2013 UD and MD difference - coolant change interval Options

[bkc93]

I bought two 2013 Elantras and by sheer luck I ended up with one made in Korea and one made in the US. Although they are the exact same model with the exact same trim option, I have noticed some differences. The one that's bugging me the most is the maintenance schedule. The Korean built model says that the coolant should be changed for the first time at 120k miles, but the US model says it needs to be changed at 60k miles.

I can't understand why they would have such a big difference in that maintenance item. Is there a difference in the coolant that was used at the two plants? Do the cooling systems use different materials in some components?

If anyone has insight on this I'd love to hear what you have to say.

Thanks.

[slowgls]

One is most likely green and the other is go5 or long life stuff.

[Red Elantra GT]

Hey-thanks for pointing that out. An odd difference between the two assembly points.

[RPW00Mirage]

looks like you will find out first hand which one ends up being the better buy

[bkc93]

As much as I hate to admit it, the Korean-made model has a better paint job (looks like thicker and smoother clear coat) and the engine isn't making an annoying tapping noise at idle like the US-made model (not the injector or rocker/valve noise that everyone makes) -- sounds more like oil/lubrication problem -- dare I say bearing (cam, rod, or main). At 600 miles I brought it into the dealer, who claims the noise is normal, but I'm not happy about it. I'd expect that from a motor with 70k on it, not 600. Anyway, it's going to be an interesting experiment to see which car holds up better over the years.

[Alex2013GT]

Welcome to the club! I'll be interested to hear how things go between the two Elantras.

[Red Elantra GT]

Hey-Both Elantras I've bought were made in Korea. I had no issues whatsoever with the '11 sedan and the current '13 GT had also been trouble free.

[mcgov51]

No matter what the mileage . . . I would drain it then refill it . . . when it even starts to look dirty.
Do yourself a big favor and always use the pre-mixed ( Prestone ? ).

I'm not happy how my hood fits next to my headlights . . . seams are noticeably different.
Maybe it's the way they hung the fenders ?

And the front of the hood has play in it on the passenger side. You can lift it up slightly up & down
while the hood is locked. Will not adjust out . . .

SLOPPY. . . $25K car . . . no excuse.

[13ABLtd]

I have a 2013 MD Elantra. I will be hitting 60,000 next month and the dealer is recommending a cooling system flush. They also told me that my brake fluid is dirty and needs to be replaced as well. I will be getting the automatic transmission fluid changed, due to mileage. Shouldn't the coolant and brake fluid be based more on time than mileage? Especially since I am not driving the typical 12-15,000 per year. How can a sealed brake system get dirty in 21 months of use?

Any input is greatly appreciated.

[Red Elantra GT]

Hey-On some of the cars I've owned (or currently own), two years is the recommended time for changing the brake fluid.