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Hyundai Elantra (4th Gen)

07-10 · Hyundai Elantra

84out of 100

Hyundai's 4th gen Elantra was a legitimate compact contender, better built than its predecessor, affordable to run, and simple enough to be reliable.

Score breakdown

80/ 100Reliability×2.586/ 100True Annual Cost×3.080/ 100Safety×2.079/ 100Practicality×1.5100/ 100Repairability×1.0

Our take

What it really is

A compact sedan that established Hyundai as a credible alternative. The Beta II 2.0L is chain-driven and durable. No ESC standard. IIHS Acceptable. At this price point, the Elantra competes honestly with the Civic 7th gen and Corolla E120.

Why it's on this list

Very affordable to buy and own. Hyundai dealer network grew substantially and independent mechanics are familiar with these engines. Parts pricing is reasonable. A clean 09-10 under $6k is decent value.

The honest trade-offs

No ESC available. Smaller cargo space than Japanese compact competitors (11.9 cu ft). Long-term reliability doesn't quite match Toyota or Honda at equivalent mileage. Interior materials are basic.

What to buy and what to avoid

09-10 GLS or SE with automatic or 6-speed manual. Clean examples are available cheaply. Inspect for rust in northern climates. No ESC is the main safety gap to accept.

Annual cost of ownership

Fuel (12k mi)
$1,375 (USD)[5]
Maintenance
$452 (USD)[1]
Tires (prorated)
$160 (USD)
Insurance (25yr male)
$1,820 (USD)[8]
Insurance (40yr female)
$1,380 (USD)[8]
Total (25yr male)
$2,407 (USD)
Total (40yr female)
$1,967 (USD)

Key specs

MPG combined
29[5]
MPG city / hwy
25 / 35[5]
Engine
2.0L 4-cyl (Beta II)
Horsepower
138 hp
Torque
136 lb-ft
Seats
5
Cargo max
11.9 cu ft
Stock tires
195/65R15
Body
Sedan (trunk)
Rear seats
60/40 split

Safety

NHTSA overall
4/5 ★[2]
Rollover risk
20%[2]
IIHS rating
Acceptable[4]
ESC standard
No

Rust vulnerability

Overall severity
Low
Frame rust risk
Low

Reliability data

RepairPal annual cost
$452 (USD)[1]
Industry avg annual cost
$652 (USD)[1]
RepairPal rating
4/5[1]
Unscheduled visits/yr
0.4[1]
Severe issue probability
11%[1]
250k-mile survival
50%[7]

Repairability

Headlight type
Halogen
DIY replacement cost
$18 (USD)
At major retailer
Yes
Headlight benchmark
10/10

References

Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.

  1. [1]dataset
    RepairPal

    Annual repair cost, visit frequency, and severe issue probability. Used in the reliability formula.

  2. [2]government
    NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

    Federal crash test star ratings and rollover percentages. Used in the safety formula.

  3. [3]government
    NHTSA Technical Service Bulletins

    Manufacturer-issued service bulletins flagging known defects. Used in the PPI checklist generator.

  4. [4]dataset
    IIHS Safety Ratings

    Insurance Institute crash test ratings (small overlap, side, headlight quality). Used in the safety formula and the repairability headlight benchmark.

  5. [5]government
    EPA Fuel Economy Guide

    Official combined/city/highway MPG figures. Used in the true annual cost formula.

  6. [6]forum thread
    CarComplaints

    Owner-reported defect patterns by mileage and year. Used in the known-issues list and PPI checklist.

  7. [7]dataset
    iSeeCars Long-Term Reliability

    Probability of reaching 250,000 miles by make and model. Used in the reliability formula.

  8. [8]publication
    Bankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates

    Full-coverage insurance estimates by driver profile (25M, 40F). Used in the true annual cost formula.

Before you buy

Looking to buy a Hyundai Elantra?

Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.

Get the checklist

Modernize this car

CarPlay, backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, TPMS, and dashcams. Researched picks and honest watch-outs.

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