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Ford Focus Race Car Concept, Hyundai Elantra, VW EOS

we never made it back to New York after the sedan show, we're still here in Los Angeles. A few things came up and so we had to prorogue out here an ...

Cash for Clunker's Results: U.S. cars traded for Asian cars

The Statistics

If you take a look at both the lists you notification that each of the top 10 cars traded in are American car companies, while 8 out of 10 of the new purchases were from Asian car manufacturers. While it is exact to see that Ford has 2 cars in the Top 10, it still makes you be inquisitive if the Lolly for Clunkers program was as clobber as the command hoped.

Could Ford be unsurpassed the instruction to make off grandeur American cars again? Will American cars ever be as dependable as their Asian counterparts?

Objective because the cars were distant brands does not penny-pinching they weren't manufactured in the US by American recruits. Nissan has plants in Mississippi and Tennessee. Toyota has one in Kentucky. So it's not wholly impartial to say the program was less outstanding because unfamiliar brands benefitted from the business program. Although it does rubricate a big acceptable why American automakers were in get: lackey products.

First of all, Ford vehicles are the most trusted in the assiduity now. They have been tied with Toyota for the dead and buried 3 years, but this year they took the incline in standing. Ford also has more 5 principal bang ratings than any other identify.

Done, I have a fancy sites would cut off printing the authority Dough for Clunkers story, it is exemplary waste. The sway breaks down sales by motor sort and epitome kind. So when you look at the management statement the Ford F150 is not in the 10 ten in yard sale because trucks regularly have many powertrains and models. If you look at complete cars sales by original, the Ford F150 is total #7, the Ford Distraction is #1, the Ford Spotlight is #2 and the Ford Fusion is around #14. The Chevy Cobalt is also in the top 10.

Don,

Thanks for your criticism. I come of age dog-tired of the missconception that american car companies don't put out a status work. I grew up in a ford next of kin and have owned at least 10 fords in my life-force (I'm 32). Today I urgency a 71 F100 and my the missis drives a 02 migrant. The settler has 150k miles on it and the only things that had to be replaced besides fluids were one window regulator, four veer bearings (these should be intended universal drag items), and two sensors. It is a inordinate car!

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How do I check if my car (Hyundai Elantra 2005) is running low on the coolant?

I see that the level seems a little low. I am not sure if I can just top it off with more coolant. Any Ideas?

Coolant Level Check Overview:

Inspect coolant hoses and radiator for leaks.
The antifreeze or cooling fluid reservoir (expansion tank) is usually a translucent white color. You should be able to see the fluid inside and the cap should be labeled accordingly.
Remove the expansion tank cap and look into the tank.
Check the coolant level in the expansion tank. The expansion tank has two level marks on the side of it: "Full" and "Low". The coolant level should be somewhere between the "Low" and "Full" marks.
If the fluid below the “Low” mark, add as needed. See process for adding coolant below.
Take note of the coolant's color. It should be clean and, depending on the brand, transparent, green, red, blue or yellow in color.
If it's brown or rust-colored, the car may need a radiator flush. There should not be anything else in the coolant; if you see oil in the radiator or expansion tank, it may be evidence of an internal engine defect such as a blown head gasket.
Adding Coolant

Wait 15-20 minutes until the engine has cooled down if your car has been recently operated. When the engine is cool, simply add coolant into the reservoir until the fluid is at the top “Full” mark.
If there is no coolant in the expansion tank, add coolant directly into the radiator. Note: Consult your owner's manual for correct coolant type and concentration.
The mixture of coolant to water inside your vehicle's radiator is 50:50. Again, consult your owner’s manual for manufacturer’s recommendation.
If the level frequently falls below "LOW" after adding fluid, you probably have a leak and should have it checked as soon as possible.

2008-09-22 15:07:35 by Sandy | Posted in Hyundai

Is the 2008 Hyundai Elantra a good car to buy?

I am a nanny and i need t carry at 2 car seats in my car I currently have a 2007 accent which i want to sell. I cannot afford much. Do you think that an Elantra is good for me?

Simply put, No. I would avoid the Hyundai Elantra for many reasons. At the very top, poor depreciation. I have seen reports from owners who have bought a new Hyundai in early 2006, put a few miles on it and tried to sell it in mid/late 2007 (just 18-20 months of ownership) and its worth less than half! In a few cases it only was worth 15-20% of its original price! Go to KBB . com and see how many Hyundais made the best resale value list. Not one. Their resale is among the worst.

And since depreciation is a good indicator of long term reliability/durability, it speaks for itself. The Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla are superior vehicles compared to the Elantra and cost about the same. Go figure.

Another problem, many owners report their Hyundai just feels older than it is and resale is really hurt because the so called "great warranty" is non-transferable.

Reliability issues. The Hyundai dealers do not report all of the cases of warranty issues so they keep their initial quality ratings high. But reality says otherwise. Drive to a Hyundai dealership and see how many Hyundais are in line for repair service. Better yet, go in the waiting room and speak to real owners. Believe me, they will tell you what their problems are. And Hyundais 5 years and older are basically worth nothing, because they cost more to operate than they are worth. Can you spell "bad resale value?"

Next, they are not the best designed, engineered or assembled for the money, when you really think about it. Even a well known automobile writer (not myself) wrote, that 'Hyundai, although much improved from the 1980's... still lacks in refinement, quality and engineering compared to other makes.'

I have also had personal experience with Hyundais at my location of employment where Hyundais were used as fleet cars. To make a long story short, they were a mistake and the company lost money because of it. Numerous problems with transmissions, electrical components and the like. Plus of course they give you no loaner car so you are stuck with the bill or renting a car or lose a day of work.

Finally, the dealers can be described as shady at best. I have heard of stories about dealers charging for things not covered under warranty when you have a warranty item repaired. For example, lets say the transmission needs replacement; an item covered under warranty. They will fix it for free, but charge you for brake service, oil change and "inspection" as they claim its needed to keep the warranty. Then your stuck with a $900+ bill, so basically you paid for the "warranty" item anyways. Where is the great deal?

Additionally, although Hyundai has created a few low paying manufacturing jobs in Alabama, (only Santa Fe and Sonata) remember that all corporate profits go straight back into the pockets of Koreans in Korea. And although I don't really care where a car is made as long as its very reliable (which Hyundai is not), I would like to say that we need to support our own economy from going into a recession by buying American Made, American Owned products. Hyundai does not qualify and therefore I would avoid it. And since there are so many other excellent products out there for about the same money, why buy a Hyundai? There is no good reason.
Consider for yourself dollar for dollar, style, build, materials, value, resale value.

Also this may help. It was posted from a person who owned a Hyundai.
http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaint
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/long-term

He said, "I am very surprised that the crankshaft and engine of my car have failed so early. Surely the engines of modern petrol cars last more than 100k kilometers. Would like to hear from others with similar problems"

Those are just some of the reasons and examples. I think other well informed, savvy car shoppers know to avoid Hyundai as well. I hope you really take my advice. I have known other people who have owned Hyundais and they all regret it. "Think about it." Good Luck.

note: beaverjr- Not even a Porsche will retain 80% of its value in the first 2 years, let alone ANY Hyundai even if it had zero miles on it. They have the worst resale value of any make, period. For that reason alone, you should not buy a Hyundai. Think about it.

note: klj04- Thanks for the comment on my other question. Good choice of topic. In any event, I want to talk with you about a little thing called "supply and demand" which is a function of a thing called "resale value." You are correct- there is no demand for Hyundais, especially used ones. Why? Because no one wants to own a car that is basically disposable, one time use. They know that they will break down with only 50k miles and since the warranty is non-transferrable, you're stuck with paying the repair bills. There's too much supply and too little demand, thus poor resale value. Who wants a used Hyundai with no warranty? Get me a used Scion or Toyota with a 150k miles anyday over any used Hyundai, regardless of mileage.

2008-02-11 14:58:43 by Laur LAur | Posted in Hyundai

1999 Hyundai Elantra internal car door handle broke?

How can I get my driver side internal door handle repaired. Can I purchase the part from Hyundai dealer and replace it myself? How easy is it? Or shall I get it fixed from some local auto body work?

go to www.car-parts.com it is a huge list of salvage yards around the nation. that will get you your part cheap. And it is not very hard to fix. If you get confused, go to your local library, and get the chiltons manual for your car.

2007-01-09 17:59:26 by venky7782 | Posted in Maintenance & Repairs