Used 2012 Hyundai Elantra Consumer Reviews
Used Elantra for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
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.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Best car for the money anywhere
signfixer, 11/18/2011
2012 Hyundai Elantra Limited PZEV 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
My wife & I recently bought a 2012 Elantra Limited with the Technology Package & pretty much everything else they offer. I've never driven anything that has turned so many heads as this car. In parking lots, people look at it & they want to know how I like it when I touch the handle to open the door. Everything works well and the touch screen is easier to use than in my son's BMW. The car actually has been delivering the mileage it promises and we've been averaging 32 to 36 mpg on combined city/highway trips. It may not be as fast as it looks but it's got plenty of guts for us and we've already been way over the speed limit on interstates at half pedal. Maybe next year a turbo version!
2012 Hyundai Elantra for sale near you
Showing 3 of 21 listings
- Limited SedanMSRP: $1,80090 mi away
- GLS PZEV SedanMSRP: $4,50090 mi away
- Limited PZEV SedanMSRP: $3,99990 mi away
See all 21 listings
Follow up on my 2012 Elantra Limited
rt129, 12/30/2012
2012 Hyundai Elantra Limited PZEV 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I wrote a year ago about my gas mileage being poor. This winter is colder than last in PA, so based on cold winters with my '08 I am more disappointed. My '12 is averaging 21.5 / 23.5 per gallon. My '08 Elantra SE averaged 25 / 26.5 per gallon in the cold PA winters. Warmer weather my '12 gets 28.5 / 30 per gallon where as my '08 averaged 30 / 31 per gallon (Same driving approx 65% highway / 35% city). On long trips, the '08 would average 36 where as my '12 managed 34. This is my 4th Elantra and by far the worst for fuel economy. When it comes time to purchase a new car, I may have to look elsewhere (Love the car but disappointed by Hyundai and the way they are handling this situation).
Treadlightly
Treadlightly, 06/01/2016
updated 07/19/2017
2012 Hyundai Elantra Limited 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
The 2012 Elantra will eat up your rear tires. I purchased the car new, and by 20,000 miles the original rear tires were worn out. I thought it was a tire problem, but have come to discover it is a car problem. Replaced the original tires with new Coopers and 23 months and 16,000 miles later and the back tires have ended their life. Front tires look like new. Just spend an hour talking with HYundai customer service who were "shocked" at this discovery. What a bunch of baloney. Of course they tell me it is the fault of the tire. I purchased the tires at Farm and Fleet and they agree it is a car design problem and not a tire defect. Something about no adjustment on the real wheels which are set to a fixed -1.50 camber. Thus the inside of the tire will wear out quicker than it takes Hyundai "goodwill" services to manufacture an excuse. My advise, tread lightly when purchasing a Hyundai.
- Safety
- Technology
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Looks Aren't Everything
creeves1, 07/06/2013
2012 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I would like to preference this by saying I Never write reviews on anything, so this is a Huge deal to me. Let's see where can I start....Okay so I just purchased a 2012 Hyundai Elantra which I had so desperately wanted since the new body changed in 2011. Let me just be honest here I don't have any Major complaints, but my only issue is the noise level when I am driving. At first it start off on rough roads with potholes, now it seems like the noise and sound when I drive is just becoming louder and louder and it is driving me crazy. It's not a sound coming from the car itself just the noise I can hear when I am driving on rough and smooth roads.