Downgraded from 2013 Elantra GT to 3013 Accent 5D

[BlomeEdition]

Well, I got a sweet deal on a GT for 18,600 before financing. But of course, it ended up being too good to be true. The dealer called me back, saying they would have to change the financing to 26%! Needless to say I returned it. I found myself going to a different dealership and figured I'd get less car so that wouldn't happen again!

I wound up with a new Accent Hatchback and I can say that I'm actually happy with the decision so far.

For those of you upset for not having the Elantra GT, let me tell you whats better about the Accent:

1. Fuel Economy: The Elantra has stated mpg around the same as the Accent, but it's a lie. The Elantra was getting closer to 25mpg and maybe highway of 30 if I drove it very gingerly.

2. Suspension: Not having the sport tuned suspension on the Elantra, It was terrible over speed bumps and generally on dips and turns. The rear end would dip down very low on every speed bump and was extremely annoying, not to mention your stomach going into your throat if it was at slightly higher speeds.

3. That's about it! The Elantra was baller and I cry myself to sleep sometimes, having lost it. Haha, but I am happy with the Accent, especially with the MPG and the lighter weight leading to a more zippy drive w/ better handeling.

P.S. Although I miss the heated seats in the GT, it made my ass smell terrible by the time I got to work everyday.

[2013AccentGS6MT]

You downgraded to a 3013? How do you downgrade to technology that's 1,000 years in the future? Hyundai still makes Accents in 3013? Hyundai still exists in 3013?!

I'd say you upgraded. The Elantra only has 10 more horsepower from the extra 200cc engine, with 400 extra pounds weighing it down. It doesn't corner as enthusiastically as the Accent, and the mileage and power both suffer because of the weight. I see no reason to go for the Elantra or even the Veloster for that matter unless you get the turbo.

Elantra GT: 19.6 lbs/hp
Accent GS: 17.4 lbs/hp

For the driver who enjoys driving more than exterior style, the Accent is the best bang-for-buck FF in Hyundai's lineup.

[BlomeEdition]

yeah, I noticed that typo, but I can only edit the thread body, not the title!

I've been used to driving a little 96 jetta and that thing was fun to drive. I like having a light car to zip around for sure. Though the Elantra had way better bolstering on the seats. I wish they extended it a little more in the Accent.

Not a big fan of the seating color either for the base model. The GT base had the nice 3-tone black and gray seating.

I don't get why cars still come out with lame seat colors, it doesn't cost any more money to just make them straight black and look nice and hide stains. You would expect to see zebra and confetti print on the seats of a 80's car, not a 2013 Elantra Sedan.

[Dena]

Originally Posted by BlomeEdition

P.S. Although I miss the heated seats in the GT, it made my ass smell terrible by the time I got to work everyday.

LOL

It's nice to know since I was debating between the Elantra GT and Accent GLS when I was shopping around. I ended up getting the Accent because it was cheaper. Glad it did end up being a better choice, based on your experience.

[crownr0yal]

Originally Posted by BlomeEdition

Well, I got a sweet deal on a GT for 18,600 before financing. But of course, it ended up being too good to be true. The dealer called me back, saying they would have to change the financing to 26%! Needless to say I returned it. I found myself going to a different dealership and figured I'd get less car so that wouldn't happen again!

!!!! 26%?!!? What in ... the world! ?

[2013AccentGS]

Is it legal for dealer to that after you signed the contract?

[fatabbot]

Originally Posted by 2013AccentGS

Is it legal for dealer to that after you signed the contract?

It's a common bait/switch routine that dealers do. By the time a customer takes delivery and has driven off the lot, they are usually emotionally "compromised" enough to go through with whatever ridiculous terms are presented after the fact (often under the ruse that the original financing "didn't go through"). Good for the OP for not giving in.

[weapau]

Interesting. So- would the dealership lose money if someone purchased the car at the (seemingly discounted) price, then proceeded to pay off the loan immediately, thereby accruing no interest?

[mrmr256]

Originally Posted by 2013AccentGS6MT

You downgraded to a 3013? How do you downgrade to technology that's 1,000 years in the future? Hyundai still makes Accents in 3013? Hyundai still exists in 3013?!

I'd say you upgraded. The Elantra only has 10 more horsepower from the extra 200cc engine, with 400 extra pounds weighing it down. It doesn't corner as enthusiastically as the Accent, and the mileage and power both suffer because of the weight. I see no reason to go for the Elantra or even the Veloster for that matter unless you get the turbo.

Elantra GT: 19.6 lbs/hp
Accent GS: 17.4 lbs/hp

For the driver who enjoys driving more than exterior style, the Accent is the best bang-for-buck FF in Hyundai's lineup.

I totally agree. Elantra = fat and heavy Accent

[mrmr256]

Originally Posted by weapau

Interesting. So- would the dealership lose money if someone purchased the car at the (seemingly discounted) price, then proceeded to pay off the loan immediately, thereby accruing no interest?

Not necessarily the dealer. Depends what bank/lender gave you the loan. You either pay the dealer or a bank when you finance. Banks are cheaper, whereas in-house financing tend to rape you in both credit and interest (i.e. they penalize you if you pay off the loan early).