I spoke to the service manager of a Mitsubishi/Hyundai dealership - she
reports that XG350 and Sonata great cars, but advises against Elantra
because of transmission problems. Have you experienced any? Also, for
automatic, what gas mileage are you getting?
We have a 2002 GLS we bought new off the lot after test driving it.
It was the most responsive transmission in a small car I had driven
after leaving Europe - of course I didn't drive them all, only the
ones I could afford to buy cash.
Now looking towards the 30K mile service, and have had no problems
whatsoever with the transmission - it still has the same performance
as it did when we bought it. Fluid was "replaced" at the 15K service,
and is supposed to be "flushed" at the 30K. I guess I'll find out
then if there are any trans problems.
Each member of our family of four has a different mpg. I get the
worst because I beat the poor thing to death - mine is around 19 - 23
suburban, 25 - 30 hwy. The best is my daughter's because she coddles
it - around 23 - 26 suburban, 30 - 35 hwy.
I personally like the looks of the Sonata and XG350 better, but am
definitely satisfied with the Elantra we already have.
Paul Gebhardtsbauer