Why Are Hyundai Elantras So Cheap – If you’ve ever strolled through a car dealership, you might have noticed that Hyundai Elantras tend to be priced quite affordably compared to some of their competitors.
This raises an intriguing question: Why are Hyundai Elantras so cheap? Is it a compromise on quality, or is there something else at play?
In this article, we’ll explore the factors that contribute to the budget-friendly nature of Hyundai Elantras.
We’ll explore various aspects including manufacturing processes, technology, and market positioning to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of what makes these vehicles stand out in terms of affordability.
The Genesis of Hyundai’s Competitive Pricing
From its humble beginnings in 1967, Hyundai set out to offer budget-friendly cars to consumers.
This commitment to competitive pricing has remained a cornerstone of the brand’s identity, even as it competes with industry giants like Toyota and GM.
Presently, a Hyundai Elantra comes with a price tag of around $19,850.
The key to this competitive pricing lies in Hyundai’s mastery of mass production techniques.
By manufacturing their own engines and leveraging economies of scale, Hyundai positions itself to capture a significant market share.
The Reason Why Are Hyundai Elantras So Cheap?
Car enthusiasts often find themselves drawn to the Hyundai Elantra for its affordability. However, this budget-friendly price tag can sometimes raise questions about the car’s overall performance and the quality of parts.
It’s essential to understand that a lower price doesn’t necessarily equate to compromised quality.
In fact, Hyundai has established itself as a global leader, selling over a million cars annually, with the Elantra standing as a testament to its commitment to providing quality at an accessible price point.
1. Capturing Market Share
Hyundai faced stiff competition from established German and US automakers. Their initial strategy was to establish brand recognition and secure a substantial portion of the market.
At the time, Asian cars were often perceived as lower in quality.
However, Hyundai steadily dispelled this notion by consistently delivering quality vehicles at a comparatively lower price.
This focus on high sales volumes has undoubtedly bolstered their brand recognition.
Read Also: Hyundai Elantra Years To Avoid
2. Leasing Strategies
Hyundai actively leases its vehicles, often at lower profit margins per unit. This deliberate approach ensures affordability while simultaneously bolstering brand awareness.
Additionally, Hyundai has formed partnerships with rental companies, allowing them to incorporate their vehicles into rental fleets.
Rather than compromising on quality, Hyundai relies on strategic business tactics to stay competitive and maintain affordable pricing.
3. Market Perception
Hyundai Elantra competes with industry titans like Toyota and Honda, known for their long-standing reputation and legacy. While the Hyundai Elantra boasts similar reliability ratings, it sometimes contends with a perceived lower value.
This perceived difference in value can sway buyers towards a more budget-friendly option.
However, as Hyundai continues to enhance its offerings, the ‘cheap’ label may eventually fade.
Read Also: Most Expensive Hyundai
4. Material Selection for Interiors
Hyundai strikes a balance between comfort and price by using cost-effective materials for the car’s interiors.
While some components may not be top-tier, Hyundai ensures that the Elantra’s interior is competitive within its category.
For instance, the dashboard is leather-wrapped, albeit with synthetic material.
This blend of affordability and style resonates with budget-conscious car enthusiasts.
5. In-House Engine Production
Setting it apart from many other automakers, Hyundai manufactures its own engines.
This not only allows for a level of quality control but also significantly contributes to keeping Elantra’s costs down.
By avoiding the expenses associated with purchasing branded engines, Hyundai can pass those savings on to the consumer.
Read Also: Hyundai Luxury Car
6. Buyer Incentives
Recognizing the preferences of budget-conscious buyers, Hyundai dealerships offer a range of incentives on the Elantra.
Partnering with financing companies further sweetens the deal, making Elantra an even more attractive option.
7. Mass Production Advantage
The fundamental principle of manufacturing is that higher production volumes lead to better cost-effectiveness.
With over 10 million Elantras sold worldwide, Hyundai enjoys a considerable advantage in terms of production efficiency.
Furthermore, their dedication to quality and fuel efficiency ensures that they can compete in the market without compromising on their pricing.
Is Hyundai Elantra reliable?
Yes, the Hyundai Elantra is reliable. It holds a high-reliability rating of 4.5/5 according to RepairPal, placing it in the 8th position out of 36 compact cars. Additionally, its annual maintenance and repair costs are around $452, which is lower than many of its competitors.
According to JD Power, Hyundai ranks fifth out of 33 automobile brands in terms of reliability, surpassing brands like Nissan and Honda.
Is the Hyundai Elantra a strong car?
Absolutely, the Hyundai Elantra is a robust and dependable car. It boasts an impressive reliability rating across various parameters. The manufacturer’s offer of a ten-year warranty is a testament to their commitment to quality assurance.
With proper maintenance and care, a Hyundai Elantra can easily last between 150,000 to 200,000 miles.
Assuming an average annual mileage of 15,000, the car could remain in excellent operational condition for 10 to 15 years.
Read Also: Hyundai Elantra GT Years To Avoid
Is Hyundai Elantra worth buying?
Yes, purchasing a Hyundai Elantra is a worthwhile investment. It offers exceptional performance, comfort, and safety standards. The 2020 model, for instance, boasts visually appealing interiors with user-friendly controls and attractive designs.
The driver’s seat is thoughtfully positioned, providing a seamless connection to the wheels, pedals, and infotainment system.
While the backseats may be a bit snug for adults, Hyundai compensates with generous warranties.
Owners of the Elantra can enjoy complimentary maintenance for the first 36,000 kilometers or 3 years, and a limited warranty covering 60,000 kilometers for the initial five years.
Additionally, the powertrain warranty offers protection for 100,000 kilometers or 10 years – the longest warranty among all automobile brands in the USA.
Given these factors, investing in a Hyundai Elantra is certainly a wise choice.
Do Hyundai Elantras last long?
Hyundai Elantras have the potential to last a long time. With regular maintenance and prudent driving practices, a Hyundai Elantra can comfortably reach between 150,000 to 250,000 miles.
For the average driver covering around 15,000 miles annually, this translates to a lifespan of 13 to 17 years before significant repairs or breakdowns become a concern.
Is the Hyundai Elantra cheap to maintain?
Yes, the Hyundai Elantra is relatively cheap to maintain. For the Elantra GT hatchback produced from 2017 to 2020, the annual maintenance cost is $397, which is lower than the average for Hyundai vehicles.
What is the high mileage for a Hyundai Elantra?
In terms of mileage, a Hyundai Elantra can be considered to have high mileage once it surpasses the 150,000-mile mark. With regular maintenance and responsible driving, it’s not uncommon for a Hyundai Elantra to reach 200,000 or even 250,000 miles without requiring major repairs.
This means the car can serve an average driver for a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
Conclusion
The affordability of Hyundai Elantras is not indicative of compromised quality or performance. Instead, it’s a result of a carefully orchestrated combination of factors.
Hyundai’s strategic approach to capturing market share, leasing strategies, and managing market perception have played pivotal roles.
Their astute selection of interior materials, in-house engine production, and buyer incentives contribute to the overall cost-effectiveness.
Furthermore, the advantage of mass production has allowed Hyundai to consistently offer high-quality vehicles at accessible prices.
The Hyundai Elantra stands as a testament to its ability to deliver value without compromising on accessibility.
So, when wondering, “Why are Hyundai Elantras so cheap?”, it’s important to recognize that Hyundai’s commitment to efficiency and quality assurance is the driving force behind their affordability. This balance between affordability and quality showcases Hyundai’s dedication to providing excellent vehicles for budget-conscious consumers.