2007 Nissan Versa or 2008 Hyundai Elantra??

Question

I currently own a 2007 Nissan Versa with 33,000 miles. I drive this car to the extreme! Between 3,000 - 5,000 a month.. I am looking to trade it in since it is a base model and I owe alot more than its worth. Hyundai dealer has offered me a great deal on a loaded 2008 Elantra $2,000 lower than the wholesale price and to pay me 12,000 for my car! Does anyone know if the Hyundai is a piece of c**p? I have heard lots of bad things about them in the past!!

Answer 1

Hyuandai, in previous years had been receiving a reputation for its apparently sub-standard performance. However, recently Hyundai has begun to step their game up and has made several renovations to its previous models and policies, making it a far more desirable company.

The Nissan Versa, though is a very capable car. My best friend has a 2007 Nissan and I have a 2008 Hyundai. I have not had any problems thus far with my car and it is extremely effective with gas, more so than I have found the Nissan.

Answer 2

The Hyundai Elantra is a great car that just tied the Honda Civic and beat the Toyota Corolla in the most recent independent testing done by Consumer Reports.

However, something about what you are saying doesn't add up.

You should never trade in a car when you owe more than it is worth.  They will roll the difference into your new loan.

Since the Elantra depreciates quickly, you will be even more in the hole if you decide to do this.

Answer 3

I bought a Hyundai brand new in 1992. I'll never own another one.

I suppose they may have made some advances in their quality since then, but that bad experience was enough to turn me away forever.

Answer 4

Yes, it is good to trade in for a newer vehicle, however, it will cost your more than your owe.  Think about that, and the other thing is once you buy a 2008 Hyundai Elantra, it will loss their value pretty quick compare to any other vehicle out there.  Yes, they are improving, but the question is how much did they improve?  I once drive a new 2000 hyundai before and I will never buy it again.  That's my two cents.  

If I were you, I would keep your car, and drive it for a while.  Beside Nissan is always better than Hyundai :)

Answer 5

they're getting better and have the nation's best warranty.  go with the elantra, it's nice.

Answer 6

the Hyundai Elantra & Santa Fe are great.

avoid the accent & tiburon

After getting a total makeover for 2007, the 2008 Hyundai Elantra adds more standard equipment including Electronic Stability Control on SE, Brake Assist to the SE and a tire-pressure-monitoring system on all trims. The Elantra SE Premium and Leather Package replace the Elantra Limited.

Answer 7

I don't really follow the logic of trading in a car just because you owe more on it than its worth, but I'll be happy to share my expertise on the Elantra.

I drive an Elantra 07. It is a decent car, comfy, interior is very refined for the price, dash controls ergonomic and easy to use. It is definitely more car in almost  every way when compared to the Versa, except perhaps MPG's. I barely get 25 mpg with 80% stop n go/20% hwy mixed driving. (I have the PZEV engine)

I don't know what is 2k below wholesale...BUT

If you can deal your way into the SE with leather seats for under 16k, you should be very very happy with yourself.

Check out the blog for my other praises and nitpicks on this car. I suggest you read the Edmunds(more positive) as well as the About.com (less positive) reviews on the 07 Elantra. 07 and 08 are basically the same except for the addition of electronic stability control on the SE and tire pressure monitoring system. It definitely isn't a piece of c**p, but you have to determine for yourself whether you like it better than your current vehicle.

If you decide to buy, the fourth link below is a forum discussing actual prices paid for a new Elantra.