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Hyundai Elantra 2001-2006

5565 messages,  Last post on Mar 24, 2013 at 3:24 PM

You are in the Hyundai Elantra Forum.

What is this discussion about? Hyundai Elantra, Sedan

Messages Page 548 of 557

#5468 of 5565 Re: Buying a used 2004 Elantra GLS Automatic [saintforlife] by jimbeaumi

Dec 08, 2009 (7:44 pm)

Replying to: saintforlife (Dec 07, 2009 10:19 am)
My 2001 Elantra recently rolled 100K miles, and I would definitely buy another Hyundai. As far as the used model you are considering, in general it sounds like a safe bet and I would listen to all the caveats the others are telling you, especially when it comes to maintenance records. Keep in mind that Carfax can still let damaged vehicles pass, so use all of the tools you can. Maintenance really is the key.
 
If you check the history of my 2001 in Consumer Reports, you see that owners have had trouble with cooling and other areas that I have not. I try to baby my car and it helps. If you know the owner of the 2004 you are considering babies his/her car and shows proof, then it's worth a shot. The history of 2004 Elantras in the Consumer Report survey is quite favorable. My car is older but with similar miles and I would not hesitate to sell it to someone I know, because it will last.
 
Good luck and let us know of your decision.

#5469 of 5565 Re: Buying a used 2004 Elantra GLS Automatic [jlflemmons] by jlflemmons

Dec 09, 2009 (8:35 pm)

Replying to: jlflemmons (Dec 07, 2009 7:50 pm)
One of the problems Jim mentioned regarding cooling was attributed to premature and total thermostat failure. A very cheap preventative maintenance item, and probably not a bad idea. If that fails with this engine, you have very, very little time to shut it down before expensive damage occurs.

#5470 of 5565 Re: Buying a used 2004 Elantra GLS Automatic [saintforlife] by dovid2

Dec 10, 2009 (11:24 am)

Replying to: saintforlife (Dec 07, 2009 10:19 am)
I had a 2004 Elantra GT with 100,000 that I traded for a Sonata. In my case, they gave me $2500 and probably sold it for $5000-6000. I provided all records with my name removed and even the original brochure and window sticker, so it was as close as someone could come to a new car experience, but with a lot of miles.
 
To have 100,000 in 5 years probably means a lot of highway miles, which are considered easier on a car than city miles. My car was essentially trouble-free the whole time, so I had no problem buying our fourth Hyundai in nine years.

#5471 of 5565 Re: Buying a used 2004 Elantra GLS Automatic [jlflemmons] by colloquor

Dec 17, 2009 (8:21 pm)

Replying to: jlflemmons (Dec 09, 2009 8:35 pm)
I know I'm replying to a week-old post, but here's an interesting tidbit regarding the thermostat in the XD Elantra. I took my 2006 Elantra GLS in for its 4 yr./48,000 mile service, and the tech at the dealer (both excellent) strongly suggested replacing the OEM Hyundai thermostat with an aftermarket, such as Stant. He said the OEM thermostat has a tendency to fail "stuck closed", whereas the aftermarket thermostats are designed to fail "stuck open." If this is the case, I find it refreshing that he would recommend this.
 
Just a thought...

#5472 of 5565 Re: Buying a used 2004 Elantra GLS Automatic [colloquor] by jlflemmons

Dec 17, 2009 (8:56 pm)

Replying to: colloquor (Dec 17, 2009 8:21 pm)
What he told you is true for the most part. AC Delco thermostats of more recent design will also fail open. I learned that the hard way when both our 1999 and a 2002 Blazers had thermostat failure within months of each other.
The '99 just ran cold, the '02 (W engine) set a check engine light as the engine would not warm up enough to get into "low emission" status.
 
Fortunately, a very simple replacement on both. Stant makes a good thermostat. Good radiator caps, too.

#5473 of 5565 2003 Elantra Loud Squeaking Noise by sue60

Dec 28, 2009 (9:01 am)

My son recently purchased an 03 Elantra with 98K miles. When he bought the car everything seemed to be good--no engine noise, ran very quietly actually. Now the car is making a very loud and annoying squeaking noise when it is started and especially when he turns the wheel. He says the noise lessens a little bit after it is driven for awhile & the engine warms up. Any ideas what this might be? Neither one of us knows much about cars.
 
A friend suggested to try putting soap on the belt but we haven't done this yet.
 
Also, when he was driving home from work last night he was making a right turn at a stop light and he said the lights inside the car dimmed and almost went completely off. When he pressed on the gas it went away. We have no idea what this might be other than maybe the battery?
 
Thanks in advance for your help. Really hope we don't have a lemon here.

#5474 of 5565 Re: 2003 Elantra Loud Squeaking Noise [sue60] by fushigi

Dec 28, 2009 (9:38 am)

Replying to: sue60 (Dec 28, 2009 9:01 am)
It does sound like you have a slipping belt. That can squeal and also, if it is loose, might not be fully charging the battery (via the alternator which is driven off the belt).
 
Check the belts for a significant amount of play. If you can deflect/push the belt for more than, say, half an inch then it is loose and needs adjustment or replacement. Also examine the belts for wear by looking for cracks.
 
Belts are a wear item and if they've never been replaced then it's probably about time for it.
 
A shop can check the belts for you with a minimal diagnostic charge. They can also check your battery and the output from the alternator to make sure it's providing enough power to recharge the battery.
 
Maintaining the car is more critical in winter since we tend to demand more of the electrical system - running the lights more since there's less daylight, running the heater/fan on high, running the rear defrost, etc. on top of the usual suspects like radio & wipers.
 
I don't think you have a lemon; just a car that is ready, possibly past due, for a little maintenance work.

#5475 of 5565 Re: 2003 Elantra Loud Squeaking Noise [sue60] by jlflemmons

Dec 28, 2009 (2:07 pm)

Replying to: sue60 (Dec 28, 2009 9:01 am)
Does sound like a slipping belt. Easy to change, belt will run about $15-20 from aftermarket auto parts.
 
With regard to concern over it being a lemon, don't. A belt will just one day start chirping/squeaking with no warning. If you want to confirm it is the belt, spray a little belt conditioner, or drip a bit of liquid dishwashing soap, onto the belt while is is making noise. If that is the source of the noise, it will immediately change and/or go away, at least for a while.

#5476 of 5565 Re: 2003 Elantra Loud Squeaking Noise [sue60] by sue60

Dec 28, 2009 (7:24 pm)

Replying to: sue60 (Dec 28, 2009 9:01 am)
Thank you for your help. You are right, it was a belt. We just got home from the shop. Also, the air conditioning belt needs to be replaced, which isn't surprising considering the car came from Arizona originally. And it needs two front brake pads.
 
Other than that, he said the car is very clean underneath and in surprisingly good condition. Sounds like my son got a good deal on his new car and he really likes it so I'm happy about that.

#5477 of 5565 Re: 2003 Elantra Loud Squeaking Noise [sue60] by jlflemmons

Dec 28, 2009 (8:18 pm)

Replying to: sue60 (Dec 28, 2009 7:24 pm)
I will give you some more good news. Brake jobs on an Elantra are very, very easy. It sounds like you have a good shop to deal with, so they will probably be straight with you.
 
I don't recall if you stated if this was a GT model. With regard to the brakes, a GT uses disc brakes in the rear, where the GLS uses drums. Both are very effective, but the GT pads are very small and non-metallic, thus only last about 20K miles, depending on your driving style. All Elantras use disc brakes in the front, and the pads are semi-metallic. From experience I can tell you that while the Hyundai brand brake pads are more expensive, they last a lot longer. I have compared the Hyundai pad to the Wagner brand, and the Hyundai has quite a bit more material. Both will stop the car equally well, but common sense tells you that with comparable material, more will last longer.
 
I have owned both an '02 GLS and an '05 GT. Both were excellent vehicles.

Messages Page 548 of 557

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