Buy now or wait for 2003 models ?

[Focus_Elantra]

I'm really undecided between the Focus ZT5 or the Elantra GT premium in the 2002
model lineup but I'm wondering if its worth waiting to see what competition will bring to the field in 2003 - Pontiac Vibe etc... I've had good experieince with GM but really no strong preference. My current transport is OK for another year so I'm under no
pressure to trade-in right now.

Any thoughts would be appreciated...I'm currently leaning towards the Elantra GT
but I'd easily be persuaded to get the Focus or something else if I could see a real
difference or substantial price advantage .. I've pretty much dismissed the Protege
as too small for a chubby guy like me.

I'd look forward to anyone who has any thoughts on this topic.:smoka:

[OisinT]

If you must buy... DOMESTIC... :o .. get the SVT Focus or something actually :coolguy: and fast..

[Euro19]

Why are you considering the Elantra? for the price? waranty? forget all that, uglyness is priceless! I´ll go for the Focus, but but if you want to be updated wait for the reestyling of the Focus in mid 2002 or late 2002 I´m not quite sure ok, but better have a Ford than a Hyundai.

[ilanpro]

FORD? FOUND ON ROAD DEATH i DONT THINK SO! AND TALK ABOUT UGLY THE FOCUS IS ONE UGLY CAR

[Euro19]

Did you make up your mind allready Focus_Elantra??
Best looking car in its class and bestseller or funky weird Honday??
I think it´s pretty easy...

[VDubBoy22]

I'll put my $.02 in. I just bought the 2002 Elantra. I could have gone with a Ford or a Civic. My roomate has the Focus 4 door and has had nothing but problems since he bought it. My brother bought the ZX3 and has had a couple of problems
The main reson that I bought the Elantra was the options for the money. For 13,500 I was able to get CD player, side airbags, keyless entry w/ alarm, cruise control w/ a manual, and the best power in it's class. I have no idea what the reliablity is because I have only put less than 40 miles on it, just got it Sunday, but I have no worry's because I have the best bumper to bumper warranty in the business.
When I bought mine thier was a small ding in the fender. Hyundai arranged and is paying for a rental car for the two day's that I'm with out a car. Lets see FORD do that.
If you looking for a great handling powerfull car for it's class I would definitaly recomend the Elantra.

[WRAITH]

Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeee..... Why would you spend that kind of money on Ford to bring headache to yourself! Get an Elantra GT, best bang for the buck! I had an 2001 Accent, no problem so far..... And Hyundai actually made an effort to silent recall the Accent to retrofit the manual with better sycros for better swifting! Now, see if Ford do that!

[Euro19]

I can´t believe you compare these to brands, it´s like comparing wine with orange juice, for example. Ford is much better brand I have owned several of them and never had major problems, instead the Hyundai are poor quality and just a piece of plastic and metal, their suspension are bad, when you go at high speeds it is so unbalanced it seems its going to roll over, and their designs are ugly too

[VDubBoy22]

Well I have to disagree with you. I just got back from a trip to San Francisco and I was going 110 most of the way there no problem. I know for a fact that the top speed on a focus is 109 mph. I have made the trip many time in the Focus and by far I was more comfortable in the Elantra. When I have a Coke I don't want it jabbing me in the leg the hole way up. The Focuses cup holders are near the floor by you leg. The Elantras cup holders are in the middle consol. I also payed 2,000 less than a comprobibly equiped Focus.
As for the suspention. My Elantra held it's own compared to the Focus. We both have independent suspention all around. I like the styling dare I say the lights almost look like a BMW. I love BMW and I know that my car is no where near the level of performance or refinement of a BMW but again for $13,500 you can't beat the Elantra.

[hAnGoOkNoM]

I agree!!!! Hyundai has a brite future with its warranty, styling, quality products, and low price! Hyundai/kia will become a major competitor in the automotive industry here as well as in Europe!

[Eskamoe]

Hyundai builds a quality vehicle. They stand behind their product. You can't beat these cars for the price. You get all the options and it won't kill your wallet. We just need to get the aftermarket to pick up on these fine machines. I've owned VW's, Mazda's, Honda's, Ford's, Chevy's, and for the money...... Hyundai is where my money will go. Don't get me wrong, if we were talking money's no object, maximum comfort, or flat out performance Hyundai isn't on the list. But, we live here in the real world were we can't afford the insurance, gas, maintenance, or the cars that would really like.

[barry@hyundai]

ford focus recalls -- 27
(including 6 on airbags )

Hyundai elantra GT recalls -- 1



hmm, kinda makes you think. If Ford is doing everything so right, then how come so many recalls?

Coming from someone in the industry, Ford is very dissapointed with the Focus. it is selling only about 2/3 of what they thought it would. They have had nothing but problems. The assmbly plat keeps going down, strikes happen, and quality control is zilch. really makes me want to buy a Focus.
I got the chance to tour a couple of Fords production facilities. well, to say the least, I was less than impressed.

There was a quote in an industry mag from the head of the union at Ford's Focus plant that went something like this 'why should we care about the quality of the vehicles. they just want us to bang out as many or them as we can, as fast as we can. fix the problems later, not now, they just want more vehicles, and we get nothing for working harder'

kinda says something

barry@hyundai

[Cmotif]

I'm sure that the Elantra GT is cool. I would have liked to have gotten one of those, but being a student, I needed to go a little cheaper and went with its cousin, the KIA Spectra GS. I am enjoying my new car.

I'm sure that you will enjoy that car, with all the bells and whistles that it has, including the euro suspension on the GT.

Cmotif <><