Faults:

Batteries (several).

Front suspension struts.

Brake shoes/drums.

Emissions control components (various).

Catalytic converter.

Tires (set of 4).

Starter motor.

Front tie-rods.

A/C fan switch.

Side mirror elec. control switch.

No other major repairs or replacements required.

General Comments:

I love this little car! Decided before I bought it (in 2008) that I wanted a 1996 Elantra GLS Wagon in white body paint, so I searched the whole USA and found this example in Arizona, used and offered by the then-current owner (who took very good care of it); I had it shipped out to me via truck transport and it has been my absolute favorite all-round vehicle since then!

It has never let me down or left me stranded once, and since I have had Husky dogs most of my life, it has been a perfect vehicle for them (they love it, too!). The rear cargo area, with rear seat folded down, has proven perfect for carrying just about anything imaginable and the car's overall 'utility' is astounding in that context.

In regard to its styling, the 1996-2000 (2nd Generation) Hyundai wagon's design is an aesthetic marvel... even today, some 16 years after I acquired it, it is still getting compliments from friends and official Hyundai Service Center personnel! Its styling seems ageless and never goes out of style, by common consensus!

As far as 'creature comforts' are concerned, the seats are quite supportive for a 6- footer like myself and everything is both well-designed and tasteful, overall. Even the GLS alloy wheels remain exceptionally attractive! If I had any critical comments to make, I'd have to agree that despite the dual overhead cams, the 16-valve, 130 BHP engine SHOULD have been more powerful; although perfect for all roads and street-uses, accelerating onto freeways just remains a tiny bit anemic, requiring applied driving skills and driver-savvy to merge safely with today's VERY fast (late model) traffic. Other than that, no complaints in that department.

The heating and A/C systems on the car have proven reliable and unfailing through 16 years of daily use and the A/C remains icy-cold despite never having had any maintenance or Freon replenishment servicing! With its standard Hyundai roof-rack, the car is a paragon of excellent automotive design, utility and execution, by my standards (and I've been an active motorsports enthusiast since high-school days, an SCCA club racer and have tons of experience with a very wide range of cars... even a Russian LADA Niva, over in Saudi Arabia!).

Perhaps I just have exceptional luck with an exceptional specimen, but from my perspective, I could never be happier than with my modest, humble little 1996 Hyundai Elantra GLS Wagon! It remains my favorite!

The only drawback to ALL Hyundai vehicles is the absolutely TERRIBLE American dealership service franchise; each dealership is typically radically different... some are good, a very few are great, but most are minimally adequate, in my experience of 16 years of servicing with Hyundais. That's not the fault of the car, but perhaps the Hyundai Motors Corporation should maintain better quality control of its US dealership franchises (and try to emulate the Japanese Honda and Toyota companies in that regard).

Faults:

To date the repairs have been minimal and the car has never been into a dealer or even a mechanic. All repairs have been done by me.

2 sets of front brake pads (still running original rotors and rear brakes)

2 timing belts (get them BEFORE they break)

Clutch at 175,000km (slipped it trying to back into an uphill parking spot, my fault)

Replace starter brushes at 225,000km.

2 O2 sensors.

2 sets plug wire and plugs.

All in all pretty cheap ride!

General Comments:

This car is probably the best car I have ever owned. I am copier tech and cover a large area of northern Alberta. I carry a great deal of parts and require a lot of room.

The power of this motor is great and it holds up very well.

I get 600km to a 48l tank and its been that way as long as I have owned the car.

No oil leaks and it uses about 1l of oil in 10,000km.

Body is just starting to show its age and I will be doing a bit of touch up when the snow's gone.

Sure wish that Hyundai still made the wagon version!

This car will go well over the 300.000km mark with no problem.