Due to extremely high new and used car prices, as well as high interest rate loans, many shoppers are now looking for "older" models to better fit their budgets.
However, this does add some additional risk in terms of reliability and maintenance issues for people considering the 2013 Elantra, or any other older vehicle.
2013 Elantra Reliability
This model is generally considered an above-average compact sedan for reliability, especially when compared with many competitors from the same era. The fuel-efficient 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine is capable of lasting well beyond 200,000 miles with routine maintenance, and major mechanical failures are relatively uncommon.
That said, the 2013 model isn't completely trouble-free. Some owners have reported excessive oil consumption as mileage increases, while others have experienced steering, suspension, and electrical issues. Most of these problems develop gradually rather than without warning, making a thorough pre-purchase inspection especially important.
Overall, a well-maintained 2013 Elantra can provide many years of dependable, economical transportation. Service records, regular oil changes, and evidence of consistent maintenance are far more important than finding the lowest-mileage example.
Buyer Tip: A 2013 Hyundai Elantra with complete maintenance records and no signs of excessive oil consumption is typically a better buy than a lower-priced example with an unknown service history.
More On The Elantra's Reliability
To learn about the Elantra's reliability over different model years, be sure to see our Used Hyundai Elantra Reliability Guide. This comprehensive guide will help you identify its best years as well as those to be avoided, and much more.
2013 Elantra Common Problems
This Elantra is generally dependable, but several problems appear often enough that used-car shoppers should check for them before buying.
- Engine ticking or knocking: Some 1.8-liter four-cylinder engines develop noticeable ticking, piston-slap-like noise, or knocking, especially during cold starts. A faint tick may be normal, but loud or persistent noise deserves a professional inspection.
- Oil consumption: Higher-mileage examples may begin using oil between changes. Check the dipstick, look for a low-oil history, and ask how often the previous owner added oil.
- Steering coupler wear: A worn flexible coupler in the electric power-steering system can cause a clicking or clunking sensation when the steering wheel is turned.
- Suspension noise: Worn sway-bar links, struts, or bushings may create rattling or knocking noises over rough pavement.
- Brake-light switch and electrical issues: Faulty switches or small electrical problems can cause brake-light, starting, or warning-light concerns. Confirm that all recall work has been completed by checking the VIN.
Buyer Tip: Start the engine when it is completely cold, turn the steering wheel from side to side, drive over uneven pavement, and verify that the engine maintains the proper oil level. These simple checks can reveal several of the Elantra’s most common trouble areas.
Possibly Buying Soon? Avoid These Dealer Traps
Before you sign, learn:
- What you don't know about dealer trade-in offers could cost you - Which dealer fees you must pay, can negotiate, or should avoid - How to avoid giving the dealer the upper hand on a used car price - How to avoid overpaying for a new car
2013 Hyundai Elantra Pros
Distinctive Design: The Elantra's sleek, head-turning and distinctive exterior design is one of its major appeals. People watch it go down the street and are surprised when they eventually make out its Hyundai badge. While looks are an individual taste, the majority view seems to be that it's one of the better looking choices in the small sedan market and projects an image of a much pricier car.
Long Feature List For The Dollar: Even the base GLS is well-equipped with standard features such as remote power door locks, one-touch power windows, cruise control, power and heated mirrors, interior air filtration, 4-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, stability control, a remote anti-theft alarm system, a trip computer, and a 6-speaker audio system with a CD player, speed sensitive volume control, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack, and an iPod/USB audio interface.
And for additional features, the Preferred package added 16-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, Bluetooth, steering wheel audio controls, foglamps, upgraded interior trim, a sliding front center armrest and illuminated vanity mirrors, while moving up to the Limited model adds all the Preferred package features plus leather upholstery, a power driver seat, a sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels and heated rear seats.
The Limited's optional Technology package added more goodies such as a touchscreen navigation system with voice activation, Bluetooth streaming audio, a rearview camera, automatic headlamps, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless ignition/entry and an upgraded audio system.
Indeed, this Elantra could be equipped similar to much more expensive luxury cars.
Comfortable and Solidly-Built Cabin: The seating is both comfortable and supportive while the design still provides ample legroom and more overall space than one typically expects from a compact. Headroom is also quite adequate up front, although it can be a little tight in the rear for tall passengers.
The cabin's overall look, feel and build quality is among the very top in its class and especially impressive for the price range. It's stylized center stack and controls along with a smaller-diameter steering wheel add to the attractive modern style and spacious feel inside.
Large Trunk: The Elantra's trunk is one of the largest in its class, coming in with a maximum cargo capacity of 14.8 cubic feet. The 60/40-split rear seat also offers a large pass-through for accommodating longer storage items.
Excellent Fuel Economy: All 2013 Elantras are front-wheel drive and powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that outputs 148-horsepower and 131-pound-feet of torque. The partial zero-emissions vehicle (PZEV) version of this engine, equipped on models in California-emissions states, produce a slightly lower 145-horsepower and 130-pound-feet of torque.
The EPA-estimated gas mileage for models with either a manual or automatic transmission are the same, standing at an excellent and pump-friendly 29 mpg city and 40 mpg on the highway.
2013 Hyundai Elantra Cons
Some Engine Issues: Engine problems, including ticking noises in the engine and complete failures have occurred.
Some Transmission Issues: Some owners reported problems with the automatic transmission, including rough shifting, slipping, or failure to engage gears. Proper maintenance, such as regular fluid changes, can help prevent transmission issues.
Suspension and Steering Components: Complaints about the suspension system and steering components, including loose or noisy steering and worn-out suspension parts, were reported.
Tight Headroom: While the overall interior space in the new Elantra is above average for the small car segment, this sedan's sleek style, largely a result of its sloping roof line, produces a somewhat tight headroom situation for taller rear passengers. Of course, it's fine for children if that's who'll be filling your backseat. But 6-footers will have a potential mixed bag back there. On the one hand, they should find ample legroom. On the other, the roofline could become an issue on longer treks.
Not Quite As Sporty As It Looks: The overall ride quality of the Elantra is quite good. In fact, it offers one of the best combinations of ride comfort and handling in its class. The four-cylinder engine capably provides both peppy performance and very good fuel efficiency.
That said, because the car certainly has a sporty look, it may raise expectations of a sporty and athletic drive to match. But while it's definitely a competent daily driver, it doesn't have the handling abilities of rivals such as the Chevy Cruze, Ford Focus or Mazda3, all of which are a little more refined and sophisticated in this department.
There's also a bit of road and engine noise, although not too intrusive, that reminds us that this is indeed a compact economy car and not the more upscale sedan its looks project.
Overall:
While the 2013 Hyundai Elantra is definitely worth serious consideration by car buyers in the small economy car segment. Others worthy of consideration would include the Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Mazda3, Subaru Impreza and Toyota Corolla.