I don’t buy new cars due to depreciation, but I looked into the elantra (I was looking at 2003-2006 models though). I ended up not getting it because I read some reviews saying it had reliability issues, but I liked the mpg and the interior. but a 2012 is probably going to hold up a lot better than a 2005.
FWIW, I actually liked the Sonata a bit better though.
Wesley Clark - my most wonderfullest mechanics in the world said Hyundais used to be iffy on reliability, but the later models are lots better. In fact, when I told him we were considering a Sonata, he didn’t laugh at me - he laughed about my husband’s Miata, but that might be for other reasons…
We’ll probably buy new mostly because around here, cars rack up miles really fast, so getting a low-mileage used car is next to impossible unless you’re really lucky. But when we buy it, we’ll keep in for a long time - like the van we had for 231K miles.
I admire your taste, sir! I used to have a 2004 Elantra (real blue), and now have a 2007 one (wussy, sage green – but we bought used, in a hurry, so I had limited choice). I’m glad to hear the 2012s are still nice.
Wesley Clark, I had the 2004 Elantra (with ABS, specially requested) for just a shade under 7 years, and about 80K miles, and never had any reliability issues. Just regular maintenance. Couldn’t have been happier.
Fairy Chat Mom, my wife has a 2007 Sonata which she loves. She complains that my Elantra is too small, which baffles me since she’s 4" and 40 lbs lighter, but I don’t argue. Hers is also a higher trim level, so has more creature comforts (heated seats!), and the Sonata is more luxurious in general … but, as RickJay said, you definitely pay for it.
No no no-- practical is good. I’m just saying in addition, maybe a car with zoom, someday as a treat to yourself. It’ll be a good incentive when it comes time to hand it down, too. Written medium fail, here, not trying to be a drag!
The newer Miatas aren’t as pretty as they once were, true, but they’re far from ugly.
It’s too early to tell, I’m still working off the initial milage; the car arrived with 290 KM on it because they had to drive it from a faraway dealer, and when I took possession the trip computer had an absolutely insanely terrible L/100 calculation. Since then, if my calculations are right, about 31-32 MPG combined, which is a bit below the promised 33 but it’s new and I’ve been driving it like a numbskull. I’ll know better in a month.
31 - 32 isn’t a bit below the 33 promised? Huh? I’m like 20% below the “promised” and thought that was typical of the ideal conditions vs. real life driving scenarios.
What kind of gallons? Or what’s it in l/100km?
I love my 2008 Elantra (I think I might have mentioned it a time or two on here before). It’s got 62,000 miles on it and still drives great, and I get 32 MPG in mixed driving with the 4-speed automatic. I might sell it before it hits 100,000 miles, just since the warranty runs out then.
Wait, there’s more than one kind of gallon?
Last I checked it was 7.5L/100, but it’s so early in the car’s lifetime that it changes a lot if I do a highway run or if I spend an hour driving around town.
It will change as the engine breaks in. And ethanol content in fuel. And altitude.
Basically don’t bother.
US gallons are smaller than Imperial gallons.
I would be absolutely gobsmacked if Rick didn’t already know this. I really hope that was a whoosh.
ETA: A whoosh by Rick, I mean.
Of course, but I don’t think anyone counts MPG in imperial gallons. Not on this side of the pond, anyway.
Well, I haven’t been around long enough to get a handle on who’s who.
After 5 or 6 years it’ll start to come together. 
I have a 2004 Elantra and love, love, love it. It has nearly 119,000 miles and aside from a minor glitch here and there (thermostat went out at about 113,000 miles) and basic upkeep (had the timing belt replaced when the thermostat went out), I haven’t had any problems with it. I’d buy another in a heartbeat. I’m hoping this one holds out for at least 200K and I can buy a new one. (Fingers crossed.)
got my Elantra in October and absolutely love it. It’s a whole lot of car for the money. The only complant of any kind that I have is the handling at highway speeds and particularily if its even slightly windy.
Though normally tight and responsive when driven on an open highway in gusty condition I find it fairly twitchy and requires a solid grip with both hands on the wheel. ( can be border line scary)
Curious if anyone else has experienced the same?
I just saw that the 2012 Elantra was just named Car of the Year at the Detroit Auto Show. Link here.
Yep same here. I find the steering to be way too touchy especially at highway speeds. I asked the dealership and apparently it is a variable speed electric motor. It is supposed to tighten up the faster you drive but mine doesn’t seem too. Its great in the parking lot but i hate it on the highway. Other than that its a good little car. Funny tho, my wife loves it.
thanks for the info Joe, kinda thought it might be related to electric steering. Wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a recall for adjustments in the near future