Teacher well-schooled on benefits of Hyundai

Debra Ketchum is a true believer in the Hyundai automobile; she recently purchased her fourth Hyundai.

Ketchum, a music specialist at Lake Elementary and an 11-year resident of Las Vegas, recently purchased a 2013 Elantra from Planet Hyundai Centennial .

"While on vacation in California in July, the engine light came on in my other car," Ketchum said. "I spoke with Planet Hyundai Centennial service adviser Bryan Zasloff. He was very patient with me and answered all my questions. He is the reason I drove all the way across town to have my car checked out."

Another dealership required Ketchum to pay a $120 fee for a diagnostic check, but Zasloff took time to explain that the fee would be removed if the repairs were done at the dealership.

"Bryan went above and beyond for me, and I ended up buying a car here ultimately because he was so attentive and concerned for my best interest. I was sitting in the lounge and there was an in-house infomercial saying that the dealership could get people into a new car, in most cases for lower payments. I spoke to one of the girls on the desk and asked to speak with one of the salespeople."

Before long, the native of Hampton, Neb., was speaking with dealership sales consultant Mike Laundau, who helped her decide on her new blue 2013 Elantra.

"I love the steering capabilities in the Elantra," she said. "Hyundai has really improved its cars over the years. They have listened to the consumer needs and created a very affordable, high-quality product."

Ketchum said the safety of the Hyundai was one of the biggest reasons for her purchase.

"There were several factors that I considered before I traded in my old car. For instance, the fact that the Elantra has lower emissions compared to other popular cars in its class is very important to me. The environment is key to our survival and Hyundai has done an excellent job of addressing the issue."

Ketchum is planning to take her new car on a trip to Arizona.

"I'm looking forward to the drive, especially considering that it has Bluetooth. It's really awesome and I have never had the controls for the radio on the steering wheel. In addition, it gets excellent gas mileage.

"I have been treated very well by the dealership and Mike Landau really listened to my needs. I would definitely recommend that people shop at Planet Hyundai Centennial. Once a person drives one of these cars, they will be hooked. With a 10-year, 100,000-mile power train warranty, you know that Hyundai means business."

In the meantime, Ketchum's 24-year-old son Tyler is driving her 2006 Hyundai.

"He calls it his Ferrari. He's so hard on the car but it keeps on going."

Planet Hyundai Centennial is at 6200 Centennial Center Blvd. Also under the same ownership umbrella is Planet Hyundai Sahara, 7150 West Sahara Ave., and the Planet Hyundai Used Car Superstore, 7100 W. Sahara Ave.

For more information on Planet Hyundai, call 702-483-2200 (Centennial) or 702-938-1400 (Sahara) or visit www.planetlv.com.