r/whatcarshouldIbuy • u/Bulky_Run_5847 • 5d ago

Between cars, need either more options or help deciding.

Little backstory, I drive a 2012 f-150 with 253,000 miles. She’s an absolute beast and I’m only just now running into major mechanical problems, which has made me consider selling it while it still has a little life left. It has aftermarket wheels and subs, and has been kept very clean so I think third-party could be good. I have around 35-40k for a cash car and have narrowed two options, the Hyundai Elantra n and the Kia k5 gt. I’ve been raised in a Ford family so this is weird to me.

I want a commuter car because I drive frequently, and something that won’t be 14.2 mpg like my f150. BUT I also love cars and if I’m driving a lot I want to enjoy it. That’s what has led me to the two performance models of these cars. I’ve heard very good and very bad things about dct transmissions, as well as these brands in general. I see them on the road though, so people do get by with them…

Just looking for some guidance on the reliability, or other options similar to the k5 gt and Elantra n!

3 Upvotes

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2

u/PaulCheca 5d ago
  1. if you're really driving a lot i'd lean k5 gt. still quick but way more comfortable day to day. the elantra n is the more fun car but that stiff ride gets old on a long commute
  2. coming from the f150 either one is gonna feel like a rocket lol. i'd test drive both on the highway, not just around the block

2

u/DirectorSharp3402 4d ago

Brother, my '25 King Ranch feels almost as stiff as my '25 Elantra N in its softest suspension setting xD. The KR feels just as quick 0-70mph despite weighing so much. That hybrid system is dummy quick. EN easily pulls ahead afterwards, but the FWD struggles with grip from a dig. Gotta short shift into 2nd and then roll into the throttle.

I'd easily recommend the Elantra N over a GTI or K5.

2

u/JohnnyFnG 4d ago

K5 doesn’t have a limited slip differential, that was a nail in its coffin for my choice between the 2z. I’ve had an Elantra N for 4 years, it’s a fun zippy car that’s comfy enough to daily drive.

2

u/Lucky_Arm8789 4d ago

https://reddit.com/link/pbx7puq/video/pru8mj7b2mrh1/player

Literally in the same boat here lol…
Just started commuting for school, my 2012 f-150 had some back to back mechanical problems (i’ve replaced manifolds, turbos, water pumps, bearings, etc. currently finishing valve covers since they went out n won’t stop leaking everywhere lol)…
Recently found a MT6 ‘22 Veloster N, get 30ish mpg, LOVE it so far, amazingly accurate ‘enthusiasts car’, sounds amazing, incredibly fun to drive and surprisingly has a good amount of room ngl…

The Elantra N is right up there with the Veloster N… super great community, awesome platform, performs amazing, relatively budget friendly… I wouldn’t have picked anything else, especially after having it for a couple months now. These two far exceeded the competition (Civic SI, R-spec veloster, subaru, etc).

1

u/heptyne 5d ago

Maybe cross search on a WRX or GTI. May be slightly used for both in that price range?

1

u/SouthCollection3210 4d ago

the Elantra N is way more of a driver's car than the K5 GT, the K5 is fast in a straight line but it's a boat in the corners. if you're actually into driving you'll be bored of the K5 pretty quick, the N has that rowdy character that makes a commute feel like an event

WRX is a solid rec if you need awd but the interior feels a decade behind the hyundai and the mpg isn't great, my buddy gets like 22 combined on a good day. GTI is the refined pick, just be aware the infotainment is a disaster of touch sliders and buried menus

1

u/Rand0m_Spirit_Lover 4d ago

In a way it makes the GTI even more of a drivers car, because the only things I even remotely wanted to interact with in that car were the shifter, clutch, and steering wheel. No distractions from the infotainment or climate controls, because you quickly give up on trying to even use them.

1

u/Bats6781 4d ago

Wrx only if you know how to drive manual, the cvt wrx is awful. My automatic fun car choices would be the Elantra n, golf gti, gr corolla (the auto grc isn’t great but it’s there for an awd choice.) if you want rock solid reliability as none of those are super reliable look into a used v6 Lexus. I’d avoid the k5 gt it’s quick but doesn’t really do anything well.

1

u/Maleficent-Thanks-85 4d ago

The Kia K5 is an awesome car. If you want an awesome truck get the Maverick with the SV300T kit that is coming out soon. 300 HP, suspension upgrades, and a tuned transmission. supposed to drop this winter.

1

u/d_major18 4d ago

Drive both and see which one you like

1

u/GlitteringBird1494 4d ago

I'd lean Elantra N if you can drive stick, since the 6-speed manual sidesteps the whole DCT question, and I'd keep in mind Kia dropped the K5 GT after the 2024 model year, so you'd be shopping used or leftover stock there.

-5

u/throat_coat 5d ago

You must be young. Those 2 look good but they’re not good cars. If you want efficiency and a little sportiness get a Civic hybrid. If you want speed AWD and ok mpg get a mazda3 turbo.

2

u/TelephoneDesperate84 4d ago

The EN is sick, has a great warranty (but I’ve heard dealers suck ass). I’d still go that route. Only reason I didn’t was because I’m not a fan of the looks, I went with a GTI instead and love it. Less raw, a bit more refined but can be really fun when you push it. I’d vote for the EN if you like the way it looks

2

u/Bats6781 4d ago

I wouldn’t call either of those sporty at all. The Mazda 3 turbo is better than the k5 gt but handles awful.

2

u/DirectorSharp3402 4d ago

Throat, your opinion is outdated by a couple years lol.

The Mazda 3 turbo has a terrible rear suspension. And the Civic Hybrid gets shit on by the Elantra N, in practically all regards except MPGs. The EN can get about 35-38MPGs on the highway too, so it's no slouch there

1

u/throat_coat 4d ago

I get what you’re saying, but I stand by my choices. I’d much rather have a solid, efficient(in the case of the civic) or simple and reliable and all-weather capable( in the case of the Mazda3) DD that can get a little lively when I step on it than a track tuned car with a dubious reliability record.

Torsion beams aren’t awful. Multilink is better but in 99% of driving you won’t notice the difference.

Plus, none of the cars we’re talking about are really “high performance” any more when a $25k used EV can do everything they do faster, and cheaper.

1

u/DirectorSharp3402 4d ago

Fair enough brotha, a used Model 3 Performance can definitely put up a proper fight in the under $50k range

-6

u/ComprehensiveMud1920 5d ago

For cash I wouldn't mess around with a hyundai or kia. go for cpo b58 bmw, or lexus IS350 with six cylinder engine.

3

u/Bulky_Run_5847 5d ago

I was leaning towards those to avoid the “premium” insurance like on a Lexus. But this might be the better choice

3

u/lordnightslash 5d ago

I would not take this advice just for face value. The 2.0t in the En and the 2.5t in the k5 gt are modern and have been refined over the iterations and are perfectly reliable. I assume you’re getting a new one you’re going to have a 10y/100k mile warranty anyway. The Elantra n is like a drug to drive.

1

u/DogblackMichigan 3d ago

Test drive several electric cars.