New, w/cousin-car

[LAMRONH]

Hi all, happened on this site while testing Elantras, Suzuki SX4s, and Spectras.
The best deal I found was a 2007 Spectra EX, black with auto and cruise. So that's what I'm driving now.
The KIA sites I've found so far are a little thin in participation, this site looks pretty solid in the resume department.
Hope folks don't object too strongly to the close-relative owner spending time and exchanging thoughts here.
I really like my new Spectra, it's tight and tidy and I've run 100 miles on this tank (had about 48 when new) and the gas gauge has hardly moved. Look forward to many miles of enjoyment, and learning about a new car and its kin.
One slight oddity, the Elantras were running 195.65.15s on the base model, while the Spectra has 195.60.15s. Is there a different final drive, who would waste their time on such a tiny difference?
My last cars were an LHS, briefly, and an Impala. Before that, 2003 Accord 2.4/5-speed auto.
Thanks for making this site happen, lots of good info and interesting personalities here from the looks of things.

[kylemorg]

Welcome to the site! You are correct -- most of the stuff that's applicable to an Elantra is also applicable to the Spectra -- same engine & powertrains, mostly the same chassis and suspension parts, etc.

I really like the look of the Spectra in black. I saw one the other day in a parking lot and was surprised at how nice it looked, especially with the factory spoiler on the trunk.

[bdiggy]

Welcome to EXD.

[SuperGLS]

Welcome to EXD. Kia owners always welcome.

[Deviant]

Welcome! Spectras are way cooler than Elantras so we'll just all be jealous.

[ricerrx7]

Stock size on the elantra is 195-60-15.

[LAMRONH]

Thanks, everybody. Look forward to getting rolling here.

BTW, all the 2008 GLS Elantras I drove had 195.65.15, SE had 205.55.16.
Their book confirms.

FWIW, the KIA showroom catalogue (and the Elantra catalogue) also says the fuel tank holds 14 gallons, but the Spectra owners manual says 55 liters or 14.52 gallons.

[ricerrx7]

Sorry, forgot we were talking about a new generation Elantra here...

[xdforme22]

Doesn't the current spectra still use the 01-06 elantra platform or has it been updated too?
If that was the case, it would be a possible reason for the different tires.

[2001GLS]

Congrats on the new car. What did you think of the SX4? It seems like a nice little package and the AWD could come in handy. Unfortunately Suzuki has a sparce dealer network, and the SX4 has below average fuel economy in its class (course the AWD does make up for that IMHO). As for the new Spectra, I think the 2009 model will share a platform with the Elantra HD. The 08 is still on the last gen Elantra (01-06) platform.

[Whipper]

welcome to the site

[LAMRONH]

Congrats on the new car. What did you think of the SX4? It seems like a nice little package and the AWD could come in handy. Unfortunately Suzuki has a sparce dealer network, and the SX4 has below average fuel economy in its class (course the AWD does make up for that IMHO). As for the new Spectra, I think the 2009 model will share a platform with the Elantra HD. The 08 is still on the last gen Elantra (01-06) platform.

I drove the SX4 sedan, not interested in the AWD car.

The SX4 had the best driving dynamics of the three (Elantra, Spectra) IMO, turn-in was snappy and tight and the car didn't roll much.

I loved the view from the front seat. Despite Car and Driver's dissing the little front quarter windows, between those and the giant mirrors the view from the pilot's seat is really great. The front quarter windows give you a drop-down view in front, I really appreciated it.
It has 17" wheels standard, and the replacement Dunlops are 130 bucks at Tire Rack.
The rated MPG is 31 highway (auto) and the back seat doesn't fold down and the fuel tank is just 13 gallons, those are all demerits in my book but I'd have probably gone for one anyway because it drives nice. Best offer was $14,750 on the middle model with ABS, but the deal we got at the Kia dealer was hard to ignore.
The Suzuki dealer network is a bit thin. I like the big S Superman emblem on the grille.
Last gen platform explains the narrower track and a couple of other anomalities that an identical twin wouldn't have.
Overall it's a nice package anyway, and we are very happy with the car.

[Matrixloader]

congrats on the new car! and welcome to EXD
you may also want to check out this site for performance parts and other upgrades for your spectra. http://kfxperformance.com/
and also check these out since they also apply to your spectra. http://www.elantraxd.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24195

[LAMRONH]

Thanks, all, for your welcomes. "Tis good to be here.

I think the Spec is on the last gen Elantra platform.

I just did my first fill-up and it shows 36.5 MPG. :bowdown:

270.5 miles and 7.4 gal (7.388 for nitpickers).

Yes, I had to run the calc twice after I did the long division (no calc in car yet...except the phone, of course).

This is incredible, and a lot of these miles were tooling around town. Some highway miles and a few accel runs and a couple of WFO runs (it shifts at 38 and 75).

This MPG is VW diesel territory. Hope it keeps up as it gets broken in.

[04GTboySC]

welcome to the forum

[dmiller66]

It should, I have 130,618 miles on mine and I still get 34.5 mpg.

[Cypher]

I'm at 129k and still get about the same. Ranging from 32-35mpg