this is strictly anecdotal. we have owned a hyundai elantra hatchback since about 2002 the car performed great for about 100,000 miles or so and then problems began. the worst of which was corrosion in parts connecting the wheel to the axle which caused it to rust through to the point where i briefly lost control of the car. Had it happened on an expressway a tragedy could have ensued. I wrote a nasty letter to the company and they covered my repair costs but did not issue a formal recall untill several months later. then this year after about 130,000 miles I have had major expenditures starting with front struts etc then later some oil leak which destroyed the alternator and then the battery. Now after 150,000 miles im told i need new rear struts and swingway, the hydraulics on the trunk are shot and there are no aftermarket parts im told. there is rust in the rear and at this point I am reluctant to put any more money into it. so my experience says the hyundai are good for 130-150,000 miles but i know people with toyotas and subarus who are driving them with 200,000 + miles. Also as i said before had i lost control of the car on the expressway you might not have heard from me again. Now I live in the northeast with lots of exposure to the elements and salt in the roads, and potholes.
My in-laws in arizona have a sonata and after 6 years it still drives like a new car.
I guess i am in the market for a new/used car. are other car is a prius, which is not that much fun to drive but the gas milage is pretty good and so far no problems after 85,000 miles. So right now my inclination would be to spring for a toyata as opposed to a hyundai if the price differential is $2,000 or less for the same car equivalent. Hatchbacks are pretty convenient so I might look for one of those again. |
