Pay attention the Elantra’s idle, especially with the air conditioning turned on and the gear selector in DRIVE, with your foot on the brake. Numerous owners, including a few hundred in this thread, have reported higher-than-normal levels of vibration and roughness from an idling Elantra engine. The solution seems to be some combination of software update and / or a new oil control valve in the engine. If the Elantra you’re considering is still under warranty and you notice this issue, be sure to have a dealer service advisor document it, which could make future warranty claims easier, if required.

This discussion talks about non-functionality of electrical components like interior lighting, cluster lighting, the radio, and the remote access system. The cause, apparently, is likely improper jump-starting of the Elantra, which could cause electrical component damage, or failure to follow proper procedures when changing the battery. Elantra’s main electrical distribution panel can be on the fussy side, so if you need to boost your Elantra, or change its battery, be sure to check the owner’s manual first. Further, if your potential used Elantra candidate exhibits any of the aforementioned electrical issues, be sure to determine why.

If equipped, confirm proper operation of the sunroof, ensuring it opens and closes as expected, and seals closed properly, several times on the course of your test drive. Numerous owners have reported that keeping the tracks and glides clean and lubricated is an important step towards prolonged life of the sunroof motor, and that any failure of the sunroof to respond favorably could be caused by excessive strain on the motor, which will require a reset.

As has been reported in other recent Hyundai models, a wonky Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor can provide false information to the transmission computer, which may result in hard shifting and clumsy transmission performance. Here’s some more information. If the automatic transmission in the Elantra you’re considering exhibits roughness, this is a starting point only. Be sure to determine the cause of any hard shifting before your purchase, ensuring the cause isn’t’ a more expensive (but less likely) transmission defect, for instance.

Other checks are fairly standard. Be sure to give the interior and body a full going-over in search of peeling paint or finish, abnormal wear to carpeting and seats / bolsters, and the colored trim pieces that accent the cabin. As a final note, for maximum peace of mind, higher-mileage units should be subjected to a full tune-up and fluid change if their service history is unknown, and even despite the Elantra’s ‘fill for life’ transmission fluid specification.

The Verdict: At this point, common issues with a used Elantra model should be easily detected and addressed with a quick going-over by a Hyundai mechanic. Finding a good deal on a used unit with remaining warranty should be relatively easy, and is ideal for maximum peace of mind.

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