If you’re like me, buying a brand new car isn’t necessarily in the cards. The good news is you don’t always have to buy new to get a great vehicle! There are a large number of used vehicles on the market today and Edmunds.com recently compiled a list to help consumers sort through the choices and determine their ideal vehicle. Two of these vehicles are the Chicago used Hyundai Azera and the Chicago used Hyundai Elantra Touring – both of which are available at your local Hyundai dealer.

Edmunds.com is a leading online automotive resource. In order to determine the “Used Car Best Bets for 2010,” their editors and experts looked at reliability, safety, value, and availability. They also looked at consumer ratings and vehicle longevity while applying their own experience and judgment, and this is what they found about the Azera and the Elantra Touring

When it comes to the Chicago used Hyundai Azera, the 2006-2008 models were at the top of the large used sedan segment. Editors credit this to its upscale look and unexpected luxury features, adding that it has a reasonable price tag, solid build, and steadfast reliability. Crash test scores and a smooth performance also added to its résumé.

As for the Chicago used Hyundai Elantra Touring, the 2003-2008 models lead the compact used car segment. In explaining this decision, editors point to class-leading interior space, outstanding handling, and overall refinement. Every year, the Azera adds upgrades and standard equipment so its value only continues to improve.

Not all used cars can boast leading safety so it is important to note that both of these vehicles feature class-leading safety technology. This helps them to perform strongly in crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and allows for the continued reliability and strong residual values.

So if you’re in need of a vehicle, consider the value and affordability of a used car from Patrick Hyundai! For an Edmunds.com “Used Car Best Bet for 2010,” consider the Elantra or the Azera but remember these are just a two of the possible choices. Visit Patrick Hyundai today and see everything that they have available!

When you are looking for a new car, there’s no doubt that cost is one of the top factors for buying or not buying it.  But, there are some things to consider.  Just because the auto’s sticker price is low, doesn’t mean the cost to own it is low.  I’ll explain more, but lucky for your Chicago Elantra and Accent dealer, two Hyundai models were recently chosen among the 10 least expensive cars to own!

Car and Driver, a top auto information source, recently published a study they compiled of ten automobiles that are not expensive to own.  This study took into account the sticker price, insurance rates, and fuel prices to get the list they feel is most accurate.  They assumed three-year ownership and based insurance costs on a 28 year old male, living in the Ann Arbor, MI area, single, and ticket free.  In addition, the fuel costs were figured for driving a Chicago Hyundai Elantra about 12K miles/year with an average gas cost of $2.57/gallon.

The 2010 Elantra was the first auto that they discussed.  There are several features on this exciting car that make it affordable for its owner.  The base model price is around $14K and over the 3-year period, it will cost you around $3200 in fuel and $3500 for insurance.  The gas mileage combined is a nice 28 mpg.  Taking this into account, you’ll spend around $21K to own and operate your Chicago Hyundai Elantra over this assumed three-year ownership.  That is certainly an amount I can live with – pretty stress free!

Another nice Hyundai model that made this list is the Chicago Accent Three-Door Hatchback.   A girl in my neighborhood, who recently graduated from college, was looking for a new reliable, inexpensive car, and this was the model she decided on!  Based on Car and Driver’s stats, she spent around $11K on the purchase price for a base model, with the combined fuel economy of 31 mpg- Awesome!  The insurance rates for Korean cars do tend to be higher, I didn’t realize that, but if she keeps it for 3 years, she’ll spend around $4300 on insurance and $3k on gas, for a total three year expense of about $18K.  Very nice rates for a recent college grad just starting out in the “real world”.

It’s nice to see these Hyundai models on the radar for being affordable. There’s certainly many more great attributes to driving them.  Head to your local dealer today and take one for a spin!

Hyundai is really establishing itself as a leading car company.  They have accomplished a major feat by surpassing Toyota and Honda in the Brand Loyalty Category.   Based on information received by a Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence study, around 56% of Hyundai owners are looking at new cars within the brand.  Honda is still at the number 2 spot, while Toyota slipped to 3rd place, due to all the recent brand recalls for that automaker.  This is great news for your used Hyundai Chicago dealer, this news should help keep loyal customers coming and hopefully gaining some new ones!

Hyundai’s recent success can be attributed to several things. They’ve released the 2010 Tucson and the 2011 Sonata that are great autos.  I also like the 2010 Chicago Hyundai Elantra Touring.  Hyundai has a great warranty program for buyers to take advantage of as well as their outstanding Assurance Program.  Let’s take a look at what some Hyundai models have to offer.

The 2010 Tucson went on sale early this year and is an awesome compact SUV.  It has quite a bit of cargo room, more than some of it’s same class competitors.  Great news if you have kids to tote around, or like to take weekend road trips!  It also has a beautiful new exterior, that Hyundai is referring to as “fluidic sculpture”, with sloping lines and a modern looking front grille and headlights!

The 2011 Sonata is also at your local dealerships and has much to offer.  Pricing wise, it starts out around $20K, a little higher than the 2010 Chicago Hyundai Elantra, which starts out at $17K for a base model.  The newest Sonata features Hyundai’s in-house developed Gasoline Direct Injection Engine, which helps the 2.4 Liter engine reach it’s maximum potential.  This Sonata can comfortably seat 5 and has wireless capabilities, MP3 connectivity, and a nice stereo system.

There certainly is a lot to be said about Hyundai’s line-up of great cars and SUV’s.  Even if a used Hyundai Chicago is more your style, your local dealer is happy to hook you up with one.  See for yourself why this brand’s loyalty is on the rise!

In a troubling economy, if a car company can see ratings improve, that is certainly a great thing.  Hyundai is experiencing just that.  According to Experian Automotive, Hyundai’s overall brand loyalty jumped up to almost tie with Toyota.  Hyundai is tied for fifth, as the brand loyalty is around 40%.  Also, Hyundai improved in market share gains.  Both of these areas are important and will help the automaker be successful once the market and economy turn around.   Too bad none of us have a crystal ball to find out exactly when that will be!

Hyundai cars’ popularity is certainly on the rise.  They’ve always been known for being affordable and now they are more powerful, elegant, and sporty, able to compete with other great cars, SUV’s, and crossovers in their class. All you have to do is visit a local dealer and check out new models, the Chicago used Elantra, and the Chicago used  Sonata.

The 2010 Elantra is a sedan worth checking out.  It’s not a flashy car by any means, but it’ll get the job done well in your daily commute, drive to the grocery store, or taking your kids to and from their many activities!  One big bonus is the 100,000 mile powertrain warranty that comes with the cost of the car, which starts around $14K for a the basic 4-door sedan.  Of course, you can also opt for the Chicago used Elantra if that’s more your forte?!?!

The 2010 Sonata is also a nice car if you need something new, but don’t want to empty your pocketbook.  It’s a mid-size sedan, offering some more leg room versus the Elantra.  The base price for the base, GLS model, is around $18K and comes with excellent fuel economy.   The MPG estimate for city driving is 21 mpg and on the highway it’s 32 mpg.  Like the Chicago used Sonata, the 2010 model has many safety features that come standard.

Experian’s auto facts show us that Hyundai motor company is doing well, despite a not so great economy.  They are seeing more brand loyalty, better performance ratings, and continue to make cars that are durable and affordable.  Visit your local dealer today and see one for yourself.

This Hyundai Illinois is the first in the world that can run on the liquified petroleum and is also able to run via lithium-ion polymer batteries. Some positive aspects of this type of battery are that it costs less to make, holds a higher density of energy, and is overall a more reliable battery. To include some facts on the LPI HEV model, this car boasts a 114 hp 1.6 L four-Cycling LPI engine with a 20 hp electric motor. One thing a driver will notice is that the Hyundai Illinois does not reach higher speeds as quickly as other luxury car models, due to the lower horse powered motor. But, it is still an exciting car to own!

In addition, the driver who travels approximately 12, 400 miles a year will save around $1,000 in gas costs by purchasing the Elantra LPI HEV versus a regular Elantra. In a time when we are all looking to save money, this is an added bonus to this exciting hybrid.

Soon to join LPI HEV Hyundai, is a Chicago Hyundai Sonata Hybrid that will be out in 2010. The makers for this car company are also excited about this model. Their ultimate goal is to make their hybrid cars more fuel efficient than Toyota and Honda by the year 2015. This will not be an easy feat to accomplish. The system that will be used in the Hyundai Sonata is called a parallel hybrid system. This means that the wheels are powered by the gasoline engine, the electric motor, or depending on the road conditions, both power sources can be used together. This model will also feature a lithium ion battery.

Please visit your local Hyundai store to check out these exciting hybrids and other Used Hyundai Chicago models.