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http://4car.co.uk/
I had the opportunity a couple of months ago to look at quite a few Kias on a dealer lot. I noticed that the paint on almost every car on the lot (all models) looked very thin, with about half of the cars' paint jobs showing visible defects (haze, heavy swirls, body metal showing, etc.). That's all I had to see to steer me away from Kia.
Looking at Kia prices, the Spectra GSX appears to be priced slightly higher than the Elantra GLS. I can't imagine anyone wanting to buy a Spectra over the Elantra when you compare standard equipment, performance, and fit and finish. No contest, in my book!
JA
I was in an out in about 45 minutes. During that time, he took down my credit info, someone inspected my potential trade-in (1998 Escort Wagon), and let me drive off by myself for a test drive in a Pewter GT 5-speed. I have to say, it felt very nice. The salesperson did try to hint at me not being able to get too much on my Escort, but I assured him that wagons were coming on strong these days and he should be able to sell my Escort wagon (low miles) for at least $7900.
He said he'd call me tomorrow around 1:30pm and let me know his final prices (price of GT and Escort trade-in). If he meets my requirements, I may be driving it home tomorrow.
This dealer also had two other GTs on the lot. One red 5-speed with sunroof and floor mats and a black auto with sunroof and floor mats.
We'll see what happens! I'll try to contain my excitement to the salesperson, of course!
With regard to fit and finish, I did not see anything wrong with my GT when I picked it up (during which time I carefully inspected it). After one month of ownership and 1600 miles the only two things I've noticed are a very tiny piece of rough seam on the steering wheel stitching and a driver's power window switch that can be "wiggled" slightly in its base. That's all. I continue to be satisfied every single day that I drive this car.
By the way, has anyone compard the body panel gaps of the GT to other cars? If you do, you'll find that Hyundai fitted the pieces together with very low tolerances for a $14,000 car. The panels on mine are tighter than my neighbor's Protege ES. And it's absolutley no comparison between the GT and some domestic brands.
Happy Motoring.
In my opinion the Elantra is more refined and probably has better build quality, the ZX-3 is sportier and will probably have better resale (although Hyundai will improve). Both are equal in room. Your thoughts please (I'm also posting this in the other brand's forum, I expect I'll get fans of each car on their home ground.)
The Elantra had a very nice balanced ride. Overall I prefer the ride of the GT over the Pro5. Though the Pro5 has a nicer exterior styling (IMHO).
After being shunned all weekend by the salesperson (said the bank was not responding well this past Saturday), the salesperson was not able to meet my initial negotiated stats. Oh well. Wanted to give me $5500 on my trade - I think I could get at least $6500 - this wagon is in pristine condition. I've even dumped about $250 in cost of parts for maintenance on it (did labor myself). So, they can bite me. He kept using sales ploys on me, like they have to sell a 43,000 mile care to a wholesaler? Please give me a break. With the trend on wagons/hatches and fuel economy (my Escort wagon gets consistent 36 mpg and doesn't burn a drop of oil), I know he could sell it within a few weeks.
And I didn't even want a GT with a moonroof! That would save me $540!
On to the the next local-area Hyundai dealer, then!
Good luck to others here. Get your info, and stick to your trade price and new caew price!
I like Hyundai, and prefer their cars. But these guys are smoking some good stuff if they think I would spend nearly 18K for an economy car.
Hope this helps you, and welcome to LALA Land.
I am very happy with the car. With a few exceptions, the fit and finish seem very nice. There are some things that are kind of cheap and I wonder how long they will last: sun visors (cheap looking and do not snap in and out well); putting up the rear seats so that the rear seat backs fold flat seems like it requires too much force; the clamps holding the back cover will not hold up if it is constantly removed; a lack of paint on one edge on the back hatch area. I don't love the clutch either; have stalled it a couple of times a stop lights.
Other than that, the car looks and drives great. Very nice looking, drives very nice (reasonable acceleration and handling), and is very comfortable inside. Although I generally like cloth over leather, the leather significantly improves the appearance of the GT over the sedan, with that ugly fabric. Also, the rear hatch area is pretty spacious. Although my dog is too tall, most dogs, even some larger breeds, would have plenty of room in the hatch area without folding the rear seats.
I also looked at the Mazda Protege 5, VW 1.8t Golf, and Subaru Impreza Wagon. For me, the GT was the best combination of price, performance, comfort, space and styling. It is a very competent car with a ton of features at a great price. Let's just hope I don't need that extensive warranty.
-uryourword
Only things needing attention are the fuel gauge which won't go to full anymore, and one of the rear seat back buttons that I pushed in too far. They need some type of limiter for that if they don't already.
Interestingly, my best mpg seems to occur around a steady 70....getting around 35 at that speed with the auto.
Oil level still just below full. No other problems so far.
DW
I've driven the GLS, but not the GT. The power seemed adequate (certainly not slow), but I'm slightly spoiled with my 87 Saab Turbo. I'm debating buying a GT, but availability in central Florida seems to be slim.
This is quite disappointing since the GT was basically at the top of my "short-list". There are enough choices still left that I don't need to settle for an unsafe car.
Is there any chance that these results apply only to the GLS sedan and not to the GT?
I was looking at an Elantra GT the other day, and it found it to be a nice car. But the IIHS rating has made me cross it off my list too. I was in an auto accident myself almost 3 years ago, and I want a car that's as safe as possible to drive in the event of a misfortune.
http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/0103.htm
*****This was post was in response to lngtonge18. Not the post directly above. Sorry for not making that clear******
As to you other point about Hyundai fixing this problem, I also think that's likely given that their reputation is on the line. This may end up increasing its selling price, which will probably hurt sales. And there's no telling how long it will take them to fix the faults. Will this mean a recall for the '01 Elantra's?
Safety starts with the structure of the car, not the add-ons like airbags. The Elantra's structure resulted in the driver survival space being well maintained in the offset crash test.
Yes, the late-deploying airbag is a slight concern but it's nothing that can't be fixed. Could the late deployment have been caused by the heavy plastic cover in the center of the steering wheel? Ever take a close look at that thing? I'm surprised the expanding airbag can force its way past it!
Even though Hyundai has a keen interest in seeing the Elantra perform well (and I expect a recall to fix that front airbag sensor - like the side airbag recall several months ago) there's no reason to expect the Elantra won't continue to sell well despite a "poor" rating. Anyone who reads that test result carefully will see that the basic structure is sound.
Happy Motoring (which I'll be doing a lot of in my Ultra-Dangerous Death Trap Hyundai Elantra GT)!