Hyundai Elantra 5-door

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Comments

  • carlisimocarlisimo Member Posts: 1,280
    It's not normal for clutches to be covered... they're not like normal wear-and-tear items in that how you drive has a huge impact on their lifespan. Free clutches would be an invitation for peel-outs at every green light.
  • smith20smith20 Member Posts: 256
    "but what happens if a problem with the car makes it impossible to drive it 200 miles?"

    The warranty includes 24-hour roadside assistance for the first 5 years you own the car. They should tow it to the dealer for you.
  • smith20smith20 Member Posts: 256
    Don't know, mine says "Hyundai Elantra GT - 5 door" in big red letters near the top of the page.
  • john_wjohn_w Member Posts: 72
    "Free clutches would be an invitation for peel-outs at every green light."

    Ah, because it's been so long since I've had a car under warranty and because I don't peel out at green lights, this never occurred to me.

    I guess you have to read the fine print in order to know what the warranty covers. Is there some general principle or theme by which I can have a fairly accurate expectation of what will be covered and what will not?

    Thanks,
    John
  • john_wjohn_w Member Posts: 72
    "They should tow it to the dealer for you."

    Wow, a 200-mile free tow! Only problem then is that they probably aren't going to tow it back to where I live. In that case, I'd have to take a bus or get a friend to drive me 200 miles to retrieve my car. Or, perhaps, I could ride up in the tow truck, but then I might have to stay overnight in a motel, etc.

    There are two car dealers in my little town--a Toyota-Honda-GM dealer and a Ford-Mazda dealer. The safest bet might be to buy a car that one of them would service under wanranty. Or I could risk buying a much better-priced Elantra.

    Please correct me, if I'm making some erroneous asumptions here.

    Thanks,
    John
  • jimbeaumijimbeaumi Member Posts: 620
    After I go to the Elantra discussion on the sedans board, I then click "Hyundai Elantra owner groups" which lists sedans, 5-doors, accessories, problems/solutions, etc. I guess it has a different appearance depending on where one begins.

    I think the Hyundai Roadside Assistance will tow to a dealer OR an "authorized service center", so perhaps a local shop is included in that description.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    * Suspension - Floaty compared to what? Too bad you didn't drive the GT too, so we could have had a direct comparison. All we have to go on now is what Hyundai and published reports say about the '05 GLS 5-door, which is that it has a "sport suspension" and "sport steering", and 4-wheel disc brakes. It's possible that these are not the same suspension, steering, and brakes as on the GT, but why would Hyundai go to the extra expense of making and fitting different parts just for the GLS 5-door?

    * Crash tests - The IIHS is very tight-lipped about their tests, before they publish them. But the NHTSA "leaked" the fact that the IIHS did new crash tests when they published a recall on the '04 Elantra back on April 30:

    DURING AN INSURANCE INSTITUTE FOR HIGHWAY SAFETY (IIHS) OFFSET FRONTAL BARRIER IMPACT TEST ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, FUEL SPILLAGE OCCURRED AS A RESULT OF FUEL TANK DAMAGE CAUSED BY CONTACT BETWEEN A VAPOR TUBE HOSE CLAMP EAR AND THE FUEL TANK. THE VAPOR TUBE HOSE CLAMP EAR WAS FOUND TO BE MISPOSITIONED AND FACING TOWARD THE FUEL TANK.

    I called the IIHS to see if they would just tell me when the results will be published, and they said "we don't release information directly to the public." So I guess we'll have to wait until they decide to release the results. The NHTSA frontal score for the '04 Elantra improved from 4 stars to 5 stars compared to the '01 model, so that is encouraging, as are the 5 stars/4 stars scores for the NHTSA's side crash tests on the '04 Elantra.

    FWIW, I would never buy a car for which the warranty was a big plus and the nearest dealer was 200 miles away. That's just too inconvenient for me. Even getting parts so that a nearby mechanic could do the maintenance (which BTW does not void the warranty) might be a challenge.
  • smith20smith20 Member Posts: 256
    "Only problem then is that they probably aren't going to tow it back to where I live. In that case, I'd have to take a bus or get a friend to drive me 200 miles to retrieve my car. Or, perhaps, I could ride up in the tow truck, but then I might have to stay overnight in a motel, etc."

    If the Elantra is undrivable for a reason covered by the warranty, I think they provide you with a loaner car for the time it is being fixed. I am not certain about that, but I think that is correct.
  • jprybajpryba Member Posts: 201
    You need to relocate closer to the nearest Hyundai dealership : )

    Seriously, though, I would avoid getting a Hyundai this time if I were you. I would give you the same answer no matter what car it was, though. 200 miles each way is too far.

    Granted, you don't have to get your normal service performed at the dealership, but it would be a pain to figure out how to get to and from the dealership if your car broke down (even with the included roadside assistance).

    So, maybe it's time to move... ; )
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    OK, I get it now. If I go in through the Owner's groups, I do see the "Hyundai Elantra 5-door" discussion listed. But I never go in that way. I go in through my Message Center (because I subscribed to the discussion eons ago), so what I see as a title is "Hyundai Elantra GT - 5 door."

    Another weird thing is that the discussion in the Owner's group says this discussion is in the Hatchbacks board. But when I go directly to the Hatchbacks board and list discussions about Hyundai Elantra hatchbacks, what do I see? "Hyundai Elantra GT - 5 door." Shouldn't it be the same title, no matter how someone gets to it? That would be a little less confusing.
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    Ohhhkay...my face is red. When creating that link in the owners club, I didn't include "GT". It's fixed now. Thanks for bringing that to my attention!
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Nooooooooooooo!!! I didn't want you to include GT! That is the point of the last 20 messages or so. The 5-door isn't just a GT anymore. It should be "Hyundai Elantra 5-door". Period.
  • jimbeaumijimbeaumi Member Posts: 620
    Of course, today, I go to the list and the room and both are titled "GT".

    Karen S, you could have left it as just "Elantra 5-door" ... but how did you know you were ahead of your time? ;)
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    It's fixed now! It shows up as "Hyundai Elantra 5-door" in my Message Center, as if by magic! Thanks, Karen!
  • john_wjohn_w Member Posts: 72
    “You need to relocate closer to the nearest Hyundai dealership : )”

    Although you suggest this with a smiley, you really do have a good point. Furthermore, car dealerships are not the only things lacking in the boonies.
  • john_wjohn_w Member Posts: 72
    “It's possible that these are not the same suspension, steering, and brakes as on the GT, but why would Hyundai go to the extra expense of making and fitting different parts just for the GLS 5-door?”

    Would it be an extra expense, if they used the suspension in the GLS sedan?

    As you say, it’s too bad I didn’t test-drive a GT in order to make a direct comparison of the suspensions and steering, etc.

    I don’t know if the dealer had a GT demo on the lot, but in any case, I wasn’t interested in the GT, and wanted to focus on the cars I was interested in possibly buying.

    Re the GLS 5-door’s suspension, you ask “Floaty compared to what?” Good question.

    My experience was that it was floaty, period. If you want a comparison, then okay, the GLS 5-door’s suspension was floaty compared to everything else I drove that day—namely, the Honda Civic Si 2dr hatchback, Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS Sport Wagon, Mazda i sedan, Scion xA 4dr hatchback, and Scion xB wagon. If you have driven any of these cars, and find that the GT 5-door is not floaty compared to these cars, then chances are good that the GLS is floaty compared to the GT. In other words, since the GLS 5-door was floaty compared to everyone of those cars, then if any of those are more floaty than the GT, it sort of follows that the GLS 5-door would be floaty compared to the GT. (If A > B and B > C, then A > C.) The possible flaw in this logic is the subjectivity of the experience of floatiness.

    “FWIW, I would never buy a car for which the warranty was a big plus and the nearest dealer was 200 miles away.”

    FWIW, I think I need to give this point considerable weight. Of course, not only is the warranty (and roadside service) a plus, but so is the price. Is what I could do with the $5,000 to $7,000 I save worth a few long, inconvenient trips? How likely or how often is the need for warranty work going to come up? I suspect it will at least once, but not often.

    I’ll pose this question as a separate post below.
  • john_wjohn_w Member Posts: 72
    The posts I've been reading here suggest that the Elantra (or at least the GT 5-door) has been a pretty reliable car.

    Question: With what frequency have you experienced drivers of Elantras had to have work done on your car that had to be done by a Hyundai dealer?

    Inquiring minds and potential buyers want to know.

    Thanks,
    John
  • themanxthemanx Member Posts: 110
    I was getting my oil changed on my 03, gls, and I had the chance to check the lot out.

    The 05 GLS 5 door has the rear disk brakes and minus the leather seats, I am not sure if there is any other difference. No spoiler and not sure about ABS.

    I think the 05 GLS may be the sleeper on the lots prices at $1K less than the GT!

    ElantraStan
  • smith20smith20 Member Posts: 256
    We haven't had it too long, but our Elantra hits the six month mark on Monday and has essentially had no problems. There was a slight rattle in the driver door, but I fixed it myself. It wasn't even loud, but the car is quiet overall and it was only about 8-10 inches away from the driver's left ear. :)

    No mechanical problems so far and we've had the oil changed at a local shop, so no need to see the dealer since the purchase.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Would it be an extra expense, if they used the suspension in the GLS sedan?

    It's not the same suspension as in the GLS sedan--if Hyundai's window sticker and all the press I've seen on the GLS 5-door can be believed. If they are lying about the GLS having a "sport suspension" and "sport steering", I guess someone will file another class-action lawsuit and buyers will get a debit card. ;-)

    Based on the cars you compared, I can see why you might think the GLS 5-door is "floaty" by comparison. All of these cars are known for firm rides--VERY firm in some cases. I am a bit surprised you found the Elantra floaty compared to the Civic, however. Also, did you drive them in the order you stated? Because the Scions have perhaps the firmest ride of all. I've heard their ride described as "bone jarring." The Elantra (based on the GT) has a firm but compliant ride. Its ride has been compared to "fine European sedans" by the likes of R&T. I find it a great compromise for the weather-ravaged road surfaces of my part of the world. Now, the GLS sedan's suspension is definitely "floaty"--I own a GLS sedan and a GT 5-door, so I know there's a big difference. However, the GT was not available when I bought my GLS in the fall of '00. I find the GLS sedan fine for around-town commuting, but it's not a car I'd prefer for driving the twisties. If I buy another Elantra it would be either the GLS 5-door or another GT.

    As for warranty work--I've owned my GLS sedan for four years and my GT 5-door for seven months. There was only one time for either car when I had to make a special trip due to a problem with the car--when the check engine light came on in my GLS. Turned out to be a bad O2 sensor that took one hour total time to diagnose and replace. But the nearest dealer is six miles from me. If it were 200 miles, it would have been a great inconvenience. All other work has been done by the "severe service" schedule--because of the short trips I make and because I don't put many miles on my cars. The main problem I've had is that some little things, like fixing a squeak, have taken multiple visits due to mistakes made by the service tech. One squeak in the clutch took them THREE visits to get right. I think that is the main risk you run by being 200 miles away from a dealer--if they don't fix something the first time, it can mean multiple trips. No biggie if the dealer is a few miles away, and offer free shuttles to work and free rental cars (as mine does), but a major pain and expense if they are hundreds of miles away.

    The other thing to think about is the risk of having maintenance done by someone other than a dealer. If you do that, you need to keep really good records, for ten years (length of powertrain warranty). Otherwise it's possible Hyundai could reject a warranty claim because there is no evidence that required service was performed. By having all required service done by my dealer, I don't have to worry about that and we all know who is to blame if something gets messed up during a servicing.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    I stopped in at my local Hyundai dealer on Saturday and picked up a brochure on the '05 Elantras. The brochure is very clear that the GT and the GLS 5-door have the same sport suspension and sport handling. The other thing I noticed in the brochure is that there is no mention of the Kenwood MP3 deck--or ANY MP3 player--on the '05 GT. This dealer didn't have any GTs in stock right now, so I couldn't check this. Has anyone seen what kind of sound system is in the '05 GTs?
  • smith20smith20 Member Posts: 256
    I really liked the Kenwood in the '04. I would be surprised to see them part with it. I certainly hope they didn't do that. I guess it doesn't really affect me since we already got our car though. :)
  • smith20smith20 Member Posts: 256
    Well, we just drove 230 miles today and averaged 38.2 mpg for the trip. I was pretty amazed. We did descend about 2000 feet over the drive, however we still managed to get 31.5 mpg yesterday while going up 2000 feet over 230 miles. So, we ended up averaging almost 35 mpg both ways averaged together. Not bad! We're very happy with this car. Just wanted to share my positive Elantra experience. :)
  • mpgmanmpgman Member Posts: 723
    but not for the Elantra GT?
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    I'd expect SACs on the Elantra when it is redesigned in the not-too-distant future. It would need to keep up with its cousin, the Spectra, and with other competitors that have or will have SACs by the time the next-gen Elantra comes out, e.g. the next-gen Civic will have SACs standard, and even the entry-level Jazz/Fit will have them.

    As for the value of the Spectra's SACs--have you compared the NHTSA's crash test scores for the Spectra/Spectra5 with those of the Elantra? The Spectra did a little better than the Elantra on rear head injury scores, but the Elantra fared better in other measures and scored higher overall on side impacts (and frontal impacts for that matter) than did the Spectra. Shows that SACs are good but not a cure-all.
  • jimbeaumijimbeaumi Member Posts: 620
    Page 5 of the brochure mentions "GT's standard AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers". And no Kenwood head unit in any pictures. Looks like MP3 is gone.
  • billmchalebillmchale Member Posts: 107
    Wouldn't suprise me that they would take the kenwood out. Lets be honest, most people who care that much about the stereo system tend to go after market anyway so why add unecessary costs to the car.
  • ericf1ericf1 Member Posts: 54
    If you want ABS then you have to get the option that includes cruise control and the upgraded radio anyways.

    If the GLS 5-Door is indeed the same suspension as the GT then I'll probably go for it.

    For ~$15k I can get the '05 GLS hatchback automatic, Sport Suspension, ABS and upgraded stereo. That's damn good.

    I was considering the Kia Spectra5, but after I add ABS and side-impact airbags it's $2k more!

    Now I only need to test drive it.:)
  • john_wjohn_w Member Posts: 72
    I apologize if I confused anyone about the 2005 Elantra GLS 5-door’s suspension. Apparently, I test-drove too many cars in one day. I could have sworn I drove the GLS 5-door. Nope, according to my notes, although that’s the car I wanted to test-drive, I actually drove a GLS 4dr sedan. This would not have had the same suspension as the GT, and explains the floaty suspension.

    All our info, therefore, appears to be consistent with the GLS 5-door having the same suspension as the GT. All the more reason to be interested in it, IMO.

    I’m about ready to buy, but I would like to see and test-drive the model before I do—which means another long trip, I suppose.
  • hywmanhywman Member Posts: 1
    Just purchased a new hyundai Elantra GT 5 door silver, with sunroof, car has 212 miles on it .
    Already had to have front wiper blades replaced at signing and waiting for the rear blade to arrive at dealer to be replaced= they had no 20005 blades., But worst of all, on the way home from signing the deal, the CHECK Engine light came on ,back to the dealer tommorow, for repair, checked fuel cap it was loose but after tightning it light still is on?it was raining out maybe condensation got in cap? Who knows All I do know this is the first NEW car we have owned that the CHECK ENGINE light has come on with only 212 miles on it. Not a very good start for what We thought was A really nice car.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    One thing on the Spectra5: SABs and SACs are standard. ABS is optional, as on the Elantra. But the Elantra's ABS includes traction control, while the Spectra5's does not. Right now there's a $1000 rebate on the '05 Elantra but none on the Spectra5, so that plus the price difference makes a huge difference. (However, the Spectra5 does have standard 16" alloys.)

    Let us know what you think about the Spectra5 vs. the GLS 5-door, especially in ride/handling.
  • ericf1ericf1 Member Posts: 54
    I don't think I'll even test drive the Spectra5 seeing as there's quite a big price difference.

    It is going to be a few months before I actually buy, so I'm hoping by then Kia will start offering incentives to compete with the Elantra.

    I do wish Hyundai offered cruise control as a seperate option, I don't really need it, but I wouldn't buy a car without ABS at this point.
  • lovetosavegaslovetosavegas Member Posts: 73
    We had our GT for 2 years. Only 16K on the ODO.
    There was no warranty work done on it. One recall - rear brake lines adjustment was done with the oil change at ~9K miles. The only rants I had so far are
    1. Paint is kinda thin, though on my 2005 GLS it looks thicker
    2. In cabin rear-view mirror buzzes sometimes on the highway - it goes away after I move it a bit.
    3. Mirror covers that are inside the sun shades fell out. Looks like the plastic that is holding them in is too thin and it broke. I don't know if I should ask Hyundai to fix it under warranty. Forgot to mention at the last oil change.
    So everything is pretty minor. I was so satisfied with the car, so I bought one for my-self last week.
    Happy motoring and vote wise
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Why did the wiper blades need to be replaced right away? There was no change for the wipers for '05, so the old blades should work fine. I don't get blades from the dealer any more; I can get two sets of front blade inserts (they are different sizes) for $12 at my local parts store.

    On the fuel cap, don't get despondent too quickly. It can take awhile for the check engine light to reset. The loose gas cap was the likely culprit, especially if the engine runs fine. Be sure to tighten the cap at least 3 clicks. This happened to me once with my '01 GLS (my DW didn't know about the 3 clicks and did me a favor by filling up my car), and it took several days for the light to reset. It only reset after I called the dealer to ask whether I should bring the car in. They said to wait another day or two, and sure enough, the next day the light went out.
  • lovetosavegaslovetosavegas Member Posts: 73
    We had our GT for 2 years. Only 16K on the ODO.
    There was no warranty work done on it. One recall - rear brake lines adjustment was done with the oil change at ~9K miles. The only rants I had so far are
    1. Paint is kinda thin, though on my 2005 GLS it looks thicker
    2. In cabin rear-view mirror buzzes sometimes on the highway - it goes away after I move it a bit.
    3. Mirror covers that are inside the sun shades fell out. Looks like the plastic that is holding them in is too thin and it broke. I don't know if I should ask Hyundai to fix it under warranty. Forgot to mention at the last oil change.
    So everything is pretty minor. I was so satisfied with the car, so I bought one for my-self last week.
    Happy motoring and vote wise
  • dovid2dovid2 Member Posts: 90
    We bought a GLS in 2000 and when we took
    delivery on it, the check engine light was already on. Not an auspicious beginning,
    but the car has proven to be extremely
    reliable despite my wife's maltreatment
    of it for 4 years. Very little in the way of warranty work, and the tires and brakes lasted
    60,000 miles. I was impressed.
    So I bought a 2004 GT and in 21,000 miles, the only problem has been a loose hood release.
  • ericf1ericf1 Member Posts: 54
    http://www.hyundaiusa.com/Vehicles/Elantra/Main.asp

    They confirm the GLS has the GT's sport's suspension, and they raised the incentive to $1250 this month. I think my purchase will be sooner than later for me.
  • john_wjohn_w Member Posts: 72
    Wow, looks like my dithering just saved me $250.

    Perhaps I should wait until Hyundai decides to pay us for driving the cars off the lot. :)

    Thanks to everyone for your responses.

    --John
  • malibu_jackmalibu_jack Member Posts: 75
    I understand your concern...Its probably due to the gas cap not on tight. Happened to my with my 2001 sentra where some rust occurred around the gas cap and altered the seal. I found out that the light will eventually go out on its own, but generally it will take about 1 week for it to do so.
  • malibu_jackmalibu_jack Member Posts: 75
    I spend the day with my father loking at used cars. I figured I would check out some used GT's since their resale is not reat, it would be a good option for a used car. It simply amazes me how poorly people look after their cars.

    I took out a 2002 GT (gold colour) that was fully loaded (leather, mon roof, abs - all of which are optional here in Canada), and well, here is what was wrong with the car:

    -noticed rust around the front grill
    -shredded weather stripping inside the doors
    -the tape between all the windows was wrinkled and cracked
    -a lot of dull scuff marks on the body
    -the privacy cover was missing from the hatch
    -the hatch would not close properly after 5 attempts
    -there was a loud chattering coming from the dash while driving
    -the cargo bay was covered from head to toe in pet hair

    Basically I decided that there were too many things to address on this car and since it was coming from a Chyrsler dealer I figured they probably would not be fixed right...however the sale guy still insist that I consider it and went and got the sales manager (icky). I mentioned my list to him and he said "well sir it *is* a used car you know". At this point I told him that I knew that, however it certainly was not cared for properly. I should have asked him why they had used cars on the lot that were not detailed...oh well...

    Anyway....I have not given up hope yet...I still may find a good used GT...but there are also a lot of other vehilces I am now considering.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    It simply amazes me how poorly people look after their cars.

    Yes, it is a shame, isn't it? It's also unfathomable why a dealer would put up a car for sale in that condition. Probably just came in on trade and they thought they could unload it without fixing it up. But if a car looks that bad, I would wonder what kind of maintenance the car had received. Like you, I would pass on it.

    I just finished giving my two Elantras the "pre-winter" treatment: wash, wax (everything), lube hinges, silicone on the weather stripping, etc. My GT is not quite eight months old so it still looks new, of course (except for a few little dings). The Meguiar's Gold Class wax I used really put a nice shine on it (Rally Red), and on my '01 GLS (champagne). The GLS just turned four, and even though it's been through four Minnesota winters (including a lot of road salt) there's no signs of body rust and the weather stripping is like new, as is the paint. There's just a little rust on the thin pillar between the windows on the driver's side rear door, under the tape. I will have it taken care of when I bring it into the dealer for its 30,000 mile service in a few days. I am expecting (hoping) they will take care of it under warranty.
  • malibu_jackmalibu_jack Member Posts: 75
    So this car is a good value to used car shoppers? I mean, I am not really concerned about resale since I will probably be driving it until I can't drive it no more ... (yes I will care for it and such). :D

    I am comparing against other vehicles...and have seen some real honey's but I keep coming back to used GT's.
  • ericf1ericf1 Member Posts: 54
    Make sure it's Hyundai Recertified and you'll be all set. You'll get a Hyundai backed warranty and can have it serviced by any dealer.

    Just because it has a low-resale value doesn't mean it's a bad car. What it means is that brand recognition hasn't caught on yet. This should start changing for Hyundai now that it's getting high marks for reliability. Kia falls into this class as well.

    Personally, I'd rather get a new Elantra. The prices are so cheap and you'll get the full 10yr warranty. As you've noticed, people tend to drive them into the ground, so even a car 2-3yrs old will have more than the average 10k a year on it.
  • harlequin1971harlequin1971 Member Posts: 278
    resale is not a direct indicator of reliability...just in market interest.

    being that Hyundai is a popular rental car supplier, they will never have great resale. Look at any car that is common to rental fleets and tghey tend to have poor resale compared to competitors.

    that, and the loss of the big 100k warranty makes the old school "hyundai's are junky car" crew just avoid them.

    my friend criticized my choice when i bought the GT. 20+k later it has been pretty good, the few minor issues were fixed and most of them were not specific to Hyundai (battery, oem radio).

    would i buy another...if i was making a decision based on the same criteria i used, i wouldn't buy anything else. I wouldn't mind a bit more zoot...or a lot more fuel efficiency. (I seem to have gotten one of the GTs that can only average 24 mpg in mixed driving, something I could achieve in a V6 Honda Accord.) But in general, this has proven to be a fine car.

    my friend still wouldn't buy one.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Look at any car that is common to rental fleets and tghey tend to have poor resale compared to competitors.

    That might be generally true, with the exception of Toyotas. There's lots of Corollas and Camrys in rental fleets, and their resale it pretty good--a testament to their reputation for long-term reliability, built over many years, and the fact they are good cars. If Hyundai demonstrates long-term reliability over the next few years, I think we'll see an upturn in resale value even if they continue to grace rental fleets.
  • mpgmanmpgman Member Posts: 723
    Here's a word of advice. Never let any gas station attendant put your cap back on. This is an issue in NJ where there is still no self serve. Do it yourself, make sure the lanyard doesn't get trapped underneath the cap, put it on straight and count three clicks.
  • mpgmanmpgman Member Posts: 723
    One area where you can literally get "killed" is if you total it and owe money on the car. Then low resale will factor in to what your insurance gives you and the lower the resale the more in the hole you will be. Then too, leases don't make good sense unless there is a really special program to play games with the residual.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    You can get gap insurance on any loan or lease to cover you in case you total the car. On some leases I've had, the gap insurance was no charge. The other thing about such a policy is that it might pay for itself by letting you raise the deductible on the collision coverage. I got one of these policies when I bought my '01 Elantra; I think it was a few dollars a month. I got a partial refund when I paid off the loan after one year.
  • dclurkerdclurker Member Posts: 57
    backy-I've been lurking around this and other Edmunds boards for a while now trying to get opinions on what small car to buy. Thanks to your informative and thoughtful posts I've made my decision and will pick up my '05 Elantra GLS hatchback on Monday. Thanks again to you and all the other posters (and, of course, Edmunds!) for everything.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Glad to help, and let us know all about your new GLS hatchback!
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