Originally posted by vat_man
I'd be interested in your comments on the quality of it - an acquaintance of ours bought an Elantra wagon (they have a big dog and a two year old son that seems to be continually covered in some form of gooey food) specifically because they wanted a cheap new car they could destroy the interior of without guilt.
I had a pick through it and although it was a completely uninspiring thing to drive, I was quite surprised at how well constructed the thing was - and I drive a Subaru so I'm coming from a pretty high level here. Paint was a little bit orange-peely, but had good lustre and there was plenty of it, and the interior seemed pretty well screwed together (especially after the previous model, which seemed to be already inhabited by the Squeak family).
I was pretty impressed. Like you said, I, too, would characterize it as "uninspiring." But on my budget it was the best new car I could afford. The quality is right up there with Civics, Corolas, Sentras, etc...
The outside appearance is great. The front end lines are attractive and the projection headlamps are a nice touch. The paint is not cheap and the construction is solid. The inside is roomy and solid. The arm rest (my old Sentra didn't even have an arm rest
) doesn't move when I lean my weight on it and inside is a versatile, two-layer compartment. The dash array is laid out nicely and includes a tachometer. Faux wood trim throughout the car adds a little touch of class. And the back seat actually has enough room for someone to sit back there even with my 6'2" frame in the front.
The motor is a 2.0 liter 16 valve 4 cylinder with adequate pick up even with the air on. And it's quiet.
It came with Michelins all around and driver and passenger airbags, side airbags, power everything and cruise control. The trunk is as big as I'll ever need it to be.
Most importantly I don't grimmace when I go in the garage and look at it. It's a nice looking car.
And you can't forget that warantee: 5 yrs 50k bumper to bumper, 10 yrs 100k powertrain, all included in the purchase price. One nice thing is that the first five years include roadside assisance: free tow to nearest dealer, free loaner car, $100 a night for hotel and food, and free delivery of your car when it's fixed.
All in all a very good purchase for just over 13k
I'll have to continue to rely on GT2 to drive my dream cars...
Still the best Japanese car in that segment (much better than the Avalon/Diamante).
And then I looked up and saw smoke coming off of the battery terminal so I jumped out and ran to take it off. It was too hot to touch but we eventually got it off. The terminal wiring melted and the insulation on the jumper clamp also melted. Obviously this car is not starting today. My wife came and picked me up.
