Suspension

[M3Chef]

Originally Posted by stanjo

I think you misunderstood my complaint. I have no problems with the steering and handling - it's at least as good if not better than my previous Ford Focus ZX3.
It's the ride quality I'm bummed about - it's a hard suspension that transmits every road imperfection, yet bobby and jittery. I think "unsettled" best describes it - it's always busy.
Maybe the 17" tires + "sports" suspension package is just stiff and not bobby, but the standard with 16" doesn't know what it wants to be - it's too harsh to be supple and too wobbly to be stiff - worst of both worlds.
My previous cars were a 1st gen Ford Focus ZX3 which had an amazingly smooth ride and before that a Nissan 240SX Fastback which was stiff and planted, but not harsh.

When people comment, please, clarify whether you have the base 16" or the 17" + "sports" package. Maybe it makes all the difference.

I will have the dealer check the alignment at the next oil change, but I doubt it's off - the car keeps a straight line.

It's not the alignment, but the combination of tires and overly-stiff rebound valving in the dampers. The dampers seem to be a little tight for the weight of the car. If the car tramlining, then that's a tire issue.

We're coming from a 2005 Elantra, and this car is worlds better. The old car felt like the suspension was made from old waterbeds. Soft, compliant, and floaty. I drive the new car with the steering set to "comfort" 90% of the time and enjoy the ride.

[CanuckElantraGT]

Coming from a Malibu Maxx SS, and it's 3500lb weight, albeit with GM Performance Division suspension and 18" wheels, I feel like my GT GLS is more confident in the corners than my Malibu was. Despite the "lackluster" economy tires on the car, I've been able to negotiate some tight esses in my area with relative ease compared to my old car. Mind you it could hugely be about the fact that the GT weighs less than the SS, but I dont have a reason to complain about the GT's ride or handling characteristics. Though I am curious to know what a lower suspension and 18"s with better rubber could achieve....

[markjenn]

Originally Posted by CanuckElantraGT

Though I am curious to know what a lower suspension and 18"s with better rubber could achieve....

It would probably handle better, but I'm not sure the car would be better. If great handling and high performance is your goal, you're much better off starting off with a GTI or Focus ST rather than attempting to make this car something it isn't.

- Mark

[alex2006sonata]

As far as upgrading, I don't think throwing on 18's will help. Stick with the 17's or downsize to a smaller lightweight wheel with good tires if you want to increase handling. Now if you want to increase styling, then by all means go with the 18's!

Originally Posted by markjenn

It would probably handle better, but I'm not sure the car would be better. If great handling and high performance is your goal, you're much better off starting off with a GTI or Focus ST rather than attempting to make this car something it isn't.

- Mark

Many owners of the XD gen Elantra (including GT) upgraded suspension (ie: strut bars, springs, tires, etc) with great feedback. A few autocrossed them too. I agree this is never going to be a 1/4 mile burner, but it can be fun in the twisties. Throw in a CAI and exhaust too and it'll sound nice too.

[gcleeton]

Mine is OK on 16 inch Nexen OEM tires. Didn't like Hankooks on my 2012 Sonata.

[gcleeton]

Mine is OK for steering and suspension. It has original Nexen tires on 16 inch rims.
You haven't got Hankooks have you? If so get rid of them and go down to 16 inch rims and tires while you are at it (from bad experiences with Sonata!).

[stanjo]

I am happy to report that after a 4 wheel alignment at the dealer, the ride is so much better. The lateral jerkiness that bothered me so much is gone. It is still not a supple ride, but much more tolerable than before.
At this point I'd say the suspension is "average" - nothing great and nothing particularly bad, a bit harsh and a bit bobby, but acceptable for the segment.

[gcleeton]

No problem with axle tramp or steering on my Elantra GT it has Nexen tires on 16 inch rims. Don't like Hankooks I think side-walls were squishy on my 2012 Sonata and wear excessive at 18000 miles when I traded it in.

[GT155]

I have to agree with newtmaker. I have no complaints. I see some compare their GT to the Ford Focus. I know some may have been happy with theirs, I had one and it was the worst car I ever owned. Driving and suddenly the drivers window just drops into the door. I get it fixed, the exact same thing happened to the passenger side a month later and they gave me a hard time but eventually fixed it. Then the check engine light came on, there was a leak where the pipe meets with the gas tank, they had to drop the gas tank to fix it. Then I reach up to turn the map light on and the switch fell off in my hand, then the CD player started skipping to CD's I played before with no problem and even tried in other cars and they played fine, then of course a recall comes out for the door hinges and wouldn't you know it I close the passanger door and it popped back open. I had to tie it closed with rope until I could get it to the dealer to have it fixed, so excuse me if I don't share the same views on the Ford Focus, it was truly the worst car I ever owned.

[CanuckElantraGT]

Originally Posted by markjenn

It would probably handle better, but I'm not sure the car would be better. If great handling and high performance is your goal, you're much better off starting off with a GTI or Focus ST rather than attempting to make this car something it isn't.

- Mark

I'm not looking for it to be a GTI, ST or even R (at least not in the foreseeable future), but I don't think this chassis is more than capable of being a well balanced thing if it's worked on properly. I'm dying for an exhaust and intake aswell Alex, but can't afford it right now