Considering upgrading HD to MD

[alanb]

I have a 2008, my son has a 2010 (both HD's) and my daughter has a 2011 (MD). I have driven all three, and the main thing I notice between the HD's and my daughter's MD is the transmission and overall performance. The 1.8 liter/6 speed automatic in the MD is smoother and much peppier on acceleration than the 2.0 liter/4 speed auto combination in the HD's. Beyond that, the ride, comfort and overall driving experience between the two series is pretty comparable (although the MD turns heads and the HD doesn't).

Although the MD is (was?) rated about 6 MPG higher for highway, we have found that the mileage difference between the two is at most 1 or 2 MPG. In fact we took a 2000 mile vacation a couple of years ago with both cars driving in tandem with similar on board loads. So the driving conditions should be about as identical as you can make them. On that trip, my 2008 actually beat the 2011 in overall mileage by about .5 MPG. That said, I think the 2011 would have done better if I had been driving it because I don't accelerate as aggressively as my son-in-law.

Both model series are excellent and I wouldn't hesitate to trade my HD Elantra for a new MD.

[TurboLed]

The HD was still using the Beta engine, an engine that was used back in 1997 in the Tiburon. Along with a 4-speed automatic, this was getting outdated. This engine still was a timing belt while every Japanese competitor had switched to a chain.
Luckily, the MD came with a brand new engine design, new transmissions, I just hope they won't be using those without change for another 10 years.

[alanb]

That is an excellent point TurboLed. I am coming up on the timing belt replacement window for my '08 in the next year or so ... might be a good time to trade up.

[Narcissist]

Originally Posted by Em-squared

I think it simply depends on whether you want the newer, shinier thing.

My wife was talking about keeping her '08 Elantra for the full 84 months she is financing over, but once I took delivery of my 2013 Accent in September she started talking more and more about trading in at the 60 month mark (in April), or sooner... Of course she really likes the options and styling now available on the new Hyundais!

[hsciaticphh]

Question. I know it must be obvious, but what in the h*# is HD & MD in these vechicles. Its not what I thought it was.

[TurboLed]

Those are just codes decided by Hyundai to specify model-years of different cars. Following are Elantra codes:
XD was 2000-2005
HD was 2006-2010. The Touring was FD.
MD and UD are 2011-today. MD are made in Korea, UD are made in USA.
JK is 2013-today Elantra Coupe, GD is 2013-today Elantra GT.

[Don67]

Originally Posted by Narcissist

My wife was talking about keeping her '08 Elantra for the full 84 months she is financing over, but once I took delivery of my 2013 Accent in September she started talking more and more about trading in at the 60 month mark (in April), or sooner... Of course she really likes the options and styling now available on the new Hyundais!

Congrats on the impending family addition

As a car guy I can understand why anyone would be interested in trading up. But as a family guy who's been there/done that I strongly urge your wife to go with the original plan. Don't dump a perfectly good car just to go deeper into debt. Especially when you've already got another new car in your driveway, and a baby on the way.

Do this:

1. Keep the '08 Elantra. When you find yourself rationalizing a new one, spend an afternoon polishing the old one until your arm is ready to fall off. Spend forty bucks on a new set of floor mats, or a couple hundred to add the latest gadget. Anything to bring back the love.

2. When the car is paid off, divert the monthly loan payments into a savings account. Use this fund for repairs, which will probably be very low until the car is at least 10 years old. The '08 Elantra is one of the most bulletproof compact cars on the market.

3. Don't buy another new car until there's enough cash in the bank, or the '08 needs repairs that cost more than the car is worth. With a little luck your child will be in Junior High by then... it goes faster than you think.

Best wishes,
Don

[crownr0yal]

Originally Posted by Don67

Congrats on the impending family addition

As a car guy I can understand why anyone would be interested in trading up. But as a family guy who's been there/done that I strongly urge your wife to go with the original plan. Don't dump a perfectly good car just to go deeper into debt. Especially when you've already got another new car in your driveway, and a baby on the way.

Do this:

1. Keep the '08 Elantra. When you find yourself rationalizing a new one, spend an afternoon polishing the old one until your arm is ready to fall off. Spend forty bucks on a new set of floor mats, or a couple hundred to add the latest gadget. Anything to bring back the love.

2. When the car is paid off, divert the monthly loan payments into a savings account. Use this fund for repairs, which will probably be very low until the car is at least 10 years old. The '08 Elantra is one of the most bulletproof compact cars on the market.

3. Don't buy another new car until there's enough cash in the bank, or the '08 needs repairs that cost more than the car is worth. With a little luck your child will be in Junior High by then... it goes faster than you think.

Best wishes,
Don

This is really good, sound advice!

[someguy]

Once again great advice from Don.

[apodiyos]

dont