Thanks for all the input everyone! I took the plunge last weekend and
drove home with my new Elantra. So far I am very happy with it. Nice
solid feeling car and I truly believe it is the best value for the
money. I got it for just over $11,000 with a 5-speed standard tranny
and it feels like a rocket compared to most other cars in this price
range. The cheapest Honda had virtually no options, a gutless engine,
shorter warranty and less room in the drivers seat (I'm very tall so
this was a big selling point). Highway driving seems nice and quiet to
me very no noticeable wind noise & I have plenty of power for merging
on and passing other cars.

Now the big test will be durability. Just from my overall impression
of the car at this point it feels well built so I am hopeful that it
will be a good car.

Thanks again!

 

On 21 Jan 2005 11:36:11 -0800, marchandmike@hotmail.com wrote:

>Hi, I'm considering buying my first Hyundai. I've owned lots of GM
>products and I'm fed up with their garbage, I currently own a Ford and
>it's OK but I don't really like any of Fords current offerings in my
>price range -- all the other imports are too expensive for my budget.
>
>I looked at the Elantra GLS and it seems like a decent car, but I'm
>worried about the reliability / durability of the car and the warranty.
>If you guys & gals could help me out with a few questions I'd greatly
>appreciate it!!
>
>Is the warranty as good as it sounds? Cover parts & labor for the
>duration and is it transferable to a new owner on resale?
>
>What is a reasonable price to pay for an Elantra GLS w/ 5-speed, cruise
>control & the CD player? The local Las Vegas dealer has a stupid "LV
>Market Surcharge" of around $1700 on top of the MSRP. I don't know how
>firm they are on that & I would not buy the car if they play hardball
>-- I'd rather drive 100 miles to Arizona or California or anywhere else
>to save that kind of money.
>
>How much should I be paying for the car, rebates included?? I think
>the MSRP is something like $14,400.
>
>What is your overall opinion of this car? Is it a good machine for the
>money or are Hyundai's still disposable cars like they were in the
>past? Consumer Reports seems to give them a decent rating...
>Thanks for your input!!

I am extremely happy with my Elantra GT 2003. I never owned a foreign
car, but have to admit it is great. Mine had a sticker barely under
$16K and I paid $13,300 + tax. I think I did OK. The only option I
don't have is a moonroof (which I did not want). I would aim for a
minimum of $2K off the sticker. Maybe more. Good luck.


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