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Comments
I agree -- why spend the $$$ for a Jetta when the GT offers just a much nice stuff?
About the Jetta, I figured out that it could get really expensive since the warranty is only 2/24 and a lot of people reported high repair bills. The Hyundai warranty includes 5 year roadside assistance, which is generally offered only on cars about twice the price.
The car was a real joy to sit in during the "stop" parts of "stop-and-go" traffic, though. This was only our second highway trip in the car. We're going on a drive to Canada next month so I'll report on the mileage when we return.
I find it REALLY interesting that several posts have mentioned comparisons or serious considerations to the VW Jetta and electing to go with the Elantra GT. I currently drive a 1991 Audi 100 I inhererited from my father (201,000 miles) and was SURE when the time came to buy a car I would buy a Jetta. Well, now the time has come and reality has set in. I test drove the Honda Civic, Mazda Protege, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra GXE & SE, VW Jetta, Honda Accord, Elantra GLS, and Elantra GT (4x). I felt the Elantra and Elantra GT hands down drove better than all of the competitors and most similarly to the Honda Accord. I didn't think there was even a comparison between the Civic and the Elantra. My second choice in performance would be the Sentra SE, but I can not get past the absolutely awful cloth seats in the SE. They are truly the ugliest seats I've seen a LONG time. Not to mention the interior design isn't the greatest with the cup holders right in front of the air conditioning and other controls (remember I live in Arizona where you constantly have a water bottle with you in the car).
I have diligently been researching trying to find a reason NOT to buy the GT, but have yet to find one. Consumer reports, edmunds, and all sorts of other car reviews have given nothing but praise. Crash test results are good, few consumer complaints (NOT the case with the new Civics or Ford Focus), drives well, and has every option under the sun for less money than the competition with an awesome warranty to boot. I just can't seem to justify the extra $$$ to buy the Jetta.
Impressions:
1. Just got 36.5 mpg pure highway, A/C on, cruising between 70-80 for 200 miles.
2. Getting 27-30 in mixed driving with light foot.
3. Noticed no sunglass holder with the roof.
4. One of the rear seat back buttons stuck...pushed it in too far....others had similar experiences.
5. No rattles...but you could use velcro and felt to stop the shoulder belt rattle on the doorpost.
6. Gas gauge on last fill-up stopped at 7/8s and I know it was full.
7. My friend who owns a Passat was blown away.
8. The guys at the inspection station couldn't stop from coming over and checking it out.
9. No one can believe all of the standard equipment.
10. Oil level just below full at 2,100.
11. Should be a warning chime in addition to the dash light if you leave the parking brake on.
12. Darn engine is so quiet at idle I have to keep myself from trying to restart it.
I did think it would take another 3 years. What a turnaround. The downside will be higher prices.
Erik
I've put over 1,400 on in about one month and I drive 50+ miles per day. Now I am starting to realize why mpgman picked the username that he did...
Happy Motoring
In truth the Elantra GT is the only car in my price range that I actually really liked after test-driving. One very annoying thing I did notice was that the sun visor, when folded down, obstructs the rearview mirror substantially -- so much that you need to unhook it and push it back or else you can't see anything. But otherwise, I really like how the black one looked, the nice handle on the hatch, all the options, etc.
I was surprised that I found it so highly rated by NHTSA and then re-read the compact reviews realized that it had received very high, albeit guarded, reviews. Just hadn't noticed because of the roundabout way the reviewers talked about it.. plenty of disclaimers, etc. Ok... so I decided to look at an Elantra. Took a test drive. Saw the GT (Silver, 5spd, base pkg). Bought it on the spot for not much over invoice.
The ride is as good as the Jetta, better than the others. The engine has better performance than all of the others (Jetta base engine only... the higher end engines on the Jetta are superb, but bump the price to over 20K with tax). And, after driving it both city and highway I truly believe the 140 hp rating. The torque is adequate for the size of the car as well, unlike the other engines I've driven in the past few weeks. Acceleration is no problem at all.
Very comfortable handling. I personally like a bit more road feel, which the Jetta provides, but I'll take the slight increase in comfort on the Elantra's ride as a fair trade-off. The Civic felt a bit more precise in handling, and the Focus was even better, but not a significant enough difference to make me second guess my decision.
The interior is only slightly less refined than the Jetta's (although the base Jetta doesn't even have a center arm-rest), as good as the Civic and better than the Focus.
The transmission is smooth... not as much clutch/engine "feel" as with the Jetta 5 spd, but better responsiveness than the Focus and Civic. A little slow into 1st gear from a stop, but so far that's the only negative.
What a great car. I'm pleased to say the least and although I may be taking a chance with an unproven vehicle, the 5 yr-60K/10 yr-100K warranty certainly makes me willing to entertain the risk.
As for resale value... who knows. But since I plan to keep the vehicle for several years, it doesn't really matter much. Reliability will be the big factor for me in the long run, and, after reading about all of the major service issues people have been having this year with the Jetta (my previous first choice in terms of overall value), I'm willing to take the risk.
Oh, and I almost forgot... this particular risk just saved me about 6K.
You're gonna love your car. Especially the A/C, which is colder than a witch's...
Good luck with your new ride.
(One other thing I really like about the GT
- location of the cupholders. Did anyone
else think the Jetta cupholders up under
the front vents were going to be a
problem?)
Erik
The entire seat is pretty sturdy -- the leather looks like it will stand up well. The grey color also disguises minor marks and/or stains.
Separately, are there any tall (6'4"+) drivers who can comment on how they fit in the Elantra? I would not be looking at a car with a sunroof, BTW.
I'll be talking with the salesperson today (BY PHONE ONLY!). I'm not even going to waste my time at the dealership until I know I can get a base GT 5-speed for close to invoice price. The only problem is that I checked dealer inventory on-line and the supposed "exact car I'm looking for" is not really in inventory. They do have a Pewter 5-speed, but it also has a moonroof, which I did not need or want (especially since it jacks up the price about $600). This may be a good bargaining chip though.
I'll follow-up soon. Maybe I'll get to be in the Elantra Owner's Club if things go well!
Erik
Erik
Erik
The 2.4 produces 149hp and 156lbs. torque. That would make it even more class leading in terms of acceleration.
However, the car is roomy in most respects (except back seat) and had a really big cargo area. Despite my initial impression, the Spectra is good-looking and useful. I would consider one as a second car or a car for use on "dangerous missions" like driving into NYC or commuting to the NJ shore.
Personally, I like Kia. It seems like a spunky company and I think it builds attractive cars. I hope it can remain a player in the US market.
But I am much happier with the Elantra GT!
The owners manual specifies first maintenance at 3750 miles (I am following the heavy-duty schedule). The dealer did not mention a 1500 mile checkup, either.
What have other owners done at the 1500 mile mark? Just curious....my gut tells me wait until 3750. I have had no problems of any kind yet.
Thanks in advance for the advice.
MSRP $13,999 $37,200
Hatchback Wagon
Manual 25 / 33 19 / 26
Automatic 25 / 33 19 / 27
Acceleration 8.6 8.8
1/4 mile 16.6 16.7
Front Headroom 39.6 in. 38.7 in.
Front Leg Room 43.2 in. 41.7 in.
Rear Leg Room 35 in. 34.2 in.
Leather STD OPT
CD STD OPT
Basic 5 yr. / 60,000. 4 yr. / 50,000
Drivetrain 10 yr. / 100,000 4 yr. / 50,000
Roadside 5 yr. / unlimited 4 yr. / 50,000