I just traded in my Focus on a 2011 Hyundai Elantra GLS. It's the first automatic I've bought in over 20 years. I fell in love with the looks, the refinement, and the gas mileage (29 city, 40 hwy.).

Here are some pics. Overlook the dreary climate.

http://theparson.net/elantra/Elantrafront.jpg

http://theparson.net/elantra/Elantrafrontangle.jpg

http://theparson.net/elantra/Elantraside.jpg

http://theparson.net/elantra/Elantrarear.jpg

http://theparson.net/elantra/Elantrainterior.jpg

didn't know they already came out.

dang, that is a nice ride! They are really coming along with their styling. Love that interior too.

Nice looking car. What's it pushing for power? Do you like the power and handling of it?

Not bad, I really like that interior too.

It has a 148 hp (145 in my PZEV version) 1.8 liter 4 cylinder with a 6 speed automatic. It is quite peppy because of the high power to weight ratio. The base Elantra only weighs 100 lbs. more than a Fiesta, but EPA classifies it as a midsize.

Ah!! That new car smell!

Ah!! That new car smell!

Yeah, I love it!

wow that front end is sick

Tires are nice and close to the wheel well, four-wheel disk brakes and that interior looks quite upscale! Not too shabby in the power department either. Nice!

Sorry, but that looks about as exciting as a Camry. As long as you are happy though...

^^This time, We agree. Not My cup o' tea, but then I guess it's a good thing it's not Mine, right? Fit and finish looks good, seams look nice and flush, all around not a terrible car. I'm glad Hyundai is finally producing higher quality cars, it has been a while since America had a truly affordable economy car that didn't look like it was made from poorly recycled condoms and beer cans.

Posted via FF Mobile Wonder what mbell considers exciting then...bc as exciting as a camry is alittle much if you ask me.


The thing that interests me is the insurance rates. Are they much cheaper because its classified as a midsize? Id think so. Also how much did you pay out the door for it?

I test drove a second new 2011 Hyundai Elantra GLS PZEV w/automatic last night and came away super impressed with it. Did an extended test drive and took it over some really beat up pavement on the freeway and it performed beautifully. Cdavidhess, I think you made a very good choice here. Congratulations! Enjoy your new Elantra.

The MSRP was $18,480 which was the intended selling price. They had mistakenly listed the selling price on their web site as $18,092. When I told them this, they immediately changed the price on their web site for this and other similarly discounted 2011 Elantras; however, they agreed to sell it to me for $18,092 plus taxes and fees.

They gave me $9882 for my trade. Kelly Blue Book valued it at $9725 (good condition).

They arranged financing for me for 60 months at 2.94%. I have excellent credit.

All in all, I thought it was a good deal.

Very nice. I find the front end to be very interesting.

You had or have a foci? I would of held out for the new 2012 foci, they are do out pretty soon. I get to see them before the dealers do. If you wanted the newest of the new, why not the c/c "Raptor" thats now getting delivered to the dealers now, so hah! You got what you got. Its good for you, not good for me! [dunno]

Car and Driver just did a "short take" (http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/10q4/2011_hyundai_elantra_limited-short_take_road_test) on an Elantra Limited. They pegged the 0-60 time at 8.6 seconds. They thought the ride was " unnecessarily stiff and noisy."

I would not describe the ride in a GLS as stiff. It seems quite smooth and compliant. My GLS has 16 inch wheels. The Limited has 17 inch wheels.

Nice Dude , great car... that steering wheels is sweet.

The sun came out in Rochester, so I replaced some of the pictures above.

The new 2011 Hyundai Elantra is one helluva value, especially the GLS. Definitely check it out.

It looks like you have a very lightly options elanta no nav base 16 inch rims no sunroof etc etc I'm sure if you got all that it would have pushed the price far south of 25,000 because on most cars a sunroof is 900$ Oh and on the road noise comment that all depends upon how much of a sidewall you have if you have a 40/45/50 yeah your gonna have a stiff sidewall and roadnoise. I'm sure you can get a gls equipped like a limited right....? Anyway I would love to have a sonata gt with the 2.0t :). On that note I rented a 2006 or 07 sonata gls with the v6 and man was I impressed suprised the hell out of me it also had an autostick option.

It looks like you have a very lightly options elanta no nav base 16 inch rims no sunroof etc etc I'm sure if you got all that it would have pushed the price far south of 25,000 because on most cars a sunroof is 900$ Oh and on the road noise comment that all depends upon how much of a sidewall you have if you have a 40/45/50 yeah your gonna have a stiff sidewall and roadnoise. I'm sure you can get a gls equipped like a limited right....? Anyway I would love to have a sonata gt with the 2.0t :). On that note I rented a 2006 or 07 sonata gls with the v6 and man was I impressed suprised the hell out of me it also had an autostick option.


Actually, $22,820 for a loaded limited.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/18/2011-hyundai-elantra-configurator-hits-the-web/
Posted via FF Mobile

Ah I was close LOL :) not bad.

It looks like you have a very lightly options elanta no nav base 16 inch rims no sunroof etc etc I'm sure if you got all that it would have pushed the price far south of 25,000 because on most cars a sunroof is 900$ Oh and on the road noise comment that all depends upon how much of a sidewall you have if you have a 40/45/50 yeah your gonna have a stiff sidewall and roadnoise. I'm sure you can get a gls equipped like a limited right....? Anyway I would love to have a sonata gt with the 2.0t :). On that note I rented a 2006 or 07 sonata gls with the v6 and man was I impressed suprised the hell out of me it also had an autostick option.

His Elantra has 16" alloys, 4 wheel disc brakes, audio controls on the steering wheel, 6 speed automatic, bluetooth, XM satellite radio, etc. The one I test drove was equipped exactly the same as Cdavidhess's and stickered for $18,500 (GLS PZEV). A fully optioned Limited model w/moonroof, leather, etc. is approx $22,800. The new Elantra is one incredible value. I was pretty surprised all the things you get with this car for the price. Also 29/40 mpg on ALL Elantra models.

Ford should make 4 wheel disc brakes standard on all the 2012 Focus models and so an "S" trim for the hatchback. Maybe in future model years they will do this.

Posted via FF Mobile Hyundais prices are awesome for what you get. The genesis coupe is another damn good bargin. Not to mention, what other sports car can you get that you can beat the hell out of for 10 years and still be covered under warranty. Im really hoping ford comes out with a three door focus because if not, another hyundai may be in my driveway. (hyundai veloster).

I've posted the Window Sticker (http://theparson.net/elantra/elantradetails.pdf). It gives all the details. It is the same model that Focus11 drove.

do a genesis 4bwhatever turbo swap lol

Has anyone seen a sonata gt in person yet you know the 2.0t one? I havent all I've seen are rental queens and sonata limiteds.

Here are some random observations after a few days and 150 miles of driving:

There is plenty of power for merging onto interstates, hill climbing, and passing, although the 160 mph speedometer may be a tad optimistic.

There is an excellent balance between a comfortable ride and confident handling. It takes curvy ramps at high speeds with little or no body lean. The handling is definitely superior to that of my 2010 Focus SE.

The electronic power steering is fine. There is no twitchiness which I have found in other cars with electronic steering.

Interior sound levels seems comparable to that of my Focus.

The 6 speed automatic transmission is a jewel! It is smooth and responsive. I've only played with the manual shift option a little bit, but I think it's going to be a lot of fun to explore. This is the first automatic transmission I've owned in over 20 years. One reason I got it is because bluetooth is not available on the manual transmission model.

Cruising at 70 mph, the engine turns at a relaxed 2200 rpm.

The seats are comfortable and provide good lateral support.

The interior has a very upscale look. The switches have a high quality feel.

The base 172 watt sound system is comparable to the 190 watt premium sound system in the Focus.

Pleasant surprises: telescoping steering wheel, heated mirrors, a cancel button on the cruise control, 4 wheel disc brakes.

In my opinion, Hyundai has a real winner here! Everything is well put together and exudes quality. Syling inside and out is gorgeous!

I'm taking a trip to West Virginia in a few days. I am looking forward to seeing how the Elantra does on the trip and how it handles some curvy, hilly, WV 2 lanes.

Good move on your part. I love the new Elantras. There's no way in hell you'd find me in this current year Focus either.

Tell Mbell to go suck it.... lol

I've posted the Window Sticker (http://theparson.net/elantra/elantradetails.pdf). It gives all the details. It is the same model that Focus11 drove.

Congrats on the new ride! You definately got value for the money with that Elantra,enjoy!!

Looks nice, good luck with it.

Pretty nice and sounds like you got a great deal.

Thanks all!

Thats awsome hey what tread width and profile are the tires on the base gls? Will the manumatic allow you to downshift at speed.......and I hope that you dont have to replace the whole column when the electric power steering goes bad, I know that it would probabaly be still under warranty, I know that in a 06 and up cobalts if you get an SES light which is service engine soon in GM talk and it pertains to the electric power steering you'd have to replace the whole column at a grand total of 600$.

^^ id just replace the whole shitty car :)

i think you could make that thing look sick with a few tasteful mods, if thats what ur into

^^This time, We agree. Not My cup o' tea, but then I guess it's a good thing it's not Mine, right? Fit and finish looks good, seams look nice and flush, all around not a terrible car. I'm glad Hyundai is finally producing higher quality cars, it has been a while since America had a truly affordable economy car that didn't look like it was made from poorly recycled condoms and beer cans.

somebody needs to put the new chevy's out of their misery

Thats awsome hey what tread width and profile are the tires on the base gls?

195/65 on 15 inch wheels are on the base model. I have 205/55 on 16 inch wheels on mine.

Will the manumatic allow you to downshift at speed.......

Yes

If you like the car, more power to you. Not my taste. I'm not starting a debate here, but I always try to buy American cars whenever possible. I don't care where they are "manufacturered" either. My money will go to support an American owned company and if you stick me, I bleed FORD BLUE.

My wife and I bought her a new 2008 Focus SE in May of 2008, special ordered. She drives it back and forth to work, around a 75 mile/day commute. It's got over 53K on it now and has been an EXCELLENT car. ZERO ISSUES. When not on this crappy winter blend fuel, she AVERAGES around 36+/gallon or so, sometimes more, but always north of 33.

A friend of mine has one of Hundai's SUV's and after owning it for about 6 months they had to replace the entire transmission because a sensor went bad (I don't remeber what sensor it was), but yes, R&R the entire trans due to one bad sensor!

You can keep your Hundai. I don't wish you any ill will at all either, I am just a very strong supporter of FORD and American Cars. They all have pluses and minuses.

Did you really have to post on a Focus website that you sold your Focus and bought a foreign car and then brag about how good it is?

Good luck.

I liked my Focus a lot, and I liked the Yaris I had before that too.

This part of the forum is named "Ford Focus and General Car Chat," and is described as being a "Discussion Forum relating to nonspecific Ford Focus models, car purchasing, auto industry news and any car talk."

It is quite common for other car models to be discussed on this forum, particularly new models which compete with the Focus. For example, see:

http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=245785&highlight=elantra


http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=242499&highlight=elantra


http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=236343&highlight=elantra


http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=237315&highlight=elantra


http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=236527&highlight=elantra


http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=230690&highlight=elantra

Best wishes.

i also dont remember david bragging about how much better it is than any other focus, he just compared it to the one he used to own which is something we ALL do when we get a new vehicle.

If you like the car, more power to you. Not my taste. I'm not starting a debate here, but I always try to buy American cars whenever possible. I don't care where they are "manufacturered" either. My money will go to support an American owned company and if you stick me, I bleed FORD BLUE.

My wife and I bought her a new 2008 Focus SE in May of 2008, special ordered. She drives it back and forth to work, around a 75 mile/day commute. It's got over 53K on it now and has been an EXCELLENT car. ZERO ISSUES. When not on this crappy winter blend fuel, she AVERAGES around 36+/gallon or so, sometimes more, but always north of 33.

A friend of mine has one of Hundai's SUV's and after owning it for about 6 months they had to replace the entire transmission because a sensor went bad (I don't remeber what sensor it was), but yes, R&R the entire trans due to one bad sensor!

You can keep your Hundai. I don't wish you any ill will at all either, I am just a very strong supporter of FORD and American Cars. They all have pluses and minuses.

Did you really have to post on a Focus website that you sold your Focus and bought a foreign car and then brag about how good it is?

Good luck.

Wow,somebody really shit the bed this morning. He bought a vehicle which suited his needs best. In addition what happened to your friend's Hyundai could happen to ANY VEHICLE,regardless of the make and model and where it was built. I can tell you this firsthand having formerly worked for Chrysler Corp. dealerships(dont see many LH cars on the road nowadays,for obvious reasons).

If you like the car, more power to you. Not my taste. I'm not starting a debate here, but I always try to buy American cars whenever possible. I don't care where they are "manufacturered" either. My money will go to support an American owned company and if you stick me, I bleed FORD BLUE.

My wife and I bought her a new 2008 Focus SE in May of 2008, special ordered. She drives it back and forth to work, around a 75 mile/day commute. It's got over 53K on it now and has been an EXCELLENT car. ZERO ISSUES. When not on this crappy winter blend fuel, she AVERAGES around 36+/gallon or so, sometimes more, but always north of 33.

A friend of mine has one of Hundai's SUV's and after owning it for about 6 months they had to replace the entire transmission because a sensor went bad (I don't remeber what sensor it was), but yes, R&R the entire trans due to one bad sensor!

You can keep your Hundai. I don't wish you any ill will at all either, I am just a very strong supporter of FORD and American Cars. They all have pluses and minuses.

Did you really have to post on a Focus website that you sold your Focus and bought a foreign car and then brag about how good it is?

Good luck.

http://craigswinejourney.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/doublefacepalm.jpg

If you like the car, more power to you. Not my taste. I'm not starting a debate here, but I always try to buy American cars whenever possible. I don't care where they are "manufacturered" either. My money will go to support an American owned company and if you stick me, I bleed FORD BLUE.

My wife and I bought her a new 2008 Focus SE in May of 2008, special ordered. She drives it back and forth to work, around a 75 mile/day commute. It's got over 53K on it now and has been an EXCELLENT car. ZERO ISSUES. When not on this crappy winter blend fuel, she AVERAGES around 36+/gallon or so, sometimes more, but always north of 33.

A friend of mine has one of Hundai's SUV's and after owning it for about 6 months they had to replace the entire transmission because a sensor went bad (I don't remeber what sensor it was), but yes, R&R the entire trans due to one bad sensor!

You can keep your Hundai. I don't wish you any ill will at all either, I am just a very strong supporter of FORD and American Cars. They all have pluses and minuses.

Did you really have to post on a Focus website that you sold your Focus and bought a foreign car and then brag about how good it is?

Good luck.

Thank you for $hitting on this thread.

Posted via FF Mobile If all we talked about is the ford focus...this site would get boring, and it would look totally one sided. Something that is great about this forum is that we CAN talk about other cars and people on here own both foci and others and sometimes even move on to the competition. Nothing wrong with that at all. This is not one of those forums that all thats talked about is fords and if someone mentions another vehical they get crucified...if people dont like the way things are done here they can get out.

We also support our own here, it is a community and even when someone decides to venture away from driving a focus, we try to keep them here anyway. It keeps the forum healthy with variety, and so we dont all look like a buch of stuck up focus lovers who think their car is the best in the world....like some forums. Its cool that you bleed ford and american, just dont let it hemorrhage your brain.

Did you really have to post on a Focus website that you sold your Focus and bought a foreign car and then brag about how good it is?


Pretty harsh words for only having a handful of postings here. I think you better do some reading and slow your roll homie.

I read all four pages of this thread before I posted. I offered an opposing point of view. Sorry, it's just my opinion. If you feel differently, that's OK with me. As I said, if you want to send your money overseas, more power to you. America is a great country and your lucky to have the freedom to do as you wish.

I don't think I S**T on this tread at all. I specifically and intentionally stated that if the OP is happy with his purcahse, that's great. I'd wager there are others that feel as I do, but would not say so. I've always been one to call it as I see it, so that's what I did.

I've been spinning wrenches for the past 22 years on all makes and models, foreign and domestic, so don't worry about my brain hemmorging or me being a blind Ford supporter. In fact, I also specifically stated they all have pluses and minuses.

I won't post in this forum anymore and that will resolve the problem.

First
On
Race
Day

So I see the gls has 205/55r16 only on size bigger on the sidewall...Hows it handle pretty good do you notice any sidewall flex while taking corners fast?

I read all four pages of this thread before I posted. I offered an opposing point of view. Sorry, it's just my opinion. If you feel differently, that's OK with me. As I said, if you want to send your money overseas, more power to you. America is a great country and your lucky to have the freedom to do as you wish.

I don't think I S**T on this tread at all. I specifically and intentionally stated that if the OP is happy with his purcahse, that's great. I'd wager there are others that feel as I do, but would not say so. I've always been one to call it as I see it, so that's what I did.

I've been spinning wrenches for the past 22 years on all makes and models, foreign and domestic, so don't worry about my brain hemmorging or me being a blind Ford supporter. In fact, I also specifically stated they all have pluses and minuses.

I won't post in this forum anymore and that will resolve the problem.

First
On
Race
Day

No one wants you gone, it's just that you kinda stepped in here like some sort of politician, practically scolding the original poster for not seeing things the way you do.

Diversity reigns supreme here, so stick around and chat any and all makes of rides without such biased undertones.

So I see the gls has 205/55r16 only on size bigger on the sidewall...Hows it handle pretty good do you notice any sidewall flex while taking corners fast?

The only fast corners I have around here are freeway ramps. I have noticed very little, if any, appreciable sidewall flex or body lean at the speeds I've been driving.

I'm going to West Virginia in a few days. I will have plenty of opportunity to drive some nice curvy roads there. I will report my experience.

If you like the car, more power to you. Not my taste. I'm not starting a debate here, but I always try to buy American cars whenever possible. I don't care where they are "manufacturered" either. My money will go to support an American owned company and if you stick me, I bleed FORD BLUE.

My wife and I bought her a new 2008 Focus SE in May of 2008, special ordered. She drives it back and forth to work, around a 75 mile/day commute. It's got over 53K on it now and has been an EXCELLENT car. ZERO ISSUES. When not on this crappy winter blend fuel, she AVERAGES around 36+/gallon or so, sometimes more, but always north of 33.

A friend of mine has one of Hundai's SUV's and after owning it for about 6 months they had to replace the entire transmission because a sensor went bad (I don't remeber what sensor it was), but yes, R&R the entire trans due to one bad sensor!

You can keep your Hundai. I don't wish you any ill will at all either, I am just a very strong supporter of FORD and American Cars. They all have pluses and minuses.

Did you really have to post on a Focus website that you sold your Focus and bought a foreign car and then brag about how good it is?

Good luck.
http://www.threadbombing.com/data/media/42/573.gif (http://www.threadbombing.com/details.php?image_id=3429)
http://www.threadbombing.com/data/media/27/Duty_calls.png (http://www.threadbombing.com/details.php?image_id=2995)


OP:
The front end actually looks really good. The interiour's not bad either. I've never been a fan of beige leather, I'm more of a dark kind of person, but if you like it... It dousn't look cheap like my friends 2000 Hyundai does, that's a good thing!

The MSRP was $18,480 which was the intended selling price. They had mistakenly listed the selling price on their web site as $18,092. When I told them this, they immediately changed the price on their web site for this and other similarly discounted 2011 Elantras; however, they agreed to sell it to me for $18,092 plus taxes and fees.

They gave me $9882 for my trade. Kelly Blue Book valued it at $9725 (good condition).

They arranged financing for me for 60 months at 2.94%. I have excellent credit.

All in all, I thought it was a good deal.

A couple observations-

1-I saw an '11 Elantra on the road. And they look EXACTLY like a miniature version of the Sonata...which is a good thing.

2-But WHY would you get rid of '10 Focus SE manual for an Elantra?? Your Focus is basically a new car that you're taking a HUGE hit on.....just to get another car that's more or less a Korean version of the same thing. I could see stepping up to GTI, Mustang...etc. But why take such a hit to get the same kind of vehicle......just for the automatic? I have an '09 SE....I love it...but I wish I got the manual at times!

3-Hyundai's are good cars but an Elantra to me isn't worth deviating from buy American (a 911 turbo S might be). If you wanted to go auto, a Focus IMO would be a better choice. Plus I don't like engines under 2.0 liters.

WHY would you get rid of '10 Focus SE manual for an Elantra?? Your Focus is basically a new car that you're taking a HUGE hit on.

I like the new car smell. I'm a weak person. [:D]

I like the new car smell. I'm a weak person. [:D]

I'd think your 2010 would still have it.

My '09 still had traces of it......until my fiance puked ALL OVER the front seat and (former) passenger floor mat last weekend. Now it still has that "new puke smell".

me her
[boxface]

I would have gotten the fog lights...are they avail on the gls trim? how much was the option?

I believe the fog lights are only available on the Limited trim.

If you wanted to go auto, a Focus IMO would be a better choice. Plus I don't like engines under 2.0 liters.

Huh? I don't remember the current focus having a six-speed transmission.

And from what I read (from the press) and heard (3 of my friends have the '11 Elantra) the six speed AT of the '11 Elantra is really smooth and responsive.....almost as good as those vehicles with fine dual clutch ATs out there.

auto blog actually preferred the auto to the manual which is rare in the compact car world...

No one wants you gone, it's just that you kinda stepped in here like some sort of politician, practically scolding the original poster for not seeing things the way you do.

Diversity reigns supreme here, so stick around and chat any and all makes of rides without such biased undertones.


[werd]
Posted via FF Mobile

If you wanted to go auto, a Focus IMO would be a better choice. Plus I don't like engines under 2.0 liters.

Huh? I don't remember the current focus having a six-speed transmission.

And from what I read (from the press) and heard (3 of my friends have the '11 Elantra) the six speed AT of the '11 Elantra is really smooth and responsive.....almost as good as those vehicles with fine dual clutch ATs out there.

Yeah I'm sure that 6sp auto in the Elantra is SOOOOOO impressive. Puleeeze. It needs the extra gears to make power b/c it's strapped to a puny engine. It's an econobox more or less like the Focus. The 4spd auto in the Focus is actually perfect to me b/c of the gearing. Cruises at 80mph on the freeway perfectly.

Bottom line is that he switched to the Elantra from a 1yr old vehicle b/c "he liked the new car smell".....not b/c of the awesome 6sp auto.

Posted via FF Mobile Have to say alot of autos are better then the piece of crap in the focus. And I wouldnt say the gearing in the focus is perfect, far from. 80mph your well over 3k rpm, I wouldnt say that is that great let alone perfect. The one in the elantra is pretty damn good supposedly. And um...the engine isnt that small, its only two tenths smaller then the one in the focus. 1.8l is not that small. You can make plenty of power from them if you load em up with direct injection, valve timing etc.

Posted via FF Mobile Have to say alot of autos are better then the piece of crap in the focus. And I wouldnt say the gearing in the focus is perfect, far from. 80mph your well over 3k rpm, I wouldnt say that is that great let alone perfect. The one in the elantra is pretty damn good supposedly. And um...the engine isnt that small, its only two tenths smaller then the one in the focus. 1.8l is not that small. You can make plenty of power from them if you load em up with direct injection, valve timing etc.

What Focus are you referring to? At 80mph I might be at 3K rpm tops...possibly less than that. But well over? Don't know what Focus you're talking about.

Yeah you can get power out of the 1.8L...148hp which is available at the upper RPM range. 6500rpm vs Focus 140hp at 6000.
The Focus also makes more torque (136 vs 131) at a lower RPM (4250 vs 4600).

Point is... to take a $8-10K deprecation hit in 1 YEAR on a more fun to drive manual Focus SES with a 1.8L 148hp, 6spd Automatic Elantra as the "reward"...seems pretty rewardless.....especially once that new car smell goes away.

What Focus are you referring to? At 80mph I might be at 3K rpm tops...possibly less than that. But well over? Don't know what Focus you're talking about.

Yeah you can get power out of the 1.8L...148hp which is available at the upper RPM range. 6500rpm vs Focus 140hp at 6000.
The Focus also makes more torque (136 vs 131) at a lower RPM (4250 vs 4600).

Point is... to take a $8-10K deprecation hit in 1 YEAR on a more fun to drive manual Focus SES with a 1.8L 148hp, 6spd Automatic Elantra as the "reward"...seems pretty rewardless.....especially once that new car smell goes away.



Posted via FF Mobile Your going to tell me you can feel the difference between 5 ft lbs of tq and 500 rpm? [rolleyes] and I have a focus with a automatic that ive been driving for 6 years and if your going 80 your over 3k. Cause at 70 ur at 3k even. Im not going to argue with the ridiculousness of buying a new car for a new car smell when you have pretty much a new car already anyway...but if people got money to waste go right ahead I guess.

Another reason for trading---the mats were dirty in my Focus. :-)

I just hit a deer with my new Elantra. The 4 wheel disc brakes work great! I was traveling about 70 mph. I was able to hit my brakes about 30 yards before I hit the deer. My speed was greatly reduced. When I stopped the car to check out the damage. I was surprised to find none except for the loss of the black plastic insert where the fog light (if I had them) would go. I will be interested to see how long it will take to get a replacement part.

This occurred on a trip from Rochester, NY to West Virginia. I was disappointed in the gas mileage. The best tank was 32 mpg.

IThis occurred on a trip from Rochester, NY to West Virginia. I was disappointed in the gas mileage. The best tank was 32 mpg.

Remember that you're still going thru a new car break-in period so fuel economy is going to be on the low side initially. Be patient and give it some time. 32 m.p.g. isn't that bad though.

Congrats!!! Not my personal choice of manufacture, but it does have a great styling (inside and out).

plus isnt it cold outside on that side of the country? remember, using the defoggers and such draws the MPG's down as well.

Posted via FF Mobile Your going to tell me you can feel the difference between 5 ft lbs of tq and 500 rpm? [rolleyes] and I have a focus with a automatic that ive been driving for 6 years and if your going 80 your over 3k. Cause at 70 ur at 3k even. Im not going to argue with the ridiculousness of buying a new car for a new car smell when you have pretty much a new car already anyway...but if people got money to waste go right ahead I guess.

That's nice about YOUR focus. But MY '09 Focus.....I drove it 80mph many times this weekend and guess what? I'm definitely BELOW 3K rpm at 80. Probably 2800 max. At 3K rpm even I'm almost at 85mph. Go test drive a an '09 or newer automatic SE and see for yourself. Your Focus is geared much lower than mine.

As for money to waste.....I agree. But why waste it on an Elantra?? If you're gonna throw money down the toilet, get something with some balls at least IMO.

^^^ umm, i know you're pro-focus and believe me I'm pro-2008-2011 focus for sure... but what should he have bought instead of an elantra? the elantras power is right on point with this compact car class so what should he have bought with balls?
as far as the 80mph thing, lets face it no car is going to get excellent mileage at 80mph, 3-speed, 4-speed, 5-speed, CVT, or 6-speed. DrkKnight, we get it... u hate 4-speed autos. noted, dont purchase one. cbr, you think your 4-speed is great. also noted. the op is happy with what he got and doesn't think its a waste of money and really thats all that matters at the end of the day. I'm glad he's posting up impressions about it and it hope he would continue to compare it to the 08-11 focus.

david, how is the braking compared to the focus?

I just hit a deer with my new Elantra. The 4 wheel disc brakes work great! I was traveling about 70 mph. I was able to hit my brakes about 30 yards before I hit the deer. My speed was greatly reduced. When I stopped the car to check out the damage. I was surprised to find none except for the loss of the black plastic insert where the fog light (if I had them) would go....

So, somewhere out there... there's a deer out there with a piece of Hyundai plastic stickin' out of his a**. Just remember that when you think YOU're having a bad day...[;)]

I just clicked on this thread to read (and get a few laughs) the expected thrashing someone would get on a Ford forum when they announce they bought a foreign car. Man, was I disappointed! Seems like everyone is excited that Ford lost a sale. I guarantee you won't find people on foreign car sites excited for someone that traded up to an american car.

Guess I have to go somewhere else for some laughs.

I just clicked on this thread to read (and get a few laughs) the expected thrashing someone would get on a Ford forum when they announce they bought a foreign car. Man, was I disappointed! Seems like everyone is excited that Ford lost a sale. I guarantee you won't find people on foreign car sites excited for someone that traded up to an american car.

Guess I have to go somewhere else for some laughs.

Posted via FF Mobile If all we talked about is the ford focus...this site would get boring, and it would look totally one sided. Something that is great about this forum is that we CAN talk about other cars and people on here own both foci and others and sometimes even move on to the competition. Nothing wrong with that at all. This is not one of those forums that all thats talked about is fords and if someone mentions another vehical they get crucified...if people dont like the way things are done here they can get out.

We also support our own here, it is a community and even when someone decides to venture away from driving a focus, we try to keep them here anyway. It keeps the forum healthy with variety, and so we dont all look like a buch of stuck up focus lovers who think their car is the best in the world....like some forums. Its cool that you bleed ford and american, just dont let it hemorrhage your brain.



And no offense to current focus owners, you drive good cars, but its not class leading and theres better choices out there in the segment. Now if the 2012 was out maybe theyd be more, why didnt you get a focus? But like I said...we support our own. And yea on foreign car websites u wouldnt get the same reaction...lot of the times there are a bunch of egotistical dbags on those sites anyway. We've had plenty of people in the past leave this site and come back and say that other forum was nothing like FF.

Thats why FF rocks, and why many people are still here after years.

Posted via FF Mobile

And no offense to current focus owners, you drive good cars...

Posted via FF Mobile

if only your other posts backed that statement up i wouldn't have lol'd

if only your other posts backed that statement up i wouldn't have lol'd



Posted via FF Mobile Care to elaborate. Lol

I just got back to Rochester from WV. The traveling weather was much nicer, generally around 50 degrees. The last tank of gas (highway driving, 70 mph) was 39.6 mpg. I am very pleased.

I have driven the Elantra for 2 weeks for over 1500 miles. The worst tank was the first one (all city driving) - 25.8 mpg.

Altogether, all types of driving and lots of winter weather, I have received 31.6 mpg.

I was able to drive some nice hilly, curvy, West Virginia 2-lanes. The Elantra handles great!

By the way, Joe Holland Hyundai of Charleston, WV was able to get the bumper fog light insert that was knocked out by the deer in two days. They installed it for free. The deer accident cost me a grand total of $10.70.

I am thrilled with my Elantra!

I just got back to Rochester from WV. The traveling weather was much nicer, generally around 50 degrees. The last tank of gas (highway driving, 70 mph) was 39.6 mpg. I am very pleased.

I have driven the Elantra for 2 weeks for over 1500 miles. The worst tank was the first one (all city driving) - 25.8 mpg.

Altogether, all types of driving and lots of winter weather, I have received 31.6 mpg.

I was able to drive some nice hilly, curvy, West Virginia 2-lanes. The Elantra handles great!

By the way, Joe Holland Hyundai of Charleston, WV was able to get the bumper fog light insert that was knocked out by the deer in two days. They installed it for free. The deer accident cost me a grand total of $10.70.

I am thrilled with my Elantra!



Posted via FF Mobile Close to 40mpg hwy is pretty awesome for a car these days, especially one being classified as a midsize and one that doesnt have direct injection, or fancy bumper flaps, or special wheels etc. Great car imo. Good luck with it.

Sounds like you're pretty happy with the purchase. I rented an '09 elantra last winter and wrote the experience up here. From what you wrote, compared to what I wrote, it appears Hyundai came a long way. The previous-gen was bloated and jiggly in my experience.

As for me, I'm moving out of my Focus in the next 6 mos or so, going to a Toyota Solara. With the Stuck Throttle Mod they'll blow the doors off anything here LOL (that's a joke guys!)

http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=219897
^^from my Elantra experience

Sounds like you're pretty happy with the purchase. I rented an '09 elantra last winter and wrote the experience up here. From what you wrote, compared to what I wrote, it appears Hyundai came a long way. The previous-gen was bloated and jiggly in my experience.

As for me, I'm moving out of my Focus in the next 6 mos or so, going to a Toyota Solara. With the Stuck Throttle Mod they'll blow the doors off anything here LOL (that's a joke guys!)



Posted via FF Mobile I hope the joke was that your going to a toyota solara....its one of the worst cars out there, please dont do it lol.

i love the way that elantra looks, and ik about the high rpm's at around 80, even though i have a 2001, not a 2009 its still kinda rediclious that its at about 3300 rpm's on the highway

With the 2011 Elantra and the 6 speed automatic transmission, it turns about 2500 rpm at 80 mph.

Posted via FF Mobile I hope the joke was that your going to a toyota solara....its one of the worst cars out there, please dont do it lol.

And what specific, factual reasons guide this statement? That's what I thought.

And what specific, factual reasons guide this statement? That's what I thought.

Will have to agree...I know DK doesn't like Toyota though. FWIW, I wouldn't want a Solara myself, but then again I probably wouldn't be interested in a big FWD coupe/convertible in general. Curious though, why a Solara for you? A new one?

I can't really think of anything else new in its segment. I'd have to go back a few years...Monte Carlo. Drove one of those a few months ago before my mom bought her Impala...I was unimpressed. It didn't feel any different from her '08 Impala.

Why for me... I've always liked personal-luxury coupes. Learned to drive on a Lincoln Mark VII LSC, owned a T-Bird and a Mark VIII. Of course all of those cars have been out of production for 10-20 years, and Eldorados are nothing but trouble (my dad made that mistake). Solara comes closest to duplicating the "feel" of those cars; I'm going 2005-06 range, don't like the 07-08 restyle. Drive what you like, right?

Personal luxury coupes are unfortunately pretty much dead- no one wants them- closest you'll get is Audi S5 or BMW 6-series, but that's a different (rich) clientele.

And what specific, factual reasons guide this statement? That's what I thought.



Posted via FF Mobile Dont you have to wait for someone to respond before you say thats what I thought?

Anyway, it doesnt get the greatest reviews, and it doesnt do anything great. Its average. Nothing about it is really class leading, its kinda just, there. Fuel mileage isnt great, its not really a powerful grand tourer, it doesnt handle that well, which is ok if your gonna have a soft comfortable ride, but it doesnt really do that very well either. Which is also why its being discountinued. But if what your looking for is just a put the top down, lean back and drive straight coupe...then go for it because theres not much else out there for the same money. But I wouldnt call it lux either, its really no more luxerious then a mustang convertable. If you really want a lux coupe, and idk what your price range is, but why dont you look at an A4 convertible, pretty much the same size and you should be able to get one for not that much money.

Posted via FF Mobile Dont you have to wait for someone to respond before you say thats what I thought?

Anyway, it doesnt get the greatest reviews, and it doesnt do anything great. Its average. Nothing about it is really class leading, its kinda just, there. Fuel mileage isnt great, its not really a powerful grand tourer, it doesnt handle that well, which is ok if your gonna have a soft comfortable ride, but it doesnt really do that very well either. Which is also why its being discountinued. But if what your looking for is just a put the top down, lean back and drive straight coupe...then go for it because theres not much else out there for the same money. But I wouldnt call it lux either, its really no more luxerious then a mustang convertable. If you really want a lux coupe, and idk what your price range is, but why dont you look at an A4 convertible, pretty much the same size and you should be able to get one for not that much money.

Kinda just there? Same can be said for the Focus. Hasn't been a class leader in years. In all fairness we know that's likely to change in a few months.

Price range for me is up to 10K. I have family working for Toyota so it makes the most sense for me to go back to them. Have had 2 Camrys in the past.

Fuel mileage isn't that great- beg to differ. The V6 is rated at 29 hwy, the I4 33. That's right the Solara does just about as well on gas as my Focus and I don't have to rev it to the moon, either. Though it's rare, you can get a 5-speed on the I4, and once the 3MZ gets on the cam it'll run 0-60 in seven flat.

All Solaras feature a front strut-tower brace and retuned springs/struts- definitely a cut above the Camry. Add a TRD rear sway and it thinks it's a slot car. I would know; I've driven them with the TRD RSB and it's night and day. Have you driven one?

It's being discontinued because coupes don't sell well. This is no secret. No busine$$ case = no car. Even if it is based on the Gen5 Camry chassis minus two doors. Grand Prix 2-door, Sebring 2-door, Avenger 2-door, Mark VIII, Eldorado, Lexus SC-series- all dead. Mustang, Camaro, Challenger all appeal to certain types of drivers- they have a built-in market. Other than that you're going up to Audi S5, M-B SL series, and BMW 6-series, way out of my league. About the only other coupe there would be the BMW 3-series.

No more luxurious than a Mustang? Nav, heated leather, electronic climate control, comfort you can only dream of in a Stang. Build quality that puts the Mustang to shame. (And I say this as a Mustang fan and former owner) Huge interior for a coupe. Rear-seat legroom is within 2" of the Camry. Only in the past couple of years has the Stang picked those fancy options up.

BTW I want the Solara coupe, not the convertible.

If I wanted a car that was in the shop every other week I'd look at the Audi. There's a reason their reliability ratings are consistently low.

your opinion is your opinion.

^ Dont forget the BMW 1 Series.

I preferred the looks of the 1999-2003 Solara models myself as the car looked less "bloated" then.

Posted via FF Mobile Anyone think hyundai should bring us an elantra hatchback, or do you think the veloster will fill that void?

Posted via FF Mobile Anyone think hyundai should bring us an elantra hatchback, or do you think the veloster will fill that void?

The closest you can get to an Elantra hatchback(currently) is the Elantra Touring wagon. Or you can wait for an all new Tiburon scheduled to come out sometime this year(it's unknown if the Veloster name will be officially used but Hyundai has said that the Genesis coupe was not the replacement for the Tiburon).

veloster looks to b confirmed and hyundai has said that the elantra touring will be redone in 2012 to look like its family lineup

veloster looks to b confirmed and hyundai has said that the elantra touring will be redone in 2012 to look like its family lineup



Posted via FF Mobile Yes Veloster has been confirmed and it will debut at Detriot. Detriot is gonna be big, lots of awesome cars being debuted, many possibly big segment changers thatll be shaking things up.