Used 2012 Hyundai Elantra Consumer Reviews
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First Hyundai, very pleased
thebagel42, 08/01/2012
2012 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
I don't usually write reviews, but after seeing all the reviews reporting poor gas mileage I felt like I had to say something. I've got about 10K miles on my 2012 elantra. Just about a month ago I drove from Cleveland to Ann Arbor (~180 miles) and I averaged 41 mpg. That's with speeds between 65-75 mph. When I first got the car I could get 29-30 in a city. However, I've recently found it more fun to drive this stick shift car in a less-than-optimal way. I now average about 26-27 in the city but get to enjoy the car a little more. So getting at or above the estimated mpg is very possible. In addition, there is plenty of room in the interior of the car.
2012 Elantra dead engine at 53,000 miles
Lisa Schmitter, 04/20/2018
updated 10/26/2018
2012 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
April 13, 2018 I start my car to a loud knocking noise. I towed the car to Burns Hyundai in Marlton. After review I am told that the wrist pin and rod bearing failed and thus failure of engine. I am the original owner and after numerous days Burns Hyundai has received approval under warranty from Hyundai to replace Engine Block. Burns Hyundai and Hyundai are refusing to cover full car rental costs for the 2 months it is going to take Hyundai to replace the engine. Parts should never had failed. This is a major defect causing failure of the engine and thus a non-functioning vehicle at only 53,000 miles. Now on top of it I have no vehicle which is absolutely unacceptable. I should be provided a FULLY PAID RENTAL VEHICLE BY EITHER THE DEALER OR HYUNDAI. Update: It took 4 months to get my car back with replacement short block.
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Fun, comfortable,well-equipped;seems like good value
f800, 11/20/2011
2012 Hyundai Elantra Limited 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A)
10 of 15 people found this review helpful
I never gave Hyundai a second look - I made jokes about the brand and assumed it was junk that wouldn't be worth throwing away after a couple of years. When I got a new job that required a lengthy commute, I needed an econo-box that I could wear out and that wouldn't take too much maintenance and fuel. I saw the Elantra mentioned in Edmunds'recommendations and gave it a bit of a look on the web just to feel like I was doing 'due diligence'. Three days of research, and I was driving a 2012 Elentra on my commute. The list of standard equipment in this car is remarkable. The dealer earned my business. It's comfortable and the warranty impressed me. I enjoy my car.
Worst Car EVER! - maybe not?
amanda877, 04/09/2015
updated 10/21/2021
2012 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A)
7 of 10 people found this review helpful
I hate this car....nothing but problems. I've had the short block in the engine replaced, battery multiple times, starter replaced...the list keeps on going. Unreliable. Wish I would've known about the issues before...I would've gone with something more reliable. Update: After having all these issues fixed, *knock on wood* the car is FINALLY running smoothly. My warranty is finished so I don't have to deal with the stupid dealership anymore. This model does have ALOT of problems but by the time the warranty runs out, all problems should (hopefully) be fixed. I am hoping to own this car for another 5 years (fingers crossed). Just gotta get through the BS. I still don't know if I would ever buy another Hyundai again.... Update Oct 2018: Well, the car is still running without an issue. I am now at 137,000KM. Hoping to make it to 200k before having to give it up! Update Oct 2020: Well I’m pleased to say that I still own this car. I’m up to 176,000km on it and it’s still running smooth. The heated seats in the front don’t work anymore but that’s not a big deal. Longevity for this car is great as long as it’s taken care of. I guess it’s really not the worst car ever anymore? Update: Oct 2021- car crapped out March of 2021 so I let it go to a scrap yard. Onto bigger and better things!
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Engine replaced at 4YO 35K Miles
Jennifer, 01/24/2016
2012 Hyundai Elantra Limited 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Was very excited to have the heated seats and ipod cable for my first car, when I was 25 yrs old female. It has been downhill ever since. Noticeably different handling and seat comfort after 3 years and new tires didn't really help. Most maintenance has been covered by warranty, but this does not seem realistic for Chicago road/highway driving: replaced rear shock absorber after 2 years, cleaned fuel injectors ($200 out of pocket) due to some additive required for this elantra engine (?), and now engine replaced after 4 years (only 35K miles!). Happy that Hyundai is replacing the engine (currently in-progress, so not sure if just the short engine, or full engine with header) however had to wait a week for dealership to confirm the issue (was inconsistent grinding on start/shaking at idle approx. 10% of the time over the last 6 mos). Having a rental car in the city of Chicago for that long - worried about damaging the rental car with street parking in the middle of winter. Will be another 1-2weeks for engine to ship from LA by truck, and then install. Dealership has been great, we both win with this finding, however would have loved to avoid altogether in the first place. The hassle and nuisance are not worth the additional skin-deep features. Also there is still not an ipod cable compatible with Lightning. The Apple lightning cable has been out for years now, and Hyundai still sees no reason to manufacture usb > lightning so I can charge and listen to music through the console electronic system. Maybe should have purchased a sonata - for better build? Now looking to avoid Hyundai completely and will offload this car around 5 years 40K mi, too worried about future problems not worth it impacting my commute.
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