93 messages,
Last post on Jan 17, 2013 at 7:09 AM
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Hyundai Elantra Forum.
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Hyundai Elantra, Car Buying, Hatchback, Sedan
#20 of 93 Re: Elantra Sedan and Touring SAFETY CONCERNS [susan_spencer]
by backy
Dec 30, 2009 (4:43 pm)
I share your concern. In fact, there would probably be an 2008 Elantra sedan in my garage right now were it not for its showing on the IIHS side impact test, since I like the car otherwise (especially the SE trim). I think that is a very sorry showing for a car redesigned for the 2007 MY. Consider that almost all other small cars have better scores. Even some much smaller cars, such as the Versa and Yaris, score "Good" on IIHS side impact. And the cheapo Yaris even has ESC standard, whereas that feature is only available on the SE trim for the Elantra sedan (but is standard on the Touring).
Hyundai did some noteworthy things re safety in the past, such as pioneering standard side airbags on small cars (2001 Elantra), offering the first family sedan with standard ESC (2006 Sonata), and making ABS standard on its low-end car, at least briefly (2006 Accent sedan). But they seem to be lagging in crash safety on their bread-and-butter sedans, doing well only on their larger vehicles.
Since there are several other good small cars that offer better crash test scores than the Elantra, e.g. Corolla (standard ESC on all trims), Civic (ESC only on top trim), Mazda3 (ESC standard on all trims), Kia Soul (ESC standard), and Impreza (standard ESC and AWD), you could look at some of those. The 2009 Jetta and Rabbit also have very good crash protection and standard ESC, and you might be able to find a closeout deal on those. The 2010 Golf is very good also, albeit a little pricey.
#21 of 93 Re: Elantra Sedan and Touring SAFETY CONCERNS [backy]
by susan_spencer
Dec 30, 2009 (9:38 pm)
I really appreciate your prompt and thoughtful response. I was hoping and needing to seal a deal in 2009! Perhaps tomorrow!
It was suggested to me to go with Certified pre-owned or new. I was drawn to Elantra for reliability and price not for size- a bit small for me. Feel more comfortable in a car a bit larger with neutral carriage not riding low to ground. Replacing a 15 yr old Camry. Thought I might find a 05/06 Camry w/side airbags but I'm done after months of searching. They're a good value. Happy to go a bit smaller than Camry. Drove an '07 Accord but drive felt like too much car for me. The older Accord before everything was "giganticized" would have been fine!
I liked the Corolla as the new design is larger and taller and safety ratings and resale are decent. Don't know what to make however of the complaints now reported on the electric power steering- driver's working hard to keep the car straight- in their lane. Because it is first year of redesign, better to wait? Otherwise thought would work for me even though smaller than I'm used to. Maybe you can advise further on this so will know your opinion on this issue.
Liked the Impreza, a good size but a bit pricey and low MPG. The drive on the VW's as well as Elantra felt a bit foreign after the Camry. Don't mind a tigher suspension as I like to feel I am driving the car. Considered Volvo S40 was cautioned to avoid brand. (?)
Would be great if there were only one car and once it was worn out, you simply went and picked up another! Right now just need easy to drive/safe ride with some resale and hold for 2-4 years. Have to deal with carport parking : )! Perhaps you might have another suggestion on smaller mid-size which might be purchased new or pre-owned and some add'l feedback on purchase of Corolla.
Grateful for your help! Maybe I will start 2010 with some wheels!
#22 of 93 Re: Elantra Sedan and Touring SAFETY CONCERNS [susan_spencer]
by backy
Dec 30, 2009 (10:15 pm)
I had good luck buying a 2007 Rabbit last April, VW Certified, about 4 years of VW warranty left on it, was only $11k--but that was near the bottom of the used car market, might be a little more today for a 2008. Loved the way it drove, very comfortable seats, 4 door has good utility if not as roomy as the Touring. I traded it last month only because my wife decided she wanted one larger car (our other at home is a 2004 Elantra hatch), so I traded the Rabbit even-up on a 2007 Sonata. Jetta is of course the sedan version of the Rabbit/Golf. VW Certified Jettas are available also, and they are less rare than Rabbits. Fuel economy won't be as good as the Elantra, but not that much lower, and much more fun to drive with better safety.
Another nice car (used) is a 2007-8 Mazda6. Kind of between a compact and mid-sized car, great handling, decent if not great crash scores. 2009 Optimas are now available used in limited quantities and those can be good deals used too--a little smaller than the Sonata, good crash scores (except just "average" on IIHS side impact), and 2009 models have standard ESC/ABS. A little sharper handling than the Sonata also. Has the 5-year warranty ala Hyundai.
Corollas are fine if you are looking for a smooth ride vs. crisp handling, very good fuel economy, good safety features, and don't need a roomy back seat as in an Elantra or a mid-sized car. Take it for a long test drive to see if you like the feel of the EPS. I didn't have any problem with it, although it's not as crisp as several other small cars. Interesting thing is, a Corolla LE with its standard ESC is probably going to cost no more or even less than an Elantra SE with standard ESC, and resale value will be better on the Corolla (also on the Vdubs). And the Matrix is of course the wagon version of the Corolla. You might check your Pontiac dealer to see if they have any special closeout specials on the Vibe--it's the Matrix with a different skin.
Good luck on your car shopping!
#23 of 93 2010 Elantra transmission issue?
by mabelb99
Jan 07, 2010 (11:53 am)
Hi, bought a '10 Elantra last week and had no problems until Monday AM. Let it warm up 3-4 minutes and then it shifted 1st to 2nd up around 4000 rpm with a nice clunk/jolt (reminded me of a former car with transmission problems). thought maybe it was just the cold. Monday evening, same issue after sitting at work for 8 hours. Tuesday AM, same thing, a rough shift 1st the 2nd just trying to get out of my neighborhood. Wedensday AM, warmed up 6-7 minutes and no problem. Wednesday evening, slight jolt after sitting at work all day. Thursday AM, we tried 1-2 minute warm-up to see if it was indeed a "cold start" issue and the jolt/clunk happened trying to go to Reverse. hmmmm....has anyone had this issue with 2010 or previous Elantras? I have an appt. next week--just hoping to make it to and from work until then. thanks!
#24 of 93 Re: 2010 Elantra transmission issue? [mabelb99]
by backy
Jan 07, 2010 (12:35 pm)
1-4 minutes is not enough to fully warm up the powertrain after sitting all day in cold weather. I don't know how cold it is where you live, but where I live it's been near -20 F recently, and I would never rev the engine to 4000 rpms in that kind of weather without driving it quite a ways first. (Actually, I could probably count on one hand the times I've had my 2004 Elantra up to 4000 rpms, in any weather.)
Let us know what the dealer says.
#25 of 93 Re: 2010 Elantra transmission issue? [backy]
by mabelb99
Jan 07, 2010 (12:44 pm)
thanks! 4000 rpm was not intentional---it just happened that it would not shift until then, and was actually quite a surprise when this happened since the previous few days were fine. we are about 20-30F in the morning this time of year. i'll give extra-long warm-ups until I get it to the dealer. thanks again!
#26 of 93 Re: 2010 Elantra transmission issue? [mabelb99]
by dovid2
Jan 08, 2010 (11:32 am)
With the state of modern automatic transmissions, you should not get any kind of jolt or clunk, no matter the weather. If I were you, I'd take it straight back to the dealer. Cars don't need long warmups these days.
#27 of 93 Re: 2010 Elantra transmission issue? [mabelb99]
by mabelb99
Jan 12, 2010 (6:56 am)
update on the '10 Elantra. Took it in to let the dealer experience the car in the AM/cold and they have the same problem. Could be a sensor or could be something more, so they are going to replace the transmission.
With less than 700 miles on the car, I sure hope this is a random fluke.
I am otherwise very happy with my car. thanks for the ideas and suggestions!
#28 of 93 STEERING in 2010 GLS vs SE 4 dr sedan
by tommiez
Jan 18, 2010 (12:59 pm)
Test drove a GLS and liked it but decided on the SE because of the features. I didn't test the SE because I assumed all the trims handled the same. But then the very last minute I tested the SE and was surprised to find the steering so stiff and uncompromising - like driving a truck. Is this my imagination or is there a tangible difference in the steering between the two. Thanks for your feedback.
#29 of 93 Loud knocking noise in my 2010 Elantra
by seanbird
Feb 10, 2010 (6:39 pm)
I bought my 2010 Elantra 12 weeks ago ,only had the car for 2 weeks started to hear a loud knocking noise every time i turned the wheel to the left and if i went over a speed bump. Took the car to the dealership they tried to tell me thats just the way the car is, i didnt believe them so i brought it back a week later and they replaced a gasket and an o-ring,still had the same problem, after the service manager gave me the run around for 2 weeks i brought the car back and they replaced the whole strutt and strutt mount, it still makes the knocking noise.Wondering if anyone else who owns a 2010 Elantra has any problems with the suspension or makes any noises.