Hyundai Santa Fe?

[cdepuydt]

Hey fellow Roc'ers...my wife and I are thinking about upgrading our '05 Honda Accord, to a small/mid-sized SUV, after the lease runs out. My wife would like something with AWD after this winter of almost "100 of snow here in WI this year.

We have test driven quite a few vehicles including the CR-V, Rav 4, Rogue, Edge, CX-7, to name a few. While they are all very nice/solid vehicles and they all have their pros and cons, none of them really stand out from the crowd. I also wanted to take a Outlander and Sportage out for a spin, but the vehicle I really want to take out for a test drive is the Hyundai Santa Fe. Everything I have read about it is very positive and Consumer Reports has it rated #2 behind the Rav 4 for small/mid sized SUV's.

Anyway, I have never had any experience with any Hyundai vehicles and was just wondering if any fellow ROC members have a Santa Fe and what their experience has been with it (positive or negative). Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Oh, and I would appreciate it if only those folks with actual Santa Fe driving/owning experience would reply. I really don't want any of those kinda post that say things like, "Well, my 1/2 sisters, cousin knew a guy who saw one once and he said it was nice". :D

Thanks...CD.

[ROTORRAY]

Hyundai owns Kia so you can also look at Kia for similar models. My daughter owns a Kia Sorento and loves it. V-6 power and great reliability the past few years she's had it. No complaints. Price was also reasonable. :D

[mmurphy50]

I traded my Santa Fe for my RL back in August. It was reliable in the repair and maintenance dept. In the snow it was OK not Great like the RL. Gas mileage is better compared to an RL (not a surprise). I would recommend the 6 cyl over the 4. The 4 just was not strong enough. All in all I like my Santa Fe, it was just time for a change for me.

Hope this helps.:)

[cdepuydt]

Thanks guys. Every little bit of "real world" experience/information helps. Yeah, that is what I was thinking, was getting one with a V-6. I like the cylinder as far as gas mileage goes(although, from what I been reading, there isn't whole heck of a lot of difference), but as far as longevity, I think a 6 would be better. If we do buy it, I think we would be keeping it for quite a while. That's why I wanted to get some input from owners.

[Stackedape]

Actually,
It was the Rav and CRV 2nd... I too read the article...and the only reason the RAV won 1st was because of the locking rear differential option...

[OhioJeffro]

Actually,
It was the Rav and CRV 2nd... I too read the article...and the only reason the RAV won 1st was because of the locking rear differential option...

+1 unless they are looking at V6 models, which are not available in the CRV, then the Hyundai would technically be second.

[Stackedape]

My Bad - V6 category you are correct.

[CBRidgeJockey]

Only issues I have heard about Kia's and Hyundai's is the plastic quality both interior and exterior. My friends 06 Sante Fe had rocks actually crack the inside wheel well plastic and the dealer would not repair or replace under warranty. I would stick with the top 3 imports, JMO.;)

[X-Brawn]

CR-V all the way. First, my parents bought one then I liked it so much I traded my Ridgeline in for one! The new 2008 models have a lot for the money, and they'll hold their resale values quite well.

Hyundai/Kia hold their value poorly, both have had "troublesome" reliability in the past and the plastics (as mentioned) inside and out feel and look cheap. If you want good quality, and a good price, the CR-V is a god pick even if it doesn't have a V6.

[k757]

Hyundai/Kia hold their value poorly, both have had "troublesome" reliability in the past and the plastics (as mentioned) inside and out feel and look cheap.hold value poorly? you mean better than holding their value like the Ridgeline? :rolleyes: :o The Sante Fe is a mid-sized SUV (CR-V is much smaller) with a 242hp V6. I have been in the new Hyundais and they are nothing like in the past (see Sonata & Azera). Kind of important as people are buying new vehicles so what does the past have to do with anything?!?! (have you examined old Toyota/Hondas? not impressive) The Hyundai plan from years ago is to be #1 in sales by 2010. They may not make that, but that says a lot about their quality. I would definitely buy a Hyundai if they had something of what I wanted, like their new Genesis (Mmmmm) (http://www.hyundaigenesis.com/)

If you want good quality, and a good price, the CR-V is a god pick even if it doesn't have a V6.the CR-V is just another in the group of essentially equal small SUV. I wasn't impressed with the "good" CR-V, so your claim means "for you". :p

[mmurphy50]

Hyundai/Kia hold their value poorly

Forgot about that. I didn't do that great on my trade in.:mad:

[X-Brawn]

Forgot about that. I didn't do that great on my trade in.:mad:

Although I normally don't trade but every four years (if that), resale has become more of an issue to me more then ever. One concern I had (and still have) about our beloved Ridgeline's is Honda's continued discounts and (as it seems) persistent rebates and the like on the Ridgeline and to an extent the Odyssey. Plus, right now, the truck segment of the market has been experiencing a slump in sales because of the rising gas prices. I traded mainly because of the rising gas prices, and because the Ridgeline's resale value isn't as strong as some of the other Honda models. I figured for me now was the best time then wait for any possible revisions for 2009 further devaluing the truck.

NOW, back to mid-sized SUV (EVEN IF THE ORIGINAL POST MENTIONED THE CR-V AND MID/SMALL SUVS) comparisons and comments (and hopefully no one will feel the need to dissect my post). The newer, larger, Sorento is a great vehicle and does get decent mileage. From all of the research I did, it should get about what the Ridgeline does (15-17 MPG mixed if not better) and should have better reliability then the history that Hyundai/Kia had for unreliable vehicles in the not-so-distant past. Many reviews say that some of the interior plastics felt cheap, and when I recently looked (at a dealer's lot) at one I kind of agree. The plastics reminded me of that from GM trucks from the early 2000s. Solid, thick, but not fantastic of a feel or finish. The fitments of the various panels was very good and any gaps were generally uniform and even.

If a V6 is a requirement, there is the Hyundai/Kia SUVs, RAV-4, Ford Escape/Mercury Mountaineer (which are available as FWD hybrids), Chevy Equinox, Jeep Liberty, and other models. I chose the CR-V (and the RAV-4 would work just as well) for it's better fuel economy then the larger brethren and it's smaller size for the tight to manage parking lots in Tucson.

But, if the plastics don't bother you in the Sorento, and it test drives well, then by all means buy what is right for you and be happy. There is no need to be stuck, or feel stuck, by a vehicle you aren't satisfied with. Now, if resale values and how quickly it depreciates aren't too big of a concern then I'd go with it and RUN!

[meanmachine19]

I bought a Hyundai 21 years ago when they first came out. It was a disposable car back then with poor resale value. With that said, I liked my first 'brand new' car and had it for 3 years. For a little car, it handled very well, even in snow.

But like I said, that was 21 years ago.

I've only heard good reviews for Hyundai, especially in the past two years. I would not hesitate to look at it again if it was something I needed. And, it is a few grand less than Toyota and Honda, which has made it appealing to many.

If I were to change to a different type vehicle, I would do so with mpg in mind. The days of gas under $3 are pretty much gone, and if you plan on keeping a vehicle for several years, then you should factor that in.

Let us know how it works out.

[cdepuydt]

Thanks for your input folks.

OK, XBrawn and MM19...chill! I do not want this to become some sort of whizzing match...between which vehicle is BETTER the CR-V or SF...that is not what I asked for. All I asked for is actual "real world" experience with the Santa Fe. My wife is not interested in the Sorento. As a matter of fact, even if she was interested in one, I would probably steer her away from one due to the fact that my brother and his wife own one...and had it in the shop for warranty repairs around 18 times the first couple of years...including one visit where the engine had to be replaced.

Besides, I dunno if you have looked inside a Santa Fe, XBrawn, but I was pretty impressed when I took it for a test drive. The interior looks anything but cheap and I thought the fit and finish was up to par with my RL. The SF had a very nice interior and it probably would rival much more expensive vehicles.

Anyway...again...I don't want this to become some sort of whizzing match on whether a CR-V is nicer/better than a SF. That is not what I am looking for. With that being said, I do appreciate the input.

[k757]

Besides, I dunno if you have looked inside a Santa Fe, XBrawn, but I was pretty impressed when I took it for a test drive. The interior looks anything but cheap and I thought the fit and finish was up to par with my RL. The SF had a very nice interior and it probably would rival much more expensive vehicles.The current Hyundai is not the Hyundai of old. When people give them a fair chance, they will be surprised. In some regards, Hyundai is like the Honda Ridgeline... Honda doesn't and can't make a truck, right? :rolleyes:

I steered two people I know to Hyundai Sonatas and they love them. I've actually been in theirs after many thousands of miles and they rival any competitor across the board.




I've posted this before, but the Hyundai Genesis's (coupe & sedan) will be quite impressive.

http://image.motortrend.com/f/auto-shows/first-undisguised-shots-of-hyundai-genesis-coupe/7254886+cr1+re0+ar1/hyundai-coupe-side.jpg

http://z.about.com/d/cars/1/7/Q/k/ny_hyundai_genesis.jpg
Hyundai reportedly benchmarked the BMW 5-Series sedan during the Genesis' development; their press release indicates the Genesis body-in-white exceeds BMW's in torsional rigidity by 14%. [4]

Initial press released indicate the Genesis has more interior volume than Mercedes Benz E-Class and BMW 7-Series. [4]

Hyundai will use an advanced 5-link rear suspension for enhanced ride and handling characteristics. Front/rear balance is targeted at 53% front, 47% rear.

The Tau V8 is Hyundai's first internally engineered 8 cylinder engine and Hyundai's first V8 equipped vehicle offered in North America. The 4.6L engine produces an estimated 375 horsepower (280 kW). Hyundai has reported 0-60 times of less than 6 seconds.

So is Hyundai just some little econobox company anymore? I vote nay

[cdepuydt]

Well, the wife and I took test drives of the vehicles on our "short list". We took a CR-V, Edge, and SF for test drives on Sat. I could go into everything that helped us make our decision....but suffice it to say, the SF impressed us again and even rivled, if not outdid, the much more expensive Edge...in handling, quietness of ride, driving characteristics, etc.

While we both liked the CR-V, and really liked the mileage it will get, it is a little small for what we plan on using the vehicle for and, again, the SF really impressed us. My wife kinda had her heart set on an Edge, but after the test drives and after we talked, we decided the SF was the best "middle ground" as far as size, MPG, performance, etc., of all the 3 vehicles. Now we just gotta decide which option package/level we want to go with. I really like the navigation/DVD...but that bumps up the price another $3K...

Anyway...just wanted to put some "closure" to this thead...thanks for everybody's input.

CD

[Jack]

Now for a different view. I have never owned a Hyundai or a Kia. That said I did spend 5 years in South Korea and I make regular trips to the country. Hyundai is no longer the cheap little Korean buzz bomb it was back in the early eighties, it now rivals any of the imports. While in Korea I had many chances to drive the Korean version of the CJ, made under license to Hyundai and used by their and our military. Excellent vehicle, not the soft CJ of today but like the old jeep! And, they are diesel 4 and 6, not gas, torque out the butt!

When I went to buy the Ridge, it was a toss between the Ridge and the SF. The ridge won because I needed a place to haul the occasional load of dirt, fridge, boy scout camping gear. The wife (who is Korean but did not influence the descision) said I could get the SF and get a hitch and a trailer if I needed to haul anything. It was that close, but the Ridge won.

I know you are looking at the SF for the SUV type traction and all, but have you looked at the new Hyundai Azzera? Beats any Acura, Lexus, sedan I have tried, and I am told they do offer a fulltime 4wd version of the Azzera.

Good luck!

There is no direct relation from Korean to English, but Hyundai kind of means "let's go forward" a Kimchi version of Get er done!

[k757]

I know you are looking at the SF for the SUV type traction and all, but have you looked at the new Hyundai Azzera? Beats any Acura, Lexus, sedan I have tried, and I am told they do offer a fulltime 4wd version of the Azzera.I would dare match up the Loaded Accord against the Azera. I really liked the Azera when I test drove it, but the Accord is a bit more refined. In a few years, I can see Hyundai being better than Honda and Toyota in any line

[Rodek]

I toured the Hyundai plant in Montgomery Alabama yesterday. I watched them make Santa Fe's and Sonatas. Quite the impressive operation and I did not see a single unhappy employee. My view of Hyundai is that they are now making top notch quality vehicles. If you choose the Santa Fe, you made a wise decision.

[cdepuydt]

Thanks again for the input. It's interesting...I was just watching a show on the Discovery Channel...I don't know what show it was (Maybe "Some Assembly Required") and they were showing some of the things that go into building SF's and Sonata's. It was pretty impressive.

The one part that caught my eye was the part of the show where they showed them "dipping" the SF's frame in primer. They assemble the frame, put a negative charge into the frame, and then the whole entire thing is submerged in this huge pool of primer (which is positively charge) and then it is rotated upside down, while submerged. They asked them why they do that...and they said it's to get ALL the bubbles out of the frame, so the primer gets in every nook and cranny.

Yeah, I agree...Hyundai has really committed itself to producing a quality product and it shows.

[ToyTruck]

Late to chime in, but my wife drives an 06 (last of the "Guppy" models) Santa Fe and loves it. She has the small (2.7) V-6 and averages 22 mpg in a stop and go commute. 25 mpg on the road easily. Two years and overall a great vehicle, especially for the bucks. Had 2 minor issues-roof rack piece came loose and was replaced in 5 minutes, and turn signal stalk wouldn't cancel on left turns when new, and was fixed before delivery. That's it. Great service too. Also hers is made in Korea and the paint is extremely well applied and durable......don't think they had EPA worries over there.

[cdepuydt]

Well, the wife and I just bought an '08 Santa Fe over the weekend. Really like the vehicle but I am really ticked off at myself at the same time...if I would have waited 3 more days, I could have save another $1000. They upped the cash back from $2500 to $3500. Damn!!!

[govenatorx]

I had an 03 loaded Santa Fe. 120K+ later and it still is going well. Not all that expensive for repairs, which it barely needed, except for a new cat.

[cdepuydt]

I had an 03 loaded Santa Fe. 120K+ later and it still is going well. Not all that expensive for repairs, which it barely needed, except for a new cat.

Hey, govenatory...do you have your local dealership do your oil changes? I asked how much an oil change would be and they quoted me $42 because of the type of oil filter they have. After the break in period, I thought I would go synthetic, I asked about that, and they quoted me $70. I thought that was awfully high.

Anyway...Is that the normal cost for oil changes on the SF?

[k757]

Hey, govenatory...do you have your local dealership do your oil changes? I asked how much an oil change would be and they quoted me $42 because of the type of oil filter they have. After the break in period, I thought I would go synthetic, I asked about that, and they quoted me $70. I thought that was awfully high. crazy. The local Midas shop has an oil change (5W-20) and tire rotate package for ~$38. It is a bit cheaper for 5w-30 or 10w-30