[TripleB]

I'm looking to purchase a smaller sedan as a new car and am considering the 2023 Elantra SEL (with Convenience Package) because it has the most leg room, front and back, of any sedan in it's class. And of course the styling, the standard features, the comfort, etc.

I guess I'm just looking for the thoughts on the Elantra from those who own (have owned) one.

Pros, cons, problems, what other cars did you consider before going with the Elantra, why did you go with the Elantra, would you buy another, etc?

Thanks!

TripleB

 

[Scott91370]

why did you go with the Elantra, would you buy another, etc?

I'm only going to answer these because I've never owned one from new and the one I have has lived a hard life.
I went with it because a lady at my wife's office sold it to me for $600. After another $400 it is in pretty good shape.
Would I buy another? If I got a deal like this again I would. But to be honest, I wouldn't give the $$ they ask for one with the issues I have read about when I could get a Toyota or Honda for a little more.

 

[RandyM]

I don't think you will be unhappy with the Elantra.

Reading the car magazines/websites about the compact class indicates there is really not a bad one in the bunch. All have similar features and specifications. You need to determine what is most important to you and find the car with those features.

If interior space is important, then the Elantra and Civic should be on your shortlist. The Honda has slightly better acceleration, is more sporty to drive, and gets slightly better mileage. But Honda is more expensive and has a shorter warranty than the Hyundai.

I would take a close look at the consumer ratings of each dealership. Some dealers are good while others are crooks. Patronize the good places and leave the bad ones behind. As the cars are so close, I would consider the dealership that gives you the best deal.

Of course, you'll be dealing with vehicle availability. In my city, Hondas are much more difficult to find than Elantras. In normal times I would say to drive both, which will make the choice easier. Chances are that won't happen. To compensate, check out the consumer ratings at edmunds.com, cars.com, etc.

Finally, visit the library and look at the April edition of Consumer Reports. As I remember, they rate the Elantra as good and the Honda as very good.

If money is a big consideration, check out the Kia Forte which uses the same mechanics as the Elantra but is $2,000 cheaper.

Good luck. Let us know what you get.

 

[Blacklantra]

we bought a 2019 with 19k miles. Currently at 34k. So far so good. We considered the Civic as well but it was pricier. I think the Elantra is good value for money. It drives well and looks good. I’m wondering why they don’t let you change the transmission fluid. The current fluid is for the life of the vehicle but wouldn’t the transmission last longer if you could change the fluid?

 

[mcroadracer]

Hyundai long distance reliability is has not been great especially their four cylinder engines.
Get a Honda or Toyota if you want to keep your car for a while.

 

[RandyM]

Hyundai long distance reliability is has not been great especially their four cylinder engines.
Get a Honda or Toyota if you want to keep your car for a while.

I've seen Hyundais and Kias with impressive trouble free miles. The trick, I think, is maintenance. Maintain the car to factory recommendations and use good quality materials and these cars will last a long time.

I think Hyundai and Kia's reputation for poor quality is cultural. Honda and Toyota owners I know are much pickier about their cars and don't scrimp on maintenance. Kia and Hyundai owners less so.

I do have one caveat on that last statement. I think the service intervals on the Korean cars are loo long. Use the severe service schedule to make sure the fluids are still clean with properly working additives.

 

[Scott91370]

The trick, I think, is maintenance...

FOR SURE! Especially oil. I know they had a run where oil was consumed (burned, leaked - I don't know) and checking the oil frequently was a must on them. I check min a few times during the 4000 mile oil change but it stays pretty close to the full line (always in the good level).

 

[RandyM]

FOR SURE! Especially oil. I know they had a run where oil was consumed (burned, leaked - I don't know) and checking the oil frequently was a must on them. I check min a few times during the 4000 mile oil change but it stays pretty close to the full line (always in the good level).

I keep hearing that full synthetic oil is good for 10,000 miles. For sake of argument, let's say the additives and lubricity can last that long (which I very much doubt), the oil still gets as dirty with combustion byproducts at the same rate as any oil. That in-suspension carbon slowly accumulates and begins grinding away at precision metal pieces. Best to get the crud out earlier, especially since Hyundai-Kia uses a slightly less hard allow in it's engines than Toyota and Honda.

I personally feel that Hyundai's two billion dollar Theta II engine debacle wouldn't have been so bad if the oil change recommendations were 3,000 sooner.

 

[Rado]

I have heard the same thing about Synthetic Oil !
NO way could I go 10k on oil. I dio every 5k, Even on my motor cycle 5k
As for get dirty like Dino no/yes Not as bad as Dino
I used to change oil on my motorcycle. Used to us dino oil. When drained it was dark. After switching to 100 % Synthetic it became translucent !
Less carbon build up. and also Synthetic oil handles heat better then dino oil.
Also your car/truck will start easier in the cold vs dino oil, Does not thicken up in the cold

 

[RandyM]

I follow the Kia Forte forum and asked about the longevity of those vehicles (which share the same drivetrain as the Elantra). Did not get one horror story. Many reported 130K-150K with no problems. All said they are diligent about maintenance.