So I got a good look at a 2011 Hyundai Elantra the other day and liked it enough that I looked one up and priced it. It had a ton of nice features including heated front and rear seats (unheard of in the class), optional leather interior, good looks and good fuel economy. One major problem, though: the warranty is only 5 years / 62K miles! Where did the famous 10 year / 100K mile warranty go?

Canada is a challenging environment for cars and I sure as heck don't trust a car that is warranteed for twice as long in the USA as it is in Canada. Doesn't exactly inspire confidence in the vehicle or manufacturer.

Does it mean I wouldn't buy one? Not sure, really, but it took me by surprise. Given the resale value here (definitely worse than a Civic), the extreme conditions (-30* on a regular basis), and only an "industry standard" warranty, I'm not sure why I'd make a switch from a proven manufacturer or vehicle, at least not until I get some hard data to show that it'll hold up to the weather and general conditions.

 

Interesting point, but even here though a person could negotiate for a 10 year 100k warranty for a bit more. If you're planning to keep it for 10 years/100K miles, then just extend the warranty, if you'll likely sell it within that period it doesn't help since even here Hyundai will shorten the warranty to 5 years if you sell it used.

 

They offer a bunch of extended warranties ($1650 for the 8 yr/100K mile warranty, which is still two years shorter than the OEM standard warranty in the USA), as do all the other manufacturers. The thing is, Hyundai has always touted their warranty and it's a pretty big omission to cut it back here in Canada.

The car is still price competitive, though. I just can't believe that they don't offer it as standard.

 

The 10/100 powertrain warranty is for the original purchaser of the new vehicle but the car only carries the 5/60 for subsequent owners so that is what is specified in most documentation.

 

Understood. However, in Canada, it's effectively a 5/60 powertrain warranty (BRAND NEW) when the original owner buys it. Why the difference?

 

How is the Hyundai warranty in America?

10/100k for original owner?
Then 5/60k for any other owner?

 

Yes.

 

Manufacturers usually have country-specific sales and marketing arms, which set pricing, warranty, service, etc. as needed to effectively compete in their home markets. Hyundai likely isn't near as focused on the Canadian market due to its much smaller size, and perhaps they don't feel the need to compete as vigorously.

 

Hard to believe they would slack off in any area, especially in Canada where the top selling car is always a compact (Civic, Mazda3, etc, etc) and so they could potentially get the "best selling car in Canada" title (they're on there way this year, actually).

 

They are selling so well they don't need the warranty extension to compete. I couldn't even find an Elantra to test drive when I was looking for a car last week!