Hyundai Elantra 5-door

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Comments

  • gt_fangt_fan Member Posts: 159
    Indomie - I can't blame you for being wary of buying a "new" car with 200 miles. When I was car shopping, the dealer lent me a GT overnight to help me convince my lovely and gracious wife. It had over 500 miles on it already and I put on another 50. I drove it pretty hard, including a few full-throttle blasts to 5000 rpm, and I'd imagine that many of those first 500 miles were the same way. I'd hate to be the owner that eventually bought the car, because IMHO running that hard that early has got to have an effect later in the cars life. And since a Hyundai isn't the kind of car that you want to trade in every two years, you'd probably be the one to experience the problem (according to Murphy's law, the rings would die at 100,001 miles!). When I eventually bought a GT, I bought one right off the truck, still in the plastic wrap, and was very strict about following the owners manual's instructions on break-in. I'm budgeting for buying another car in six years (or about 130,000 miles), so I didn't want to take any chances.

    Dbwells & Indomie - on convincing the wife - it sounds like you're using my tried and true technique - just keep chipping away at her resolve until she gives in. As far as extra equipment goes, try to get her to try all the goodies out. It's amazing how quickly yesterday's luxury can become today's necessity. When I met my wife eight years ago, she used to laugh at people who paid extra for "unnecessary" stuff on their cars. Now, after buying a succession of ever fancier vehicles, culminating in her loaded-to-the-gills Durango., she whines about how my GT doesn't have an outside temperature gauge! Good luck you guys!
  • LDegrelleLDegrelle Member Posts: 74
    My mom is scheduled for her first oil change in two days. The car has about 1600 miles on it. With all this talk about "waiting until 3750 miles" I'm wondering whether she should wait or not. Personally I think it's hokum and she should get the oil changed -- but I am open to hearing what other people have to say.

    Thanks!
  • andil1andil1 Member Posts: 97
    When I test drove my Sonata, I noticed it had 150 miles on it. It puzzled me because it was buried among the other cars on the lot, not readily accessible as a test drive. Later I read the window sticker and saw the car had originally been delivered to a dealer in a neighboring state. Perhaps the dealers swapped vehicles. I figured the car had been broken in for me (on 55 and 65mph freeways and tollways), and that if there were any bugs in the car, they would be showing up when I drove it. The car was perfect during my two hour test drive, and 17,000 miles later, it has only seen the dealer for two recalls.
  • gt_fangt_fan Member Posts: 159
    When I attempted to sell my Audi on Ebay a couple of months ago, several bidders emailed me wanting to know the mileage of the first oil change. When I informed them that it was at 6,000 miles (the manual called for the first change at 7,500) they dropped right out of the bidding. So on my GT, I changed it at 700 and then again at 4000.

    In years past, conventional wisdom said to do the first change 500 miles because of all of the metal shavings that are generated during break-in. Granted, todays cars are generally built to better tolerances and are much more durable, but IMHO, since it's still an internal combustion engine, an early oil change is good insurance for its long-term health.

    BTW, my dealer recommended the first oil change at 600 miles, but take that for what it's worth; they've got a conflict of interest.
  • blackandblueblackandblue Member Posts: 66
    Just be carefull the dealer does not strip out your drain plug as has happened to me and as others have reported here on their first oil change. They may over fill it too be sure to check.
  • joffficerjoffficer Member Posts: 169
    to squirt a little break-free oil on the plug a day before the oil change. I know you shouldn't have to, but it sure would save some aggravation!
    How many other people have had this problem? Were they all done by the dealer?
  • wmoseswmoses Member Posts: 212
    The installation of the Fumoto Oil Drain Valve by gt_fan is documented on my Elantra GT website, at --


    http://gwebworks.com/elantra_gt/

  • joffficerjoffficer Member Posts: 169
    Has anyone tried Fram's version? It doesn't look bad. Seems well built, and comes with a hose & dust cap. I'm hesitant about any Fram product, but for the price and availibilty ($13 at Walmart) it may be a good alternative to the fumoto. The only problem I've come up with is...which one fits the 2002 Hyundai? It's not listed in their book.
  • gt_fangt_fan Member Posts: 159
    I haven't actually seen the Sure Drain in person, but it sure looks like a slick little device on the internet (www.fram.com). There was some discussion on the board about it a while back, so at the risk of being redundant, here's an excerpt of my post #1676:

    "I'd bet that the Sure Drain application for the 2000 Hyundai's would fit later models. The Fumoto website says that their F106 valve fits all Hyundai's so the threads must be the same. I like the idea of having a screw-on hose to the drain valve to eliminate the possibility of spilling. Couldn't be any neater than that! The price is right too. I do have a couple of concerns with the Fram valve though. When you take your car to Jiffy Lube, will they have the special device to activate the valve, or will they just have to unscrew the whole thing (and then not put on a new washer)? The Fumoto has a locking valve that's opened by hand. Also, if the Fram valve is built like their oil filters, it probably has cardboard end caps inside, lol! "

    I too would be interested in hearing from someone who's actually installed the Sure Drain.
  • joffficerjoffficer Member Posts: 169
    I'll post it here if/when I get a reply
  • dbwellsdbwells Member Posts: 44
    I bought Suredrain for my Accent yesterday, but I haven't installed it yet. Seems pretty nice, though I kinda thought the hose attachment would be longer, it is about a foot long. After thinking about more, though, this seems about right to make sure the oil flows out properly.

    Anyway, there was only 4 different Suredrain sizes total, SD01 through SD04. They didn't have my 2001 Accent listed in the book (it is the same as the 2000 anyway), but EVERY Hyundai (Accent, Elantra, Sonata, you name it) from 2000 back to about 1993 all used the same plug, SD02, so I am fairly confident it will work for you all. It seems like Hyundai maximizes cross-platform parts whenever possible to keep costs down.

    Hope that helps, I will give more impressions when I have them.
    DW
  • indomieindomie Member Posts: 10
    OK. My purchasing saga continues...

    I went in to the dealer today and got all the way to the financing guy before I noticed that they had jacked my price up to close to 15k for the 2001.5 5-sp w/ Opt 10 and floormats. I laughed and almost walked out right then and there.

    After much hemming and hawing on their part, they offered me 13k for the car. That's almost $1,000 under invoice for the 2k2, but I don't know whether that's a good deal considering the 2001.5 year model. What's the consensus out there???

    Adding to my frustration over what should have been a quick and painless deal, I noticed for the first time that the car had comfort suspension. I liked it when I drove it, but I've heard nothing but good things about the sport-tuned suspension. Has anyone out there driven both???

    Man! What a let-down to think you're going in to sign a few papers and drive away with a new car and then all this stuff comes at you. I guess that's my welcome into the wonderful world of auto buying.

    Help!!
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Drive the car with the comfort suspension and one with the sport suspension back to back and see which you prefer, and if it's the sport suspension decide whether it's worth the extra bucks. You'll have to drive it for a long time, so get what you want.
  • magoo1955magoo1955 Member Posts: 6
    In the past posts I think I've seen mention of slippage in (automatic) trans between 2nd & 3rd. I've looked back but couldn't find anything. Sorry to be a "repeat post" but if anyone could help me out w/some info I would really appreciate it.
    Thanks for all the past information.
  • joffficerjoffficer Member Posts: 169
    on my 2002. not much of a concern, but we'll see if it gets worse. It's very slight.
    I did see a post that listed a service bulletin (01-36-025), but I don't know what exactly that's for.... haven't seen the actual paper work on it.
  • 5port5port Member Posts: 395
    indomie

    As far as I know only the very early cars had the Comfort Suspension. Having said that, It seems to me they have had that car in inventory for a very long time. This would account for their drastic price drop after you noticed. I agree with backy. Drive both and see what you like. Personally I wouldnt buy any GT other than the sport suspension (but thats me). If they dont have a car with Sport Suspension in stock dont buy until you drive one.

    Magoo1955

    This has been addressed many times and is called "shift flair" in the automatic. The official fix is to take the car to the dealer and they will reprogram the ECM. I have a friend at work who has the GLS and after his visit to the dealer his "shift flair" was gone.
  • alfaloveralfalover Member Posts: 2
    I am really thinking of buying a new GT. These cars are very cute and cool cars. My original choice was VW GTI but with all the stories that I read online and few of my friends having horrible time with their VW's I am leaning towards GT more and more.
    Question,,, I thought that all GT's have the sport suspension? GT's brochure states so??? is that true?
  • joffficerjoffficer Member Posts: 169
    I think the GLS suspension may have been used in the first (earliest) GT's (in USA). Probably to get them on the market ASAP. I like the taught feel of the GT.....just need more side bolster in the seats to feel better (to me).
  • joffficerjoffficer Member Posts: 169
    I was looking at some parts sheets I have for the 2001, and noticed electric seat heaters (GLS?). I don't remember this being offered on the GT, but I like the idea! Does anyone have them?
    I use to think they were silly...why heat your [non-permissible content removed] when you have heat in the car?.... but they are more comfortable, and you don't need the heater blowing warm air in you face when using them. You can use that heat for the windows where it's needed! I wonder if it would be much trouble to add them to the GT?
  • 5port5port Member Posts: 395
    jofficer


       Seat heaters are offered as an option in Canada. It seems that Hyundai figures they would be of more use there :)


    alfalover


       I think you would like the GT judging by your screename. I always said my GT reminds me of a early 80's Alfa GTV-6 hatchback. My other car is a 1976 Maserati Merak SS. If it were not for the Maserati my GT would be in the garage!


     <http://www.geocities.com/xlr8also/merak.html>

  • joffficerjoffficer Member Posts: 169
    "According to our data, we don't have a recommended Sure Drain plug for the 2002
    Hyundai Elantra 4-2.0L engine

    Thank you for choosing Fram Products.

    Cordially,

    Rick Hostettler

    Catalog/Technical Service Representative

    Catalog/Technical Service Department"

    I guess no one really knows what's going on at Fram/Allied Signal! It's not like the Hyundai is a popular car or anything ;)
    I guess I didn't look hard enough at the catalog to see this response... GO LOOK INTO IT Rick!!! then reply.
  • gt_fangt_fan Member Posts: 159
    Joffficer, I'm not surprised at Fram's response. I used to work for a division of Allied Signal (which has now merged with Honeywell according to Fram's website) and it was total Dilbertland there. I'm actually kind of surprised that they got back to you at all!
  • th003gth003g Member Posts: 149
    I may be able to help... I own a 2001.5 gt and my Mom has a 2002 GLS... I drive hers once in a while.... In my opinion, the GT suspension does make driving more fun... you can go around corners and not feel like your gonna keel over and lose control (i am 22 ;P )I also attribute some of the difference in feel to the fact that my steering wheel is leather wrapped and thus thicker than the GLS. The sport suspension on the GT gives a firmer, if not by much, ride and stability. I don't like to drive her car after driving mine, it's more like a soft cushy luxoboat ride than what the GT has. And now that I have 17's on my car the difference is even more drastic...
  • centarforcentarfor Member Posts: 22
    Seat heaters are not an option in Canada now, do you mean for 2003?
  • alfaloveralfalover Member Posts: 2
    I love Italian cars. Alfa that you mentioned and your Maserati are surly Italian beauties. Too bad we don't get much from Italy, Ferrari does not count since most people can not even dream about them.

    How many miles per tank do you guys get on average driving the GT??? Thanks for the posts...
  • zigliflerziglifler Member Posts: 99
    with 8k on my 02 gt i get about 425 out of a tank , that putting about 13 gallons in , give or take a half a gallon. i really dig this car tobad i had a rock pop up and crack my windshield . But to my suprise the dealer told me it will be about 330 to replace . i was really suprised the cost was so low . and thats from the dealer .
  • 5port5port Member Posts: 395
    alfalover

    I get a lifetime average of 24 mpg according to the trip computer (I never reset it). All my driving is local commute to work in heavy traffic.
    th003g is right-on about the difference in suspension...I agree!

    centarfor

    I read on that a GT owner in Canada had the dealer remove the stock seats and installed the heated seats. I just assumed it was an option.
  • gt_fangt_fan Member Posts: 159
    Alfalover - According to my log, I'm averaging 400 miles/tank (11 stops at the station, now at 4400 miles). My best was 472 miles, the worst was 331 miles (My lovely and gracious wife had the car that time. She gets nervous when the gauge gets below 1/4 full). I'm now at 30.6 mpg over the life of the vehicle. Of course, I drive like a Granny. When I get a wild hair, I let the tach go up clear to 3500 rpm instead of it's usual 2500, hehe!

    RE: Heated seats. I've heard that most places won't swap out your seats because of the liability exposure incurred by removing the side airbags. I have heard of kits, though, where you pull the cover off the seat, put the heating elements in and then put the cover back on. Sounds like a lot of work to me. :-)
  • wmoseswmoses Member Posts: 212
    Does anyone actually know (not believe they know) what the Hyundai policy is towards aftermarket modifications to one's GT?

    How far will they allow you to go before saying that you are voiding your warranty?

    For instance, will they allow aftermarket wheels and rims and not high lift cams? What about headers?
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I never had heated seats until I got my 2002 Jetta. It feels nice to be able to get the seat real hot on a cold morning. Also, it makes the muscles in your back feel better as well (my seats are heated at the bottom and back). It helps me anyway, because I have a bad back.
  • tysalphatysalpha Member Posts: 51
    Hey there Everyone:

    Just started looking at Elantra GT's.. I'm amazed at how many features Hyundai can get on them for the price - it really sounds like a great car!

    I have a couple of questions tho: I have heard two things about the interior lighting:

    1. I read that the front doors have 'entrance' lighting (lights on the edge of the door). Is this true? This is the sort of feature that used to only be common on "fancy" cars.

    2. I also read that there are no interior lights in the back seat area. If this is true, does anyone find this to be a problem/nuiscance? I know this isn't the biggest deal, but part of my goal in buying a 4-door car is to be able to drive my friends around easier when we go nightclubbing, etc. Considering the price and how many other great features (like leather seats) there are, I could probably overlook this one. But it's something that might push me to consider a Sonata, even tho it's more expensive (and conservative).

    Thanks for your help!
    TysAlpha
  • wmoseswmoses Member Posts: 212
    tysalpha asks --

    "I read that the front doors have 'entrance' lighting (lights on the edge of the door). Is this true?"

    Yes it is. I don't know if it is called entrance lighting since it is red. I think that it is more for safety than convenience. IOW, it lights up the door when it is opened, say, facing approaching traffic.

    As for the lack of lighting in the back ... yes this is a pain. However, do I regret buying this car because of lack of lighting in the back seat *and* weak lighting in the trunk? Not for a second. If it is that important, an Elantra GLS is also a very nice car. It would have a centrally mounted dome light if if does not have a moonroof.
  • th003gth003g Member Posts: 149
    since I am the only one that drive or ever sits in my car I really dont care about rear seat lighting... I got my car without the sunroof so the dome light is there. I changed the light to a dimmer colored (blue to match my car) bulb and i feel it is less bright but fine for my use, I actually like the amiance it gives the interior. The front map lights are plenty for me. If you want you can change teh dome light to a hyper white bulb which may light the interior better than the standard bulb.
  • tttechtttech Member Posts: 3
    Well I did it. Driving is Believing got me. Haven't had a hatchback since my 86 Golf so I forgot about some thumps/bumps road noise back there. 5 speed seems to shift fine but decelerate abruptly when easing off the gas-normal? Overall well pleased 500 miles of fun.
  • joffficerjoffficer Member Posts: 169
    Thank you for your e-mail regarding a Fram Sure Drain plug for your 2002 Hyundai
    Elantra. We welcome the opportunity to
    be of service.

    To re-iterate according to our data, we don't have a recommended Sure Drain plug
    for the 2002 Hyundai Elantra 4-2.0L
    engine. When releasing a new product, the parts to be released, will be the
    ones that are most likely to sell. As
    popularity, research, and sales increase new, less popular, parts are added. We
    are constantly updating parts and will
    most likely have one that fits the Elantra sometime in the near future.

    Thank you for choosing Fram Products.

    Cordially,

    Rick Hostettler

    Catalog/Technical Service Representative

    Catalog/Technical Service Department
  • zigliflerziglifler Member Posts: 99
    I have a Gt but it has no sunroof . I think that is where the bad lighting comes from . I think , being that I don't have one , the sunroof makes it so they don't install a light in the center of the ceiling of the car . So thats where you get the bad lighting comments in the back seat . They are comming from the people that have sunroofs.If you don't get the sunroof it does come with a light in the center of the cabin , and it lights the car very well . As far as the hatch lighing , well that is a different story and ya it is poor at best in the hatch area .
  • jim7heaven7jim7heaven7 Member Posts: 25
    Hey, folks have 2100 miles on my Elantra GT 5spd and love every minute in the car. Well tonigth I was at a light when a Honda Civic EX pulled up next to me, he had his car lowered and had 16 wheels on his car and one of those modified exhuast systems. It started by him rev-ing up his engine, like he wanted to race me, I reved up my engine to 3500 to 4000 rpms and waited for the light to change and then I hit it, the wheels started to spin a little bit, so I backed off a little and punched it again, up to 5000 rpms then to second and third and fourth gear, I was 3 car lengths ahead of him by the next light, I am pretty sure he missed a gear because I could hear his engine over-rev until he hit his next gear. The next light we stopped and he reved his engine again, but made a left turn. I was quiet happy with the performance of my car without any modifications. I am thinking of putting a single stage turbo or a supercharger on the car as well as some exhuast headers and tweak the suspension as well as some 17 inch tires. I am also thinking of putting on a short shift gear box and some raceing breaks and pads, but one thing at a time since the turbo whill set me back about 3 grand. For a stock car, it runs really well, very impressed with the beta motor. I usally dont race, but this car is so much fun its hard not to.

    Happy motoring everybody.

    P.S. I have only seen one GT besides mine, in the town I live in and I get looks all the time.
  • tysalphatysalpha Member Posts: 51
    Thanks guys, for the responses to my lighting question.

    Overall, yeah it's a fairly minor point. But I wanted to get a feel for what owners thought. I'm not quite ready to buy, but I think the Elantra GT is a great car, especially at the price. So when it gets closer to time, I'll check it out in person and driving, etc.

    Thanks again,
    TysAlpha.
  • banddexpressbanddexpress Member Posts: 63
    Hey just wanted to get some opinions on the gt before I go to the dealership. Does it have a split fold down seat in back or does the whole seat have to come down to give you room to carry more stuff. Also is their quite a bit of storage room in one of these things? Would appreciate any feed back thanks.
  • jim7heaven7jim7heaven7 Member Posts: 25
    Yes the seats are 60-40 so you can put one down and not the other. There is lotts of storage space with the seats up and tons with them down. I believe its 28 cubic feet with seats down. I have already halled and 32tv with box and a total gym in the back with no problem. I would go for a test drive and see how you like it.
  • wmoseswmoses Member Posts: 212
    banddexpress, you can haul a fair amount of band gear behind there, if that is what you are thinking.

    Not only do the rear seats fold down in a 60-40 split, but unlike many other cars with split folding rear seats, they are even more accommodating.

    The seat cushions (bottoms) can flip up and forward, and if you haul the head-restraints out, you can then fold the seat backs forward, down flat in the space previously occupied by the seat cushions. This really makes for a flat bottom and is good for a couple more cubic feet of space. Because the cusions are also split 60/40, you can choose to only do one side or both.

    When you go for your test drive check this feature out. Just another feature that makes thic car so special.
  • little9little9 Member Posts: 30
    Thanks for the information re: seat cushions (bottoms) flipping up/forward and then folding the seat backs forward to give an even more flat cargo area/extra space. I looked over a GT and did not like the fact that the cargo area appeared to be limited in usefulness given the fact that the "floor" was not close to being flat. Had started to look at P5 as I heard/read its cargo space was more flat thus more useful in hauling stuff. Can't say much for the "salesman" who demonstrated the car...in fact he said the car didn't have an interior hatch release but what I've read says that it does. Oh, well...there are truly few salesmen but a lot of clerks working in car sales.
  • gt_fangt_fan Member Posts: 159
    the GT really doesn't have an interior hatch release, a fact that got Hyundai in some trouble when they listed it on the window sticker on some early GT's. I'm guessing that they copied over a list of features from the GLS sedan, which I gather does have an interior trunk lid release. Hyundai sent $100 checks to any GT customers that had the release listed on their stickers, but only if they complained.

    Personally, I don't have any particular use for an interior release anyway. I mean, if you're going to be loading or unloading the hatch, you're going to be standing at the back of the car anyway. The outside release is large and easy to use. I've had cars in the past where there was no exterior hatch release (my '88 Pulsar comes to mind. Walking up to that car with an arm load of groceries was fun. You had to unlock the door, reach down on the floor and pull the release. Then walk to the back and very carefully pull straight up on the edge of the lid, because the latch was weak and would re-lock if you breathed wrong. Not real convenient, Nissan!).

    I particularly like the GT's big rubberized handle that you use to pull it closed again. It's on the inside where it doesn't get all coated with road grime. My wife's Durango has just a slippery little indentation where you're supposed to pull down the hatch with the tips of your fingers. It drives her nuts!
  • 5port5port Member Posts: 395
    jim7heaven7

    Yes, I admit getting sucked into a couple of street races with my GT. Last one was a Mazda Millenia S... we were nose to nose and no one could get ahead. That was good enough for me considering his V6 and possible supercharger. If you add the B&M short shift kit it will make this activity much more fun (see my posts in the Acc & Mods list). You can bet the other guy will never tell his friends he was beat by a Hyundai !

    PS: Now I can go back to acting my age :-)
  • sparty93sparty93 Member Posts: 1
    Hi, does anyone know if Hyundai is offering the $750 Rebate on the GT's? I know they were for a while on the GTS and the latest list of Incentives on the Edmunds site also lists it for the GT.
    Thanks
  • jim7heaven7jim7heaven7 Member Posts: 25
    5port

    Thanks for the B&M short shift kit info. I believe this will be my first mod for my car. I will install and let you know how it goes, I think it will make a big differnece.
  • wmoseswmoses Member Posts: 212
    jim7heaven7 --

    I hope that you post the results on this forum. I was also thinking of a similar upgrade.
  • dbwellsdbwells Member Posts: 44
    I am fairly certain that there are no incentives on the GT right now, only the GLS. Edmunds lists the GLS incentives under the GT, but the print underneath says "Excludes GT." Kinda silly.
  • jim7heaven7jim7heaven7 Member Posts: 25
    I just read the Cosumer reports Annual Auto issue for 2002. Boy they dont give Hyundai any breaks, it wasnt all bad, but the little piece they put in there wasnt all good. They report that the Elantra doesnt have traction aid, when in fact it does if you get a car optioned with it. I just feel Consumer reports is a very heavly biased, I know now why I dont subscribe to them, you cant get an objective opinion from reading there magazine at least when it comes to cars. I am glad there are more objective online forums for cars, Edmunds.com being one of them, I would go to them first before buying any car.

    Just my two cents worth.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    While the full CR review of the Elantra GLS was generally positive, they do seem to be inconsistent. For example, in the capsule summary of the car they note that the fuel economy they observed is not very good, yet it equals or betters that of several other cars in its class, and there's no mention of poor fuel economy for those cars. Then they complain about reliability when by there own measure it's a hair from average. At least they don't carp about subjective things like styling, as do some auto mags that go on and on about how ugly the front end of the Elantra is.
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