The Elantra (1286 hits)
Category: NoneRating: 0.8 on 69 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by ghola (View user info) at 2007-12-28 13:06:24 EST
After walking around thirty minutes looking at brand new SUVs and Camrys, we found the secret hidden row of used cars that I might be able to afford. They were way in the back, behind the shop and fourteen rows of trucks.
"An Elantra wouldn't be bad," I said.
The car was shiny new looking, clean on the inside with a piece of white paper taped on the window.
"Only 36,000 miles," I said.
"How much?" my brother asked.
"It says $9,995," I told him.
He laughed. "They'll probably take eight."
We walked the rest of the lot to make sure we hadn't overlooked anything. There might be some secret Honda Civic squeezed between two trucks.
"Let's go inside," he said, after we walked up and down every row.
The inside of the building wasn't much. There were a half dozen black fold-up chairs lining the wall by the front door, a water fountain leaking across the carpet, and bathrooms on either side of a smaller office. We sat in the chairs, feet tucked beneath us, and waited on someone to come out of the office and help us.
After a few minutes my brother leaned over and whispered, "You think they know we're here?"
"They heard the door ding," I said. "They had to."
He got up and walked across the room, dragging his feet over the unevenly bunched carpet. He leaned down and had a drink of water, letting the leak splatter onto the bottom of his blue jeans. When he sat down, he whispered, "They know we're here now. They heard me at the fountain."
A phone rang and we heard a man say, "This is Max." Then he started laughing.
I looked around the room, following a crack in the wall up to the ceiling, through the overhead lights, and down the other wall beside the water fountain. There were pieces of white plaster flaked onto the floor beneath the crack.
The man in the office laughed again and hung up the phone. A few minutes later he walked out of his office. "Hello," he said. "What can I do for you?"
He stretched his mammoth black hand out in front of him and smiled so his gold teeth glinted in the cheap yellow light. When I shook his hand, his head bobbed so much that his afro bounced down to cover one of his eyes.
"I have a few questions about the Elantra," I told him.
"The Elantra?" he said. "I knew you were here for the Elantra when I saw you. Hold on a sec."
He went back in his office.
My brother pulled a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket.
"I'm going outside," he said. "Don't sign anything."
I nodded. The door dinged again when he left and the man came back out of his office.
"Fill this out," he said, handing me a clipboard.
"I had a few questions," I told him.
He handed me a pen and shook his head. "I've got to run your credit first," he said.
I held the clipboard back out to him. "I've just got some questions."
"Look," he said. "You have to have a certain credit score to get a car here. Otherwise it'll have to be in your parents' name."
I looked over my shoulder. My brother was sitting on the sidewalk smoking a cigarette.
"So I have to have a certain credit score to ask you questions about a car?"
He nodded. "I'll be in my office if you need me," he said.
He strode across the room, afro bouncing, and shut his door behind him.
I looked at the form. Name. Birth date. Social Security Number. Current Address. Previous Address.
The door dinged and my brother sat down beside me. "What's that?" he asked.
"A form to check my credit." I told him.
He took the clipboard from me and stared at it for a few seconds. "You're going to buy it?" he asked.
"I don't know anything about it," I told him.
"Why didn't you ask him about the car?" he said.
"I did," I said. "He won't talk to me unless my credit's good."
He took the clipboard and knocked on the man's door with it.
"All done?" the man called out.
He banged the metal clip against the door again.
The man opened his door and stuck his hand out, palm up.
"Excuse me," my brother said.
"She finish filling it out?" the man asked.
"No," my brother said. "We've just got a few questions."
The man stood in the doorway, leaning on the frame with his arms crossed. "Maybe you kids better call it a day," he said.
The crack in the wall got wider and chunks of plaster fell around my head onto the floor. The water fountain started vibrating and then water gushed out from underneath it.
My brother dropped the clipboard on the floor, just inside the office and then shut the man's door. He turned around and nodded at me.
The man started banging on his door. "Hey," he yelled. "What's the deal?"
My brother held the front door open for me, it dinged, and we walked outside. We stood on the sidewalk and watched the entire place come apart, split in the center. One side of the building rolled along an aisle of full-size trucks and the other side stayed put. The water fountain exploded and it started raining. It rained cold chlorinated water and my brother lit up another cigarette.
"Elantras are shit anyway," he said.
As we drove away from the lot, I watched half of the office roll along a field, beside cows and bales of hay. It stayed next to us until we took a left onto the bypass. Then it turned and rolled back toward the lot.
User Reviews
Submitted by jaker29902 (user info) at 2008-01-21 19:52:46 EST (#)
Ranking: -1
what is the point of all this....?
Submitted by Fungah (user info) at 2008-01-21 19:24:45 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I fuckin loved this.
Submitted by Sacrilicious (user info) at 2008-01-05 12:24:48 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
GAH marginwalker is like this elusive superhero who just swoops in when you aren't looking and then takes off for months at a time. Stay a while, woman!
Submitted by marginwalker (user info) at 2008-01-05 11:34:06 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Hello Miss Ghola.
Submitted by Lib (user info) at 2008-01-02 12:25:21 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by orphelia (user info) at 2008-01-02 09:01:59 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by kaos-king (user info) at 2007-12-31 10:43:01 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Only back for today.
http://www.ubersite.com/m/113997
Take care...
Submitted by ilikesteak (user info) at 2007-12-30 21:07:18 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Gholatime.
Submitted by HotWillie (user info) at 2007-12-30 21:01:50 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Use your thumb you lazy cunt.
Submitted by HurtByTheSun (user info) at 2007-12-30 11:47:22 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
ARRRRGHHHH.
Every time I see that fucking HIM name on here I want to rape a kitten even more than I already do.
People who like that shitty excuse for a band should be eliminated from this world.
Submitted by His_Infernal_Majesty (user info) at 2007-12-30 11:42:04 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Elantras ARE shit. Had an 80k mile warranty on mine and it purred like a kitten up till then. After 80k I couldn't keep the POS out of the shop. Got a Sonata now, sexy and WAY more reliable. Newer, too.
Submitted by beer-turtle (user info) at 2007-12-29 15:54:42 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
I drive a 95 toyota camry...had 100k on it when i got it, has 170k now 3 years later. Runs like a champ.
The Japanese compacts usually you can drives the wheels off em. Esp Toyotas and hondas.
Submitted by Ballare (user info) at 2007-12-29 13:52:01 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
Submitted by DudeThatsBOSH (user info) at 2007-12-28 13:51:41 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
"..and my brother lit up another cigarette."
and nodded in agreement.
hahaha well executed sir
to hop in the car discussion, I drive an '89 Toyota Camry and it's still running fiiiine, with over 200,000k on it, buy one of those. They're reliable
Submitted by Susie_Derkins (user info) at 2007-12-29 12:30:06 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
Convertibles are rattling, buzzing garbage mobiles. There's a reason they have their own crash test category: they're half a car. I'd rather have something that had a complete frame. I'd also buy domestic, the parts are cheaper than imports when something buggers off on you. May I reccommend an old Cavalier or Neon?
Submitted by Sacrilicious (user info) at 2007-12-29 02:39:32 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by Sinistral (user info) at 2007-12-28 22:47:52 EST (#)
Ranking: -1
Me personally, I've always been a Nissan person. You can probably find an Altima for pretty cheap, but anything older than around 8 years or so (don't remember exactly, but the body style changed dramatically) is a piece of shit.
===
I doubt you're in the market for an 8+ Altima, but mine's a 97, pre-style change and it still runs. I MUCH prefer the old-style- the new ones are too round and bubbly looking or something.
Submitted by BLITZKREIG_BOB (user info) at 2007-12-29 00:05:29 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Your brother is wise. Never ever buy a Huyundai, especially a used one.
Submitted by Leonore (user info) at 2007-12-28 23:02:37 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Holy BAJEEZUS, can I borrow a cup of your talent for, just, a DAY?
Submitted by Sinistral (user info) at 2007-12-28 22:47:52 EST (#)
Ranking: -1
The writing really wasn't that good to be honest.
As for the car, if you insist on having an econobox for under 10k you best bet is a Civic or Camry.
Me personally, I've always been a Nissan person. You can probably find an Altima for pretty cheap, but anything older than around 8 years or so (don't remember exactly, but the body style changed dramatically) is a piece of shit. Sentras can be had for very cheap.
Nowadays Hyundais have better build quality than both Honda and Toyota (according to Consumer Reports) so an Allantra might not be a bad idea.
Submitted by sadie73 (user info) at 2007-12-28 21:36:06 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by haikumikoo (user info) at 2007-12-28 19:09:08 EST (#)
Ranking: -1
Too much build up, for nothing, really. With these short posts, it seems like you have to be interesting from the start to catch the reader.
Ostensibly, I was not caught.
Not trying to be mean...
============
Not mean? Just an ass.
Submitted by haikumikoo (user info) at 2007-12-28 19:09:08 EST (#)
Ranking: -1
Too much build up, for nothing, really. With these short posts, it seems like you have to be interesting from the start to catch the reader.
Ostensibly, I was not caught.
Not trying to be mean...
Submitted by sadie73 (user info) at 2007-12-28 18:37:24 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by ghola (user info) at 2007-12-28 18:18:50 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
no snow. it's Georgia
========
Lucky you. Anyway, many people I know have had great luck with Subarus, getting over 200,000 miles with no major problems. And they aren't that expensive. Kind of small, but I don't know what you plan to haul around.
Submitted by ghola (user info) at 2007-12-28 18:18:50 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
no snow. it's Georgia
Submitted by sadie73 (user info) at 2007-12-28 18:10:59 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Good story. All true, I assume.
Do you live where there's snow? Get a Subaru. Good mileage, great in snow, and they last forever.
Submitted by scourge (user info) at 2007-12-28 16:42:01 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
i'm shopping around for a 15 years old (give or take) diesel mini-pickup in decent shape. i'm gonna run it off of discarded restaurant grease.
that way i won't feel bad about buying an old 911 just to have as a toy.
Submitted by ChaosJester (user info) at 2007-12-28 15:41:03 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by ghola (user info) at 2007-12-28 13:10:07 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
btw, read this. it is wonderful
http://www.bearparade.com/smallpalehumans/
******************************
I can see why you think so.
Submitted by CaptainThorns (user info) at 2007-12-28 15:10:06 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
I've been quite content with my Saturn for some time now.
Yes, I know the resale value is shit, but it's built well and has been good to me.
Submitted by hidden101 (user info) at 2007-12-28 15:05:03 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
the last time i bought a car, i hadn't even seen it in person. i called and specified what i wanted and just walked in, signed the papers, and drove it off the lot. the time before that, i told the salesman which car i wanted after looking through the lot and told him how much i would pay for it, and then i wrote him a check and drove off. i guess it gets a little trickier if you have to finance a car, but it still shouldn't be very hard if you can do basic math.
i never really understand how people say they have a hard time with car salesmen and dealerships. it seems like a no brainer. you know what car you want and how much you are willing to pay for it. if they won't give it to you for that price, leave and start looking for something else.
i know a lot about car dealerships because a friend of mine owns a huge one and his father owns about ten more. if anyone wants advice on how to talk to a salesman, let me know.
Submitted by monkeyswithguns (user info) at 2007-12-28 14:53:02 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Decent.
Also, my missus ended up with an Elantra, they're not bad at all, though we originally set out for an Accent.
I think you'd have been getting gyped though, because she bought it brand new and only paid around $9,000.00 last year from a dealer in Macon.
Submitted by FALLEN (user info) at 2007-12-28 14:33:28 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
".....There might be some secret Honda Civic squeezed between two trucks. "
Exactly where Civics belong.
I hate car dealers.
Submitted by c1ndy (user info) at 2007-12-28 14:18:10 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Better to buy from a person than a dealer, then pay a mechanic to check it over before you buy it.
Submitted by Rhymenocerous (user info) at 2007-12-28 14:00:18 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Xterras are shit for all-around driving.
Saab's last forever, good gas mileage, very safe, handle well, they have some zip to them, good interior room, never get stuck in snow (growing up in new england i can personally vouch for this), and they're relatively inexpensive.
audi a4's are also nice.
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2007-12-28 13:53:44 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
You've exhausted me. I have to go eat lunch.
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2007-12-28 13:52:52 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
A 2003 Nissan Xterra, 51,000 miles, for less than 12k.
It looks nice. Go buy it, now.
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2007-12-28 13:52:34 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
I've got a Mustang convertible. I quite like it.
Submitted by Rhymenocerous (user info) at 2007-12-28 13:52:06 EST (#)
Ranking: -1
This was rather boring.
Everyone shits on car dealers. Some of them aren't that bad. When I bought my car in August, I just let the guy talk. He didn't sell me the car. I bought the car. There's a difference. If you know what you're looking for, the only real question is what the previous owner did to the car, where he/she lived, and why he/she traded it in. You really shouldn't go car shopping without knowing exactly what you want.
That aside, Toyotas last forever when taken care of and pretty much give you the best bang for your buck. My aunt bought an '07 Civic. Pretty fun to drive and it's got some pep to it. Hondas last forever, too.
It really depends on what you're looking for.
Submitted by DudeThatsBOSH (user info) at 2007-12-28 13:51:41 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
"..and my brother lit up another cigarette."
and nodded in agreement.
Submitted by Jeanneee (user info) at 2007-12-28 13:51:00 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I have an Elantra, I love it.
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2007-12-28 13:50:39 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Fuck you're picky.
OK, try this link:
http://hiltonhead.stokesbrowntoyota.com/Inventory-List.aspx
Submitted by creep_firebombing (user info) at 2007-12-28 13:49:15 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
Start stripping and buy yourself an Escalade.
Submitted by ghola (user info) at 2007-12-28 13:49:12 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
i want a toyota, honda, nissan or something along those lines. dependable and not sporty. low mileage.
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2007-12-28 13:47:34 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
So that rules out the Volkswagon Cabrio GLX...
Maybe you'd like a nice Soccer Mom Astro Van of some kind?
Submitted by ghola (user info) at 2007-12-28 13:43:24 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
scratch convertible's shlong. the insurance will kill me.
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2007-12-28 13:39:51 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
What are you, an auto mechanic?
Where are you getting your info?
OK, scratch the Mustang...How about the Chrysler Sebring convertible?
Submitted by Sacrilicious (user info) at 2007-12-28 13:39:47 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Do you have CarSense in your area? Everyone I know who has used them is happy.
I bought my Nissan from Enterprise- they were great, too.
Submitted by EmissionImpossible (user info) at 2007-12-28 13:39:27 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
thats a good site
BMW 323ic Automatic Convertible i say
Submitted by ghola (user info) at 2007-12-28 13:35:41 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
mustangs are pieces of shit and crumple like aluminum foil.
keep in mind that i also need to be able to afford the insurance.
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2007-12-28 13:34:50 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I think the red, Mustang Coupe would fit you prefectly.
Submitted by ghola (user info) at 2007-12-28 13:32:34 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
i looked at them and emailed you.
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2007-12-28 13:31:17 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
That website has cars in every price range...the owner is a friend of mine...he only deals with GOOD used cars - not bags of shit dressed up with pretty paint.
Go to the website and hit "Cars" link and take a look...I think you'd look hotter than usual in a convertible. He has a bunch.
Submitted by ghola (user info) at 2007-12-28 13:27:06 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
If I have time, I'll do that on Saturday also. I will try to call you to figure out which car lots to go to.
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2007-12-28 13:26:34 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
See if there's anything HERE that suits you:
http://www.lowcountrymotors.com/
If so, shoot me an email and we'll go from there.
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2007-12-28 13:22:14 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Car dealers sales people are such assholes.
Drive over to SC and I told you, I'll hook you up with someone who will take care of you.
Submitted by ghola (user info) at 2007-12-28 13:20:42 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
nissan's are okay too. i'm gong carshopping tomorrow, but just to price things and get ideas.
Submitted by Sacrilicious (user info) at 2007-12-28 13:18:57 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Toyota's my second choice. Though, I've not been very nice to my Nissan and it's been serving me well for 7ish years- and I bought it used.
Submitted by HurtByTheSun (user info) at 2007-12-28 13:18:04 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by ghola (user info) at 2007-12-28 18:16:59 GMT (#)
Ranking: 0
that last message was to toast.
also, hurty, i want a car.
========
Fair enough. I had a Nissan Sentra when I lived in America. It was cheap to run, and buy. A '99 was about $5000.
Submitted by EmissionImpossible (user info) at 2007-12-28 13:17:48 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
you should get a campavan
Submitted by ghola (user info) at 2007-12-28 13:16:59 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
that last message was to toast.
also, hurty, i want a car.
Submitted by ghola (user info) at 2007-12-28 13:16:08 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
omg your car is utter shit.
my car right now makes horrible grinding noises and overheats and the fan belt is bad and the a/c doesn't work. also, my license got suspended for failure to appear in court. i guess i forgot about that ticket. now i have to give the city all my money. then they'll probably make me take a new picture which is always bad.
anyway, thanks for reading my post.
Submitted by HurtByTheSun (user info) at 2007-12-28 13:15:22 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by ghola (user info) at 2007-12-28 18:12:02 GMT (#)
Ranking: 0
how much is a toyota hi lux? Not a new one.
======
You can get them for quite cheap.
Obviously these are British, but you get the idea:
http://www.autoweb.co.uk/seo_1/mods.asp?cdModel=Hilux
Submitted by EmissionImpossible (user info) at 2007-12-28 13:15:03 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
thanks Brdn_Nkd
Submitted by sicosemen (user info) at 2007-12-28 13:15:01 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Get a hybrid, like a civic. You'll be glad in the long run.
Submitted by Brdn_Nkd (user info) at 2007-12-28 13:14:35 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
beautiful
Submitted by DeadToast (user info) at 2007-12-28 13:13:45 EST (#)
Ranking: -1
I own an Elantra.
This wasn't a good post, though.
Submitted by EmissionImpossible (user info) at 2007-12-28 13:12:40 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
watch top gear and decide
Submitted by ghola (user info) at 2007-12-28 13:12:02 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
how much is a toyota hi lux? Not a new one.
Submitted by HurtByTheSun (user info) at 2007-12-28 13:10:19 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Get a Toyota Hi Lux.
Submitted by ghola (user info) at 2007-12-28 13:10:07 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
btw, read this. it is wonderful
http://www.bearparade.com/smallpalehumans/
Submitted by ghola (user info) at 2007-12-28 13:09:39 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
i want a honda or a toyota
Submitted by Sacrilicious (user info) at 2007-12-28 13:09:14 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
EW.
Good luck- I'm starting my own search pretty soon. I think I want a Honda.