000 less than the competition right now, then adding another $500 or so to the price may not make a lot of difference in terms of sales.

    Bill
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Didn't the car you bought have a plate with the manufacture date on the lower inside back edge of the driver's door? If not, ask the dealer to tell you where it is, or provide you with the date--they should have some way of checking with the factory based on the VIN.
  • compensatecompensate Member Posts: 212
    I'm wondering if your stat on the luggage capacity of the GT is accurate. 11 cubic feet seems a lot smaller than the space looks in my GT.

    I will say that I have found several pieces of inaccurate information about the GT specs at every auto site (including Edmunds) Some of the GT info seems to have been "borrowed" from information on the Elantra GLS sedan. Anyone else notice this?
  • teamlakegroveteamlakegrove Member Posts: 9
    How does the comfort suspension differ from the standard "Euro-suspension", or is it the same?
  • txaggietxaggie Member Posts: 5
    WHOOOOOP!!
    (Don't worry, its an Aggie thing)

    Well, after searching for about 2 months, I found a Cobalt Blue GT with a 5 speed stick and option package 2/7 (ABS package). I didn't feel like haggling on the price, and got it for $14,960 + TTL.
    I put about 300 miles on it getting it back home, was getting over 28 MPG, and LOVE THE CAR!!!
  • vjb27vjb27 Member Posts: 2
    During delivery, my salesman informed me that the first batch of GT's were equipped with the GLS suspension. He obtained the info at a regional meeting as part of the answer to his question regarding the mechanical differences between the GLS and the GT.

    The first GT in our city had the "Comfort Suspension" info on the window sticker. It performed as advertised. The one I bought 2 months later did not, and feels a bit tighter.

    Getting the actual GT suspension was a pleasant surprise, saving me the trouble of upgrading. I never even asked about it. My salesman just offered the info unsolicited, during delivery, after I signed the papers.
  • compensatecompensate Member Posts: 212
    I got that wonderful "comfort suspension" on my GT (listed on window sticker). I just figured that was the standard suspension for all GTs.

    I wish I would have been able to drive different GTs with the different suspensions, in hind sight.

    However, I actually like the comfort suspension now. I miss the road feedback of our Protege ES, but the GT sure is nicer on long drives with its comfort suspension.
  • teamlakegroveteamlakegrove Member Posts: 9
    Thanks Vince,
    I actually looked at one the other day with the comfort suspension. I just didn't know it even came on the GT. Thanks for the info. I will most likely opt for the stiffer suspension. Any other information will be helpful, as I am planning on buying one Spring 2002.
  • mpgmanmpgman Member Posts: 723
    I called Hyundai and checked with several dealers about when the 02 GTs will be available. The unanimous answer was that because the GT was introduced here as a 2001.5 model, the 02s most likely won't be available here until next February. GLS models should be here in October.

    5,000 miles on the GT and trouble free driving continues.
  • sr_srikanthsr_srikanth Member Posts: 41
    I went to a dealer in Mt.kisco yesterday since he called me that he got a blue GT with standard package. I wanted one with sunroof but still I wanted to take a test drive so I went there. I liked the car, test drove it, liked it more. Now the pricing part. Edmunds TMV says 14487 for GT auto with standard package. But the guy wont take anything less than 14866. I tried for 14700 but he wont go down on the advertising fee. He started calling edmunds TMV as fake and showed attitude and hence I did not want to continue and walked away.

    I am going to shop around for one with sunroof. But when people post that they paid 15K for a GT auto with sunroof I really do not know why I am not able to get that price? Is there any dealer in NY/NJ area who can match those kind of prices on GT?

    I love that car and I want it.

    Thanks in advance.
  • cjaccettacjaccetta Member Posts: 236
    Try Bob Ciasulli Hyundai on Route 46 in Little Falls, NJ (about 12 miles from Manhattan). I bought my pewter GT (automatic with base package) from that dealer in June for $14,500 with virtually no price haggling. They were friendly and answered all my questions. The whole transaction went smoothly. The sales manager is Steve Ciasulli and I think the salesman's name was Ed Richardson.

    Hope this helps. Good luck with your buying efforts. You won't be disappointed with the GT. It's really a neat car.
  • teamlakegroveteamlakegrove Member Posts: 9
    My girlfriend bought a 2000 Elantra GLS w/ Package Six (Loaded except for ABS) about a year ago. We sat with the sales manager (Al) @ Valley Stream Hyundai (Long Island) for about three hours and got the car for a great price. Roughly $13,500 out the door. They through in a couple of extras at no cost. Great car and options for the price. Good Luck.
  • sr_srikanthsr_srikanth Member Posts: 41
    Hi,

    Thanks for the feedback. I will try them. Since the GTs have good demand now, I think the dealers are not flexible with pricing. But I will try the NJ dealer you mentioned.

    The price you got is great. I am trying through priceline.com also.
  • mpgmanmpgman Member Posts: 723
    Got stuck in a horrendous mess on I-95 north in Maryland last week when a tractor trailer dumped tar on the road shutting it down for an 8 mile detour. Took over 2 hours to drive those 8 miles in near 100 degree heat. Pleased to report that the GT's A/C kept me cool at the lowest setting, and that the engine temperature needle never budged from its normal setting, and yes, it works! Got back on the highway and then hit bumper to bumper traffic for construction at the lower end of the Jersey Turnpike. Finally got home and filled up. Got 27 mpg. Not too shabby.
  • compensatecompensate Member Posts: 212
    Hey mpgman!

    Maybe we can emulate the folks on the Protege board and try to set up some sort of picnic for the East Coast E-GT owners, maybe at a central location, like Virginia?? The Protege guys had an interesting name for it, but can't remember what it was.

    Just a thought...
  • mpgmanmpgman Member Posts: 723
    Sounds good to me. Still have yet to see another GT anywhere else but on a dealer's lot.
  • adriaglezadriaglez Member Posts: 5
    Hace un buen comence a leer los comentarios de esta columna como parte de mi research para decidir cual seria mi primer auto y me sirvieron bastante. Cada vez me convenzo mas que fue la mejor decision, estoy feliz con mi Elantra GT!!!!
    Lo unico malo fue que no pude negociar mucho el precio y los monos de Rogers Hyundai en Chicago me incluyeron un tratamiento a la pintura y a la piel de los interiores que me parecio caro(como $1,200) y con una tasa de interes no muy baja por cierto(11%) En fin era mi primera compra de auto y no tengo mucho historial crediticio pero estoy feliz con mi 'rojito' que viene con el paquete que incluye el quemacocos. Aun no he visto otro en la Ciudad de los Vientos :)
    Oigan, por cierto, me da la impresion que son ustedes puros chicos... y donde estan las chicas?
    Sigan escribiendo!
  • coastroadcoastroad Member Posts: 8
    What are the specific differences between comfort suspension (standard Elantra?)and regular GT suspension? Spring rate, shocks, bushings, anti-roll bars? Any technical folks out there?
  • cjaccettacjaccetta Member Posts: 236
    Count me in for a GT owners gathering. I've had mine for two months and I haven't yet seen a single GT on the roads here in Northern New Jersey. I'm loving the fact that I'm driving the only GT in town, although I keep my eyes peeled for mpgman each time I drive on the NJ Turnpike.

    (Wish I knew Spanish so I could read the prior post!)
  • cafchicagocafchicago Member Posts: 2
    I am the proud owner of a Cardinal Red GT, with everything. Got a great price from a great dealer in the Chicago area. I have been really satisfied with everything about the car, with the exception of the "free revving" automatic shifting and a problem I noticed with my gas gage and trip computer.

    Lately when I fill up the car, and I've already got 3200 miles on it, the gas gage doesn't read FULL. Usually it is about 1/8 below the FULL mark. And the trip computer (miles to empty) reads about 290. When I first got the car, my MTE read about 365 when filled up. Now, as I drive for a period of days, the gauge actually goes up as does the MTE on the trip computer.

    Eventually I guess it "evens out" and the gage and MTE starts going down again.

    I know I'm not imagining it, and I know I'm completely filling up the car because the last time I had to put in 13.8 gallons. I have tried re-setting the trip computer and and MPG, but it doesn't make a difference. Has anyone else had this weird experience or is my GT haunted?
  • mpgmanmpgman Member Posts: 723
    You bet! Same symptoms. It worked fine for the first few fill-ups. First, I thought I was overfilling the tank, so I just stopped at the automatic shut-off. That helped a bit, but it still registered around 7/8s as opposed to 3/4s. I also noticed it get closer to "Full" as I drove several miles. Air in the tank? Bubbles? Ditto for the trip computer as it sensed different conditions. Anyway, I called the dealer and he told me to run the tank down as low as possible before bringing it in. I did that when I brought the car in for its first oil change. Guess they wanted to deal with the least amount of fuel possible in the event they had to drop the tank. Whatever they did, they fixed it. It works fine now. Suggest you do the same with yours. (Just as an aside, my old Ford Festiva had an amazingly accurate fuel gauge. I could predict almost to the tenth of a gallon how much it would take. Then the dealer had to do some work around the fuel sending unit and messed it up. It was never the same and he of course denied they did any damage).

    After I got the GT back from the dealer, I managed to put 14.5 gallons in it! I thought that was capacity. Not sure how much the filler neck holds but I thought I had at least a gallon in the tank left. If I remember right, letting it run down to empty is not smart, as you can suck up sediment into the fuel injectors. Overfilling is not recommended either.

    Good Luck!
  • compensatecompensate Member Posts: 212
    Here is the APPROXIMATE English translation to the Spanish message above. Please note that the translation site I use is not always best at giving the perfect translation (as you will see below):

    "The commentaries of this column are good reading as it related to my research about the serious decision of my first car and served to me enough. Every time I am convinced that it was the best decision, I am happy with my Elantra GT! The bad part was that I could not negotiate much the price and the monkeys of Rogers Hyundai in Chicago included a processing fee to me to the painting and the skin of the interiors that expensive me parecio (like $1,200) and with an interest rate not very low, by the way (11%). In my first purchase of car I did not have much historial credit but I am happy with my 'rojito' that comes with the package that includes the 'quemacocos'. I have not even seen another one in the Windy City. :) By the way, it gives me the impression that you are all boys. And where are the girls? Continue writing!"

    Still a little difficult to understand, but it does clarify a bit.
  • dellwelldellwell Member Posts: 27
    Hello all, I am very close on making a deal for a GT loaded (in Canada called the premium package). But Before I get too excited I wanted to make sure I was making a wise decision. As many have already noted I am cross shopping the GT with the Nissan Sentra Se and the Mazda Pro5. I will get a 5spd but unable to locate one to drive. Impressions of the GT with 5 speed? Also can y'all give some reassurance about buying a Hyundai? I never thought I would even look at one but here I am!!! Any other info on driving impressions on highways and such would also be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
  • jaserbjaserb Member Posts: 820
    Dellwell - I know where you're coming from. When we were looking for a car for my wife, she saw an SUV that she just loved the looks of - it was the Hyundai Santa Fe. I tried to tell her how lousy Hyundai was (my sister had an '87 Excel), but I went with her to take a test drive anyway. I was blown away by how solid and well put together it felt. She was sold on it, and I figured with the price and the warranty, we would give the SF a shot. Still, I said to the dealer as we signed the papers, "I can't believe we're actually buying a Hyundai".

    After 7000 miles, I'm more impressed with the car than ever. As soon as I get my Neon paid down, I'm dumping it for a GT. The biggest assurance for me is that with a Hyundai, your warranty lasts longer than your financing.

    A Hyundai convert-
    Jason
  • teamlakegroveteamlakegrove Member Posts: 9
    dellwell-
    During the late 80's and early 90's Hyundai subbed out there motor and transmission to, I believe, Mitsubishi. The reason Hyundai has made a substantial turn-around is because they are now building there own engine and transmission. I think they knew they had to make some changes before they got left in the dust, like Daewoo. I see more and more Elantras on the road each day, and my girlfriends is excellent at 12,000 miles. Besides you have one of the best warranties out there.
    Good Luck
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    but my other car bit the big one, so I bought a GLS. Was waiting for the Focus SX5 to be introduced so I could compare with a GT, but since I was forced to buy now it was a GLS vs. an SX3. I chose the Elantra because the readers posts on Edmunds indicated it was a much more reliable car. Have over 2K miles in the first month and so far the only negative is high insurance costs compared to my Cavalier and gas mileage which is a mile or two under the EPA ratings (averaging about 24 mixed). Everyone tells me that Hyundai engines do better in this department with a few thousand miles. Other than that the car is wonderful. Have had a number of old Novas/Prizms, so looked at a Corolla S. Not even close to the refinement of the Elantra. IMHO most Japanese brands have become more and more conservative and the quality has gone down since they're trying to hit a competitive price point (although the new Mitsubishi Lancer looks real nice).

    The only thing on both Elantra threads (especially the GLS thread) is wheel vibration in some cars. People who experience this are beginning to get it rectified but it can be troublesome. I'd test drive the car you actually were purchasing. I picked a car with (slight) hail damage rather than one with a slight wheel skip. Wouldn't have done it without Edmunds.

    All in all this is a wonderful, wonderful car. I'm glad I went with it.
  • adriaglezadriaglez Member Posts: 5
    It's been a while since I started reading the comments on this column as part of my research to buy my first car. It has been very helpful. As I keep reading I get more convinced that I made the right decision, I'm so happy with my Elantra GT!
    The only bad part was not been able to negotiate more on the price. The guys at Rogers Hyundai Chicago included an expensive painting and leather protection treatment to my car (some $1,200) and the interest rate on my deal was not exactly low (11%).
    Anyways, it was my first auto-buying experience in this Country and I didn't have a long stablished credit here but I'am happy with my 'rojito' ('little red').
    I got the cardinal red with the package that includes the sunroof. I have not seen another one in the Windy City just yet :)
    By the way, it seems you are all boys.... where are the girls?
    Keep writing!
  • jaserbjaserb Member Posts: 820
    Adriaglez-
    I understood most of your first post, but thanks for reposting in English! Actually, 11% through the dealer is not great, but not too bad for someone with little credit. My brother bought an Escort when he had little or no credit, and Ford Motor financing hit him for something like 14.5%!!! The good news is that once you have a good payment history on this car (6 mos. or so) you can usually refinance at 7 or 8% from a credit union.

    Anyway, congrats on your new GT! The first one I've seen driving aroung here was Cardinal Red, and I thought it looked great!

    -Jason
  • adriaglezadriaglez Member Posts: 5
    jaserb,
    thank's!
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Noticed your comment on the slight hail damage. Did you get it repaired yet? If not, I had real good luck with light hail damage on my GLS at Abra Auto Body (in Bloomington, MN, but I think they're national). They did the paintless dent removal (PDR), using special tools and working from under the panels, and it turned out perfect. Cost about $700 (well, it cost me $120) including replacing the two trim pieces on the roof (see below). There is absolutely no trace of any dent and they didn't have to touch the paint. There were about a dozen dings on the hood and roof. BTW, be sure to inspect the black trim strips on the roof closely--mine took damage in the hail; hard to see, but they each got a little dent. They just snap on so replacing them is easy.
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    Hail damage had been repaired prior to purchase by a dentless removal franchise. Upon delivery I noticed a pin head sized mark in the roof, a small dent on the trim strip and a hair sized mark about a half inch on the hood (which was partially rubbed out by a lot attendant). Thought the dealer would just touch up, but they completely repainted the roof and hood and replaced the trim strip. They also loaned me a free Nissan Sentra for a week while they did this. Got to see just how much better the Elantra was compared to the last generation Sentra.

    I was a bit concerned about damage to the clear coat from the dentless paint removal, so the repainting was a real plus, even though I didn't expect it.

    St. Charles Hyundai (metro St. Louis) provided service which was above and beyond the call of duty. It's nice to have pleasant suprises.
  • acpcdarrenacpcdarren Member Posts: 1
    If you don't feel like haggling over price,you can go through BJ's Wholesale Club. I went through their auto buying service and got my Red GT with floormats and package 6(moonroof) for 3% over invoice. Since it was the last day of the month and he wanted a sale,the dealer knocked off .5%. So I got if for 2.5% over invoice. So far its been great!
  • dougndodougndo Member Posts: 136
    Amigo, my daughter lives in Chicago and is driving a pretty nice '96 Altima (with a 5 speed and leather!) which is starting to cost her money for repairs. I've recommended she look at Hyundai as a possible replacement, but she's afraid of sleazy car dealers. Based on your experience, is Rogers Hyundai a good choice? Is there another dealer you felt good about? I think the GT will be ideal for her and my grandson, but I need to send her to the right dealer. ¿Que es la verdad de Rogers y los otros?
  • cafchicagocafchicago Member Posts: 2
    Dougndo,

    I bought my Cardinal Red GT from Thomas Hyundai, in Calumet City (south suburbs). I have bought 6 cars from the Thomas "family" over the years (2 Pontiacs, 1 GMC, 1 Nissan, 1 Hyundai) and I can tell you that they do a really good job. I have never left the dealer dissatisfied with any part of the process. And they are one of the highest volume dealers in the Midwest, so they should be able to get what you want.

    To be completely forthright, I kave developed a good relationship over the years with the sales manager, now general manager, so I may be biased. But I would definitely check them out.

    It's kind of amusing. Even after 10 years of loyalty, the finance guy still tries to offer me the extended warranty. He knows I won't buy it, but as long as you realize it's his job to ask, you won't feel so bad. I would say that if your daughter goes in with all of the information (dealer cost, ability to get financed, etc.) she's less likely to get swindled anywhere.

    As a side note, when I went in to the dealer to find out about ordering the Sentra I wanted, I saw the red GT on the floor and fell in love ( as I say, " By the way, when did you get that in?").
    I bought it the next day (the first one he sold). I had driven a 4-door GLS, but it just didn't have any excitement. He had one other GT at the time (silver with automatic and sunroof, no ABS) which I'm sure is gone by now. But If anyone can find you one they can. You can probably get out of there with less than $ 1,000 over invoice. You can always use the argument that once the 2002's come out, his 2001.5 is a relic.

    Let me know how things turn out. If you want more specific dealer details (names, etc.) let me know.
  • compensatecompensate Member Posts: 212
    My GT is a 5-speed. The dealer I went to had two 5-speeds and one auto (black). I bought the pewter 5-speed (which was the only color I wanted).

    So far, I have owned the car about 3.5 weeks and have about 2,600 miles on it. So far, it has been a great car. My mileage has gradually increased as the miles build, even though I am now driving it a little harder than I used to. I just filled the tank and got 34 mpg, mostly highway mileage, but my speed probably averaged 80-85 most of the time.

    Some people have complained a bit about the shifter on the 5-speed, but I think it is fine. The clutch does engage fairly high on the pedal (most complaints focus on this), so I simply shift with the clutch half-way depressed - it engages fine this way. Overall, the shift action is pretty smooth - smoother than the shifter on my wife's 1999 Protege ES.

    As others have stated, Hyundai's quality is greatly improved over previous year models. I'd get a GT while you can, as I'll bet the 2002 model prices will likely be higher than MSRP on many dealer lots when these cars become popular (will happen soon).

    Good luck and don't pay for any dealer added preps (rust inhibitor and other worthless dealer add-ons).
  • mirax2mirax2 Member Posts: 3
    Dellwell- It's good to see another Canadian on this board! I too am looking to buy the 5-Spd GT with the premium package. I've been to dealers in Southwestern Ontario (London, Guelph, Cambridge) and have tried the 5-Spd. I really like the shifter and the clutch. But then...I just learned how to drive stick, so I might not be the best person to ask about it.

    My concern with buying the GT is the fees that every dealer seems to be adding onto the price ($125 Metallic paint fee, and admin fees of $389). And I am concerned that the Hyundai's never have window stickers....so how am I supposed to know if $20495 CDN really is the MSRP for the GT that I want. Did you get a chance to ask about the price and fees where you are?

    Compensate- In Canada the GT's are already named 2002 so the price won't go up until the 2003's are out.

    Mirax
  • dellwelldellwell Member Posts: 27
    Thanks for the info on the 5sp and its driving impressions. I won't be able to drive a 5spd until the one I order (if I do) arrives. Can you give any info on how the GT is on the Hwy and its passing power ect..... I am really thinking about it and might go ahead and do it by this weekend. We shall See...

    About Dealer fees, I am in BC and was quoted the exact same price as you, $20,495 as the MSRP. That can be worked but I havn't tried yet!!! But for dealer fees, I have not heard about a paint fee so I would not pay that one. My dealer is talking about an Admin fee as well but it is $150. So here is the list of fees that was given to me:

    MSRP: 20,495
    air tax: 100:gov imposed
    Admin fee: 150: will try and get out of this one.
    tire/battery: 20: gov imposed

    Hope that helps!!! Keep me posted as I will give more info when I get some.....
  • teamlakegroveteamlakegrove Member Posts: 9
    I looked at the GT at a dealership on Long Island and they had a printed sheet of paper in the window (not even on the sticker) that added an extra $595 for what they called an "Environmental Protection Package".....joke. It included paint and leather protection. What they probably did was spray some wax on the outside and some 3M on the inside, which I would guess took them no more than 5 minutes. I wouldn't even think of paying for this, and could not help but laugh at the salesman if he tried to justify this "Package". By the way, this was the original dealer my girlfriend was going to buy her GLS from until they told her that they sold it fifteen minutes before she was ready to give a down payment. Unbelievable. I would not buy anything there, just looking.

    Other things not to pay for:
    Obviously anything you don't want,window etching, paint protection and especially preparation fees. I used to work for Saturn and it took me about fifteen - thirty minutes to fully prep a car. To charge $350 for this is insane.

    Don't be intimidated by salesmen, they want the sale more than you want the car. Go in, sit for as long as necessary, (preferably at the end of the month and/or a rainy day) and you'll know by frustration and facial expressions when his bottom line has arrived.
    Good Luck.
  • adriaglezadriaglez Member Posts: 5
    Dougndo,
    It's actually amiga :)
    I think your daugther and grandson will find the GT a very convenient car and they will just love it!
    As for the dealers just make sure she visits them with all the information she can and make sure you give her all the tips you can as well.
    Somehow I felt that when it cames to girls buying cars the sales people (usually men) sometimes make their own assumptions and try to take advantage.
    But again this GT is a great option for a variety of lifestyles.
    Good luck!
  • mirax2mirax2 Member Posts: 3
    adriaglez- You are correct about women needing to be informed before they go in to make their deal. When I bought my ZX3 (Ford) the sales guy was really nice and I beleived him that there was no movement on the price...other dealerships I went to told me the same thing. Just as I was about to pickup my car...I think the salesguy took pity on me and decided to let me know about a $500 rebate that could be applied. Good thing...because I was able to put that towards my $750 rust protection package :)

    Anyways....since becoming an Edmunds reader I think I am much better prepared to venture into the dealership.

    Dellwell- I am going to test drive a GT 5-Spd again tonight at a dealership near my house. I will let you know my impressions. (It's always better to test drive on your own stomping grouds...then you really get a feel for the car)

    Mirax
  • teamlakegroveteamlakegrove Member Posts: 9
    First thing is to research as much as possible, Edmunds, books, etc. Go in and ask to see the "tissue". This is the original, or most likely a copy of the dealer invoice. What they paid from the dealer, minus incentives and the dealer holdback (see Edmunds for explanation of holdback). If you like, you can low-ball them way under the invoice price and work up from there. Don't work from the MSRP down. Plan to sit for a long time. When you're around a decent price, get up and take a break. Tell the salesman you need to think about it. Come back, and ask if he can do a little better. If you're not happy, get up and walk out, tell them to call you when they have a better number. You'll see how fast they chase you, and want to make a deal. Don't be afraid to shop around and let them know that you're shopping. Scare 'em a little.
    As I said, they want the sale more than anything. That is what they are there for. Don't forget, if a salesman sells enough cars in a month, he may get a bonus from the dealership and doesn't necessarily even have to make a profit on your sale. They just need to move a "unit".

    Beat them up, and don't feel bad, they'll make it up on the next one.
  • darkwater71darkwater71 Member Posts: 8
    Hi. Reading this board (and the others at Edmunds) has given me a lot to consider.

    I went into my local dealer today and took a look around. The place was swarming with salespeople (salesmen, actually) but I wasn't approached in the 15 min I was on the lot or in the 2-car sized showroom. Up close, the GTs look great.

    Plus, at around $10k cheaper than the Saab 9-3 (the only other real 4-dr 'hatchback' on sale in America, IMO), the price can't be beat. But on that note...

    Next to the official Hyundai sticker was the dealer's own. In addition to the $150 pinstripe fee (I swear there wasn't a car on the lot w/o a pinstripe, Sonatas included), there was a $1400 "market value adjustment". I mean, really. With the addition of the stripe fee, a fully loaded (pkg 7/2) automatic has an asking price of over $18k! Who do these guys think they're fooling?

    BTW, the "market value adjustment" on Santa Fes is $2500.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    $1400 Market Adjustment and $18K for an Elantra?!? LOL! I guess the dealer figures if they set the price bar high, some people will be fooled into thinking they've received a great deal if they settle for sticker price. This "market adjustment", aka ADM, may have worked a few years ago when there were fewer good small cars and price info was harder to come buy, but now with so many good alternatives and the Web, it's unfathomable to me that this strategy can work. All it would do for me is make me do a quick 180 and head out the door to see a dealer that is living in the Real World. I'm glad none of my local Hyundai dealers (Twin Cities) try this stuff, even on the GT.
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