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2008 Hyundai Elantra

511 messages,  Last post on Oct 19, 2009 at 2:15 AM

You are in the Hyundai Elantra Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens

What is this discussion about? Hyundai Elantra, Automotive News, Car Comparisons, Car Buying, Sedan


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#51 of 511
Re: Elantra SE makes CR Top Picks list! [mrcellus] by backy
Feb 29, 2008 (8:40 pm)
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Replying to: mrcellus (Feb 28, 2008 5:31 pm)

Something that was not clear to me until I read the April Auto Issue today is that not only did the Elantra SE take the Top Pick for small cars, it's also now tied with the Civic EX MT at the very top of the "Sedans under $20,000" category in CR's rankings, with 82 points each, and in fact is the highest-rated car under $20k with an AT. Overall it's the 2nd-highest ranked Hyundai by CR, with the Azera besting it by 1 point. It tops even the Sonata and Santa Fe in CR's scoring. So quite a showing by the Elantra SE.
 
I recall noting when CR's review of the Elantra GLS came out that they seemed to dislike some things that the SE would have taken care of, e.g. lack of a telescopic steering wheel and lack of agility. They gave the GLS a score of 70. They seem to like the SE better, with its bigger wheels/tires and telescopic steering wheel, and ESC. They must have tested the SE recently but not yet published the test report. Maybe they will when they report on the new Corolla et. al.
 
The only criticism CR has for the Elantra SE is "steering feel." I wonder what they'll think of the Elantra Touring, which has a sport-tuned steering and suspension?
#52 of 511
The se does not have Laguna Sand by standepuy
Mar 05, 2008 (9:13 pm)
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L_S_ is only for the GLS. It looks that way in the brochure.
I'd like to get the se, but don't want the other colors.
#53 of 511
Drove an Elantra by jaxs1
Mar 07, 2008 (12:46 pm)
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I went to a very large stand alone Hyundai dealer. However, only 2 out of approximately 50 Elantras were SE models.
Looks like the SEs are a little hard to get.
I test drove one after driving a 2009 Corolla LE and I found the Elantra roomier and more comfortable.
The Elantra was quiet cruising along, but the engine was very loud when accelerating. Still needs more sound insulation. The 2009 Corolla was pretty quiet even at high RPM, but I think it may have been a little too small for me.
I noticed a few features on the Elantra that the Corolla LE didn't have, like sun visor extensions, XM and rear seat center armrest.
The Corolla had fully automatic headlights (that turn on automatically at dark) and automatic door locks.
 
Not totally satisfied with either car at this point and I may look at Sonatas, Camrys and Accords later or find a Corolla XLE to see if I can adjust the seat to find a more comfortable driving position.
#54 of 511
Re: Drove an Elantra [jaxs1] by backy
Mar 07, 2008 (1:51 pm)
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Replying to: jaxs1 (Mar 07, 2008 12:46 pm)

If the engine noise when accelerating (was this hard acceleration, e.g. on a freeway entrance ramp?) is the main issue with the Elantra, maybe consider how much time each day you'll spend doing that, w/o the stereo on or windows/moonroof open.
 
Looking at a Sonata or a used Camry or Accord might be a good bet. You can snatch a nicely-equipped 2008 Sonata GLS now for around $6000 off MSRP, depending on the deals offered in your area. That would put it around $14.5k or so before T&L. It would certainly cost less than a Corolla XLE, and maybe less than the Elantra SE.
#55 of 511
Re: Drove an Elantra [backy] by jaxs1
Mar 07, 2008 (2:18 pm)
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Replying to: backy (Mar 07, 2008 1:51 pm)

I need to have an aux input for mp3 players and I don't think you can get that on a 2008 Sonata.
I haven't even seen aftermarket iPod or aux kits for the 2008 Sonata other than awkward FM modulators.
The 2009 Sonata is so much nicer than the 2008s because of the new interior and the 5-speed automatic that gets a couple extra mpgs,
The Toyotas and Hondas cost more to buy new, but you may get all the extra money back and more at resale if you aren't planning to keep it for 10 or more years.
I will probably trade the car within 5 -6 years, so resale will be an issue.
I would lease and trade every 3 years, but I'm not sure how many miles I will average in the next 3 years, so a lease is risky.
#56 of 511
Re: Drove an Elantra [jaxs1] by backy
Mar 07, 2008 (3:10 pm)
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Replying to: jaxs1 (Mar 07, 2008 2:18 pm)

But resale didn't keep you from driving the Elantra SE, did it? I am puzzled as to why you would even give a moment's thought to buying a car like an Elantra, given your opinion about resale value.
 
I owned one Elantra for 5-1/2 years and own another now (4 years). So far I've come out just fine on resale value/depreciation on both cars.
 
The huge savings on the 2008 Sonata would help pay for an aftermarket head unit with all the inputs you could want, and the extra gas that the 4-speed AT takes compared to the 5-speed. I never found the 2006-8 Sonata's interior all that bad, but the 2009's is certainly nicer.
 
But it looks like a Toyota or Honda is a better choice for you, given your opinion on resale value--if you can find one that you like. I'm not sure that's possible.
#57 of 511
PZEV issue in high altitude? by jsnap
Mar 07, 2008 (4:17 pm)
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I am looking at buying an '08 SE and am very interested in the PZEV model. We would have to get one in Calif tho as none to be had in Colorado. However, I'm concerned about something one broker I spoke to said (he's an independent broker so not tied to any brand or dealership). Anyway, he had heard about issues with the PZEV motor not performing well in high altitude conditions.
I can't find anything about this anywhere on the web. He claimed it was an inside service bulletin that isn't available to the general public. So, when I have questions such as these, I find forums can be helpful.
 
Is this true?
#58 of 511
Re: Drove an Elantra [jaxs1] by bhmr59
Mar 07, 2008 (5:37 pm)
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Replying to: jaxs1 (Mar 07, 2008 2:18 pm)

Actually, from what I've seen, resale value is not much of an issue after 5 or 6 years. It doesn't take 10 years for the prices to faltten out.
 
Remember, compare price actually paid to the resale or trade-in value plus the value of not paying more up front (or in financing costs) when analyzing how much of an issue resale or trade-in value will be.
#59 of 511
Auto headlights and doorlocks on 2008 SE? by jaxs1
Mar 09, 2008 (11:40 pm)
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Do the headlights turn on automatically at night or when you drive into a dark tunnel?
Can the door locks be programmed to automatically lock when you put the car in Drive or reach a certain speed?
  
I noticed the 2009 Toyota Corolla has both these features, so I wonder if the Elantra matches it.
#60 of 511
Re: Auto headlights and doorlocks on 2008 SE? [jaxs1] by backy
Mar 10, 2008 (8:40 am)
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Replying to: jaxs1 (Mar 09, 2008 11:40 pm)

I don't think the Elantra has auto-on-in-the-dark headlights, but I think it has auto door locks available. I base that last comment on a picture I saw many months ago of a diagnostics readout for the 2007 Elantra, which showed settings for auto door locks. If they are there, it's likely they are not turned on from the factory. That is how the Sonata's auto locks come--the dealer has to turn them on and configure them. A quick call to the service department of your local Hyundai dealer should confirm it.

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