Hyundai Repair: 2001 elantra- 3 questions, elantra, shift knob

Question
2001 Elantra GTS.

I am just curious if the dealership service employee I spoke with knows what they are talking about.

The light that illuminates the gear the vehicle is in under the shift knob went out.  Obviously no big deal at all.  I asked if this could be fixed easy, and was told "No, in order to change the light they need to take the entire panel out and it would cost hundreds of dollars".

I just find that hard to believe.  One would think anywhere a light bulb is put, they would make it somewhat easily accessable to change.  

Answer
Unfortunately, to replace that bulb, the console must be removed.  "Hundreds of dollars" sounds a little excessive, but I wouldn't be surprised if it were between $50 and $100.  I don't know where you live, and so don't know the typical labor prices in your area; keep in mind these are just guesstimates.