2012 Hyundai Elantra 100k mile Car Review

In this video Greg Macke -Your Car Angel does a long term used car review on the 2012 Hyundai Elantra with 100k mile. This is the 5th generation Elantra outfitted with the technology package and the 6 speed transmission. It has navigation, Bluetooth and the backup camera.

[kevinburns]

I've got a 2013 with around 90, 000 miles. Bought it used at 50, 000. Pretty happy with it! No big issues, just general maintenance. Definitely should have got one with leather seats though the cloth in the base models does not age well.

[Crashtian]

My 2011 Elantra has 108k on it and is still running strong.

[Boatfisherz]

For anyone looking to buy a used 5th gen Elantra, here is my experience. I bought mine used with 50k miles 4 years ago from a somewhat shady used car lot. Since I bought it, I've kept up regular maintenance (fluid changes and basic wash and wax to keep it nice) but drive it as my daily ~60 miles. I now have 110k on it and here is what I've seen so far:

Cons:
Piston slap, not horrible but you can hear it
Long crank when trying to start most likely caused by timing chain guides being old
Random hard shifting between gears when it's hot outside. Most likely caused by a bad temp sensor in the transmission
Clear coat peel on the door handles
Rear seatbelt lock broken

Pros:
Interior is still holding up well.
Most of the paint other than the door handles is in great shape.
Engine still seem to run strong and has decent power
COST - Never had to do a big repair job, everything up to this point is just fluid changes. Tires are super cheap for the 16" wheel
Gas mileage is great! I average 32 miles with mixed town/freeway driving

Overall, I have enjoyed this car quite a bit. The traction control sometimes causes issues when you loose grip. It will basically slow the car WAY down, so be careful if you're pulling out quickly from a blind spot and have old/balding tires. Get good tires, and you wont' have that issue. Does good in snow, again get good tires. Otherwise, it's a great commuter that can haul the kids around and I don't feel like I'll break down.

[JebPasillas]

I got 180k miles 2012

Never any problems

[donkeytime]

I bought my Elantra in 2012 and in 2022 I have over 252, 000 miles on my 2012 Elantra and the only major issue I've had with it was the crank sensor and that was replaced a month ago. Other than that, just maintenance. The air still blows cold and the engine still doesn't lose its oil level and it gets changed every six thousand miles going full synthetic. I've owned Toyota's, Nissan's, Mazda's, Buick's, Chevy's, Ford's and Chryslers and none of them have held up as good as this car when it comes to reliability. The one major service that will cost will be when I will have the timing chain replaced, the tensioners, gears and water pump, and that service comes soon. No, that service is not cheap but by doing so, you preserve the longevity of the engine.

[ponymoonshadow]

I have a 2013 Elantra Coupe that I bought brand new in Jan '13, and I love it! Due to my work, It doesn't get a lot of miles on it (currently 13k after 5 years), so it's good to know it will last me a long time! It is comfortable, reliable, looks good (better than the new gen6 2017+ Elantra), and has all the features I want/need.

[dougn]

Thanks for the video. I just bought a '16 Elantra and its good to know I won't be needing to use the warranty.

[Joseph]

I traded in my 2003 Sentra and my 2009 Hyundai Accent last December for a nice blue 2014 Elantra SE sedan with 87k miles. I love the car.

[s.p.t.]

My 2011 Elantra has 546978 km's. It's still going strong.
I've done the routine maintenance on it, and I am still driving it to this day.
I think it may outlive me!

[alexpolicarpo]

These cars are amazing anyone that tells you otherwise has never driven one or own one

[Raurraurraur]

Finally, a car review without wind interference on the audio.

[lindsaykelly]

Mine has 300'000 kilometres it's been a beautiful car it has had the 1.8 litre death rattle for well over 100'000 k's but we weren't so fortunate in Aus we didn't get replacement engines jut hope and pray technology but prayers are answered it's still strong and efficient thumbs up

[BC]

The biggest improvement you can make to these Elantras is replacing / upgrading the rear shocks and front strut assemblies. I replaced both at 114K and the car handles now like it's on rails. Doesn't leak, doesn't make funny noises and starts and stops like it should - not bad for a $4600 used car!

[prendergastpete]

just found a gem, 2012 with 20k miles on it.

[dtnetlurker]

This style was the most eye catching design for any small car of those years by far and the sales prove it. Hyundai Elantra sales went through the roof and started to even make Honda and Toyota nervous. Now they are not worried in the least, as sadly, just as the model was perfected with the 2015 and 16 models, with the 2017 model Hyundai dropped all the futuristic fluidic sculpture design and reverted back to the large open mouth grill of the Ford Focus and Fusion with straight, bland lines, and sales have plummeted. They are having to quadruple the buyer incentives and discounts to move the new design. The North American Division is losing money on it. Plus this model has the tried and true DOHC engine that is proven for longevity and gets the exact same MPG as the new one with the same hp. The newer model has GDI and is proven to not be built for longevity as the DOHC engine has always been.

[usfanlovesminho]

I have a 2014 SE with the preferred package and I have 35k miles on her. Glad to hear that the car is still running like new with 100k. As far as the interior though, I would think that it will hold up as well as the car is treated by the owner. I personally take good care of my care and detail her all the time and I don't allow any food or drink (except water) in my car. Some people - not so much, and their car after only a year looks like it is much older and worn. Good review though.

[pizzamonster]

I love the Elantra one of most beautifully designed cars ever.

[MrT-nhdi]

This vehicle is very clean, I love a clean automobile, this vehicle is highly reliable, you can get over 300k miles on this vehicle easy with rountine maintenance.

[CJ-fhxq]

Have a 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT with 97k miles. I brought it for $6200 with 78k miles. This was the previous owner first car so it needed some tlc on the exterior. I replaced the sway bar end links and potentially need to replace the lower control arm ball joint since it's squeaking a little bit. Did the typical steering coupler and brake pedal stopper. Cheap and easy repairs.

[oscarmejia]

great video!! thanks for sharing this amazing review i’m about to get my first hyundai 2012 elantra limited i’m excited.. thanks once again