Faults:

Replaced front and rear shocks at 78000.

Clutch at 97000, and this is Boston driving.

Still on original radiator, just replaced some hoses.

Timing belt at 74000.

Shift knob plastic wore out, so got the heavier one from 2006.

General Comments:

I tend to keep cars a long time (8 years for Acura, 11 years for my VW Fox). And so it is with this easy to work on Hyundai. Lift up the hood and it's not all clogged and cluttered like a Honda or Toyota.

The engine and drive train are solid, and the 5 speed tranny is fun even in Boston. Just. Have the clutch bleeding procedure done.

Add some good tyres and the handling improves. 26 MPG city/32 highway below 75 mph cruising.

And join Elantra Forums to learn more about your car.

Faults:

I have had this car since new, and now at 53000kms I am told that I will need a $1400.00 clutch job. My last car, a 1988 VW Fox had over 247000kms, and I never needed a clutch repair. The mechanic at the dealership said that it could have been the way I was driving the car, and that a clutch is wear item, so he was not surprised. I told the mechanic to put the car back together, as I was not having anyone there touch my car, unless they were dropping the price of the repair significantly.

53000kms is way too early for a clutch to need to be replaced. I can't say that I feel better reading the horror stories that other people have posted about Elantra clutches, but at least I know it is a faulty clutch design, and not the way I drive.

So far the dealership has maintained that there is not a problem with the design of the clutch. Useless.

Faults:

Stereo ate a CD - Dealer replaced under warranty.

Tires replaced at 80,000 KM.

Front brakes replaced at 80,000 KM.

General Comments:

Loaded for an entry level car. For $5000 less than a comparable Japanese car, I got air, power windows, cruise, and rear cup holders.

Car has proven to be a comfortable and reliable commuter car. Has started every time, even in -30 C weather without an engine block heater.

Faults:

At about 115,000 a sensor went out that regulated the A/C, and that meant the fan was always on while the car was running. For a while, therefore, the A/C blew hot and cold.

General Comments:

This car is as good as any I have had, and I have had a Toyota Tercel, Dodge Spirit, VW Dasher and Rabbit, etc.

It has been EXTREMELY reliable, and continues to be so. Just recently at 118,500 or so, the engine light has come on, meaning some sort of exhaust issue, I suppose. Car does not run any differently.

Brakes well.

Shifts well.

Handles smoothly.

Adequate room for five kids/adults on short trips.

Gets about 32 mpg on highway. (My Tercel did better.)