Hyundai Elantra 5-door

1…6263656768…96

Comments

  • gaelsguygaelsguy Member Posts: 17
    Way to go gt_fan. In that we are LONG past any child seat use, I guess I will use the tabs to restrain my Boston Terrier. They make a canine safety harness now. I read on this board somewhere about wishing that the GT had daylight running lights. I found that if you leave the headlights on always that they will turn off when the ignition is turned off and that the parking/dash lights will then turn off when you open the door. This would, in affect, give you daylight lights. Also, my interior lights including the ignition lock ring light does stay on for about 10 seconds after entering the car and closing the door. I believe that someone wished that these lights would stay on, Perhaps this was a fix in the 03 model? If so, Hyundai is reading the mail. Go Hyundai!
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    The "theater" lighting in the interior has been around since the '01 models. My '01 GLS base model, one of the first ashore in the U.S., didn't have the ignition key ring light but I've seen other '01 units with that feature, so it either came in later in '01 or maybe they just didn't put it on the 5-speed base models. I like the auto-off headlights--much more helpful than the usual lights-on chime I think. I've seen ads for very expensive (over $30k) vehicles touting that they have (optional) auto-off headlights. I always get a chuckle out of those.
  • clayman1clayman1 Member Posts: 41
    Alas,
    The Elantra was not recommended again by Consumer Reports.
    Chief complaint was the poor offset crash test which they called, 'troubling'.
    The Santa Fe, Sonata and XG350 were all recommended.
    It is noteworthy to note they tested the Sedan model and not the hatch GT.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    No, and CR will not recommend the Elantra (or any other vehicle) that has a poor NHTSA or IIHS crash test result. Hopefully one of these days Hyundai will work with the IIHS to run another test and clear up the only significant "black mark" on an otherwise fine small car.
  • codata99codata99 Member Posts: 123
    "The group has opposed almost every measure to rein in the runaway legal system -- even the securities lawsuit reform passed by a two-thirds majority of Congress."
    http://www.junkscience.com/consumer/oct99/consumer_wsj0919.htm
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    How does this relate to CR's work on estimating the predicted reliability of vehicles? I know their survey is not perfect (e.g. it is based on a subjective question and the survey population is only the readership of Consumer Reports), but I think it provides useful data. And I didn't see any reference to the predicted reliability surveys in the Junk Science site. If you're just trying to point out that CR is biased and pushes its own agenda, I don't think that's news to most people, including myself.
  • gaelsguygaelsguy Member Posts: 17
    Why can't car dealers make buying their car pleasant experience? I guess only Saturn does it but at a cost to the buyer. I left xyz dealer in Orlando Fl, sick to my stomach and wondering if I did the right thing and suspecting that I got "had" in the fine print. However when I checked the figures again, all looked ok. It would have been nice to drive the 40+ miles home in a happy frame of mind. It took a couple of days to feel good about the car and each day I am feeling gooder and gooder. Got a tad over 400 miles on now and it seems to run better and better. Starting to get a little frisky, it seems.I do stay in the advised peramaters of the break in rules, still it "feels" like the get up and go is getting up and going a little freer. Love the Chanti color. I have only seen 2 GT Hatch in my area in the last 2 years. I am seeing more Santa Fe's than any other Hyundai. Nuff for today,
  • vanman2003vanman2003 Member Posts: 1
    #1 of 3 by vanman2003 Mar 11, 2003 (6:44 pm)
    I want to buy a Elantra GT and tow it behind my motorhome. Base plates for this model are available. I called Hyundia and reading from the owners manual: "towing 4-wheels down is restricted to manual transmittions at 30mph not over 15 miles. I have a GT 5-door ordered but must pass on it if it truly isn't towable 4 wheels down. Can anyone say for sure that it's OK? On an aside note. All the Elantras I test drove(4) and the one in the showroom had 40psi in all their tires when it should have been 30 psi. Used two different gauges. Check your tires!
  • jeffhall76jeffhall76 Member Posts: 52
    I'm about to turn over to 20,000 miles in my '02 GT that I've had for a bit over a year now (yes, I drive a lot I guess). I must say it's been a very happy year. I haven't had to make a single trip to the dealer for any concerns. The only thing that popped up was the check engine light would come on intermittently and stay on until it went out by itself or I reset it by undoing the battery. Now the problem has completely gone away on its own.

    The other day here in New Tampa I saw another guy in a cobalt blue GT (I see him frequently) and he actually honked at me. I like that feeling of kinship among other owners. I doubt Civic owners do that since they are a dime a dozen. I see GT's every now and then but not very often and I always get excited when I see another one.

    I'd definitely recommend this car to anyone. For someone that had his heart set on a Saab 9-3, this was a great alternative for so much less money that it would have been foolish to get the Saab because I wasn't all that impressed by it (especially the lack of space in the driver's footwell and no center armrest).

    Mods I've made include: Celica GT spoiler, stubby "Euro" antenna, tint, and short ram air intake. I also peeled off the "Hyundai Elantra" part to add more mystery to the car. I'm not ashamed to drive a Hyundai and my car friends still tease me but they are impressed with the car and just like giving me a hard time.

    Happy motoring everyone!
    Jeff
  • boraxplunderboraxplunder Member Posts: 1
    I'm in the market for a new car, and I'm seriously considering the Elantra GT hatchback. The only problem is that I don't have a lot of money, so keeping my payments down is a fairly large concern.

    I dislike how the package for ABS and TC are in the more expensive group 7, since I don't really need a moonroof.

    I've never owned a car with either ABS or traction control, so I'm wondering if I'll really notice a dramatic difference. I live in central New York, so our winters are fairly bad, but I've survived thus far without either of these amenities. (and with older cars too, '89 Sundance, currently '85 Lancer, time to treat myself...)

    Thanks for any information you can give me.
  • goldsatrongoldsatron Member Posts: 1
    I have an '02 GT that has made me very happy! I noticed recently that the fog lights are only coming on when the full lights are on. I thought they are supposed to come on in either the parking lights or full lights. Anyone else have this situation?
  • lngtonge18lngtonge18 Member Posts: 2,228
    No factory fog light setup allows you to turn the fog lights on without the headlights. It's against the law in most if not all states. You can have it wired to do it but just know you could get pulled over for it if a cop decides to be a pain.
  • 204meca204meca Member Posts: 369
    Jeff, how is the reception with your Euro Stubby antenna? Can you detect any difference with short ram air intake besides it sounds cooler? What brand do you have?

    Thanks, Dan Hall
  • spamletspamlet Member Posts: 22
    If you've never had ABS/TC, you know how to drive in winters without them. I didn't get ABS on my Elantra sedan and have never missed it, but I have never had ABS on a car.

    One thing to consider is how it will affect your insurance costs. Insurance companies give discounts for ABS, and depending on your age, the extra monthly cost for the combo may be slightly offset by the extra savings on your insurance.

    I think ABS is a lot like TiVO, you can live without it until you have it and then you will never, ever be able to go back.
  • gaelsguygaelsguy Member Posts: 17
    Should there be a glove box light in my 03 GT hatch?
  • gaelsguygaelsguy Member Posts: 17
    Dah!! when one turns on ones running lights, the glove box light comes on. I got smart late......... again. Story of my life. I also checked on the cabin air filter, there wasn't one installed. Must be one of those dealer installed options that I am just as glad to do it myself.... correctly :). I will check with the local Hundai dealer for the filter and install same.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Since when did a cabin filter come standard on U.S.-spec Elantras?

    On my Elantra, the glove box light comes on when I open the glove box door, regardless of whether the running lights are on or not.
  • jeffhall76jeffhall76 Member Posts: 52
    Dan,

    The stubby antenna has normal reception, I didn't notice a difference. I am planning on getting a Tiburon antenna tho because I don't like how the stubby antenna bends in the wind.

    My intake makes a slight difference I think, especially at midrange. Lower end is still slow. I've had it in so long now I don't know if I remember how it was before. I bought the intake on Ebay advertised as "KDM." It was $50 and a WASTE of money. Just go to an auto parts store and buy a cone intake filter for $25, it's the same thing. The Ebay ad said it just goes right on the plastic piece where the airbox detaches but that was not true either and it rattled against the brake line and scared the you know what out of me because it felt like my brakes were failing. It just flopped there! I ended up going to Home Depot and getting a bent PVC pipe to straighten it out. It's a pretty easy mod and I don't plan on changing it back anytime soon.

    Jeff
  • mpgmanmpgman Member Posts: 723
    I'd get it. I have it on my GT. The ABS has kicked in more often than the traction control. I know that many think they can do a better job themselves, but you can't match a well functioning computer that operates in milliseconds when it's crunch time. Besides, it might help resale value or make it easier to sell since most manufacturers are slowly adding more safety equipment.
  • gaelsguygaelsguy Member Posts: 17
    My glove box light comes on only when the running/parking lights are in use.(and the glove box door is opened). I guess the logic is that if one does not need the running lights, it must be light enough so that one doesn't need the glove box light. As for the cabin filter, I removed the glove box and behind it there is a small removable door. It is where a cabin filter goes (I believe). I was sent a drawing from wmoses@houston.it.com It shows a filter but no part number. Wayne has an Elantra GT site..... I'm still learning. The MPG is slowly creeping up as the engine breakes in, I presume. Now 24.3. I started out 20.8.
  • gaelsguygaelsguy Member Posts: 17
    I have a drawing that I could e-mail to you if you want. Let me know. Or you can dig it out at the Hyundai site. gwebworks.com
  • michael_lee76michael_lee76 Member Posts: 45
    I accidently put them in the dryer for a long time and I ruined them. Do you know any place i can get the official Elantra GT floor mat? for cheap price?

    does anyone use Momo's universal floow mat? and how do you like it?

    thanks.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    gaelsguy--thanks, actually I knew that the U.S.-spec Elantra has the receptacle for a cabin filter, but I surmised from your post that you expected your Elantra to actually come equipped with a cabin filter. To my knowledge, Hyundai doesn't put the cabin filter in U.S. Elantras. But as wmoses and others have figured out, you can go buy a filter and install it yourself.

    Re cheap floor mats--did you check out eBay? You'd be amazed at what you can find there.
  • michael_lee76michael_lee76 Member Posts: 45
    Yeah, I checked on Ebay but i couldn't find. The only thing i could find was Momo's universal floor mat.
  • sr_srikanthsr_srikanth Member Posts: 41
    Hi, I asked this question a while ago. The dealer who I have been using all this time, wants to charge $435 for 30K service. I think it is too much. At the same time, the local service shop charges less than half of that. If I do the 30K service with the other will it void any warranty? If I maintain the documents, will there be any problem with the warranty.

    Also can some one rate Mastercare Firestone vs Monro muffler? Which one is better?

    Thanks in adavce.
  • mike91326mike91326 Member Posts: 251
    I have used the Firestone near my house for service on all my cars for many years and have been very happy with them. They told me that they would charge me $175 to do the 30K service on my Elantra. Having Firestone or anyone else do the 30K will in no way void your warranty.
  • jimbeaumijimbeaumi Member Posts: 620
    My dealer wants $315.95 for 30K service. I'll compare this with my mechanic friend's shop, as they've not seen me since I bought my Elantra. :)
  • gaelsguygaelsguy Member Posts: 17
    any suggestions as to the best wax to use. I haven't had a car this new to demand a better wax.
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    Think I mentioned this before. I paid $50 for 30K service not counting plug replacement and rotation (which I contract elsewhere). The Magnuson-Moss Act prohibits manufacturers for insisting on dealer service unless they pay for it. Dealers make big money on periodic service, much of which they pad over and above what is called for by the manufacturer. Copy the service sequence from Edmunds and have an independent garage check off on each function as completed. 30K platinum plug changes are overkill IMHO-- car is still running great.

    I will be taking my GLS to dealer for first time next week. Need safety inspection, will have them do oil change. Will have them replace H7 bulb since it's under warranty. Hopefully their "long life" bulb will last longer than what I've been putting in. Eight so far, counting originals.
  • according2meaccording2me Member Posts: 236
    "Store Bought Waxes Part II (No Zaino Posts)" Mar 16, 2003 2:15pm

    "Zaino Car Polishes/Products--Your Experiences (Part 2)" Mar 18, 2003 2:47pm
  • according2meaccording2me Member Posts: 236
    Now I can see removal for inspection, sometime before 50K, just so they don't get welded in place.

    I've run NGK plats in my Honda (you know the other "H" manufacturer from the Far East) for the first 90K miles and it starts and runs just like it did new. At $12 per plug, I've been in no hurry to replace them, but will do so shortly with coppers.

    Does anyone know who's plat Hyundai is using as OEM? I'll bet it isn't cheap either.
  • servo_fanservo_fan Member Posts: 15
    My wife was driving our automatic transmission '02 GT yesterday and she told me that immediately after getting gas at a station we've used in the Hyundai before, (and paying the highest average price in the country here in California, but that's another story ;-)), while she was in the middle of a u-turn, the car just lost power (both momentum and electrical, apparently the power steering went out too). She had to coast through the u-turn and pull over. When she went to put the car in Park, she said it made a grinding noise. She said she was fully stopped at that point. Then she shut the car off for about 30 seconds, restarted it and everything was fine. Any ideas? Would bad gas cause such a problem so quickly after fill up? If so, should we expect this problem for the duration of the tank?
  • codata99codata99 Member Posts: 123
    The factory plug is NGK.
  • lovetosavegaslovetosavegas Member Posts: 73
    Did your wife top-off the tank? I remember my passat stalling ~30 sec after I restarted the engine at the gas station. The only thing that I did was to top the car off. Hyundai forbids top-off to my best knowledge. Does anyone know why it is not good to top-off?
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    One reason I've heard is that the extra gas flows into the carbon canister (pollution control device), affecting driveability (and pollution control) until the excess gas evaporates.
  • lovetosavegaslovetosavegas Member Posts: 73
    It kinda makes cense. Though looking at all the components from the top of the fuel tank(back of the car) till the canister in the front of the car on the other side it would be pretty tough for the gas to get through(there is a large expantion tank). But it is definitely possible.
  • codata99codata99 Member Posts: 123
    no the extra gas does not flow into the canister. Rising fuel shuts off the fill-vent valve and the tank will spit back gas through the filler neck if you keep trying to top it off. Also there's a liquid-vapor separator in the line.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    All this time I worried I had messed up many a EGR system by accidently overfilling the gas tank. Good to see Click & Clack aren't all-knowing.
  • compensatecompensate Member Posts: 212
    I haven't been around here in a while and thought I'd give a brief update.

    I bought one of the first Elantra GTs as a 2001.5 model. It is a Pewter 5-speed with moonroof as the only option. It now has over 38,000 miles on it.

    Overall, I'm still very happy with the car. Overall quality is very good, although, for obvious pricing reasons, they took a few shortcuts to save money (which is fine, as these shortcuts are minimal). Some of these include a moderate-quality head unit (AM/FM/CD) (sounds very good, but prone to CD skipping and average FM reception at best), low-quality wiper blades (easily resolved), and a cheap plastic (looks like metal) shift diagram on top of the 5-speed shifter (the outer ring on mine has chipped off, bit by bit).

    Overall, I still love the car. I get about 32 MPG highway (driving 80-85 MPH!). The ride is nice (mine has the now defunct comfort suspension).

    You cannot go wrong buying this car!

    Enjoy the drive!
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    And here I always thought the shift pattern disk was metal. Sure fooled me.
  • mpgmanmpgman Member Posts: 723
    Put 125,000 on my Festiva before getting shamed into changing the plugs. They came out easily enough.
  • revkarevka Member Posts: 1,750
    and thanks for your 38k update! Glad to hear your Elantra GT has been serving you well. Happy motoring!

    Revka
    Host
    Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Just returned from the Greater Twin Cities Auto Show. The Elantra GT hatchback (blue; didn't have any GT sedans) stood out as the clear value champ at the show. Consider: for less than the price of a Civic LX, you can get a GT with moonroof, leather, alloys, 6-speaker stereo etc. And that's before rebates. Even the Spectra hatchback was about the same price as the Elantra GT, with far less equipment (and quality, IMO).
  • iusecadiusecad Member Posts: 287
    I was there Saturday too. The Hyundai & Kia cars had no one around them, but the Santa Fe, Sorento & Sedona had quite a few people. The Mini's seemed to be very popular...
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Yeah, I noticed that traffic was kind of light in the Hyundai area also. Perhaps related to the fact that they had no new models on display this year, while other makes were showing off new '03 and '04 vehicles and concept cars. I was surprised that Hyundai had no sample of their only new '03 model, the Elantra GT sedan, at the show. They did have the restyled Accents. I too saw a lot of people at the Santa Fe and Sorento. I also was sitting in the CR-V when a family came buy and looked at it, and commented how much nicer the Santa Fe was. :-)
  • iusecadiusecad Member Posts: 287
    on the CR-V vs. the Santa Fe, but I've only sat in 'em; haven't driven 'em.

    Funniest comment I heard was what a "reasonable" price Nissan had on that orange '04 Maxima. $28k is reasonable? Not where I live...

    I suppose Hyundai figured a GLS and a GT hatch would cover the whole Elantra line... they at least got my two favorite colors. ;)
  • ejakabejakab Member Posts: 20
    I live in Connecticut, and I want to buy a base 2003 Elantra GT Automatic hatchback. The dealer asks for $13500+sales tax (after cashback). Is this an acceptable price for THIS area, what do you think?

    The only difference between this and Edmunds.com or CR is a $400 advertising fee (which is on Hyundai's invoice) and a $300 dealer conveyance fee.
  • lmp180psulmp180psu Member Posts: 399
    Recently hyundai increased prices of all elantra's $300, so the MSRP/invoice for a base GT auto is $15,774 /$14,555 (TMV is $14,845)without rebate($1500). If the car has an MSRP that is about 15,444 then it is a car that was on the lot before the price increase. Even if it is a GT w/price increase, I think it is not a good deal because it is a little over TMV with rebates. Depending on availability, try to get a price of about 13-13.3K which is at invoice or slightly above. If it has an MSRP of 15,444, deduct $300 from the above numbers. You can negotiate the ad fee or tell them you aren't going to pay it, and unless you are getting the car from a distant dealer you should have to pay for the conveyance fee. If you get them taken off or a part of it anyway, your deal would indeed be a good one. Good luck!
  • compensatecompensate Member Posts: 212
    Just wondering if anyone here who owns an Elantra GT has more mileage than me? My 2001 5-speed currently has 38,750 miles on it.

    (My daily work commute is 76 miles round-trip, and we use the GT for long vacation drives, too!)
  • zigliflerziglifler Member Posts: 99
    it is an 02 and has 29k on it now .
Sign In or Register to comment.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.