Thread: Hyundai Elantra Touring: Before you laugh...

Because you people obviously have decent tasted in used vehicles (except maybe for you NX guys) I'd like to hear what you think. The wifey's '02 Protege5 has served us well for 9 years now, but it is time to part ways. We'd like more room and while I'm not thrilled with the idea of an SUV I'm considering one. Both my wife and I refuse to even consider a mini-van, so don't give me that "I know you're set against a minivan, but you should really look at...", it's not happening, ever.

I've been considering a 2007+ Honda CRV, lots of room, AWD and decent gas mileage. Problem is they're EVERYWHERE, I see at least two at every stop light. So then I then turned my attention to the Mitsubishi Outlander. Nice styling, roomy like the CRV, a pop-up 3rd row seat, but shit gas mileage unless I go with the 4 cylinder/CVT combo. And f#*k CVT's.

So then I start looking at proper station wagons, which I hold in high regard. When I was a kid there was no such thing as an "SUV" or "minivan", if you wanted a family hauler it was a station wagon. We had one, and most of the neighbors did too, but I digress. The VW Jetta Sportwagen immediately caught my eye. I love the looks, the features, the fuel economy is decent and mods-a-plenty. Then I start reading into reliability and what owners have to say and pulled the plug on that idea.

Then I remember seeing an oddball Hyundai "something wagon" sitting in the Target parking lot a couple years ago, it was simply the "Elantra Touring". I start looking at pictures of it and reading about it, and me likey. Kinda looks like the Jetta Sportwagen, drives like a car, great gas mileage, heated front seats, a roof rack for my carrier and 65+ cubic ft of cargo with the rear seats down! The CRV I was considering has 73 cubic ft with the seats down, but it has LESS than the Hyundai with the seats up, which is how we'd use it most of the time. What also caught my attention was the fact that Hyundai initially developed this car for the European market as the I30 before bringing it to the US, similar to Infiniti re-badging the Primera as the G20. A little European flavor if you will. Mods available include a frickin' supercharger kit! And it can even be had with a manual trans, although after 9 years shifting the Pro5 I think the wife wants an automatic. So be it...

Hyundai Elantra Touring priced from $18,495 - Autoblog

Review: 2011 Hyundai Elantra Touring SE | The Truth About Cars

I worked in the parts department at our local Hyundai dealership for a little over 4 years, I can honestly say that in the time I worked there, these cars rarely came in with any issue! The only common thing was sway bar links would go in them pretty quick but warranty covered those and the odd control arm bushing! Other than that they seem to be pretty solid cars for getting around. My best friends dad is the zone manager for Hyundai auto canada ill ask him if there are any other commons issues with them as I haven't worked there for about 4 years. Cheers Dave

Much appreciated. Thanks!

See here for how I feel about the styling: http://www.sr20-forum.com/offtopic/22513-hawt-cars-stock-cars-only-please-2.html#post292634

I can't say I'd go so far as to own one though. They probably came in rarely for issues because Hyundai sold a total of 5 of them in the US? Just a guess. Not saying I think they are problematic, but how often they come in for service means nil.

Fuck you for considering an SUV, especially over a minivan. You're part of the problem. Try being part of the solution?

If you want something like that, what's wrong with a Mazda3? Not enough room? Time to step it up and get a real wagon me thinks. If you do go for the Hyundai, get the manual transmission. Fight the good fight!

Thanks Ben but based on the life I've lived for the last 44 years I'm probably part of and/or the cause of many problems, so please clarify which problem it is that you're referring to.

I did consider the Mazda3 as the Protege5 has been THE most reliable care I've ever owned, hands down. Problem is that it's barely bigger than the Pro5 and my kids aren't getting any smaller, neither am I for that matter. Plus the only version of the 3 I like is the 2003-2008 gen and hard to find with low miles.

As far as the manual trans is considered that's up to the wife. She'll be driving it 90% of the time so it's her call, or should I tell her "fuck you" too and just get the manual?

Problem: Tanks on the road blocking my view at any and all angles. SUVs are like rolling blinders.

What about the 2014 Mazda3? Not a fan?

Sounds to me like it is basically her car, so you can direct my "fuck you" to her instead for getting an automatic. You're in the clear.


I think the Jetta wagon option should really turn into a 3 or 5-series wagon option. Although the Jetta/Passat wagon option or the BMW wagon or a Merc wagon... They are all going to give you obnoxiou$ fits compared to your previous Mazda.

You know the Model S has a rear seat option to fit 7?

Maybe a Legacy wagon?

- Since I didn't actually purchase an SUV that's technically a problem I have nothing to do with. Amazing, but true.

- No, first gen 3 only.

- I'll tell the wife what you said.

- There's a reason why a 3 series or Merc were never on my list. If I had money to throw away and/or liked driving loaners I would've had one years ago.

Had one once. Never again. Traded it for the Protege5.

CTS-V wagon?