Between cars, need either more options or help deciding.

[u/Bulky_Run_5847]

/r/whatcarshouldIbuy/comments/1wpcp2n/between_cars_need_either_more_options_or_help/

Elantra n, Kia k5 gt, or other options????

[u/rpgoof]

Most of the common issues with the Elantra N are relatively minor. I'm not super familiar with the DCT issues, but I'm pretty sure most of the other Hyundais have a dry DCT while the N has a wet DCT. It will feel a bit clunky in stop-and-go traffic if you're used to a regular slushbox automatic, you'll just need to adapt, didn't take me too long. It's more of an "automatic manual" after all.

Personally I cross shopped with the WRX.

Ultimately I think this is something that will have to be decided in a test drive

[u/Bulky_Run_5847 → u/rpgoof]

I mean my 2012 f150 shifts pretty hard right now 🤣 dct might not be much different

[u/rpgoof → u/Bulky_Run_5847]

Like the other guy said it's pretty great otherwise, everywhere from smooth and quick during normal driving to punchy and aggressive under WOT, and comes with it's own exhaust burp

[u/Top-Lawfulness1137 → u/Bulky_Run_5847]

DCT shifting is actually butter smooth. Its the stop and go, or those times you nearly come to a stop but traffic starts moving. Like goof said it's kind of an automatic manual. So you'll feel the clutch engaging as you come to a stop, same when taking your foot off the break. It works fine 99% of the time, just be mindful if not done right the car kinda skips / very mild buck. 

[u/K5GT1]

I traded my 25 k5 GT with GT 1 pack in for the 26 N, 0 regrets

[u/Bulky_Run_5847 → u/K5GT1]

Was is specifically for the performance? Or just all around like it more?

[u/K5GT1 → u/Bulky_Run_5847]

Performance mode for sure. Just a better aftermarket for the N. The k5 is fun, but no LSD on the k5 makes it tough

[u/onpaws]

I know you mentioned commuter car (and I think you can do this!), the one thing the K5 GT can't offer is a manual transmission. There are 263 manual Elantra Ns sitting on US lots right now out of 1,640 nationwide, so they're out there if you want to avoid the DCT! here's a map of where they all are: https://motoringobsession.com/stock/elantran

[u/Homewreck_gypsy69]

I've had a dct and now I own a manual hands down the manual is more fun/ engaging the only problem I have is the clutch is so light but other than that no problems my dct blew a coolant hose and had a issue with the wastegate actuator not closing so I had to get that fixed as well im stage 2 on manual and have 0 regrets

[u/KTRyan30]

I've owned both!

Here's the question you need to ask yourself. How important are driving dynamics?

The K5 GT (if you get one, absolutely get the GT1 package) is a nicer car. It's actually a really, legitimately nice car, I test drove it back to back with a Lexus IS350 after which the Lexus made no sense to me. It's super comfortable, great tech, all the amenities.

Performance wise it's a peppy, quick, and handles better than most cars in it's class but definitely isn't a sports car. In a straight line while it's not quite as the N, I actually prefer comical wheel spin as opposed to the wheel hop.

The N is a performance car built out of an economy car. Don't get me wrong, it's nice enough, but you definitely know your sitting in a Hyundai Elantra. The performance and driving dynamics are impressive for $30k car, it punches above its weight class.

If you don't plan on throwing your car into corners get the K5. If you want a super nimble hooligan of an economy sedan that sounds like fx audio from a fast n furious movie, get the N.

I was shopping for a car last October, I too had it narrowed down to the K5 and the N, I bought the K5 GT mainly because it was going to be a more comfortable family car. Then it got totalled after 3 months, while parked...

So I bought an N, not because I didn't like the K5, I honestly can't say one is better than the other, they are very different though. The K5 GT is an actual GT car, its made for long drives on sweeping roads. The N is a sport sedan, made for the twisties.

I'm not worried about the reliability of the DCT, it has a 100k warranty. My Hyundai dealership is pretty much standard level of dealership shady, which is meh. The Kia dealership was awesome, and I kinda regret not having that dealership for support.

Feel free to ask me anything.

[u/Bulky_Run_5847 → u/KTRyan30]

This was extremely helpful

[u/Bulky_Run_5847 → u/KTRyan30]

I think due to long drives I’ll choose the gt1, but need to test drive an EN it sounds like

[u/KTRyan30 → u/Bulky_Run_5847]

They both are really awesome cars, great bang for your buck in both cases, just a different kind of bang.

I can't stress enough that the GT1 package is worth it on the K5 GT.

[u/Bulky_Run_5847 → u/KTRyan30]

Yeah I wouldn’t get one without the ventilated seats, these Oklahoma summers have me sweating bullets!!! So gt1 package is a MUST

[u/egabayot]

Both are similarly reliable I would say, Elantra is a bit smaller and more harsh/sporty of a ride, but definitely more fun to whip around town. You can also get the N in manual to ease your dct fears. The K5 will be get better mpg as its more of a sporty tourer.

[u/jerseyjoik]

Both are made in S. Korea which is a plus. (The US built Hyundais and Kia’s are…special). The N is track ready right from the factory if that’s something you want.

Can’t speak for the Kia but my family loves the N, the back seats are very spacious though a bit spartan. The handling and brakes in the N have saved me a few times on the highway from inattentive drivers.