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2007 Elantra First Impressions
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I'll bet the Mazdaspeed6 was a mite quicker/faster than the Elantra.
Why not? Dealers and salespeople need to make enough money to eat!
Thanks for the help, anyway!
http://www.hyundaiusa.com/vehicle/elantra/performance/performance.aspx
Then from there click on the little "Transmission" picture.
Based on these samples, I still can't take the small wheels and cheap-looking wheel covers on the GLS. My favorite in the bunch was a Seattle Blue SE with grey interior. (There were no black interiors in the group, just grey and beige.)
Based on the number of cars on the lot, I predict it won't be too long before we start seeing a rebate to the general public on the car.
Overall impression of driving the car is it isn't a big or noticable improvement over the 01-06 Elantra. I was really expecting there to be a bigger improvement in road and engine noise isolation. When I first turned the key over to start the engine it sounded exactly like my Elantra (it should sinces its a Beta II also) and not much quieter at startup. I had thought that Hyundai had put more effort on engine noise intrusion into the cabin. After the engine warmed up to normal operating temperature the decibels at idle seemed very equivalent to my 05 GT.
I was able to drive the Elantra on a 6 mile road with a few turns and mostly in good condition with a few bumps and small pot holes. Road noise was a little better than the GT and equivalent to my 05 Spectra up until around 60 mph. After that it seemed to get a little more road noise intrusion than the Kia but similar to the GT. I was suprised at this since the Kia has 195-60-R15 (same as GT) tires compared to 195-65-R15 of the 07 Elantra. Width wise the tires are the same but the profile of the 07 Elantra tires is higher so I would think there would be less rolling resitance and as a result less road noise. Tires could be the real difference between the Kia, GT and 07 Elantra and maybe why there is a difference of road noise. It could also be suspension tuning.
The ride was a little more firm and sporting that I expected. It did ride nice and was better in the corners than Spectra and as good as my GT. Its seems that the SE, if it has a more sport tuned suspension, would have better lateral grip than the GT and would be a better cornering car (ie. less body roll and more compliant ride). The chassis seems very taught and absorbed the vibrations better than both the Kia and GT. There were absolutely no rattles and such - though I wouldn't expect any at only 13 miles on the ODO.
The best part of driving the new Elantra was really in the cockpit. This is definitely an improvement over the last gen Elantra. The seats were comfortable (but I am not really all that picky here). All controls are in the right place and easy to reach. Most common used controls doesn't require you to move your eyes off the road such as the radio controls. Controls had a nice touch to them and they operated very smoothly. The sound quality of the radio is a big improvement over the GT (note mine doesn't have the Kenwood unit). The textures and materials were of high quality. Only complaint was the hardness of the doors plastics compared to the dash. The blue lighting of the gauges and the controls was nice, since everything is now monochrome, if not a little bland. Visibility was great.
All in all a small improvement in ride and noise isolation over the last gen Elantra with a great interior.
The suspension of all 2007 Elantras in the U.S. is supposed to be the same, but bigger wheels/tires on the SE and Limited which may improve handling over the GLS.
Thats exactly what I said (ie. insulation and tires contributed to the road noise quite a bit). I did forget to mention engine noise/growl. Suspension tuning can play into road noise because if the springs/shocks aren't tuned to the proper profile of the tire this can contribute to elevated roas noise.
The suspension of all 2007 Elantras in the U.S. is supposed to be the same, but bigger wheels/tires on the SE and Limited which may improve handling over the GLS.
Its not the wheel/tire size (ie. diameter) that will contribute to the improved handling. Its the profile (less sidewall) and the width of the tire. GLS has 195mm (195-65-15) vs 205mm (205-55-16) of the SE/Limited. This means the tire will have more contact area with the pavement. GLS has a 65% profile ratio vs a 55% profile ratio for the SE/Limited which means the SE/Limited will have less side wall from rim to ground. Thus, less curling of the tire when turning hard corners. Wider width and lower profile also means likely more road noise over GLS
First, let me mention that I'm the proud owner of an 03 5-speed GLS sedan (my second Elantra). Apart from a couple of minor warranty issues, it's been 64K miles of happy motoring. Currently, I'm facing something of a dilemma: casting about for a replacement (preferably another Elantra) or squeezing every last mile from what I've got.
Like many of you, I eagerly anticipated the arrival of the HD this year. Now that it's here, I can't say it's been worth the wait. From a stylistic standpoint, the redesign is a bit too bulbous and unimaginative, IMO. The dealership nearest me (I'm in Denver) has the 06s and 07s side by side on their lot and the outgoing model just seems to have the cleaner, more appealing lines.
I took a quick spin in an 07 GLS base model (no radio or AC) yesterday. While I did like the pep, handling, and interior layout, I can't rave about what a marked improvement it is. I don't wish to minimize the effort Hyundai has put in to bolster the safety features of the vehicle (they are significant), I'm just bemoaning the loss of an old friend...
Maybe if they bring back the hatch I'll be inclined to take a second look (if the looks of the car warrant it). Otherwise, I might have to consider a Sonata or (gasp!)the new Sentra or Civic.
Anyone else feel the same way?
2006 GLS AT with ABS (also includes moonroof and traction control): about $16,300
2007 GLS AT with Preferred Package (no moonroof or traction control, but includes standard ABS, XM radio, aux input, side curtains, fog lamps, rear seat armrest, etc.): about $16,500
Nowhere near a $3000 price increase.
2006 GLS AT with ABS (also includes moonroof and traction control): about $16,300
2007 GLS AT with Preferred Package (no moonroof or traction control, but includes standard ABS, XM radio, aux input, side curtains, fog lamps, rear seat armrest, etc.): about $16,500
Nowhere near a $3000 price increase.
Yes, but let's consider like equipment. You cited an 06 w/moonroof and traction control. 07 does not offer traction control at all and the moonroof package is an extra $1300. The substitutions you mention do not add up to the same value as the moonroof and traction control. Let's go through them.
ABS - both cars have it figured into price, so no comparison is warranted here
traction control = value of XM radio, aux input, side curtains, fog lamps, rear seat armrest
I'm not sure what "etc." includes, but I'll guess it's not worth the $1300 moonroof, so I we're still short about $1300 for an "apples to apples" comparison.
In the end, it comes to this:
I agree with backy that the price difference is nowhere near $3K. However, the difference is also nowhere near the $200 mentioned here. I'd estimate the actual difference in price to be somewhere around $1500 when it's all said and done, which is not unreasonable.
I personally think the change in appearance (especially inside) is worth the extra money.
2006 Elantra GLS AT with Package 02/AB (moonroof, ABS, and traction control): $16,715 including destination
2007 Elantra GLS AT with Preferred Package 04 (includes A/C, stereo, and moonroof): $17,395
So the 2007 GLS AT with moonroof and ABS is $680 more than the 2006 GLS AT with moonroof and ABS. The 2006 has traction control. The 2007 has the following equipment not on the 2006:
* side curtain airbags
* 172-watt stereo with equalizer and aux input jack
* lighted vanity mirrors
* rear center armrest
* fog lamps
* active front head restraints
* 3 rear head restraints
* Remote locking with trunk opener
And of course higher fuel economy and more interior room, and IMO a much nicer interior (e.g. you had to pay extra for blue lighting in 2006, on the GT). I think that's a pretty good deal for the extra money.
Right now, the 2006 Elantra has an advantage of a $1000 rebate (only a $500 net advantage if you are a Hyundai owner however). So there is a significant price difference until the 2006s are gone, or until more rebates come out on the 2007s.
06 Elantra Limited: Auto, Package 2 (moonroof, ABS, traction control), mud guards, floor mats - MSRP 17825
07 Elantra Limited: Auto, Package 6 (moonroof, upgraded stereo), mud guards, floor mats - MSRP 19755
2007 has over 2006 is the following:
* side curtain airbags
* upgraded 220?-watt stereo with equalizer and aux input jack
* lighted vanity mirrors
* rear center armrest
* active front head restraints
* 3 rear head restraints
* Remote locking with trunk opener
* 16" alloys
2006 Limited has traction control which 2007 does not have it.
There is a $2000 difference not including the 1K in rebates offered on the 2006 Elantra
If you compare to 2006 Elantra GT then the price difference is about $1500.
I still don't think the upgrades (including better interior design) plus the marginally better ride constitutes a price increase of that much
* side curtain airbags - in the words of the credit card commercial, "priceless", but let's say about $250 based on what some other automakers such as Toyota charge for side bags and curtains.
* upgraded stereo w/CD changer, MP3 etc. - $400?
* interior upgrades such as lighted vanity mirrors, rear center armrest, blue guages - $100?
* active front headrests and 3 rear headrests - again kind of "priceless" as they are safety-related, but how about $100?
* remote trunk opener - $50?
* 16" wheels/tires with 5-spoke alloys - $500?
* heated seats - $100?
* trip computer - $100?
* telescopic wheel with on-wheel controls - $100?
* fog lamps - $250 (based on what some other makes charge)
Total: $1950
Plus the added value of larger/nicer interior, better ride, and better fuel economy.
Also... what other new car can you buy that has the room and features of the 2007 Elantra Limited but for less money? The Civic EX AT for instance is $20,105 and doesn't have a leather interior as does the Elantra Limited--or anywhere near the interior room for that matter. In fact, the Civic EX is closer to the Elantra SE with moonroof, which runs only $18,445.
*Then* I can start suffering some buyers remorse and new model envy. On the other hand, the one thing I'm really missing non-body design-wise that's on the new Elantra is a stereo with an aux (or ipod) input - and that can be had for as low as about $150 installed.
Is there a hatch slated for this series? I've not heard either way on that particular issue.
I love the just-discontinued hatch: it was pretty cool.
It is a wise shopper who rents a car same model as he is shopping for. Or ask the dealership for a 24 hour test drive. Some might do it.
I just brought my SE home today, so I haven't had time to let it "settle in" (though it has 200 miles because I had to get a special combo driven from upstate). However, I can tell you that I'm not hearing any rattles from the interior, and my idle is steady at ~600RPM. I've read several reviews that noted the very low idle. If you're idling at 1K or above with the car warmed up, I'd say you need to see your service department.
Every Hyundai i've owned or driven in has this "feature." The dealership will tell you its part of the "design." Trust me, i've asked many a time.
And please don't tell me you paid more for your Hyundai than a Mazda3 or Civic w/ this "market adjustment." If so, can you still get your money back?
Do you people change your own oil? I did with my 2003 but I feel it leaves you open for trouble if you have to make a claim because even if you record dates, oil used and use a factory filter they could always claim you are not a certified mechanic and could have done something wrong.
I notice that dealerships are now using oil treatments, people from the lubrication industry usually discourage you from them and even owners manuals used to tell you not to. I have not checked this one yet. I emailed Hyundai asking them about it and have never received a response.
Hyunda is recommending Quaker State, maybe because they offer some warranty for 10 year/250,000 miles even if you change your own oil.
I would wager someone changing oil himself/herself does a better job than the dealer. Was the sump overfilled? Was the oil drain plug torqued to the correct torque spec? Next time you have anyone change oil - other than yourself - check the two aforementioned items. I think you will be surprised.
I also took 2 brand new cars for 24 hour test drives, a Mercedes and a top of the line Toyota. Volvo also offered, but I bought another before needing 24 hours in the Volvo. All I did was ask. No dealer turned me down.
-Joe
I was a very happy 01 Elantra owner but am put off by the small wheels and Buick breeds with a 95 Taurus look of the new car.
I bought an 07 Optima for my wife. $16.1 with leather. Larger and newer four cylinder engine, 17 inch 50 series tires and the same (but stretched) platform as the Elantra. And to my eyes, at least a much better looking car, inside and (especially) outside.
Add to that to keep the receipts for oil and filters as proof of purchase.