GTcarz - Automotive forums for cars & trucks. - 2005 Elantra GLS hatchback M/T comments

"P K" <pakob@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:pakob-AD7648.19134714122004@news.isp.giganews.com...
> I've decided to get a 2005 Elantra GLS hatchback with manual transmisson.
> Has anybody had one long enough to add their real-world perceptions?
>
> The one complaint I have is the really cheap trunk floor cover over the
> spare tire. I can't believe that would hold up to any weight over a few
> grocery bags. I'd have to beef it up with a plywood subfloor to take the
> weight of things like 40lb bags of lime and fertalizer in the spring.
>
> Thanks
> --Paul

The cargo tray is a VERY worth-while investment for the 5-door. I didn't
think to ask the dealer to include it in my purchase price, but I have no
regrets about buying it. Not sure it will hold your 40lb bags, but it keeps
the carpet clean, stops stuff rolling around so much, and takes 5 seconds to
put in or take out. Get the cargo net as well if you can.

I have the 04 GT, but after 10 months of ownership, and 14,500 miles of
driving still very satisfied with the car. Can't comment on the MT as I
have AT. I did post a review here some time ago which you might find of
use.

Reproduced below:
----
I've had my 04 GT Hatch in Sterling Silver for 2 months now, and have put on
3,600 miles. I am completely satisfied with the car, and would recommend it
to anyone looking to buy an affordable 5 door, that is still very well
equipped.

Standard equipment include but is not necessarily limited to: Leather
seats, leather steering wheel, leather shifter knob (auto and manual),
remote alarm and central locking, Kenwood MP3 head-unit with 6 speakers and
remote control, split-fold-flat rear seats, front and rear head-restraints
(head-rests), front and rear floor mats, 15" alloy wheels (seen on earlier
model Tiburon) shod with michelen tires, disc brakes all round (vented at
front), cruise control, fog lights (cool looking spherical lens as seen as
new model BMW 3 Series), spoiler, rear wash wipe, adjustable intermittent
wipers, arm rest and double storage bin, 2 cup-holders in center console,
and 2 more in front door bins, lighter and second socket for power outlet,
dual front and side air bag (passenger airbag inactive when no passenger or
when child in seat), dual rear airbags, remote hood and fuel flap release,
speed-sensitive steering, sport suspension, body-coloured fenders and wing
mirrors, power windows all round, power door locks, lighted ash-tray, tilt
steering column, highly adjustable seat, throttle and gear change that
learns your driving style.... the list goes on.

Two option packages: The first consists of the electric tilt/slide
moon/sunroof, and the second consists of the moon/sunroof and ABS with
Traction Control.

Performance is good, with the 2 litre VVC (Variable Valve Cam timing) engine
revving nicely. Could use more power and torque, but their is plenty for
passing and high-speed cruising. Even with the moonroof fully open the
cabin is still quiet enough to talk even at 80mph. The steering is
responsive with an excellent turning circle, and the suspension allows for
good cornering and lane changes without excessive body roll. Many owners
highly recommend the fitting of the earlier model (thicker) Tiburon rear
sway bar, which improves stability and body roll even further.

The car's top speed is electronically limited to something in the region of
118mph, but I haven't had the opportunity to get beyond 95mph so far.

Fit and finish has been perfect, with very nice door shut lines (straight,
true, and consist throughout). Some owners complain of rattles with their
interiors, but I believe these are 01-03 owners. I certainly haven't any
complaints with the quality of the interior in my 04 so far.

Talking of the interior, it is very tactile. The stereo volume control has
a raised braille-like feel, and the HVAC controls are ribbed rubber. All
can be turned with a finger tip. The arm storage bin has a rubber base
meaning items don't slide around, as has the storage box below the stereo
head-unit. The coin tray on the left side of the wheel, and a similar sized
but open storage slot on the passenger side are felt lined too which is a
nice touch. There is drop-down storage for sun glasses above the rear-view
mirror which is lined and has a protective sponge to reduce noice and
protect your lenses. The front interior light is nice and bright with
passenger and driver side individual bulbs and buttons. There is also a
centrally-mounted interior light for the rear passengers. This center light
comes on when the doors are unlocked and fades out after a few seconds.
When the doors are unlocked with the remote, they automatically lock
themselves again if you don't get in the car within a minute or so. This is
a really nice touch if you accidentally unlock the doors when leaving the
car. The remote also has a panic button which sounds the car's alarm. Both
front visors also have vanity mirrors. 1 push on the remote unlock will
unlock the driver's side door, 2 pushes unlocks all doors.

The rear passengers get plenty of leg room, and the roof line curves upwards
for extra head room. The front and rear seats are all very comfy, with good
lumbar support (even in the rear). All 3 Rear seatbelts are the 3-point
variety, so the 3rd passenger doesn't have to suffer with a lap-belt! The
rear seats also have child-seat anchors.

The paint quality is excellent, although I have heard that the metal is thin
and can dent easily - so don't sit on the hood or roof!

The hatch has plenty of luggage space (more so than the trunk on the sedan),
and the hatch comes with an internal handle. Pulling down on this handle
until you can't reach inside anymore, and then letting go will close the
hatch on it's own with no need to slam it or push on the outside of the car.
This means no more dirty fingers if your car is not clean, and no tell-tale
finger marks!

The spare tire is the do-nut variety, but comes with a jack and tools.

The Hyundai warranty is excellent, and comes 10/100 Power Train, and 5/60
Bumper-to-bumper as standard. For a small addition to your monthly
payments, you can extend this to 10/100 bumper-to-bumper which I did.

Resale value is not as good as on a Honda or Toyota, but this is reflected
in the lower initial purchase price. If you only plan to keep your car for
3 or 4 years, then you might consider buying used if you don't want to take
a hit on the depreciation.

I think that pretty much covers everything. To sum-up, the 04 Gt Hatch with
auto trans is an amazing car. Incredible value, great quality, a good
performer, good looking (a lot of similarities with the SAAB 93), roomy, and
exclusive enough to turn some heads.

Let us know if you do make a purchase, and hope to see you sign up on the
Elantra GT Forum.
------

Neil.