Simply put, No. I would avoid the Hyundai Elantra for many reasons. At the very top, poor depreciation. I have seen reports from owners who have bought a new Hyundai in early 2006, put a few miles on it and tried to sell it in mid/late 2007 (just 18-20 months of ownership) and its worth less than half! In a few cases it only was worth 15-20?f its original price! Go to KBB . com and see how many Hyundais made the best resale value list. Not one. Their resale is among the worst.
And since depreciation is a good indicator of long term reliability/durability, it speaks for itself. The Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla are superior vehicles compared to the Elantra and cost about the same. Go figure.
Another problem, many owners report their Hyundai just feels older than it is and resale is really hurt because the so called "great warranty" is non-transferable.
Reliability issues. The Hyundai dealers do not report all of the cases of warranty issues so they keep their initial quality ratings high. But reality says otherwise. Drive to a Hyundai dealership and see how many Hyundais are in line for repair service. Better yet, go in the waiting room and speak to real owners. Believe me, they will tell you what their problems are. And Hyundais 5 years and older are basically worth nothing, because they cost more to operate than they are worth. Can you spell "bad resale value?"
Next, they are not the best designed, engineered or assembled for the money, when you really think about it. Even a well known automobile writer (not myself) wrote, that 'Hyundai, although much improved from the 1980's... still lacks in refinement, quality and engineering compared to other makes.'
I have also had personal experience with Hyundais at my location of employment where Hyundais were used as fleet cars. To make a long story short, they were a mistake and the company lost money because of it. Numerous problems with transmissions, electrical components and the like. Plus of course they give you no loaner car so you are stuck with the bill or renting a car or lose a day of work.
Finally, the dealers can be described as shady at best. I have heard of stories about dealers charging for things not covered under warranty when you have a warranty item repaired. For example, lets say the transmission needs replacement; an item covered under warranty. They will fix it for free, but charge you for brake service, oil change and "inspection" as they claim its needed to keep the warranty. Then your stuck with a $900+ bill, so basically you paid for the "warranty" item anyways. Where is the great deal?
Additionally, although Hyundai has created a few low paying manufacturing jobs in Alabama, (only Santa Fe and Sonata) remember that all corporate profits go straight back into the pockets of Koreans in Korea. And although I don't really care where a car is made as long as its very reliable (which Hyundai is not), I would like to say that we need to support our own economy from going into a recession by buying American Made, American Owned products. Hyundai does not qualify and therefore I would avoid it. And since there are so many other excellent products out there for about the same money, why buy a Hyundai? There is no good reason.
Consider for yourself dollar for dollar, style, build, materials, value, resale value.
Also this may help. It was posted from a person who owned a Hyundai.
http://www.complaintsboard.com/complainthttp://www.team-bhp.com/forum/long-term He said, "I am very surprised that the crankshaft and engine of my car have failed so early. Surely the engines of modern petrol cars last more than 100k kilometers. Would like to hear from others with similar problems"
Those are just some of the reasons and examples. I think other well informed, savvy car shoppers know to avoid Hyundai as well. I hope you really take my advice. I have known other people who have owned Hyundais and they all regret it. "Think about it." Good Luck.
note: beaverjr- Not even a Porsche will retain 80?f its value in the first 2 years, let alone ANY Hyundai even if it had zero miles on it. They have the worst resale value of any make, period. For that reason alone, you should not buy a Hyundai. Think about it.
note: klj04- Thanks for the comment on my other question. Good choice of topic. In any event, I want to talk with you about a little thing called "supply and demand" which is a function of a thing called "resale value." You are correct- there is no demand for Hyundais, especially used ones. Why? Because no one wants to own a car that is basically disposable, one time use. They know that they will break down with only 50k miles and since the warranty is non-transferrable, you're stuck with paying the repair bills. There's too much supply and too little demand, thus poor resale value. Who wants a used Hyundai with no warranty? Get me a used Scion or Toyota with a 150k miles anyday over any used Hyundai, regardless of mileage.