Elantra 2005 or 2006?

I am thinking seriously about replacign my 99 Accent with a new
Elantra. The question I have is over buying a 2005 or 2006. I
haven't seen a report that there is a difference so I'm asking. Is
ther anything that would tip the scale either way?

thanks,
nothermark

 

id look at the new accent 1st

 

I did look at the Accent. What I really want is a small station wagon
but they seem to have been phased out. My next best bet is a 5 door.
Permanently fold down the rear seats and the hatch let's the big stuff
in. My major use is to service computers. I'm also looking at Subaru
but the twice the price issue keeps cropping up. ;-) I also want the
bigger wheels and tires. I'm thinking a 2005 now would have the right
miles in a year to trade if I want to trade again or I will be very
happy and drive it until it dies and/or I retire. I also may drop
$500 or so in my 99 Accent and try for another 2 years. ;-)

 

The Elantra 5-door has large trunk, enough to carry a few computers.
With the seats folded down, it's huge inside. If you pull the rear seat
cushion up and forward before folding the seat backs down, it creates a
flat floor. I routinely carry bicyles and kayaking gear in mine.

That would be a VERY expensive way to go.

That makes more sense.

It's only 6 years old and all it needs is $500 worth of work, so why
would you not fix it? Even if you were going to sell it, you'd be better
off to fix it first.

 

id get a accent hatch back, thyre due out this spring i think =)

 

It's got 100,000 mi on it, is starting to rust, needs the rotors and
belts replaced and is probably worth about $500 as a tradein. A new
elantra would get me more room, better access, heated mirrors, cruise,
etc. $500 would get the Accent through inspection but it would take
another $500 to $1000 to clean it up. I will also need the timing
belt and tires again. Then there is the 6 yr old, 100,000 mi "what's
next" factor. If I had a choice I would keep it and buy something
else for backup but that would cause a major domestic issue. ;-)

 

As a former Subaru owner I can say I'm not impressed with their engine
design. They copied the VW bug engine too closely. OTOH, they make a
great body.

--

 

our 99 has same milage and runs like a top...
id concider putting a few $$ into her and drive for another 3 yrs
were going to get ours painted this summer, spots of rust starting
exspecially bottom of the doors and fender lips

 

I hear ya'. Considering that with minimal maintenance, it will probably
last at least another 50K mile, it sounds like a good candidate to
become a "winter car", if you live in an area with "real" winters. I'll
bet you can do better on it price-wise if you sell it yourself. FWIW, I
recently sold a '94 Excel with 175K miles and in need of front wheel
bearings for $300. It was bought by a woman who's husband is a mechanic.

 

Small wagons are highly practical, and hard to find .

The Ford Focus wagon might work for you.

 

Also check Subaru Forester and Mazda (whatever their small wagon is).