Hyundai Elantra 5-door

cjaccetta

mpgman - my dealer considers re-setting the check engine lamp to be an "adjustment" and not a repair. "Adjustments" are only covered for one year or 12,000 miles in Hyundai's warranty.

Perhaps if there was something actually malfunctioning in the car when the light came on, the warranty would cover the cost to re-set the fault. In my case, nothing was wrong with the car, it was just the loose gas cap...

BTW, after tightening the gas cap and driving normally for five days, the Check Engine light went out. This is the second time I've tried the "self-correcting start-cycle" method to re-set the Check Engine light and it's worked both times.

uz2bphast

If you disconnect the battery for 20 minutes the check engine light should reset.

I know this works on GM's

fgaydos

Hello all,
A ZX3 Focus owner here looking for a new hatch to purchase.
I saw the picture of the GT here in Edmunds and could not detect how high the hatch door opens. Would I be able to get a 21 speed road bicycle in there?
Not sure where the hinge is on the car, looks like it might be below the window?
I'm impressed by the positive reviews from the long term road tests so will most likely check it out along with the Forester, Honda CR-V and the Vibe.
Sure would save me a bunch of money, at least till I trade it in.

leahy2

Just trying to find some "real world" experiences with the interior room of the GT...we're looking for a second vehicle and have 2 small children (both using carseats)...would the backseat of the GT suffice for toting around the little ones (part-time at the most)?? We're not interested in a minivan, and the interiors of most sport utes are overrated...we love the flexibility of wagons/hatches, and the GT has gotten such great reviews, we figure we might as well take a look...any opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks!

jackyl100

leahy2-

The spacious interior is one of the first things people comment on when they see my car. The back seat in particular has far more room than any car in the class. It also has tie-down thingys for car seats (I have no idea how they work). You should definately test drive - driving is believing!

Jacky

jeffhall76

I have seen some GT's for sale used already and of course I see other Hyundai's for sale used and I am noticing a lot of ignorance (or deception) among those who are re-selling Hyundais. The 10year 100,000 warranty is ONLY for the first owner and/or their immediate family. For a second owner they only get a 5yr/60,000 warranty. Be careful if you are looking for a Hyundai used because you may be in for a shock down the road!

jimbeaumi

Oh please. There's nothing "misleading" about the warranty, because the company never suggests it is transferrable in full. You may be right, however, about private parties selling their cars and not disclosing the warranty reduction (which is still generous -- not many cars offer even the remainder of a five year warranty when bought used).

jeffhall76

I wasn't saying Hyundai was being misleading, it's the shady/ignorant people that are re-selling the cars. Almost every Hyundai I say on Ebay says "Remainder of 10yr/100,000 mile warranty". That's flat out misleading.

jimbeaumi

You're right -- it's the private resellers pulling that baloney. They need to be slapped.

th003g

http://a4.cpimg.com/image/5E/C9/10330974-5026-02000180-.jpg

is a link to a pic of my hatch open... the hing is at the top of glass on the hatch... and the door opening goes to the top of the bumper....

fold the seadt down and you can take it to home depot for some airconditioners and 2x4s...

it has THE BIGGEST interior in its class... almost size of a last gen camry/ accord(2002(

andil1

Thanks for the great picture, th003g. Can the cover be easily removed if needed?

jimbeaumi

th003g, that's my question, too (I could actually go to the dealer and LOOK): is the cover easily removed? My last hatchback had a quick-release cargo cover, as I imagine they all do.

th003g

cover is very easily removed. it is held in place at the pivot point by plastic stubs extending from the cover into what looks AN R on its side... then its attached to the hatch by two fabric strings with a t shaped pice at the end which slips into a holder on the sides of the hatch...

http://a5.cpimg.com/image/11/CF/11934225-0a48-02000180-.jpg

http://a7.cpimg.com/image/13/CF/11934227-c184-02000180-.jpg

http://a8.cpimg.com/image/14/CF/11934228-14bf-02000180-.jpg

nice feature... hatch handle
pics are a bit blurry but you get idea...

btw the alarm WILL go off if you have it armed and open the doors by unlocking it from inside the car and pulling on the door handle... its not a horn type alarm but a friggen annoying whee-whee at a very high pitch...as i just found out

jimbeaumi

I did that too! Before exiting my car one fine day, the "lock" button on my key fob was bumped or pushed or touched in some way, thereby locking the doors. Then I opened the car. Sometimes just having the keys in a pocket of my shorts is enough, if I have other objects with them -- raising a leg to step onto a porch was enough to lock it. Button should be recessed better, like the unlock button, yes?

mpgman

the GT may be a winner in many areas but not in rear visibility from the driver's seat? The pillars between the doors (B or C?) are really thick, the rear quarter window is really small and sits behind another thick pillar (C or B?), and the rear head rests are there do deal with too. Setting the side mirrors aside, I find that unless I physically turn my head left and right hard to the rear when changing lanes I just don't feel comfortable or safe. Maybe I should do that all the time, and perhaps I was spoiled from driving my friend's Passat wagon which, like other wagons, had great rear visibility. I'd like to hear others on this. Thanks.

crmatthew

I recently leased a 2002 Elantra GT. It's package 10 I think...basically it has everything except the traction and ABS system. Some friends think I got screwed with the lease agreement. I got it for $1000 down and 66-month payments of 287. How does that sound to people??

backy

Typically Hyundais aren't the best lease deals because of their low residual values. Lease payments are usually lower on Hondas and Toyotas, which have higher residual values. For example, in my area one can lease an Accord LX, a more expensive car than the GT, for the low-200s, at about the same amount down, for 48 months. Civics can be had for mid-100s. New Camrys can be had for mid-200s. Payments for 66 months would be less. In general, good lease deals are going away, in favor of low-cost financing. Fewer banks and car companies want to stick their necks out gambling on residual values.

Did you get screwed? 66 x 287 is almost $19,000. Add the $1000 down to that, and you are paying almost $20,000 over 5-1/2 years for your GT. That does seem high to me, especially with the availability of low-interest financing from Hyundai et. al. Especially since your GT will have zero value (to you) when your lease term expires. Personally I only lease if I can get really low payments and a reasonable residual value, e.g. the $110/month for 3 years that I got on my previous car, a '97 Sentra, or the $300/month for 5 years with almost nothing down that I got on my current '99 GCS, a $28,000 vehicle.

crmatthew

On my new 2002 Elantra GT there are about 5 paint chips the size slightly smaller than a pinky fingernail. The sales man says he'll touch it up. I think the car should be repainted. Any thoughts?

iusecad

$15,000 @ 5.75% for 60 months = $288.25

$15,000 @ 5.75% for 36 months = $454.63

anyone know if Hyundai will offer the GT without leather?

desg

The Elantra Hatch has about as much rearward visability as other similar designed hatches. I owned a Mazda 626 hatchback a number of years ago and it was similar as well.

Most vehicles with a fair sort of slope on the rear window will have a similar outcome. A wagon on the other hand with a near vertical rear window and large side windows in the back should have good visability.

You need to make good use of the mirrors.

jimbeaumi

You need to turn your head when changing lanes ANYWAY.

backy

You might want to agree with the dealer that if the touch-up is not satisfactory to you, then they will repaint the car. A repaint will likely not be as good a finish as the original factory finish, and they may be able to do a good job on the touch-up.

joffficer

You can get a set of 1-2" convex mirrors. I put them on both side rear views of my GT, and they work great. I do a lot of parrel parking and they help seeing the curb as well as the blind spot.

BTW.... I use them on all my cars.

bnorby1

backy,
While I do not think you got "screwed", it does not sound like you got a great deal - I pay 233US/mo, 60 months, and put down 1k for my GT - and I am buying. I recommend that for those thinking about buying vs. leasing, you check out www.fool.com - in their auto buying section they have some calculators, tips on buying/leasing, how to negotiate with the dealer, etc. Another good site, www.carbuyingtips.com - these sites were invaluable to me in helping me understand what kind of financing I was getting into before "signing on the dotted line..."

edovid

Actually, there was a lengthy discussion earlier
on this board about adjusting the mirrors for
best visibility - you may be able to find it using the search feature.
(BTW, I look back, too. Old habit)

natbdeb

Hi all..am about to buy a GT 5sp. Would like to research the dealerships but not sure how to go about it...There are 3-4 dealers in my area (none with the ABS unfortunately). Have seen enough horror posts about rotten dealership experiences and would sure like to avoid it!

leahy2

jackyl100,

Thanks for the scoop on your GT's interior room...we'll definitely keep it in mind when we're out looking. My only concern with the GT is really safety (in terms of visibility, height, etc.)...thanks again!

gtforme

I bought my GT in June, made one payment and took it on a trip from MA to GA. On the way back, the engine started to buck, and the malfunction light came on. Roadside assistance had it towed to the closest Hyundai dealer, which was in NJ. This had to happen on a Saturday, and the service department of the dealership they brought it to wasn't open on the weekend. Now, 5 days later, I'm back home, my car is about 265 miles from me, and probably won't be ready until next week.

According to the person I spoke with, there was a foreign object in one of the cylinders. So, they have to order a short block, cylinder head, valves and gaskets.

To say the least, I am not at all happy.

wmoses

gtforme said --

"According to the person I spoke with, there was a foreign object in one of the cylinders. So, they have to order a short block, cylinder head, valves and gaskets."

I am sorry to hear that you have a major problem with your GT's engine. Please keep us informed as to how the fix goes and more importantly, what this foreign object was/is.

This is very strange. At 5300 miles you wouldn't have had much (anything?) done to the car ... must have been a problem in the manufacturing.

gtforme

The service manager said it might have been a small screw or nut, but whatever it was, was probably destroyed in while the engine was running. Does that sound plausible?

wmoses

gtforme said --

"The service manager said it might have been a small screw or nut, but whatever it was, was probably destroyed in while the engine was running. Does that sound plausible?"

Not really. Where would such a thing come from to get into a cylinder? Cylinders have to withstand millions of explosions in making power, so there are not any screws and nuts within that swept volume. The only thing "inside" a cylinder are spark plug tip, valves and the piston's crown. Now I suppose pieces of piston rings could get into the cylinder if they start to break apart, but why would they do that, esp. on a new engine ...?

kentavos

How much of the work is covered by the warranty? In other words, what's your out of pocket expense? I know it's inconvenient, but beyond that what has your experience been?

I've always wondered how good the warranty really was and you seem like a prime example of whether it's worth it or not.

mpgman

Thanks. I know you should turn around and I do. I just find myself looking extra hard and careful because I've had a few near misses. I use the mirrors too, but there are blind spots. Picky...picky....this is one great value for the money as I cruise through 25,000 miles.

gtforme

kentavos wrote:
How much of the work is covered by the warranty? In other words, what's your out of pocket expense? I know it's inconvenient, but beyond that what has your experience been?

They haven't mentioned any money, and they had better not. I don't think I should be paying for anything on a car that's been in my possession for less than 90 days.

Hyundai's roadside assistance is covering the tow, the hotel I had to stay at, and my dealer got me a car to drive around with for the time being. So, they've done some things to help, but when we told them that the dealership that they dropped the car off at was closed for Saturday, they told US to call around and find a dealership that was open.

gtforme

The GT doesn't have great rear visibility, but definitely not as bad as some of the cars I've driven.

fgaydos

Hello all,
A Ford Focus ZX3 owner here thinking of buying the GT
I test drove a stick GT the other day and was impressed by all the standard features in the car.
These things were loaded with sunroofs etc.

I'm getting too old for stick driving in the city and I'm interested in the Auto but they did not have any to test. While I wait for them to find a tester is there any feedback on the Automatic? I am very happy with the ZX3 but worried about the new 'problems'. If you also drove a ZX3 that would be helpful in comparison.

As for buying now, I think they are still the '02 available. Anyone guessing when the '03's will be out? Would it make sense to wait? Will they be that much different? Of course they will be marked up with no incentives as there is now.:>(

Long term, are they holding up well?
Insurance wise, are you paying a higher premimun?
Storage wise, can you load a road bike inside with the seats down?

I went through the archives and not too many complaints it seems.
TIA Frank

fgaydos

I did more reading in the archive and found that the new GT's will be out in November, not changed too much from what you see now.
Also, everyone who rented a Focus and did not like them; remember the rental fleets are much cheaper than the regular cars. Did you rent a ZX3? Comparing a sedan to the GT is not fair.
I rented a Saturn and thought it was the worst car in the world based on the fleet car. But, the Saturns in the showroom are MUCH nicer.
Also, I think the reason the Insurance rates are higher in the GT is because of the poor crash ratings, last?, for the GT. Leather seats are nice till they are covered in your blood. Rather have a more rigid frame than cloth seats....or pay more for protection. Just a thought.
I will still test the Auto GT but have the crash tests in the back of my mind.

mpgman

Today's Hyundai's are probably a lot safer than most cars were 5 years ago. I wouldn't fret over the tests. Unless you get hit the exact same way as in the test, what does it mean? Drive defensively. That's more important.

lngtonge18

Did you read the crash data? The Elantra does have a ridid frame, one of the few small cars rated good in that area. The only problem the Elantra had was with the driver's airbag deploying late and a possibly weak seat rail. Otherwise, the car did good. Did you also look at the NHTSA's crash ratings? The Elantra received 4 stars for the driver and 5 stars for the passenger in the head-on impact and 5 stars for the driver and 4 stars for the rear seat passenger in the side-impact test. No airbag or seat rail problems were reported in these tests, which are actually tougher on restraint systems then the offset-impact is. You need to look at the whole picture before getting worried over one single test. Think of it this way: Have you survived the ownership of your Focus? Seeing as its side-impact performance is clearly inferior to the Elantra's and it also did slightly worse in the head-on test and you still bought the car, then you shouldn't be so worried about the possible issues in the offset-impact test for the Elantra.

backy

The Focii I rented were SE units, defintely not bottom of the barrel. Even if they were, it would not excuse parts falling off and peeling off of brand-new cars, nor would it excuse all the recalls and NHTSA safety actions on the Focus. That, coupled with an uncomfortable seating position (for me) in the Focus and the fact I could buy a loaded Elantra GLS with more power for the price of a base ZX3 was enough for me.

fgaydos

You cannot compare the Zx3 to the SE, they are way different. The 3 sits higher and has 15 more Horse Power.
It is apples and oranges.

Most of the recalls were for minor things like replace A-piller padding or a bolt on the rear seat. The only possibly dangerous one was for a nut on the rear wheel. No actual wheels broke however and some issue with criuise control with Auto.

As for safety;

the State Farm site has the Elantra listed as a 'C' in the Damage and Theft Index, means "charged higher than standard collision and comprehensive premiums" Also a 10% in the Vehicle Safty Discount. Most 'SAFE' cars are rated at 30% or higher. http://www.statefarm.com/top10/top10.htm

The site also has other lists like most stolen, dangerous intersections etc.

Point is, you may pay less upfront but in the long run it will catch up with higher premiums, plus you are less safe.

fgaydos

Here is a review from Click and Clack, the Tappit Brothers.:>)

http://cartalk.cars.com/Info/Testdrive/Reviews/hyundai-elantra-gt-2002.html

It is a very favorable review, as they say,

"At $14,376 with leather seats, power windows and remote keyless entry -- not to mention a great warranty -- the Elantra GT is, above all, a spectacular deal. Combine that with the fact that it's a pretty nice car, and what's not to like? All of our minor criticisms, noted below, should be taken with this question in mind: What the hell do you want for 14 grand? "

These guys can be pretty cruel, they once said of my little Ford Festiva, " It is a coffin on wheels". :>)

Pros and Cons, Pros and Cons.........

fgaydos

Here is a review from Click and Clack, the Tappit Brothers.:>)

http://cartalk.cars.com/Info/Testdrive/Reviews/hyundai-elantra-gt-2002.html

It is a very favorable review, as they say,

"At $14,376 with leather seats, power windows and remote keyless entry -- not to mention a great warranty -- the Elantra GT is, above all, a spectacular deal. Combine that with the fact that it's a pretty nice car, and what's not to like? All of our minor criticisms, noted below, should be taken with this question in mind: What the hell do you want for 14 grand? "

These guys can be pretty cruel, they once said of my little Ford Festiva, " It is a coffin on wheels". :>)

Pros and Cons, Pros and Cons.........

csandste

to come out.

I was forced to choose between a ZX3 and an Elantra GLS. Took the Elantra and have been very well pleased. The Focus is a better handling car (at least the Zx3 was better than the GLS), but the Elantra is more comfortable, more powerful and has a better reliability record. I've put on 22K in a year with absolutely nothing wrong, just oil changes and tire rotations.

jimbeaumi

Never say one can be too old for a stick shift!! It is the only way to drive!!

There, now I feel so much better.

I was looking at GTs today, even though my GLS is only 13 months old (and 9 days), and I still ponder trading up for one because they are so sharp. But how could I part with my beloved Betsy III? This little gem rolled 17K Thursday on the way to Chicago and has been very reliable. My friends know that if any car of mine coughs I run to the dealer for a look-see. I've been there to replace wheel covers I've scratched or to unplug washer jets (wax -- oops), and for routine maintenance.

My car is still smooth and comfortable around town or in the 90-100 mph zone (shhh -- don't tell anyone). I would love Focus-level handling, but I have no complaints about it, either. F.G. if you find a good dealer with a good service department, get the GT.

th003g

comparing the zx3 with the se is almost as fair as comparing the gt withe the ZX3... ones a 3 door hatch ones a five door... and not you cannot fit a 26 inch mtb without taking off the front wheel... but i have yet to attempt it cause i dont want to dirty my interior.

misinformation is common among consumers... they think once they know some tidbit they know everything there is to know about that car... elantra did VERY WELL in crash tests...except for that on that everyone talks about...i have a few theories about why but i will refrain from making excuses...
focus' are nice until they fall apart with you in it... thats akin to what your saying... get my drift... btw... good luck in your search for a new car... hope you drive and believe...i know others among us have...
and i can vouch for a better reliability record than your zx3 or any focus...

hjr2

We almost got one(GT) but took the 01 Tiburon.
The GT's rear end just is not my cup of tea(coffee, for me ;-) ).
Also, I thought that the seats in the GLS(shocker) were a tad more comfortable than the GT's. I did notice the price(MSRP) went up to $16,199 VS $14,999 last year(with automatic).
At least in my area.
Still have 3 years(!) Left to pay off 99 sonata(took the 6 year plan)...may just see if they'll pay it off in dec 2004(9 months left,should "only" have 120,000 on it)..I doubt they'd pay off nearly $3,400 on any Hyundai(as o now, maybe by 2010 the resale/trade values will go up alot) with 100,000+ on it.

WIll get some type of Elantra(I predict the Sonata will gain alittle in size next itineration, and Elantra may go up a grand or so and beocme a bit "nicer" and maybe a n inch or so longer/wider).

clayman1000

As for automatic, I live in center city Philly, where every other corner is a stop sign. Plus I have arthritus in my thumbs.

The Zx3 and Zx5 are the same car except for two more doors.

The Tiburon is in the top 10 most stolen list. High insurance rates. Sexy car though.

fgaydos aka clayman, at work.:>)

backy

You forgot to mention that Click and Clack told their readers that they cannot recommend the Focus to anyone because of all of its recalls and NHTSA safety actions.

pw_eastside

I'm proud to say that I've joined the ranks of happy GT owners over the weekend and picked up my pewter GT w/auto on Friday. So far I love the car, especially coming from my 1998 cavalier sedan, and am looking forward to many years of happy ownership.

I have a few questions though about my car that I was hoping to get your input since this board has been a valuable source of info for me so far.

First off, what type of care and maintanence have owners been doing on the leather seats. I would like to keep them looking good for as long as possible and have heard that Lexol products are a good choice for that. Any comments?

Also, the car came with a black pinstripe that I wasn't charged for but don't really want. I was thinking about removing it but was concerned about it leaving a mark. Does anyone have any experience with this and what could I do to minimize my chances of screwing up the paint. Otherwise I can live with it but would rather not.

Thanks in advance for the responses and happy motoring!

pw_eastside