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Comments
As for undercoating, I've driven my '01 through four Minnesota winters (lots of salt) and no signs of rust yet). Modern vehicles are treated for corrosion at the factory. Personally I don't see the need for undercoating, but some people swear by it.
Re noise, I owned a '97 Sentra before the Elantra and IMO the Elantra is quieter except under strong acceleration--then it does put out a lot of noise. We're talking 2.0L, 135 hp vs. 1.6L, 115 hp here. I don't use/need full throttle much, so it's not a biggie for me plus I think the sound is kind of sporty. I've noticed the automatics seem quieter than the sticks (which I have).
Re metal and bumpers, I don't have hardly any dings on my Elantra after 3-1/2 years, but I'm careful where I park it. I've noticed a general decline in panel thickness over the past few years. For example, when I drove an MPV recently I knew I could put a dent in the front fender with a push from one finger (I didn't do it of course, the dealer would not have been pleased). My five-year-old minivan has dings all over it, and I've already had it in the shop twice for ding removal. So I don't think it's just the Elantra. At least the bumpers are designed to hold up well to impacts; according to the IIHS bumper tests, Elantra is one of the best in its class there.
I haven't noticed bad FM reception, but I live in a large urban area so maybe it's just not an issue here.
Don't think I'm crapping on this car that many of you are apparently quite satisfied with. I actually quite enjoy driving it, generally. It's smooth and quiet (except for when you step on it) and the interior is a pleasant place, much more so than my ol' Sentra. I went on the test drives with my mom when we were car shopping, and I agreed with her that it was the nicest (roomy feeling, too) of the cars we test drove, which included a new 1.8l Sentra, Corolla, Echo, Ion, Civic and another I can't remember. It drove better, had more features and was cheaper, too. Same reasons that lots of people have bought them.
When I say my Sentra is quieter, I should note that I don't spend a lot of time with the revs up very high. The one time I drove an auto '96 Sentra I was NOT impressed - it revved a lot and was noisy when it did. Like I say, it's the probably the same reason I generally don't like small engines with automatic trannies. I'd rather use more throttle than rev it out, if I don't have to.
Well, time will tell how the Elantra holds up. It won't be replaced anytime soon, it would cost too much in depreciation. We're generally satisfied with it so far - most of what I've mentioned has only bothered me, not my mom who usually drives it. I have also noticed what seems like a low pitched rattle/vibration that comes from the right front when that side hits the ubiquitous poholes that edge the city streets around here, but I'm not sure if it's anything or not, yet. The car's got a couple of years of full warranty left on it yet, so I trust any real problems that appear will be taken care of.
Niels
"Coverage applies to Original Owner only effective 2004 Model Year. On 1999-2003 Model Years, coverage applies to Original Owner and immediate family members (i.e. wife, husband, daughter, son, stepdaughter, stepson)."
If you go a bit older, you could get a good used Civic or Corolla for under $10k. You might even be able to get one with an extended warranty. A used Protege would also be a good bet. You could probably find a 2002 or even 2003 Pro for under $10k, and they have a good reliability history too.
* Fabric patterns--redone in 2002, again in 2004.
* Can't unlock just the driver's door with the remote or key--changed for 2004 (or earlier?)
* No panic button on the remote--added for 2004 (or earlier?)
* Interior a little drab--redone for 2004, a little more upscale
* Poor showing in IIHS crash test--seat track redesigned (changed in U.S. cars in 2004 or earlier), car scheduled for retest
* No easy way to shut off center dash vents--shutoffs added for 2004
* No cargo lighting (GT)--added for 2004 (or earlier?)
* No rear cupholders--added during '01 MY
* Engine technology uncompetitive with Honda and Toyota (CVVT added in 2003, SULEV emissions available, improved power and/or mpg)
* "Frown" look--exterior styling refreshed for 2004
I've probably missed some improvements, so chime in.
Thanks for the good reminder. This is precisely why I bought my car in the first place. This company is really putting forth an effort to improve itself and its products.
Regi
http://www.freep.com/news/statewire/sw96891_20040428.htm
Regi, the vast majority of Elantra owners on these threads are very, very happy with their cars.
http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/boomer5352000/album?.dir=/551a&a- mp;.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//f1.pg.photos- .yahoo.com/ph//my_photos
Read it again. You are eligible. In the subject of the letter they show you which group you're in (Elantras are Group D). Remember, we were excluded from the "2002 Goodwill Offer" because the hp difference was less than 4% -- Hyundai's arbitrary threshold. You're now eligible for a $50/$100 debit card, assuming this is approved.
Backy, the owners eligible for the $225/$325 debit cards have to give up the Goodwill Offer benefits they received last year (i.e., 1 year extended base warranty, or two year extended drivetrain warranty, or 5 year extended roadside assistance). If they choose not to do so, they're still eligible for a $175/$250 debit card.
Hyundai's already given me an extra 1-yr 12,000-mi warranty on my wife's Sonata (Group A), so I don't feel that they owe me anything there. I may apply for the Elantra, though, since we were initially offered nothing in recompense.
You are lucky re gas--it's $1.89 or more for self serve regular in the Twin Cities. Glad my wife is driving that Elantra GT now instead of our old Grand Caravan.
I transferred a 2001 Elantra to my married daughter. Is she eligible?
Also, on gas prices -- regular was about $2.159/gallon on my way to work this morning...don't know what they will be on my return home after work...(Southern California).
BTW, regular unleaded was 2.199 last night, the same this morning. There are plenty higher -- these prices are the lowest in my area, other than extreme off-brands which are as low as 2.159 this morning...