Buying a newer used Elantra, Manual or Automatic? Options

[03elntraownr]

Hi all...
I've posted before on the forum.

I have a 2003 Elantra with 138K and am looking at buying a newer used Elantra, maybe a 2004-2006
in the $6K-$7K range.... I'm thinking about getting one with a 5 speed manual transmission instead of an automatic, but then I've heard/read
that the clutches in some elantras are weak and have to be replaced pretty often. What do you all think??

If this topic has been posted before, I apologize for the duplicate but I searched and couldn't find another topic about this subject.

Thanks!

[2000J25SP]

I say go for the manual. The clutch should last a long time if you treat it right (also depends how the previous owner drove it . Doing the clutch valvectomy mod will help it to last longer, as well as improving feel while taking off. Go test drive a manual Elantra and see if you like it.

[TJVJR]

Here is a good lil articular on testing a clutch , give it a read if need be so you know what to look for while test driving .
Test/Info

[litesong]

I'm thinking about getting one with a 5 speed manual transmission instead of an automatic, but then I've heard/read
that the clutches in some elantras are weak and have to be replaced pretty often.

With Hyundai's 100,000 mile warranty, they can't afford weak links in their drivetrains. Since they're making money, they don't have weak links in their drivetrains. Wife has a manual Accent with 80,000 miles. Works wonderfully & unfortunately, looks like we'll never use the 100,000 mile warranty........... hey, that's a good thing!

Hyundais, with their fairly low torque engines, need manual transmissions more than other manufacturers, to make the low torque as effective as possible. I just bought a 2013 Elantra with auto tranny that I dearly love. However, I really understand how little response the Elantra engine can have in certain conditions. Even dropping the transmission two gears can still get poor acceleration from the engine. & my complaints are from a guy who is averaging 39mpg with my Elantra. Yeah, the auto can get good mpg, but don't expect any performance from the auto tranny without beating the engine.

This post has been edited by litesong: Aug 4 2013, 10:56 AM

[JMElantraGT]

Hey 03elntraownr,

I have a 2005 Elantra GT and I have over 110,000 miles on it and it has a manual 5 speed transmission. At a little over 85,000 miles I had to replace the clutch and it really hasn't been the same since. I mean it shifts and all okay but it has become quite tempremental since getting the new clutch. Anyway, my next one will be an automatic. Don't get me wrong, I love my Elantra, it has been a great car and it's paid for! Just my 2 cents.

JMElantraGT

[2000J25SP]

I had to replace the clutch and it really hasn't been the same since. I mean it shifts and all okay but it has become quite tempremental since getting the new clutch.
JMElantraGT

Did you refill the transmission with the correct fluid?

[Tom06]

I don't think that there is anything wrong with these clutches. I am still on my original at 84,000 and it feels brand new.

I am a pretty good MT driver and don't ride the clutch, but a good number of my miles have been stop and go driving.

There's no reason the clutch shouldn't last the life of the car, unless you do a lot of passionate driving.

[03elntraownr]

Here is a good lil articular on testing a clutch , give it a read if need be so you know what to look for while test driving .
Test/Info

Thank you! I'll do so..

Hi all, and thanks for all the feedback replies. I really appreciate it...

I did test drive that 2005 Elantra last weekend. It drove well, ran well and was responsive, but I thought that the clutch was a little too soft -- Not as firm as I expected. I had to lift my leg about a foot of the floor in first gear before the clutch engaged. That was interesting...lol...Shifting through the other gears had a 2-3 inch gap, like normal... About half way through the drive, the 'check engine' light came on which concerned me. Turned out it was caused by one of the service guys at the dealership not closing the gas filler cap/door completely..

It was alright, but I just didn't bond with this car. I'll keep on looking. I saw a couple of other Elantra/manuals that interest me and will
test drive them shortly. I'm also considering an Accent of the same year/mileage range. Most definitely want a manual shift if I get one of
those... Thanks again!

Btw, my '03 Elantra just turned 139K

[BNystrom]

FWIW, I have just over 186,000 miles on the original clutch in my '04 Elantra. Although I've never liked the feel of it, even after the "clutchvalvectomy", it's proven to be durable.

[03elntraownr]

Hi all...

Thanks for all the input... Last week, I test drove a black 2004 Elantra GLS 5 sp manual with only 51K on it. It's just like my '03, but with the manual shift... I was very impressed. the clutch seemed firm and the body interior was in much better shape than the '05 I test drove/posted about a month ago. I'm going to try and snag this car. Great price ($5K). Oh, and the oil is very clean.. I checked it before I test drove it.

More input would be appreciated. Thanks again!

[Alex2013GT]

Why are you looking to trade in your car for practically the same car just a year or two newer? You just never know how the other car was maintained and whether it will give you problems. Are you having tranny problems and that's why you're looking for a manual?

[elantragt]

Alex... I think he clearly likes the XD Elantra but wants to go with a manual instead. I'm sure for the same reason we all prefer manuals... they're more fun to drive.

Also, the car he's looking at has 80,000 less miles of wear and tear than his current car...