ElantraXD - Car of the Month

Hatchetman

Hyundai Elantra GT 5-door

How long have you owned your Elantra?

Since October 15, 2002.

Is there anything special, unique, or different concerning the history of your Elantra?

Unique history, hmmm...no, not really. Although it was my first new car purchase. I bought Hyundai after my wife purchased a Santa Fe earlier that year.

Honestly, what was your intention when you bought your Elantra?

Family car. My last vehicle was a 2 door pickup - 1995 Dodge Ram. I loved it! But, it was getting up there with age a mileage. I needed something more practical, more economical, and something with an excellent warranty. Styling and performance were also at the top of my list, so the 5 door XD was obviously the best choice. Now all I need are a couple kids to take full advantage of it (first one on the way!).



What was your intention after discovering EXD (or other Hyundai forums)?

Styling and performance. The first thing I ordered online after discovering EXD was a KDM OEM spoiler. Already had the stereo all planned out. It was hard to resist the urge to mod. Before I knew it, I had blown my savings, but heck, it was worth it! I think I'm done modding this car (for now).

In one word describe the style of your Elantra.

Distinguished.

Who helped modify your Elantra?

EXD of course.



What do you like most about your Elantra?

I like the ability to add the KDM parts (thanks to Kspec.com) to seperate it from any other XD on the road without making it look like rice in the process.

What do you like least about your Elantra?

Can be a little noisy on rough roads (and in high winds, and when cold), wish it were just a bit quieter. Would like greater support from Hyundai in the aftermarket department. Oh yeah, and low resale value, guess I'll be keeping mine for a very long time.

What modification is next for your Elantra?

I've always wanted a CAI, KDM bumper strips and more bass. But right now, it's ready for a detail. Then all of the normal maintenance, it's just a tad over 40K miles right now. Mods will be coming along very slowly with a new home and a baby on the way.



On a scale from 0-10, how would you rate your Elantra?

Today, an 8.

Most commonly, what do people say about your Elantra?

"I really like your car, what kind is it?"

Who is allowed to drive your Elantra?

Me and on the extremely rare occasion - my wife.

What is the most outrageous thing you have wanted to do to your car that you have not been able to do?

Most outrageous, hmmm... probably throw in the 2 Soundstream SPL 12" subs and 2 Rockford Fosgate Punch amps that I have sitting in my closet. Why haven't I done that yet? Because remember, it was supposed to be a family car. They are still for sale by the way.



What kind of car did you own (or drive) before your Elantra?

1995 Dodge Ram 1/2 ton, reg cab, short bed sport truck (w/ a 5.9L 360 V8!!!)
1990 Chevrolet Camaro RS (V6 auto)
1989 Nissan Sentra sedan (4 banger of course, but 5-speed)


Realistically, what kind of car is next?

Something slightly larger, slightly more powerful, slightly more luxurious. Probably another Hyundai, maybe a fully loaded V6 Sonata.



Modifications

Exterior:
RVM S-1 triple chrome 17x7 +40mm offset
Essenza 210 Type R 215/45HR17
XD2 OEM taillights w/ 1157 red 24 Matrix LEDs (stop) and 1157 red Silver Vision bulbs (turn)
Korean spec OEM projector fog lights
Roadmax Xenon H1 (high) ,H3 (fog) & H7 (low) bulbs
Sylvania SilverStar 1157 bulbs (front turns)
sparkle (red,green,yellow,orange,blue) 1156 bulbs (reverse)
Chrome door handles
Hatch debadged & then chrome "Avante XD" & "Racing" badges added
Dual (high&low) horns (130db ea)
Korean spec OEM high rise rear spoiler (thanx BlueGT), painted body color
EuroStyle rubber antenna
OEM mud guards (front&rear)
OEM sunroof wind deflector
Body color brake calipers, sparkplug cover & oil cap

Interior:
OEM '03 Tib aluminum m/t pedals & footrest
OEM '03 Tib cabin filter
Korean spec OEM chrome door catches
B&M short shifter
Tint: 5% visor, 32% front sides, 22% rear sides & 5% on hatch
Body color gauge bezel
OEM trunk cargo tray & net
OEM woodgrain dash trim (it came with it)


Audio/Video:
Pioneer DEH-P3500 CD Receiver
Pioneer TS-C1653 6-1/2" Component System (front)
Pioneer TS-G1647 6-1/2" 2-way Speakers (rear)
SSI America neo car jukebox MP3 player w/ 120GB & Pioneer CDC adapter
Dynamat throughout

Suspension:
OEM '03 Tib 19.2mm rear anti-sway bar, bushings & metal endlinks
RRM front strut bar
Eibach Pro-Kit Springs

Performance:
Custom bent 2.25" catback exhaust w/ cat exit opened up to 2.25", 3' glasspack, no resonator, chrome oval tip
K&N panel air filter (#33-2201)
Stock intake resonator box removed
Custom MSD 8.5mm plug wires
Bosch +4 platinum plugs
8 gauge red ground wires w/ gold connects
clutch slave cylinder spring removed

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