I'm looking at a 2003 Elantra GT hatchback. I see no recalls or service
bulletins, and all the reviews I've seen have raved about it. Any feedback
(good or bad) from the group here?

TIA,
Rick

 

"rick" <rickt@esdpcb.com> wrote in message
news:11f1qovdk3pnd63@corp.supernews.com...
> I'm looking at a 2003 Elantra GT hatchback. I see no recalls or service
> bulletins, and all the reviews I've seen have raved about it. Any
feedback
> (good or bad) from the group here?
>
> TIA,
> Rick
>
>

There's been quite a bit of feedback on the EGT here over the last year or
so that I've seen. I also posted a review shortly after I bought my 04 in
Jan 04. Try this:
http://groups-beta.google.com/group/...1ded08ed626b5d

IMO, the hatch is more flexible than the sedan, and better looking too. My
only complaint after more than 20k miles is I wish it had more power. It's
not seriously under-powered, but I like to drive quickly.

Go for a test drive and I'm sure you'll be sold. Let us know how you get
on.

 

rick wrote:
> I'm looking at a 2003 Elantra GT hatchback. I see no recalls or service
> bulletins, and all the reviews I've seen have raved about it. Any feedback
> (good or bad) from the group here?
>
I've got an '04 EGT that I'm very please with. It gets great gas mileage
(34-35 @ 65 mph on the highway), it's comfortable and it's plenty
powerful enough for normal driving.

My one initial complaint was that in its stock configuration, it
understeers severely. The handling can be greatly improved by replacing
the stock 13mm rear sway bar with the 18mm or 19.2mm rear sway bar from
the Tiburon. This balances the front and rear roll stiffness without
adversely affecting ride quality. This seems to be the single most
common modification owners make.

You should check out the following EGT sites for more information, tips,
modification DIYs, etc.:

http://elantragtclub.tripod.com/elantra/ - The Elantra GT Club

http://www.elantraxd.com/index.php - The Elantra XD site (XD is the
factory code for the current Elantra iteration)

Since the current car was introduced in '01, there have been several
service bulletins and recalls for things like:

- Reprogramming the ECU to eliminate a midrange flatspot in the power curve.
- Reprogramming the airbag timing.
- Replacing a rollover valve in the fuel system.
- Checking a clamp in the fuel system.

While I would not let these things scare you away, it would be
worthwhile to check the service history of the car you're interested in.
If you're buying it from a dealer, insist that all recalls are done and
documented.