Hyundai Elantra 5-door

1868789919296

Comments

  • gaelsguy1gaelsguy1 Member Posts: 6
    I returned my '03 to the shop. They replaced 1 motor mount and discovered that they need another. Too bad they did not order all of them and return the ones that they don't use. Common sense is rear these days. Thanks again for your reply. Paul
  • queenkris00queenkris00 Member Posts: 8
    I'm looking at buying an Elantra and I was wondering if the moonroof was a slide or a tilt one...I've tried looking on-line, but haven't been able to find my answer. Thanks.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    It both slides (into the roof) and tilts.
  • oscar5740oscar5740 Member Posts: 10
    Hi everyone!

    Karros1ve,
    I've noticed my brakes seem very weak as well, and sound horrible. I have a mechanic that I trust and have been going to for years, who replaced my pads about 10K miles ago, and the brakes haven't been the same since. He told me that he's seen a few Elantras with master cylinder problems relatively early in the car's life. Definitely have it checked by the dealer. Next time I think I'm going to have the dealer do my brakes rather than try to cut a corner.

    As for the parking/emergency brake, if you use it on a regular basis and fully extend the lever when you do use it, slack may have developed in the cable leading from the lever to the brake in the rear. Your dealer or a mechanic should be able to adjust it, but you may have to pay for it($60). Mine was deemed wear and tear and wasn't covered under warranty.
    aznmonty,
    I have the K&N on mine. Didn't notice much of a difference in performance, but my gas mileage improved by about 2 miles per gallon. Not much of a difference, but I'm still glad I did it.

    Hope this helps...
  • queenkris00queenkris00 Member Posts: 8
    Do Elantra's come with the option to get the audio controls on the steering wheel??
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    No, at least not in the U.S.
  • forhanforhan Member Posts: 2
    I am planning to install cruise control to my newly bought 2005 elentra hatchback GLS. Any suggestions? or experiences ? i am getting it done around 400$.
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    wouldn't have cost you much more, plus you'd gotten power locks.
  • 5port5port Member Posts: 395
    BUT you have to accept the leather with the next trim level. Your right though, these things are always cheaper with the package. I thought the GLS hatch came with the remote locking. I couldnt live without that now.
  • dukepa1dukepa1 Member Posts: 4
    Have a Question. Just purchased a 2005 GLS Elantra Hatchback, Automatic, with the Cruise and Upgrade CD options. The Elanta Brochure shows that the GLS Hatchback comes with Sport-tuned steering. However on the Price Sticker on the Vehicle it indicated the car had Power Rack and Pinion steering. I am wondering which might be correct ? And, just what is Sport-Tuned Steering ? And should I mention this to the Dealer ?
  • 5port5port Member Posts: 395
    Sport Tuned Steering:

    1) Steering is 3 turns lock to lock instead of 4 turns lock to lock as on the GLS sedan.

    2) Steering rack is half-hard mounted to the firewall instead of completly mounted by rubber bushings like the GLS sedan. Meaning 2 out of four securing points of the rack are all metal vs 4 rubber mounts on the GLS sedan. This gives you better steering feel.

    BTW the sticker is right. Sport tuned steering is a slightly modified power rack and pinion.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Remote locking/entry does come standard on all Elantras. You should have received two remotes with your GLS 5-door.

    There are several option packages available for the GLS 5-door that do not require leather. Actually, leather is not available on the GLS 5-door. But it is standard on the Elantra GT.
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    "Remote locking/entry does come standard on all Elantras. You should have received two remotes with your GLS 5-door."

    Is that all GLS's or just the 5-door? In '01, you had to pay for the first upcharge package to get that feature. About $400 with dealer discount if I remember.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Yes, remote locking is in all Elantras (in the U.S. anyway) now. It was added before the '05 MY, I can't remember if it was for '03 or '04. It happened when Hyundai raised the base price for the GLS up to $13,299, so the extra equipment made the increase a little more palatable.
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    certainly with electric locks, adding a remote probably cost little extra than the fobs.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Yeah, don't you have a sneaking hunch that the earlier Elantras were already wired for remotes and all they had to do was toss in the fobs? I suppose there was the wireless module they might have had to plug in, too.
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    When I was about 10 years old (mid-fifties), I bought my first rod and reel. The hardware store in my hometown had two Shakespeare reels. The more expensive one had a metal axle, the cheaper one had a larger plastic axle. Having no $$$ I naturally took the cheaper one. Within hours, the large plastic piece fell off and the more expensive reel was underneath.

    Remember the old Kliban cartoon showing a rabbit crapping into a raisin box at the end of a conveyor belt? The caption was "Marketing".
  • aznmontyaznmonty Member Posts: 66
    confused.

    so are you saying that the upgrades for the car are cheap and will break easily? Or do you believe the extras are worth the extra $bling?
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    Sometimes an underlying feature is still there and manufacturers will spend extra in order to hide that fact for marketing purposes. In this case it would be easy for Hyundai to supply electronic locking and skip the key fob than it would be to reengineer the locks.
  • jimbeaumijimbeaumi Member Posts: 620
    Watch for the May 2005 issue of Consumer Reports, due in mailboxes in a month (April just arrived). The Elantra GT will be compared with Focus, Civic, Cobalt and Ion.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Yes, they gave hints in the April Annual Auto Issue. The Focus and Civic outscored the GT, but the GT outscored the new Cobalt and the ION. The GT just outscored the Spectra. However, the real good news is that for the first time, the Elantra is "Recommended" by CR. Also, its predicted reliability remains "Better than Average".

    The capsule summary of the Elantra in the April issue was puzzling, however. The only "con" they mentioned was "ABS hard to find." All the cars above the Elantra in their ratings had more significant cons, IMO. That confirms my opinion that the Elantra (esp. in GLS 5-door or GT trim) is a well-rounded package, with no major vices.
  • mpgmanmpgman Member Posts: 723
    Still says "unimpressive" for Elantra's mpgs but other cars in the class that are smaller and lighter with similar mpgs or 1 mpg better get rated as "average" or "acceptable."
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Yes, it's a fine line, isn't it? Note that the Elantra returned the same mpg as CR's top pick amongst the automatic-equipped small cars, the Focus ZX4 SES. So it's obviously not a crippling issue.
  • ericf1ericf1 Member Posts: 54
    It's still a tossup for me between the Cobalt Coupe and the Elantra GLS 5-Door automatics. They are priced equavalently but the Cobalt has a bit more pickup.

    The Elantra seems the better deal overall.
  • sonnydayesonnydaye Member Posts: 10
    After reading all the rave reviews of the new Elantra Hatchbacks I'm interested in purchasing one. I'm in no rush and I'm wondering what is usually the best time to buy one as far as incentives go. I see there is now a $1750 cash back. Can anyone tell me what is the RANGE of incentives that usually show up during the year?
    Is $1750 on the high or low end of the typical incentive. And do they ever have 0% financing deals (for 5 years ideally)? I haven't paid attention to Hyundai incentives before since I was never interested in the car...til now! So, if someone could tell me the history of their incentive programs and what months usually have the best programs, that would be great! I'd hate to jump in now to grab the $1750 and then find out that April brings a much better rebate/finance offer. Any other pricing info tips would also be welcome. Thanks so much - can't wait to buy this car....but I WILL to save some money! :-)
  • sonnydayesonnydaye Member Posts: 10
    Can someone tell me the difference between an Elantra Hatchback and a Kia Spectra Hatchback. Is it basically the same car?
    Thanks!
  • gfoxbruinsgfoxbruins Member Posts: 7
    I bought my Elantra GLS last year in May, when they offered a $2000 rebate. To my knowledge that was the highest single rebate they ever offered on the 2004 Elantra.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    I agree, I think $2000 has been the tops for the Elantra in its current generation. Plus an owner loyalty rebate that I have not seen above $1000. So the current rebates are pretty good from a historical perspective. Another thing to consider is that if you live in an area that has an auto show, sometimes dealers offer a special rebate in conjunction with the show--in the Twin Cities area it has typically been $500, but is not offered on all models (I got it on my '04 Elantra GT last spring).

    Rebates on the current Elantra might peak after the next generation car is introduced, but it's unclear if that will be this year or next, so you may have to wait awhile. Plus no telling what the supply will be at that point.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    There's quite a bit of difference between the Elantra 5-door and Spectra5. Although both are built on basically the same platform and have the same engine, the body is much different (Elantra being more of a fastback, the Spectra more wagon-ish), the interiors are different, the wheels are different (Spectra5 has 16 inchers, the Elantra 15"), and the suspension tuning may be different but I don't know that for a fact. Also, the Spectra has side air curtains and side air bags standard, while the Elantra has only side air bags. Yet the Elantra scored "good" on the IIHS frontal offset crash test, while the Spectra scored "poor". Also, with the Elantra the ABS option comes with traction control, while on the Spectra5 it's just ABS. The Elantra has a dual-knob driver's seat height adjuster which IMO is one of the best in cardom and allows you to set the seat just-so, while the Spectra5 has a single-lever adjuster that does not provide the same level of adjustment. And the Elantra GT, which costs about the same as the Spectra5, has leather seating surfaces standard. Or you could go with the GLS 5-door and get a sport cloth interior and a few other things deleted (like purple guages, fog lights, and alloys) and save some bucks.
  • danf1danf1 Member Posts: 897
    They currently have 0% financing for 60 months in lieu of the $1750 rebate.
  • sonnydayesonnydaye Member Posts: 10
    Thanks for the info on the Elantra/Spectra comparison and all the info on incentives. You guys are very helpful! Two more questions. Could you tell me how the antenna works on the 2005 Elantra Hatchback GLS (with CD option). Does it retract automatically? I hope so. Hate to have it up and vulnerable all the time. Last question- There is no 6 CD CHANGER available from factory. Anyone know if dealers have any way of adding one that is integrated with the factory radio and looks like it is "built-in from factory"? Thanks again!
  • danf1danf1 Member Posts: 897
    The antenna is a fixed mast that does not retract. You can add a cd changer to anything, however the head unit in the Elkantra does not have controls for a changer, so ther will have to be a seperate remote.
  • dovid2dovid2 Member Posts: 90
    While the antenna does not retract (and therefore one less motor to break), it is a screw-in unit that is very inexpensive to replace.
  • ericf1ericf1 Member Posts: 54
    http://msnbc.msn.com/id/7088736/

    Most of the subcompacts without side-impact curtain airbags failed the test, including the Elantra. Even those with side-bags as standard scored poorly.

    Suprisingly enough, the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt earned the Institute's highest rating, "good." The Cobalt was also named a best pick.

    Hmm. Safety or features.

    Either way, the manufacturers should be ashamed of themselves for not offering side-impact curtain airbags as standard.

    Now I'm really in a quandry. I like both Elantra GLS and Cobalt and they are both priced competitively.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    I mentioned this in the Low End cars discussion, but keep in mind on the IIHS side impact crash test that almost none of the tested cars was designed before the IIHS introduced this test. So it's not surprising that almost all of them failed it. The Cobalt was one of the few (the only?) tested car designed after the test was introduced. But the Corolla did well too. I hope Hyundai put some effort into making sure the next-gen Elantra will do well in side-impact crash tests, even this very severe IIHS test.
  • ericf1ericf1 Member Posts: 54
    I think it goes without saying the next gen Elantra will have side-curtain airbags. Just that I'm buying now.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Then the only sure choice right now for both decent side-impact protection and known reliability in a compact is the Corolla.

    The other thing you might look into is a used Saab 9-3. Might not cost much more than a new Corolla (or Cobalt) and has great crash protection.
  • sonnydayesonnydaye Member Posts: 10
    I assume the "Keyless Remote Entry w/Alarm" includes an alarm system in the car - not just a "panic alarm button" on the remote. Just need some reassurance from you guys who would know.
    Thanks.
  • sonnydayesonnydaye Member Posts: 10
    Zeroing in on making the purchase. '05 Elantra Hatchback - GLS. With Option Package 6 (ABS, Moonroof, CD upgrade, Cruise). Total MSRP on Hyundai website: $16,989. On KellyBlueBook site they have MSRP: $16,939. Invoice: $15,621.
    Just wondering what you guys think (or have experienced) as a good price. I'm taking the 0% financing, so the $1,750 rebate is out. THANKS for any input!
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    if the alarm was triggered with the key fob and you attempted to enter the car with the key (instead of the remote), the alarm would sound. So, yes-- there's an alarm.
  • boltguyboltguy Member Posts: 94
    My better half just purchased an 05 Elantra GT hatchback with moonroof and manual tranny for $11850. This is including $2500 in rebates. This is not including taxes, tags or any dealer fees. Being a GT, it already has the CD upgrade and cruise. And of course leather. The only thing missing would be ABS. May get you in the ballpark of where you should be.
  • aznmontyaznmonty Member Posts: 66
    i say go to carsdirect.com

    check the edmunds.com true value
  • sonnydayesonnydaye Member Posts: 10
    Planning to get the CD upgrade radio in an '05 Elantra Hatch. Wondering how the quality of the radio is. Especially for distant stations (my 2000 Accord has an unbelievable radio, best reception I've ever heard in a car radio). Hoping the Elantra has similar quality. Also how is the overall sound? Is there a sub-woofer included?
    Thanks. And thanks again to all who have answered my other questions. Getting close to buying. :-)
  • mpgmanmpgman Member Posts: 723
    Got an 05 automatic Elantra GLS with CD player in December with $1500 owner loyalty plus $1250 rebate plus $500 active duty. Bought the car for $10,250. Just got an urgent recall notice to upgrade the front air bag sensors. Anyone else get this? Thanks.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    How much did you pay for your 2000 Accord?

    If the CD is the only reason you are getting the upgrade package, if I were you I'd save the money and get an aftermarket unit at Best Buy or the like. You can get a really good unit with MP3 for $200-300. The Elantra has a standard-sized opening. The Hyundai CD doesn't play MP3s. It has 6 speakers: two in each front door (one is a tweeter) and two in the rear deck. No subwoofer. With an aftermarket unit, you could add a subwoofer. I don't know if the Hyundai unit accepts a subwoofer.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Oh good, it's about time these notices start coming out. I assume this is the software upgrade required to get the Elantra's driver's front air bag up to snuff with regards to the recent IIHS frontal offset crash test. Hyundai had to modify the air bag's programming to make it inflate properly, and the IIHS rated it "good" with the understanding that Hyundai would upgrade the programming in '04 and '05 units already sold.
  • jveneziajvenezia Member Posts: 85
    I just bought a Tidal Wave blue 5-door Elantra GLS yesterday for my wife and we both love it (although we already have a bit of trouble with the airbag sensor, which we'll take care of Friday). I think Hyundai definitely took some styling cues from Saab on their very European-styled hatchback. It's quite sporty and very practical. Far better for the money than the sedan. It handles great, is very maneuverable, and very quick. Throttle response is a bit touchy, but we'll get used to it. It carries a lot of cargo since the rear 60/40 seat bottom cushions tumble forward and the seat backs fold down, allowing for a reasonably flat cargo space.

    We went with the GLS rather than the GT because we don't like unheated leather seats in Michigan winter weather (no option for heated seats in the Elantra GT). I can get the GT's OEM fog lights for $69 and install them myself, but I'll have to provide the switch, relay, and wire. I like the seat fabric quite a bit and I won't miss the leather. As for the moon roof...oh well. I'll get one on my own new vehicle in a couple of years.

    One thing to look out for, though. As with nearly all new vehicles, the supplied tires (Michelin Energy MXV4s) are awful. I ordered some BF Goodrich Traction TA/H tires right away from TireRack since we're still getting snow here in Michigan. Can't wait to put them on in a couple of days.

    What did I pay for the 5-door GLS Elantra? I took the $1,750 cash incentive, plus the $400 graduate incentive (getting my MBA in a few months). First time I bought a Hyundai, so there was no customer loyalty incentive involved. Out the door (after tax and licensing), I paid $13,850. I gave the dealer between 5% and 6% true profit. The only haggling that occurred was about a $399 advertising fee that the dealer wanted me to pay, but I wound up paying $150 of it. When I told them exactly what the car cost them (considering holdback, invoice prices, destination, etc.) and what I was willing to pay over their cost, it got down to that last bit of negotiation and overall was a rather pleasant buying experience. No surprises and no hard feelings on either side. It really pays to enter the battle well armed and Edmunds is a great place for ammo.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Congratulations on your new Elantra! Too bad they didn't have one with a moonroof for you.

    Just curious... what is the nature of the airbag sensor problem?
  • jveneziajvenezia Member Posts: 85
    The indicator for the passenger airbag being turned off comes on intermittently when my daughter (at about 90 pounds) or my wife (I won't go there..) sits in the passenger seat. My daughter learned that if she sits just so, in the center of the seat cushion, she can keep the indicator off and the airbag system armed. But having it come on when my wife sits on the seat is another matter. Anyway, she'll take it in to the dealer on Friday to have that looked at and to have an annoying rattle in the rear of the car fixed (sounds like something flapping around underneath the chassis).
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    On the rattle, check the spare tire compartment to see if everything is tightened down in there, including the tool kit. While you're at it, check the tire pressure of the spare...
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