Buying advice

[joeypasta]

Hello Elantra owners. I used to post here alot about 2 or 3 years ago. I stopped after trading my 02 GT for a Dodge Ram pickup. Well, the gas is killing me, and I'm not so much needing a truck anymore. Also, I just miss having a smaller car. My question is: Which year is the best and why? I like the 02. I know I want to get a GT, preferably hatchback and definately 5 speed. What about a Kia Spectra? What do you all think. I forgot to mention, I can't afford an 07, and I just don't like the 07. I am not going to modify mine too much.

[BobMs_wht2k2]

Shoulda bought a GMC/Chevy. We love our 22-24mpg.

As for the question at hand, the 04-up's got a tick better fuel economy. The 01-03's are starting to get pretty high up in miles and years now so there won't be any of the 5/60 warranty left by age alone. I think your best bet is to find as new as you can with the least amount of miles.

[babot]

It's 10/100 warranty after May 30, 2007. :)

[kylemorg]

Kia spectra 5 have gotten pretty good reviews, and they're on the same chassis (engine, tranny, suspension, etc.) as the Elantras. I've seen a used one up here (2006, 14K miles) listed as low as $13K. I was going to buy it, but my wife still likes her '96 Subaru Impreza.

According to my Dad, who lives near Bandera, TX, the dealerships down near San Antonio almost can't give away new Hyundais and Kias, much less used ones. You might be able to get one hell of a deal on a year or two old used Elantra or Kia Spectra 5

I believe that the newer CVVT Beta II gets slightly better mileage, so you might be better off with one of those.

Let us know what you end up with!

[SuperGLS]

I'd look for a 2004 Elantra GT. A little better gas mileage, a little less miles on the car, and not too much more money than a 2002.

[slyderdai]

i got my 03 a year ago this week. it had 28,618 miles on it i got it for 7200. I've been looking at spectra 5 sedan here locally its an 05 with 21,000 on it for 8995. the wife really likes it. plus i can do about the same thing with it as the xd.:) except the body mods are better for the spectra :(

[BobMs_wht2k2]

Umm. . .there is no "Spectra 5 Sedan". Spectra 5 is the wagon. Spectra Sedan is. . . the sedan.

I guess this all depends on how much you're planning on spending and how much you're gonna lose on that pos.

[Doohickie]

Where in Texas are you? Because this one looks pretty sweet (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Hyundai-Elantra-866-347-9647-2001-HYUNDAI-ELANTRA-GT-ONE-OWNER-FACTORY-WARRANTY_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ80745QQihZ004Q QitemZ140130217936QQrdZ1). Here's one in Alabama with low miles (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Hyundai-Elantra-GT-clear_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ80745QQihZ004QQit emZ140130145838QQrdZ1). Just beware of Katrina cars.

[joeypasta]

Where in Texas are you? Because this one looks pretty sweet (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Hyundai-Elantra-866-347-9647-2001-HYUNDAI-ELANTRA-GT-ONE-OWNER-FACTORY-WARRANTY_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ80745QQihZ004Q QitemZ140130217936QQrdZ1). Here's one in Alabama with low miles (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Hyundai-Elantra-GT-clear_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ80745QQihZ004QQit emZ140130145838QQrdZ1). Just beware of Katrina cars.

Thank You! I have had my eye on the 01 red gt. The 05 is an automatic, and personally I have a hard time with a 4 cylinder automatic.
One thing I have been finding at dealerships, is that the elantras sell as fast as they are traded in.
Another problem is: was the timing belt changed at the right interval. This is nearly impossible to know for sure.
I just called about the 01 gt, and they are asking $7998.00US. Way to steep for me; for an 01 with 78000 miles.

[Doohickie]

Are you at all close to Dallas/Fort Worth? Our local group has some members that work at the Hyundai dealership in Arlington (parts and service), but they may be able to help in finding a good used Elantra for you. I really have no clue. If you're in our area, though, you can click the pic in my sigfile and it will take you to our local website. It's mostly DFW area, but there are some members from Houston, etc., so no matter where you are in Texas, we may be able to get you into a decent Elantra.

I can't say we've actually gotten someone into a good deal to buy an Elantra, but it wouldn't hurt to ask.

Also, with regard to the Kia Spectra- there are a few members both here and on our local DFW board that have Spectras. Very similar to the Elantra, many of the mods work the same. The biggest difference I'm aware of is that Kia uses a different harness supplier so the fuse boxes look different. The rest is just styling, as far as I can tell.