2002 Hyundai Elantra from North America
Summary:
This car is reliable and drives nearly perfectly, it hasn't let me down
Faults:
Headlights and tail lights tend to blow out more frequently than most cars, I've had it about 7 months, and I've had to replace the headlights twice and the tail lights once.
Some models of the 2002 Hyundai Elantra GLS have recalls for the subframe and airbags, which the dealer replaced.
However, the dealerships are HUGE hassles. I took the car to the one in my area to have the recalls done, and the entire time I was constantly harassed by the serviceman trying to tell me there is thousands of dollars worth of fixing that needs to be done with my car, or it won't pass inspection, when there isn't. They made me wait about 45 minutes while they decided to do a little "inspection" on my car (that I didn't ask for) while checking out what was being recalled. He came back and told me my car has been leaking oil and steering rack fluid, and that my rear brakes are currently at a 3 and my front brakes are at a 4. When it comes to cars, I don't know everything, but I know enough from my father who worked as a car mechanic for 6 years. My car hasn't been leaking anything. I would have noticed if my car was leaving puddles. And I had just had my rear brakes changed the week before, they should have been at a perfect 8. Basically, they have no problem lying straight to your face. At first I thought it was just my dealership, but when my parents visited the Hyundai dealership in their area, they experienced similar hassles.
Other than the dealers and normal little expenses for a 9-year-old car, such as leaking gaskets, nothing has gone wrong, and I'm the 3rd owner.
General Comments:
This car has yet to let me down, it already has 127,000 miles on it, and I think it will definitely see 150,000.
Accelerates well, is great on gas, and has comfortable seating.
But whatever you do, DO NOT have it serviced at a dealer, unless for a recall. And if your car does have a recall, be aggressive. Do not let them jerk you around and wait two weeks to have airbag cables and a rusted control arm replaced, and don't fall for their scams.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 11th July, 2011
6th Dec 2010, 13:40
My roommate has an Elantra. Cheap on gas, but expensive on repairs!
The front end is very cheap, he has spent over $2000 on front end parts in the last 2 years alone.
The worst part is, when they replace the front end, it's with the same cheap parts that were the problem in the beginning, so it's almost not even worth fixing.
The Chevy Cavalier is a much better car in the same price range, they will run much higher mileage than a Hyundai.