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This is a used car buyer's guide for the 2017 Plus Hyundai Elantra, which arrived in 2016 and has been on Canadian roads for several years, competing with models like the Chevrolet Cruze, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Mazda 3.
Let's look at some useful tips, facts, and considerations to bear in mind when shopping for a used Hyundai Elantra from this generation. The information that follows is based on expert research and intends to help test-driving shoppers identify possible problems and concerns that could cost them money.
This generation Elantra was built to give shoppers more of what they'd come to expect from the nameplate: an easy-to-drive machine with lots of easy-to-use technology and generous feature content for the money. Fuel-efficient four-cylinder power came standard, and all manner of advanced safety features, including blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, were available too. All models were front-wheel drive and offered either manual or automatic transmissions, depending on the model selected.
The master tip: Approach any used Elantra you're considering assuming it needs new tires, brakes, and some routine servicing to keep its maintenance up to date, until you see proof to the contrary. Carefully checking the condition of consumable parts like tires and brakes before you buy can save you money. Ensuring the vehicle you're considering has been properly maintained and cared for can help prevent headaches and prevent problems with warranty coverage in case a claim is needed.
Do some figure eights on your test drive. Find an open space like a parking lot where you can make some low-speed figure-eight maneuvers. This helps you work the Elantra's steering fully from one side to the other as you make a series of tight circles in both directions. In this process, attempt to drive over some uneven surfaces like speed bumps, if possible. Listen closely for a crunching, clunking, or banging sound, which could be a sign of owner-reported trouble from suspension and steering components or bad motor mounts. Some owners have reported problems in these areas; most have not.
Check the headlights closely. Examine the used Elantra's headlight housings for signs of condensation, dampness, or standing water inside. A small amount of condensation within the headlights can be considered normal in some situations, but should disappear when the lights are turned on for a few minutes. More excessive condensation and moisture can cause trouble with the lighting system performance and lead damage. If you see condensation before your test drive, turn the headlamps on and see if any remains once you're finished.
Cold start. Ensure the Elantra's engine hasn't been pre-warmed ahead of your arrival and insist on test driving it from a dead cold state. When you start the cold engine, immediately turn on the heat and see how long it takes to warm the cabin. A slow-to-heat Elantra may be suffering from a bad thermostat, reported by some owners. Other warning signs include erratic temperature readouts or check engine lights. Thankfully, a new thermostat isn't a big job and may be covered by warranty.
Connectivity and feature check. On your test drive, be sure to try all of Elantra's connectivity features using your specific smartphone to ensure there are no issues with connecting via Bluetooth or any compatibility issues between your device and the vehicle. If you have any trouble connecting your phone or music to the Elantra's head unit, try restarting all devices, confirming you're using a quality USB cable, and updating all relevant software. If none of these solves the problem, further investigation by a professional may be required. Confirming that all connectivity systems are in proper working order before you buy can prevent surprises and headaches.
These tips are designed to help test-driving shoppers more easily identify possible trouble areas reported by some owners. An attentive test drive and shopper's process that focuses on the areas above can help you find a first-class copy of a secondhand Hyundai Elantra.
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