The 2008 Hyundai Elantra lasts around 250,000 miles with only some minor power steering and infotainment system issues. At $4,252 to $5,221, it’s a budget-friendly choice for a reliable car.
Is the 2008 Hyundai Elantra a Good Used Car?
- Yes, 2008 is a great year for the Elantra. It’s an average compact car, and owner reviews praise the low ownership costs, safety features, and long-lasting engines.
- Interior quality is better than many other budget-focused compact cars, with more comfortable seats and better technology than other compact cars.
- Reliability ratings are excellent. Models from 2005–2009 are all good choices, with more mechanical issues showing up in 2010.
- Performance is average from the standard 4-cylinder engine, but it’s not going to be winning any races.
- The Elantra is reasonably safe for a compact car getting 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests, with the lowest score being 4 stars in the side barrier tests.
- Fuel economy is great, getting up to 28 MPG which gives owners about 392 miles of range out of the 14 gallon gas tank.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Hyundai Elantra?
- Consumer Reports says the 2008 Elantra is a well-rounded compact car, with high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the Elantra a 4.7/5 praising the smooth suspension, but Edmunds dislikes the excessive engine noise.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Elantra 4.6/5 and enjoy the efficient engine, but owners don’t like the clunky transmission.
What Common Problems Does the 2008 Hyundai Elantra Have?
The most common problems found on the 2008 Hyundai Elantra include a loss of power steering, a broken CD player, and slower acceleration than normal. Overall, these issues are fairly minor compared to less reliable vehicles from the same year.
Power steering losses are the most common complaint, showing up at around 80,000 miles. The issue is usually caused by a damaged power steering control module, which costs around $350 to replace.
A broken CD player is another problem reported by owners at around 150,000 miles. The electronics in the infotainment system stop working as the vehicle gets older. Replacing the entire stereo system in the dash costs around $750.
Slower acceleration than normal is also mentioned by owners at around 120,000 miles. The spark plugs wear out and age as the vehicle gets older and need to be replaced, fortunately, it’s a fairly affordable project costing only around $150.
There are 7 recalls, which is average for a car its age. The most serious recall covers the antilock brake system module, which can short circuit and increase the risk of an electrical fire.
How Long Will the 2008 Hyundai Elantra Last?
A well-maintained 2008 Hyundai Elantra should last around 250,000 miles, which is similar to top-rated compact cars including the Mazda3. Regular annual maintenance costs are also average for a car of its size, at $387 per year, according to data from Repair Pal.
Since most 2008 Elantra models will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace items including the A/C compressor for $1,000, wheel speed sensor costing $375, and the transmission mount which costs $400.
It is a reliable car. We haven't had any issues with it that were related to manufacturing. It is also easy to maintain.
Yes it is very reliable for an eleven year old car. The battery was an issue as stated previously but otherwise the only problems have been with tail light bulbs. I have had to replace 3 bulbs in the last 4 years after being stopped by local law enforcement.
The 2008 Hyundai Elantra se is extremely reliable and super economical. I have driven this car out of the state of Virginia and it performs really well on all the long highways and I love it.
It is very reliable with very few problems. Just replaced the fuel pump after 95,000 miles and no other major maintenance done.
A few but it is a older vehicle. I try my best to keep up with it. But lately I did have to go to a mechanic twice in the past month. But overall this car is something I have been able to rely on to get me places and has been very good to me.
This car has been very reliable. I have had this car for over 10 years and have not had to make any major repairs. The main painting and parts or reasonable.
The 2008 Hyundai Elantra gls is extremely reliable. There is of course routine maintenance. Other than tending to that, I have had no problems with it at all.
Yes it is reliable. I have had no problems, and I have only needed to do routine maintenance on mine.
How Much Is the 2008 Hyundai Elantra Worth?
Blue book prices range from $4,252 to $5,221, making it about $1,000 less than a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla. When new, the price range was $13,970 to $17,670. Depreciation is similar to other compact cars, losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Hyundai Elantra?
There are two models of the 2008 Elantra available. The fourth generation was released for the 2007 model year, with an update to the infotainment system coming in 2009, and then it was replaced with the fifth generation in 2011.
GLS is the entry-level model with:
- 15-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Keyless Entry
- Power Windows & Mirrors
- 6-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With AUX Jack
SE is a step up, adding:
- 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Heated Front Seats
- Sunroof
- Optional Leather Seating
What Engines Come In the Hyundai Elantra?
The engine found in the 2008 Hyundai Elantra is an average 2.0L 4-cylinder which makes 138 horsepower and gets up to 28 MPG combined. Performance is similar to other compact cars, taking 8.4 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Hyundai Elantra Come In?
How Big Is the Hyundai Elantra?
The 2008 Hyundai Elantra is an average sized compact car, similar to the Ford Focus and Nissan Sentra. Passenger room is very good for a compact car with more passenger room in the back seats than many rivals.
Cargo space is also excellent, offering 14 cubic feet of room in the trunk, which is enough room to fit 3-4 full size suitcases.
How Does the Hyundai Elantra Compare to the Competition?
The Toyota Corolla is a rival which costs about $1,000 more. The Toyota Corolla lasts slightly longer, but the Hyundai Elantra has a higher-quality interior. We recommend the Toyota Corolla since they’re slightly more affordable to own, but for the 2008 model year both are fantastic compact cars.
The Mazda3 is another competitor in the same price range. Performance and handling are both better in the Mazda3, but the Hyundai Elantra has more technology available for the money. We recommend the Mazda3 since it’s more fun to drive, but both are dependable choices.
Do Owners Recommend the Hyundai Elantra?
Yes. It was the smallest vehicle that would fit three car seats in the back. Serves its purpose but when kids get older it is snug.
Yes, I would say it is a good value. This car is dependable and does not require a lot to maintain. The factory installed battery was a problem during some cold temps occasionally but that was resolved once I replaced it. Yesterday it was 22f at 6am and it started immediately after being cold for 8 hours.
Yes this is a good economical vehicle and it rides well on the road. I drive this car every day all around our city Lynchburg Virginia and I can drive it for a full week on a full tank of gas.
Yes it works very well, has lasted 10 years, minimal maintenance and I like the way it looks and I want to keep it longer.
Yes it is. As long as you keep up with the car it will last you. I have had my Elantra for about a year already, and I have had a few problems with it (as a old car should). But over all my car is a vehicle I can rely on to get where I am needed.
Yes it has held up very well. It is easy to drive and park. It is dependable. Love the color and amenities. I have had it for awhile and is easy to maintain.
The Elantra is an excellent vehicle. I have had it for over 10 years. In that time it has given me no major malfunction, no problems with body, nothing except routine maintenance.
It works well as a commuter car that can also transport a small family comfortably. The manual transmission model helps improve gas mileage and has a sports car feel without the price tag.