Hyundai Elantra Prices Paid and Buying Experience

rjeskey

O.k my friend just bought their 2005 Elantra GLS 4door with Automatic in white. It has mats and a rear spoiler. MSRP was $15,164. They paid $12,700 (tax not included). The only rebate applied was $500. This Dealer really wanted to push this car out the door he said because it was the end of the month. I didnt get this good of a deal on my car but he gave me a $100 referral fee.

zoomzoomitis

One - those screamer ads do tend to leave off the mileage (demo!). To me, a demo is NOT a new car. It's been driven by various yahoos at various rpm's around various cornering stunts/braking stunts and all with no garantee the engine was warmed up sufficiently for such manuevers. No way. If a car has mileage, it's used and should be priced as such.

Two - off topic a bit but that Focus is built in Mexico, the same country I might add, that brings us the infamous Neon and the numerous versions of VW products. Reliability on these cars? You're kiddin' me. Elantra is built at the same plant that's been producing them for years.

Three - thinking about that "sway bar" doohickie. Our Elantra was purchased for commuting as well (currently 34.9 mpg with slightly less than 3k on the odometer...5spd with no racing right foot). Any side effects (negative) on that DIY install/mod that you can see or feel? Curious. I like you think this car is similar to the cat crossin' the creek... :P

Still no complaints aside from that radio reception. I know, I know, sounds like a broken record...oh that's right, kids today don't know what a record looked like. Yikes, we are getting dated!

backy

Worth mentioning that a year ago, the rebates were much higher on the Elantra than they are today.

macwalters

That $12,700 is in line with what I have been advocating as a reasonable target price. I suppose the invoice is a few hundred higher with the spoiler (ugh, good name), so your friend got a very nice price, all b.s. ads aside. Did your friend finance?

Speaking of ads... The local Toyota dealer never advertises, except on a billboard. It's kind of amazing. Business must be very good.

macwalters

Wasn't sure if tort lawyer was the right term. Whoever it is who sues on false advertising. I would never bother on an individual case like this--it's peanuts. I don't really care that much about my personal deal. Could be better, could be worse. Just in general it seems remarkable what businesses can get away with.

rjeskey

I think they are using their Credit Union and not financing thru the Dealership. Plus I understand the Dealership is giving her one year free maintenance.

backy

That might be only a couple of oil changes, depending on how much you drive in a year, but it's something.

miamixt

Yes that is true about the Rebate, however the only one I qualified for was the $1250 Rebate. What I learned, as the fine print in the paper is virtually unreadable (which is Illegal), the offer included about 4 Rebates, and required Hyundai or Dealer financing. If they want, no, if they need to sell a unit, it can be sold at a loss. Again, since my transaction was all cash, my figures can't be disputed. I traded in a Car worth $19K. They offered me $18.3. I took home a check for $7000 Cash, and a Brand New Package 2 GLS for $11.3. That adds up to $18.3. Yes I paid no tax, and yes they attempted to obtain more Money, that's what Dealers do!. I am amazed why anyone would pay top dollar for an 05, when the 06 will be there in a few Weeks?

smith20

Yes I paid no tax

How did you avoid that?

macwalters

>> I traded in a Car worth $19K.<< How did you determine that value, just out of curiousity?

Incidentally, for anyone thinking of buying used from a dealer... A friend of mine recently had to unload a nice truck quickly. He was asking more, but finally accepted $15K. The guy who bought it admitted he would be selling it to a dealer. That means two mark-ups from the 15 grand.

smith20

One more thing, just so I understand this correctly. You owned the trade-in car free-and-clear and didn't have an outstanding loan on it and you don't currently have a loan on your Elantra. Is that right?

backy

In some states, you pay sales tax on the price of the new car after the trade in. In this case, the trade was worth more than the new car, so no tax!! We should all be so fortunate.

doohickie

Any side effects (negative) on that DIY install/mod that you can see or feel? Curious. I like you think this car is similar to the cat crossin' the creek

This is coming from my PDA in a hotel in Marion, IA. Side effects? None whatsoever. Hard to do? Not at all. Just buy the sway bar & bushings, unbolt the stock parts ant put the newones on. On a new car, very easy. The Tiburon had steel end links; the Elantra has ''plastic" ones (fiberglass, I think), So you may want to change those well, but I don't think it's necessary. I have the plastic ones and am trying to decide if I should put the metal ones on. There are several discussions about this on other forum sites.

But the the changeout itself is very simple. I didn't have to jack up the car and it only took about 10 minutes.

averigejoe

A lawyer who handles tort law cases would be the proper choice if you want to be compensated. The remedy for a tort is payment from the wrongdoer to the damaged victim. The remedy for a crime is punishment of the wrongdoer (or payment to society, if you must).
What remedy would you prefer?

averigejoe

What?

"...Again, since my transaction was all cash, my figures can't be disputed. I traded in a Car worth $19K..."

That does not sound like an "all cash" deal. That is a trade deal. How much you really paid for the car depends on what your trade was really worth.
How did you determine your trade was worth $19,000 ?

miamixt

As Backy has mentioned, in some States, when you trade in your Car, you pay no Tax on the Trade In Value applied to the new purchase. It's known as a reverse equity Deal. Macwalters asks a great question on how do you determine your Trade In value. It's easy, and it will never work. You show your dealer your KBB print out on your Car's value, and they pull out a NADA book, with a smile and tell you in a perfect world...

To Smith20, yes I had no outstanding balance on my Car, so whatever 'extra' Money went to me. A very rare deal, as most people aren't stupid enough to pay off a 6 Year loan in 6 months, I was mad at Chase, and had the money at the time.

To Averigejoe, I assume if you are going to take on the Industry, you would need a good Tort reform Lawyer, but if you find a deceptive Ad in your Town, I don't think this type of individual Consumer wrong doing is handled by a Tort Lawyer, that is unless he's a friend of the Family :P
And again Joe, another great question about my Trade. I knew my trade to a Dealer was worth 19.2K. They offered me 18.3K, kind of like a 'credit' as you will. By the time I left the Dealership, a $7000 Check, and a $11.3 Brand new 05 Auto Elantra with Cruise control was mine $14,914 MSRP, $16,409 with dealer added appearance package. And as I mentioned before, this is not what the Dealer had originally planned for me. They always try to get more from you!. The only 'Fee' was $25 to the DMV.

averigejoe

You say, "...if you are going to take on the Industry, you would need a good Tort reform Lawyer, but if you find a deceptive Ad in your Town, I don't think this type of individual Consumer wrong doing is handled by a Tort Lawyer..."

Tort reform lawyer? What is that? Did I say anything about tort reform?
Tort reform has to do with the legislature enacting, changing or repealing statutes.

If you want to hire a lawyer to get compensation to you for a civil wrong against you, a tort lawyer is what you want. But you'll have to prove your damages to win. If you don't buy a car and get cheated because of the deceptive ad you won't be able to prove damages. You'll still have all your money (and the dealer will still have the car).
If you are just pissed off because you think the ads are fraudulent somehow, make a written complaint to your state attorney general office. Maybe they'll investigate, maybe not.
But, if you want a dealer charged with a crime, you file a complaint and hope the district attorney will prosecute on behalf of the state (the people). But in that case, you would not be compensated in dollars for any wrong against you as a result of which you suffered damages. It is possible though, that if convicted, that losing defendant would be ordered to pay restitution to individuals.

On the trade value question, I think you missed my point. For example, what if the dealer had only offered you $13,800 as a 'credit'. Would you then tell me you knew your trade was worth $13,800 because that is what the dealer offered you?

Do you understand my original question now?

averigejoe

Maybe you are using the term tort lawyer or tort reform lawyer when you mean a class action lawyer.
Is that it?

kyfdx

Really... We aren't interested in discussions about lawyers in this forum..

Let's just move on..

Thanks,
kyfdx
Host-Prices Paid Forums

backy

I see the rebates are back on the '05 Elantra--$750 general rebate and $500 loyalty. Looks like there are a few '05s left to clear out. Still only a $500 loyalty rebate on the '06s.

rjeskey

The Dealer by me still has at least twelve 2005 Elantras on the lot. No hatchbacks however. I would guess because their Sales Dept. is far from Hyundai quality. All I can tell other buyers is make sure you buy from a reputable Dealership since all Hyundai Dealerships are not. What does everyone think of the new grill on the 2006 Limited?

backy

What does everyone think of the new grill on the 2006 Limited?

:P :P :P :P

rjeskey

I dont like it. lol. I like the other grill much better.

smith20

I give it a thumbs down too. I'm glad they have it has as optional model and didn't make all the grills like that.

rjeskey

How bad does my bad Hyundai Survey effect the dealership? I actually had the Dealership email me back and they were mad at me for filling it out with bad marks. What did they expect? I gave them a month to right their wrongs. The Dealership was the worst!!! The service dept. is good however. This Dealership also offers to buy your survey so they can fill it out. ???? Can you believe it?

tenpin288

This Dealership also offers to buy your survey so they can fill it out

Let Hyundai Corporate know about that. Dealerships like this one need to realize that if they want good scores, they need to provide high quality customer service and not buy themselves high scores. :mad:

averigejoe

How about naming that dealer and giving its location?

miamixt

>>This Dealership also offers to buy your survey so they can fill it out. ???? Can you believe it?<<

Yes, many Dealers do this. My Service department offers $150 in Service if you bring in the blank Survey. Imagine what they should pay you for a Sales survey, especially when they know you are un :lemon: happy?

rjeskey

Flemington Hyundai in Flemington, N.J

doohickie

I got my survey online. They gave me floor mats with the provision I gave them "all 5s" on the survey, but the way my survey was worded, 1 was the best mark. At that point, I decided to fill it out truthfully since that would make them look better than the "all 5s" they were looking for. If I ever hear about it from them, I will simply state I was being honest with Hyundai, and they wouldn't want me to lie, would they? (I mean, I actually left the dealership once out of frustration before eventually buying; although satisfied with my final deal, the process was a bit aggravating to get there.)

miamixt

Yes, I got my first & second Tank for free, and had the Mats anyway. You would think you could print out the online survey when finished. If the Dealer is offering a "premium", they generally want the blank hard copy, which sure can take it's time in coming!

miamixt

I bought my 05 a Year ago this Week. Please consider the new 2006 Sonata when making your Hyundai purchase. The Elantra is an OK Car at a good value, nothing more, nothing less. Happy Holidays to all!

Scott

doohickie

But.... they don't make a hatchback Sonata!

:P

backy

No, but I agree that right now with the rebate situation as it is--$2500 total on the Sonata 4-cylinder models to Hyundai owners, and only $500 on the Elantra if you are a Hyundai owner, the Sonata is a much better value than the Elantra. You can get a Sonata with automatic, ABS, side curtains, ESC, 6-speaker MP3, 16" wheels, cruise, etc. for under $16k with all rebates (I've seen them advertised locally for $15.5k). An Elantra GLS sedan equipped like that would be only about $1000-1500 less, and would not include side curtains, ESC, MP3, 162 hp engine, and some other features (the Elantra would have a moonroof, however). Also the fuel economy of the automatic Sonata is actually better than the Elantra's, according to the EPA. So I expect to see the rebates return to the Elantra in the near future.

miamixt

I did just see a Regional, perhaps a National Hyundai spot just a second ago, and it said save up to $4000 on the Sonata & Santa Fe. Truthfully though, the 6 Cylinder Sonata with 260 BHP, now that's for me!

backy

Um, I saw the same Hyundai ad I think and it's $4000 maximum for the Hyundai lineup--and the $4000 applies to the XG350, not the Sonata and Santa Fe, which have $3000 max rebates right now ('06 Sonata, '05 Santa Fe). And the Sonata has 235 hp, not 260.

On the Elantra, it's still just $500 loyalty for the '06 but $1500 max rebates on '05s, including $500 loyalty. Still $1000 off historic highs on the Elantra.

miamixt

Yes sorry, I meant 235. Still though I would spend an extra $1500 for that engine. I would think the rebate would be less, or non existent on the 6 Cylinder model?

backy

The rebate is $500 more on the V6s, plus there is more mark-up to work with.

rjeskey

Well my fellow Elantra owners I hate to say this...but I dont like my new 2005 Elantra. I tried to like it. The seat is uncomfortable and the paint is o.k at best. And I keep looking at it hoping it gets better looking, but it just doesn't appeal to me. The Hatchback doesn't do it for me either doohickie. You may say, "why did you buy it then?" My answer..I just don't know. I should have bought the Sonota and keep kicking myself that I didn't.

doohickie

You need to talk to audiogirl. She has the same problem reversed. She bought the Sonata and decided she wants and Elantra. Could be a good match depending on your locations.

backy

Hyundai has added a $500 general rebate on the Elantra for January, in addition to the $500 loyalty rebate. They are on the upswing...

smith20

You need to talk to audiogirl. She has the same problem reversed. She bought the Sonata and decided she wants and Elantra. Could be a good match depending on your locations.

I was thinking the same exact thing.

doohickie

Seriously, if they are within a couple hundred miles, they might be able to arrange a swap where each assumes the othe's car loan (assuming comparable credit ratings).

miamixt

This thread has been mostly dead when it comes to Prices Paid & Buying Experience. Where are all the year end deals from new posters. I know my Dealer ran out of 04 Elantras in October last year. Perhaps the Elantra is loosing popularity. For what it's worth, I don't love my Elantra either, I do however like it.

zoomzoomitis

That's because all of the good deals (as in R-E-B-A-T-E-S!)were back at the end of September. Ha! Actually rolled the dice and came out a winner for once. Still lovin' my newest Zoomer...I mean duck. Kid still calls it the ugly duck but considering what I paid (for what this car is equipped with), he can call it whatever he wants. Crossin' 5,000 trouble free miles and still Zoooooooomin! Hyundai is makin' a believer outta me. (FWIW, 35.1mpg to date)

rjeskey

You know what bugs me the most about the Elantra? It has a nice looking front end but the rest of the car (well isnt stylish). And dont waste your money on a spolier! It does nothing for the car! In fact I think it looks better without the spoiler. But for those buying a Elantra save yourself $300 and dont buy that extra option. And maybe its me but I cant get that driver's seat in a comfortable position.

doohickie

The hatch has a nice shape in my opinion. The sedan is pretty much blah. As far as the seat goes, the Elantra has the best drivers seat of any car I've owned. My one complaint is the tilt wheel should tilt up just a little bit more; it blocks my view to the top of the instrument cluster.

backy

It's really hard to think that you have trouble getting the seat into a comfortable position with all of those adjustments. What is uncomfortable about it, specifically?

Personally I think one of the best features on the Elantra (sedan) is its rear end. It's quite distinctive in its class. It was one of the first cars to have the "bustle back" trunk look. Now lots of cars are copying that look, e.g. BMW 7 Series and the '07 Camry. I will be sorry to see it go in '07. I didn't like the front that much until the '04 restyle--I like the newer grille much better.

averigejoe

How about that? (if you qualify)
But with a $1000 manufacturer's rebate and the $4806 dealership discount it is still only$8988. What a steal!

For a GT!

miamixt

Could you remind us of that GT deal again?. The "if you qualify" makes it sound like you have go with a Dealer selected financing which could cost thousands extra, or some other hoops that might be legal if properly presented. If anything I have found out this past Year, many consumers are paying too much on the Hyundai line, just the way it's supposed to work I guess?.