Hi everyone,

My family and I are looking to purchase a new vehicle by the time I move out for college (mid-September). We really like the ET SE but none of the dealers around town carry a 2011 SE. I only see 2011 GLS listed. We'd prefer an SE but we also want a 2011 model. Should we go for a 2010 SE or a 2011 GLS?

- Car n00b :P

 

The GLS will be cheaper but you might not be as happy with it if you want the SE. Personally, I'd keep looking or buy a leftover 2010 SE if you can find one.

 

From what I read the only difference between the 2010 and 2011 SE are leather seats, a feature that flashes the signal light three times when changing lanes and when you hit the key fob to unlock your door the headlights come on (welcome). If you can find a 2010 and don't care about the other features, you may get a better deal. Oh I forgot they have a few new colors also.

I purchased an SE 5spd manual back on July 17th and enjoying driving it.

Good luck

 

Thanks for the input guys. I think we'll try and get a 2010 SE. Hopefully, I'll able to join the ET family soon.

 

GLS in a landslide, unless you prefer the rougher riding 17 inch ET tires and having scratches on your alloys. The GLS with prefered package #2 is a much better value. Good luck

 

That's easy to prevent: learn how to parallel park without hitting the curb. Problem solved.

I've gone over 7 years with 5 different cars that had 17" or even 18" wheels and never curbed one.

 

Thanks for telling me about the popular equipment package for the GLS. I think we'll go for that instead since it is less expensive and comes with the features we want.

 

Yep, that's what I did..GLS with the pop options package - not interested in a sunroof or heated seats, especially with cloth.

I will add color coded 17" wheels and approp. tires when the pieces of junk (Hankooks Optimo H426) that came with the car wear out, which I hear is around 24,000 - 30,000 miles.

 

There are still some 2010's out there. I would definitely try to find one. I just bought a 2010 SE on monday and spent $1000 less than MSRP on a 2011 GLS. You could probably get a 2010 GLS at a really nice price. The differences between the 2010s and 2011s isn't worth the extra price to me.

I personally preferred the handling of the SE. It is a more engaging car to drive with the larger tires. Some people prefer the softer feel of the GLS. Although, the difference isn't that great and most people won't notice it.

Dont worry about scratching your alloy wheels. That's never been an issue for me in the last 10 years.

If the handling isn't an issue, it really comes down how much you want a sunroof and/or heated seats.

If you do get a GLS, then you definitely want to get the popular package.

 

I just bought our 2010 Elantra Touring SE. It took some persistence, but I was able to get it for the sticker price of the GLS! Keep looking for the 2010's and you will find some bargains.