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BobMs_wht2k2 2002 Hyundai Elantra GLS Sedan How long have you owned your Elantra? We (wife and I) purchased it new in April 2002. Is there anything special, unique, or different concerning the history of your Elantra? Everything about this car seems to be "one off." From the A/C-defroster being switchable since day one, the port installed woodgrain that I've seen on but one other car and all my "personal touches." Then there's all the road trips we've had it on, from Rochester, NY to Orlando, Outer banks to St Louis for a day trip. Honestly, what was your intention when you bought your Elantra? It was a replacement for my 2000 regular Cab Sonoma. We thought that a 4 door sedan would be a better vehicle to haul people and possibly kids around in. Never imagined that 5 years later it would be a local track star.
What was your intention after discovering EXD (or other Hyundai forums)? EXD and EC have both been instumental in my demise and the dwindling of our bank account. After many changes through the years and meeting fellow members at a local auto-x that has become my new passion. In one word describe the style of your Elantra. Stock-ish. Who helped modify your Elantra? Me. Sometimes friends stop by to shoot the bull and help, but it's all been done by me, from the tires/wheels to oil changes. I hope to be fixing this car for years to come.
What do you like most about your Elantra? The versatilty. I can beat the snot out of it on Sunday racing, swap the wheels and get 30-35mpg as a daily driver. Car has no issues about being a road-tripper nor as an around town beater. What do you like least about your Elantra? In all honesty, not much. It's pretty balanced in alot of respects. Could it use more power? Sure. Less weight? Absolutely. But it is what it is and it does a phenomenal job. What modification is next for your Elantra? Next up are some front camber plates, better struts and a brake upgrade. ALos an exhaust upgrade this winter/off-season. Most notably another 80k miles before retirement from the daily driver status it has now.
On a scale from 0-10, how would you rate your Elantra? 8.5. It's too beat up to be a 10, but it has all the right moves and attitude. Most commonly, what do people say about your Elantra? "I didn't know you could hustle a Hyundai that fast!" Who is allowed to drive your Elantra? Pretty much anyone with insurance. Wife used to steal it 2-3 times a week until we bought her an Accent. Friends drive it occasionally. She's not a garage queen or a beauty pagent contestant. She is meant to be driven and I've built her to be driven hard. What is the most outrageous thing you have wanted to do to your car that you have not been able to do? Umm. . . I'm not the "outrageous" type! But since I have to answer the question. . . Maybe some fender flares and 245 tires.
What kind of car did you own (or drive) before your Elantra? I traded in a 2000 Sonoma Sportside with 17" Boyds and a custom CAI. Before that was a 93 GMC Extended cab, a Caprice 9C1 Police package and an 84 Ford Tempo. My wife had the Rav4 that caught on fire and we traded it in on the Grand Vitara we had that got traded in for the '06 GMC Crew cab. Realistically, what kind of car is next? Don't know. I believe it will be RWD though. Whether it be a Solstice, G8, new Tib RWD, Equus or even a new Camaro I am not certain.
Modifications Exterior: 20% tint Sonata 16" Wheels/205/55R16 Kumho KH16 (daily) 16x7 Konig Holes and 225/45R16 Hankook RS-2 (track days) TSX Exhaust tip GLS OEM fogs custom wired with Aussie rear fog switch Interior: Factory Wood grain Australian Rear Fog Light switch wired to OEM fogs RL Shiftknob Audio/Video: Pioneer H/U DEH-12 45Wx4 Pioneer 6.5" two-way front speakers Pioneer 6x9" 3-way rear deck speakers Performance: Cosmo Racing Accord CAI H&R springs 19mm Tib rear sway bar KIA Spectra5 frt strut bar Clutch Valvectomy 2.25" Turbo Muffler/TSX tip 225/45/16 Hankooks on 16x7 Konig Holes TWM Aluminum shifter base bushings Kartboy Shift linkage Poly bushings Click here for more information about this months Car Of The Month owner. |
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