wemay
Site Donor 2023
Yes, it really was. They're still offering that price at that dealership, i believe. And you don't need to jump through hoops or have top secret military clearance to qualify.
Which would you pick from new Elantra SE, Jetta SE, or Malibu LS
- Thread starter 2019CRVlx
- Start date
wemay
Site Donor 2023
I am a long time Hyundai buyer. I had an issue with the service dept at the dealership I normally use so tried a different one. I could not get the Elantra for the price of the Malibu. The Jetta was $22k and the Elantra $21k.
wemay
Site Donor 2023
Elantra- Warranty, interior features, interior fit and finish.
Jetta- Solid feeling, looks.
Malibu- Price, interior space (hip/shoulder), quiet cabin.
Jetta- Solid feeling, looks.
Malibu- Price, interior space (hip/shoulder), quiet cabin.
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I would go for the Jetta SE.
Another personal consideration for me is to stay away from anything that has a CVT transmission.
edyvw
$50 site donor 2025
Jetta hands down.
What are your top priorities you are looking for in these sedans? MPG, reliability, serviceability, performance?
Have you test drove all three of these cars? That'll narrow your selection to your own personal preference best and what you could live with day to day.
Have you test drove all three of these cars? That'll narrow your selection to your own personal preference best and what you could live with day to day.
I simply cannot recommend the Malibu at all. While it is a nice looking and good riding car, it has too many issues. I see one every week and I have lost count of how many TCM's we have replaced, they burn oil (1.5L) so we have done 3 motors, 6 transmissions, head gaskets, struts, the shifter mechanisms go bad and it won't let you shift into park - 10+ of those.....and these were all 2018-2022 model years.
Of the 2 choices left, I would go Jetta. The Jetta has a nice ride and quality seems above average in the few late models I have seen. The Kia/Hyundai have their own unique issues with engines and such - but are nice cars none the less.
Of the 2 choices left, I would go Jetta. The Jetta has a nice ride and quality seems above average in the few late models I have seen. The Kia/Hyundai have their own unique issues with engines and such - but are nice cars none the less.
It's interesting how pricing differs in different regions. Up here there haven't been many Malibus available. Elantras are plentiful. I'm not sure I've ever seen a Malibu cheaper than an Elantra since C19.
Certainly appealing to many to get a mid sized sedan for the price of a compact (if available).
I'd go with the Jetta as you can still get it with a manual transmission not sure about the elantra. Sporty fun to drive and good fit and finish.
Just my personal opinion. I have a extreme dislike for Hyundai and GM cars. So for me it would be the Jetta hands down
Don
Don
The reason I listed those cars where they can all be had for <$25k. Accords & Camry's not so much. There's no Corolla's to be had in these parts.
Should have added, I'm retired and drive very little ... just groceries and dr's appts. Approx. 2-3k miles a year. I won't be around long enough to see any vehicle get 100k miles. 50k miles is a more reasonable limit.
My instinct suggests the Malibu for overall comfort, although the Jetta doesn't have the warranty of the Elantra, it does have 4 years bumper to bumper.
My instinct suggests the Malibu for overall comfort, although the Jetta doesn't have the warranty of the Elantra, it does have 4 years bumper to bumper.
Buy the vehicle that’s the most comfortable for you, price, warranty, reliability data etc.
The Chevy & VW Warrantees aren’t bad, it’s just that the Elantra is better. The roads in New Orleans are among the worst I’ve driven on so consider that as well.
The Chevy & VW Warrantees aren’t bad, it’s just that the Elantra is better. The roads in New Orleans are among the worst I’ve driven on so consider that as well.
I'd have to drive them all, and do a bit of reading on their drivetrain quality and time in service. The Jetta with a manual would be nice if its geared half intelligently, but if its spinning above 3000rpm for no reason at 65 mph, then maybe I will take the CVT and simple NA motor in the Elantra, as I imagine all their drivetrain engineers and engine plants have had some recent training on lubrication and cleaning out machining debris...
Bingo. We have an intelligent winner.
The 3 listed will cost more to own, and have more problems.
The later 2 will have less problems, cost less to own, and run for many more miles.
I'd get the Jetta because I have a little familiarity with the quirks of VWs and other German makes, and I have more faith in the [perceived?] availability of quality replacement parts than I would for the other two.
In the end, I'd talk myself into buying the GTI over the Jetta, because life is short.
In the end, I'd talk myself into buying the GTI over the Jetta, because life is short.
