Comments: 1-15, 16-20
The timing belt went and the car stalled. Wouldn't restart and had to have it towed into the shop. Did you know that regular maintenance is replacing the timing belt at 60,000 miles. If you don't you void the 100k warranty. This is not a cheap part (approx 600.00) never had a car you had to this on. if the timing belt goes while you are driving you might as well call the junk yard to come get it. The timing belt is just the beginning, not to mention all the damage that occur ed when the engine stopped. Our three year old car is now a piece of junk.
Don't be tempted by the hyundai this was our 6th hyundai in our family. The quality isn't what it used to be. I thought they were becoming the next toyota. guess not. save your money and buy a toyota. Or buy the hyundai and start saving for the really big repair bill.
Read the service schedule and do the maintenance!
Admittedly, a timing belt failure only 8k miles over the recommended change point is a bit close, but technically not premature.
Our family has owned four Hyundais and two Kias all made after 2000 and they have been as near to perfect as any mass-produced machine could be.
By the way, most Toyotas also use the same type of timing belt which also has to be changed at the same frequency for approx. the same cost.
The annoyance aimed at your car and Hyundai, in my view, is largely unfounded.
You took a risk running past 60kmiles (probably trying to save money) and lost. Your fault, not Hyundai's!
If I understand his review, in the context of his comments, he didn't change the timing belt at the 60K point.
I agree with the above comments. I just changed my timing belt on my 2005 Hyundai Elantra GT at 52,000 miles, just to be "early" on the maintenance that is clearly laid out for you in the owner's manual. I went ahead and changed the accessory belt, too, while at it and was able to replace all the belts for less than $400.00. I am not sure what types of cars he is referring to when he says he has never heard of never having to replace a timing belt either preemptively or because of wear. Tell me where to buy one of those! Maybe that is why he is paying $600 for the belt. I will pay that if it is a lifetime, never need replacing belt.
Most Toyotas haven't had timing belts since 1997; well, the corolla anyways, so the comparison is unwarranted. Please try to be accurate as it negates your otherwise intuitive comment. Elantras are quite good cars I agree, but they're no Corolla until at least the new 2007 model. That's an argument I wouldn't want to challenge.
I have a 2003 Hyundai Elantra.
The car overheated 4 times, and at 78k miles the engine and transmission cracked and it totaled. Unbelievable.
I bought the car used with 30k, and probably never drove it over 80 miles/hr.
Of course Hyundai invalidated the 100k powertrain warranty since I was a 2nd owner, even though I bought it from a Hyundai dealership, even they claim their used cars are "certified" now. Yeah right.
They are junk and probably the worst car I have over owned in almost 25 years of driving. Never again will I even consider Hyundai.
I would say this is a darn good engineering from Hyundai or whoever made the belt. They tell you it snaps at 60000 and it snapped at 68000, that's what I say; good design. And functioned as designed. Don't blame the car; many cars have to change the timing belt, and many of them are interference type engines, where if the belt snapped while the is engine running, then the engine is toast and you better replace it than fix it.
MOST Hondas are like this, except few models like the RSX that had a chain instead of a belt. Not sure about the newers Civics though.
Dollar-for-dollar the Hyundai is a GREAT car! Their early models left a lot to be desired, but in the last 6-7 years they have really stepped it up and made a very good car.
The owner's manual says it clearly: have the timing belt checked every 10,000 miles; if there are signs of wear, replace it.
The mechanics found my 2004 Elantra's timing belt was not in perfect condition at 50,000 miles, so they recommended me to changed it before the 60,000-mile limit. Since this is not an everyday procedure, which requires removing a number of parts, they also changed the alternator and a/c belts, flushed all fluids, and cleaned all pumps. Total time: four hours. Total bill: $180.
I'm very happy with my Elantra. Best car I've ever owned.
(And I have had Toyotas, Nissans, Chevys, Mazdas, Fiats, VWs, and even an Isuzu).
To the original poster: This was 100% YOUR fault for not doing this important service on time. $600 seems a lot but the dealers tend to overcharge. You could have had this service done by a reputable shop for a lot less.
Just priced out the timing belt at several major parts stores. The price 30-60 dollars. The dealer will take your money & run. I own a 2005 elantra GT with 63K on it. Best car I ever owned. Hyundai has passed Toyota in quality in most of their vehicles & you can take that to the bank. Just read the unbiased reviews!!
To the person that paid 180 dollars for the service you said you got, it's hard to believe they did the service. The belts alone cost 120 bucks for the four belts. To flush all fluids; coolant, transmission, engine oil, powersteering, brake, maybe they checked all fluids. Anyway I am doing it now with water pump replacement. It takes a lot!!! Longer than 4 hours, let me have the name of your mechanic so I can go there. Did you actually watch them do the work? A lot of components have to come out to do this job.
Hey I have a o5 Hyundai Elantra gt with 91000 miles on it and haven't replaced any belts just flushed the coolant out and replaced brakes front and back 3 times and gone through 3 sets of tires best car I've ever owned. Really all depends on the driver. I also converted to synthetic zero weight oil from Mobil one new fuel saver oil. Added 52 extra miles on a tank of gas.
My 2005 Elantra GT has been awesome, very little extra maintenance required. I'm currently at 105000 kilometers and just finally getting my timing belt replaced. The only issue I've had is with my brakes, but I have a feeling it's directly related to in city stop and start driving.
Great car for both city and highway driving! Well worth paying extra for the GT model.
2003 Hyundai Elantra GT Timing Belt at 100k.
Best freakin car I have ever owned. (out of mitsu: Mirage, Galante, Mercury: Capri, Jeep: Cherokee, Toyota: 4 Runner, Audi: A4) This car is the best fit and I paid 13,500 new from the dealer in late '04. Leather seats, ABS, traction control, moonroof!!
My timing belt has 100k LOL. I am stupid... I know... but I was just looking up the cost to do it now and came across your reviews.
I love my baby. Buy the < 2003 solid cars. 2004+ are plasticy.
I bought my 02' Elantra new and I have 122,000 miles on it without changing the timing belt. Best car I have ever owned hands down.
I must admit I would never have gone this long without replacing the belt, but I am the type that doesn't pay attention to the recommendations. After reading these posts, it's time to stop gambling and get it in for a new timing belt.