I did just that earlier this year, albeit with Hyundai's "cousin's" KIA
sportier 2004 1/2 Spectra EX 4 door.  I have been impressed with the
excellent quality of fit, workmanship darn good mileage (I like filling up
in Ventura and not have to get fuel until Quartzsite, AZ - 325 miles and I
still have over a 1/4 tank!).  I even opted for the 3 year maintenance plan
for a few extra bucks.  The Parts/Service Manager (he wears two hats) says
this model is the best overall he's ever seen for the value.

Jim Thompson
84 Westfalia 2.1 "Ole Putt"
73 K Ghia Cp "Denise"
04.5 KIA Spectra
oldvolkshome@earthlink.net
jim@karmannghia.com
http://www.oldvolkshome.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dennis Haynes" <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
> If you are not partial to a VW,
> consider a Hyundai Elantra. We can get them here for ~$14k loaded and
> they do 32 mpg. You can buy a lot of gas for $8k. They also have the 10
> year 100k warranty.