2011 Hyundai Elantra or 2011 VW Jetta

[ryanb4614]

Hello. I am looking to get my finances in order. I currently have a 2009 Jeep Liberty, only owe $7,000 on the loan. But the fuel cost is alot more than I anticipated. I have been looking around for something around or less than the $20,000 range. I have read good review about the Hyundai Elantra 2011 model, except road noise shows its a economy car. The 2011 VW Jetta I have read that the interior quality is poor. So I am here to ask your opinions, what is the best option, best vehicle for its price, what will hold its value the best etc. Any other recommendations on some other type of vehicle?

[speediva]

Out of the 2 you've posted, I would opt for the Hyundai. Compared to the Hyundai of the 1990s, the company has come a LONG way in terms of longevity and reliability. Check with the dealership to find what kinds of offers they have right now - many are offering free maintenance for X years. While it doesn't seem like much, oil changes and other basic maintenance (think services required every so many miles) can add up quickly. And as memory serves, the Hyundai also gets better gas mileage than the Jetta.


VW - while it's got some awesome cars, the maintenance will be SIGNIFICANTLY more expensive than the Hyundai.

[ryanb4614]

Went to test drive the Elantra today. Tried two dealers and they have zero in stock :/. I did come by the Mazda 3 and a honda civic dx very nice looking. Civic was a little plan inside. So now my decision is between mazda3, civic, or the Elantra. Any input anyone?

[speediva]

The Civic DX used to be their most baseline, no frills line. I think there is a CX line that is even lower now, but I think to even get power windows you have to go with the Civic LX line or higher. I have a 97 Civic EX and I LOVE it (minus the bad starter its got right now).

I stopped following Mazda when it was taken over by Ford so I can't really speak to the 323, but I did look at them when I was trying to downsize my Subaru. I liked the car, but for me, it wasn't worth the 3-5mpg better that I was going to get considering I was also picking up a car payment.

Have you tried talking to any of the Hyundai dealers to see if they can't get another dealer to ship out the Elantra? Especially if you can look at some of the features you're primarily interested in, they will probably get almost the exact car you want. And if they're sold out at all the dealerships, it's not like they won't be able to sell it if you don't like it!

[Steve Rothenberg]

No doubt that the Hyundai engines are great on performance but the VW is unmatched when it comes to the ride and the handling. Also, I would suggest that you personally visit the dealership and experience the interiors for yourself. Looks are a matter of personal preference and the review of a single person might not completely justify it. As far as the general feeling goes, the quality of the material used in VW Jetta is much superior than that of the Elantra. I've seen and driven both of them and I liked the VW Jetta better than its Hyundai counterpart.