Always liked how these looked, the first generation at least.
7spd DCT sounds preferable to a CVT to me.

With my Fiesta not being easily replaced [only 5 available [2 comparable] within 500 miles of Houston], and thinking ahead to next year when my oldest turns 16. I'm looking at options that can go to her when she starts driving.

Probably thinking 2020+ and either N-Line or Ultimate trims.

Edit: Mission creep has me considering new & CPO options.
Found a few leftover 2025s with low interest term specials.

I'm currently in a 2025 Elantra. The CVT is decent & it's not bad for a mid-trim rental special.
The Hybrids get a 6spd DCT, and 51mpg is pretty appealing for a commuter.
The N-Line is a maybe, too. 7DCT and a bit more power without much MPG hit.

The Civic Hybrid would be a consideration, but it's a decent price bump over the Elantra.

Any thoughts on the Hyundai hybrids? New/CPO with a 100k warranty takes some of the worry away.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: P250UA5,

This was one of the vehicles I looked at when buying a new car. It seems to have really good reviews and I was seriously considering it but decided to pass on it only because of size. I needed a CX-5 or CRV size vehicle and this is more like a CX-3 or HRV size vehicle.

What's very interesting about this one is it started as an ICE-only vehicle and was so well received that Hyundai decided to take the platform and create an EV version of it too.

Coming from a Fiesta, the size isn't an issue for me.
The CX3 is another I'm thinking about looking at as well.

HRV/Fit would be a maybe. But in that case, would want to find one with a manual.

Crosstrek/Impreza a maybe as well, but finding one with lower mileage in my expected budget, narrows the results.

Don't own one, but had one for a week as a rental. It was the EV version which is a PITA as a rental (e.g. hotel had no chargers). It'd be a nice vehicle with an ICE.

quote:

Originally posted by tatortodd:
Don't own one, but had one for a week as a rental. It was the EV version which is a PITA as a rental (e.g. hotel had no chargers). It'd be a nice vehicle with an ICE.

Not interested in going EV right now.
But good to hear the latter caveat.

I figure with the H/K 100k warranty, if I can find a good one with low miles, I'll have some good warranty coverage left as well.

I looked at Konas when they first came out. Two things stopped me from further consideration. Neither of which might concern you. It was too small for me. You already addressed that. The second was I have found Hyundai dealerships to be some of the worst car lots in existence. That is saying a lot because there are a lot of bad car lots. Every time I look at Hyundais I’m surprised at how poorly managed their dealerships are. This leads me to wonder about maintenance, warranty, etc.


Other than that these cars are very nice. Buying used probably negates everything about my second gripe.

We had one as a rental for a week a couple years ago, and loved it. Yes it was small and we had to engineer the two large suitcases into it but it was a blast to drive. We joked that it would be a terrific retirement car for a grocery getter, etc. Ours was ICE, not electric.

Caution - beside the car in my avatar, our second favorite car was a 1986 Honda CRX. We LOVED that car and I'm in the camp of wishing they still existed in good condition. Well, occasionally they pop up but generally over $10K for clean example; obviously others like me have the same nostalgia!

quote:

Originally posted by pedropcola:
I looked at Konas when they first came out. Two things stopped me from further consideration. Neither of which might concern you. It was too small for me. You already addressed that. The second was I have found Hyundai dealerships to be some of the worst car lots in existence. That is saying a lot because there are a lot of bad car lots. Every time I look at Hyundais I’m surprised at how poorly managed their dealerships are. This leads me to wonder about maintenance, warranty, etc.


Other than that these cars are very nice. Buying used probably negates everything about my second gripe.

Thanks for the dealer comment.
It's been a few years, but I've visited the 2 dealers closest to my home & office, and they weren't any better/worse than the average mainline dealer around N Houston [and both were better than the nearby Kia/VW dealer].

I'm not sure what the transferability of the 100k warranty is, so that would be something to be checked as well.
I DIY the majority of my work, but if it's warranty covered, I'll take advantage.

I like them quite a bit. the Mazda CX-3 and CX-30 are also excellent.

I'd say the Kona is the most fun, CX-30 being more luxurious.

My son has a 2022 Kona N line, the one with the turbo.

It's a fun little scoot.

I rented one and drove into the eastern part of Oregon. Two tracked it quite a bit and drove it a few places the rental car agency would not have liked. Mine was ICE. Solid little car!

I bought a higher trim 23 model with the turbo
It has a dual clutch transmission which was a plus for me, CVTs suck
Averaging 28mpg in mixed driving , and I don’t baby it
Low 30s on the intestate with cruise

Bought it as a beater/commuter, I had a crappy mileage rate at my old job

10/100 powertrain warranty

At the time they were the only thing with 0% financing as well

Zero issues so far

Did a bit of reading & it looks lile the 10/100k warranty is for the original owner only, non-transferable.

I’d look for a CPO Kona, then. Usually gets you some warranty added.

To my knowledge, the 10/100 warranty transfer is only valid if it’s a CPO.

As stated, you'll have to buy a CPO Kia/Hyundai to get the warranty transferred.

OP updated

Giving a small consideration to newer & maybe an Elantra Hybrid

Until mid December, I was driving a 2024 hybrid Santa Fe. It was a decent little car had a lot more space than the last work car I had. The auto cruise was pretty good. Unfortunately, I got rear ended with pretty minimal damage, at least as far as it looked. Basically the bumper cover and the hatch and the car was totaled by the insurance company.

Mom has a 2020 Tucson and it has been a great car. I've driven it quite a bit and it drives very nice. Only oddity is that you can't pull the windshield wipers up to keep them out of snow or to change them out. They hit the hood instead.
Also I looked at doing an oil change for her and that requires some oddly specific sized tools so I ended up having to take it to a quick lube.

Test drive update.

I'm currently in a 2025 Elantra SEL [I think, based on content].
So far, it makes a decent cruiser, peppy enough for its sub-200 HP & its size.

Today, we stopped on a whim & looked at a 2018 JL Wrangler Sport S, surprisingly with fairly low miles & inside the price range we're probably looking at. After a short drove, I see why it's 'cheap'
A bit crusty underneath, needs a clutch, no hardtop, and the vinyl windows were pretty hazy.
It was a longshot, but I could see one as a later thing.

On the Hyundai side:
2018 Kona Limited: Liked how it drove, though this one in particular would be a no go, especially for the price. Needed a few things addressed & I think I'd look for a N-Line or Ultimate on the Kona.

Stopped after that & took a 2025 Elantra Hybrid Sport for a drive. Overall identical to the non-Hybrid I'm currently in, but felt a bit firmer [my rental is pretty soft, very comfortable but far from 'sporty' at all], and it was very quiet. I think almost half the short drive was in EV mode.

A couple dealers have NOS 2025s at a decent discount, that and 50mpg make it pretty appealing.