Hyundai Elantra [2004-2008] User Reviews

If one thing this car is made for, it is the highways. Super flat and planted on the ground. Suspension is very stiff, which makes slow speed ride not so great, but with speed increase you enjoy the ride. Most of the time I drive alone and I never felt too tired at any point. Car comes with ABS, EBD, 4 wheel disks, two air bags, which was pretty good for a 2006 car. Breaking of the car is amazing, par with some of the German high end cars (now age has taken its toll, still never gave me shrivels).

Car has got good space, AC is very effective, it has got climate control, I keep it at 22 all the time with blower speed 2, which is enough even for Kerala hot climate.

This engine was not designed by Hyundai but it bought from Detroit Diesel. CRDI engine is very rev happy. Tall gearing makes it very relaxed on highways. Very good build, can take any amount of abuse and yet remains rattle free.

Some things I did not like about the car was, steering feel spoils otherwise quite involving drive, though its weighs up adequately at speed. Low seating not comfortable for some people, ingress and egress could be an issue to older people.

This was our primary car till 2014, when we decided to buy the Octavia and Elantra was getting old and showing its age. After Octi started doing the duties, Elantra was taking rest and was not using much, still I made sure the car is in perfect mechanical condition.

Till last year end, things were fine with Octi and it started showing its true color. Issues started at 4th year itself. Because of extended warranty, I have been managing. Due to the issue Octi have, Elantra became primary ride again.

So far the ownership has been hassle free without any major dramas. Vehicle is at 3.6 lakh kilometer now, performance and FE is still at very acceptable range. Last year, I was planning to sell the car, but ridiculous resale value put me off. Since it sold in very less number, difficult to source parts now and it has become expensive also. But if you want, you will still get even small parts without any issue, but some parts require waiting period, some you get with in two days. But never like "Never ending" waiting period Skoda offers.

Since it has served us brilliantly over the years and if I sell it there is high chance who ever buying it won’t or won’t be able to take care of it because of the expense parts, I decided to keep the Elantra and sell the Octi before extended warranty expires and buy a new car. 
Will be restoring the Elantra this year, new suspension, maybe clutch job, need to check the condition, it feels fine now, new EGR on the way, will keep it in pristine condition.

A true underdog, one whose glory was sung after demise.