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My question is at first I was looking at Sedans such as the Nissan Sentra or Honda Civic. When I saw the Santa Fe it changed my view of SUV's. So my question is will I be disappointed with the Santa Fe as packaged above. I just figured I would be getting more vehicle for my money.
I a single female so the warranty looked REAL good also.
Any comments would be helpful. I'm looking to purchase within the next few days.
Thanks
The best bang for the buck is the Base GL FWD with 5-spd. You get goodies like A/C, Power Windows, & CD player, all for $16,934 MSRP. The 4-cyl. with Automatic feels underpowered, but with stick, it's pretty peppy since you can use all of 156 ib-ft. of torque at only 3000 rpm. The best part about this package is that it gives you 21/28 mpg (city/hwy) fuel economy, which is unheard of in SUV's.
My girlfriend has a '99 Tiburon with 34,000 miles already, and no problems whatsoever. Good luck shopping!
GL, GLS or LX Thanks in advance.
I had such a negative impression of Hyundai until I saw and drove the Santa Fe, but now have no hesitation in buying one.
Thanks to all in this forum for sharing their views. It has been very helpful.
It was very comfortable driving home (got back by 10:30pm)... All in all, I KNOW we made the right decision in choosing this vehicle... It is extremely well-made and all the parts fit very well! The CD player sounds much better than it looks with the six speaker system that comes standard in the LX... The seat warmers word very well (I got too hot and had to turn mine off).. My wife took it to work today as she will be its primary driver so I will report more this weekend when I have more time in it...
You can't go wrong with this vehicle!!! The only bad experience I've had with it is the dealer I bought it from (like any other)... But now that we are done with the deal, I'm looking ahead...
BTW, our insurance for six months full-coverage is $334.80 with no tickets or wrecks on our record (and with all the safety devices installed on the SF)... Not bad but I am going to try to get a better rate elsewhere...
MrTwix
After following this board and the Tribute/Escape boards for some time and test driving all three, I think I'm going to go for the Santa Fe tonight. It seems to be the best vehicle for the money. The one thing I'd really like as an option would be a sunroof.
I'm going to offer $500.00 over invoice for a LX/AWD with ABS. The dealer said he thought the manager would accept that offer for an order. We'll see about that.
Anyway, I would really appreciate reports from some owners like adamjrae on pros/cons/mpg/problems, etc. Thanks too all.
Jeff
I will be purchasing a Santa Fe, in the next 3 to 4 weeks so I am very interested to know. Counting down the last 980 miles on my 'ol 86 F150 to hit that 300K mark and trade her in.
It says :in addition to GLS equipment (which is Front and rear colored bumpers;
colored bodyside cladding; additional exterior lights include front fog/driving lights; driver's and passenger's
power remote body-colored heated folding outside mirrors; 6 speakers; cruise control with steering wheel
controls; power door locks, remote keyless entry; first aid kit; panic alarm, security system; fixed-interval rear
wiper, rear window defroster; premium cloth seats, leather-wrapped gearshift knob; leather-wrapped steering
wheel; cargo cover, cargo net; colored grille and body-colored door handles)it has Full-time AWD; front and rear
body-colored bumpers; body-colored bodyside cladding; driver's and passenger's manual remote black folding
outside mirrors; 4 speakers; cloth seats, leatherette door trim insert; body-colored grille and black door
handles.
Is it my understanding or that what it is? And one more question to experts: Full time AWD means you cant switch to 2WD when you want? Your response will be very much apreciated.
Then find either "Showroom" or "RV"
My concern is that we own a 15.5 foot fibreglass bowrider, when loaded with our camping gear, probably weighs in close to this limit(2200 lbs). I'm really leaning towards the Santa Fe, but I'd hate to have to go to my second choice (Tribute) simply because the towing capacity is inadequate. The 'Fe already comes with a transmission fluid cooler, so adding that won't increase capacity. We currently own an MPV (V6) which has a towing package (4500 lb cap. tranny fluid cooler, larger fan, and air leveller shocks) which puts out 150 HP,I believe, and it pulls the boat no problem. Note that here in Canada, only the AWD version is available, and some people have told me that the FWD version would have a higher towing capacity. I still have not test driven one yet, as every time I pop in to the dealer, they have just sold the last one. Any thoughts?
So far I have considered the 2001 Toyota RAV4, Subauru Forester S, and just recently the Santa Fe. Never having owned a non-US made vehicle, I am skeptical of all three - but especially the Subaru and Hyundai. What adds to my worries is that living in Central WI, the nearest dealers of all three of these are between 20 - 35 miles away.
But specifically, and contributing to my skepticism is HOW can the Hyundai be so inexpensive with all the equipment it has??? Apart of me says that Korea manufacurers (from TVs to Microwaves) has not been a hot-bed of quality, and everyone has heard the saying 'you get want you pay for'....
So I ask for everyone's help. Convince me. How can Hyundai combine quality with low price?
My thanks to all in advance...
CAUTION:
Do not do any towing with your car during it's first 1,200 miles (2,000 km) in order to allow the engine to properly break in. Fialure to heed this caution may result in serious engine or transaxle damage.
TRAILER WEIGHT LIMIT:
-Keep the tongue load 10% of the total trailer load
-Total Trailer Weight divided by Tongue Load x 100 = 10% (MAX)
-Tongue loads can be increased or decreased by re-distibuting the load in the trailer. This can be verified by checking the total weight of the loaded trailer and then checking the load on the tongue.
NOTE:
1. Never load the trailer with more weight in the back than the front. About 60% of the trailer load should be in the front half of the trailer and the remaining 40% in the rear.
2. The total gross vehicle weight with trailer must not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) shown on the vehicle identification plate. The total gross vehicle weight is the combined weight of the vehicle, driver, all passengers and their luggage, cargo, hitch, trailer tongue load and other optional equipment.
3. The front or rear axle weight must not exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) shown on the vehicle identification plate. It is possible that your towing package does not exceed the GVWR but exceeds the GAWR. Improper trailer loading and/or too much luggage in the cargo area can overload the rear axle. Redistribute the load and check the axle weight again.
CAUTION:
The following specifications are recommended when towing a trailer. The loaded trailer weight cannot safely excced the values shown below:
1a. Engine -2.4(2WD) w/brake - Max Trailer=1200lbs Max Tongue=120lbs
1b. Engine -2.7(2WD) w/brake - Max Trailer=2700lbs Max Tongue=270lbs
2a. Engine -2.4(2WD) w/o brake - Max Trailer=1000lbs Max Tongue=100lbs
2b. Engine -2.7(2WD) w/o brake - Max Trailer=1200lbs Max Tongue=120lbs
2c. Engine -2.7(4WD) w/o brake - Max Trailer=1200lbs Max Tongue=120lbs
3a. Engine -2.4(2WD) w/o brake+ABS - Max Trailer=1200lbs Max Tongue=120lbs
3b. Engine -2.7(2WD) w/o brake+ABS - Max Trailer=1500lbs Max Tongue=150lbs
3c. Engine -2.7(4WD) w/o brake+ABS - Max Trailer=1500lbs Max Tongue=150lbs
Hope this helps you and everyone else!
MrTwix
While Mazda "HAS PUT THE S BACK IN SUV" it seems Hyundai has forgotton about it!!!!!!
Where did the 2200 lbs rating in my brochure go to? Hyundai should of perhaps considered people who might buy this vehicle might be boaters or campers. I did a little research today, and calculatated that my boat, motor and trailer weigh in at about 1300 pounds. That's cutting it a little too close.Even the new LIGHTWEIGHT tent trailers today weigh about 1500-1700 lbs., so it seems that Hyundai has cut off a lot of potential customers, in my opinion. How can Mazda up their cap from 2000 to 3500 lbs with just the addition of an ENGINE OIL COOLER, when Hyundai can't even get a 2000 lbs rating. I don't expect to tow a huge house trailer, just a small boat and motor!!! Putting BRAKES on my boat trailer in not an option I would consider,it's only a 15.5 foot boat!!!!!!!
Have any of you who have purchased been told or seen this advertising fee & how much was it?
I have looked at the Sante Fe and must say that it is quite a vehicle for the money. I have not driven one yet, but through the wisdom of learning the value of a dollar, reality takes precedent over wanting something with "prestige".I have sat in one and played with every feature. It was an LX w/leather. The switches do not feel cheap. The fan blower is quiet at full speed. Folding the rear seats is painless. Yet it still looks rugged. I too had my concerns w/resale value and reliabilty. But Hyndai is ranked near the top of the J.D. Power survey for customer satisfaction. Everyone who I have spoken with who has one is more than happy with it. As for resale value, it also equals supply and demand. I live in Alaska, and for what this vehicle is, and pretending not to be an all-out off roader also (as many do), it seems to be a solid entry. I have a brochure right next to me and I will be taking the plunge as soon as a couple of other priorities are taken care of. I cannot justify paying close to 30k for a vehicle when a vehicle at 22-23k will do the same, unless you are into what your neighbors will think. You cannot go wrong with Hyundai's 10 year-100,000 mile powertrain warranty;5 year 60,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty; 5 year roadside assistance (you never know when you may need it). Factor in those intangibles along with the gas mileage, and you can appreciate what you are getting for your money. I had an Isuzu Trooper and sold it last year. I was looking for something smaller that would still be versatile. In the Hyundai Sante Fe, I think that I have found it. Sorry for being so long winded. This is ny first post! Good Luck everyone.
As far as power, if you are looking for a super charged SUV, then the Santa Fe is probably not the one for you. However, to its credit, the power is ample for most driving situations..
You and only you know your current situation.. If you are able to wait another year until the 2002 models arrive to see if changes have been made to the motor and sunroof added, then ok.. You might also wait to your detriment as prices may go up as popularity increases not to mention shipping times being pushed back due to slow productivity (Chrysler PT Cruiser) and other new problems may arise..
Remember, more options (bigger engine, sunroof, etc) usually add more to the overall price (not to mention decreased mileage for those bigger engines)... If money is no object to you then do what you have to do.. I wanted more bang for my buck and this vehicle seemed to fit the mold... If the only complaint anyone can really say about it is that it needs more power, then (too me) that isn't enough to warrant anyone not to purchase it... (unless, of course, POWER is your only criteria for purchasing)
I needed a new vehicle now as my old vehicle was on its last leg... I determined, that since I needed something now, the best value all around for the money is the Santa Fe. If you can wait to have more peace of mind, then power to you.
So far, after 4 days of ownership, I can still feel good about my decision to buy the Santa Fe... Ask me in a month or even a year and I'm sure I will feel the same way..
btw, I filled up yesterday (at a half tank) and I computed the following:
Starting Mileage - 62 (Off the Dealer's Lot)
FillUp 11/18/00 - Odometer Reading - 270
Miles Driven - 208
Gallons Used - 7.993
Dollar Per Gallon - $1.389 (88 Octane)
Total Dollar Paid - $11.10
Total Gas Mileage - 26.022 mpg (3/4 Hwy - 1/4 City)
Total Dollar per mile - .05 cents
Needless to say, I was very happy with these preliminary results.. As with any new car, you really don't get the true (and most times BETTER) mileage until the engine has been completely broken in (around 10,000 miles)... Even if I stayed around 26mpg, I would be happy as it is a vast increase over my last vehicle...
Bottom line: If you (or anyone) is looking to purchase an SUV in this class, DRIVE it for yourself... Your idea of a good ride, power and luxury will most likely differ from the next guy (or gal)... Only you (the purchaser) can make the decision for you!
Food for thought!
MrTwix
Power and Poise Put Ford on Top
By CHERYL JENSEN
HREE years ago, when I had a chance to directly compare small
sport utilities, they were easy to rank: Subaru Forester first, Honda
CR-V second and Toyota RAV4 third. There are more players now,
and they are better -- but harder to choose among.
1. FORD ESCAPE With an independent rear suspension and
rack-and-pinion steering, the Escape handled accurately and predictably,
and it rode well. On loose, washboard surfaces, it refused to skitter or
skate. Although a four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual
transmission are standard, we drove a fancier XLT with a V-6 and
four-speed automatic, which upshifted smoothly, downshifted quickly
and didn't hunt for gears on hills. The economy rating is only 18 m.p.g. in
town, but the Escape can tow 3,500 pounds -- by far the most in this
group.
The four-wheel-drive system is automatic, but it also has a dashboard
switch that locks the center differential, splitting the torque equally
between front and rear wheels -- an advantage in deep snow.
Though it is 17 inches shorter than a four-door Explorer, the Escape feels
relatively big, and its 33 cubic feet of cargo capacity give it a slight edge.
The XLT's reclining, split rear seat folds very flat, and the rear seatbacks
recline for comfort. On the minus side, there are head restraints and
shoulder belts for only two back-seat passengers.
Other interior touches were also unimpressive: a flimsy rear cargo cover,
a balky seat-folding mechanism and sloppy-fitting upholstery that partly
covered the lower child-seat anchors.
2. TOYOTA RAV4 The last RAV4 was severely space-challenged, but
the '01 is roomier. The second-row seats slide 6 inches fore and aft,
providing a tradeoff between legroom and cargo space. They can even
be removed.
The RAV4 is nimble, too, and easy to drive, although its body
movements are not as well controlled as the Escape's.
Although the base price of $19,145 is attractive, it does not include
features standard on the Escape, like antilock brakes and
air-conditioning. But prospective buyers might consider that Toyota has a
better record than Ford on quality and reliability, according to several
customer surveys, and that the Escape was the object of four recalls
before it had begun to sell in volume.
3. (tie) HYUNDAI SANTA FE In my view, third place is a tossup
between the Hyundai and the Subaru, which are actually quite different.
Someone who wants a more trucklike vehicle, with a lot of features at a
reasonable price, may find a lot to like in the Santa Fe. Those who want
more of an all-wheel-drive station wagon should be pleased with the new
Forester.
I liked the Santa Fe's exterior styling, and that swoopy design carried
over nicely to the interior. The softer ride results in a fair amount of body
lean. The Hyundai did not seem as quick as the Escape; it was the
heaviest vehicle in the group, and it had less horsepower and torque than
the Ford.
3. (tie) SUBARU FORESTER The Forester feels the most like a car,
although its ride was a bit stiff. And compared with the Escape, RAV4
and Santa Fe, washboard surfaces seemed to bother it more.
The Forester's new features for 2001 include a 31.5-inch sunroof that
extends over part of the back seat. The downside is that it cuts into
headroom back there.
5. HONDA CR-V Compared with the others, the CR-V felt most like a
nose-heavy, front-drive car. Over a broken surface, the rear tended to
hop and skitter, and the Honda felt less agile than the lighter RAV4. Nor
did the CR-V seem as sturdy or stable as the others, especially on rough
roads. But it does have clever touches, including a cargo cover that turns
into a picnic table and a deep bin for wet clothes under the rear floor.
I'm glad I got a Santa Fe
We just started looking at the small SUV market vs. the midsize sedans. Gas mileage and comfort are top priorities due to our putting around 20,000 miles a year on our vehicles. SUV would be handy due to 12 yr old showing the dog at shows around the area. Any help would be appreciated.
I do love it but love the Santa Fe also. My Jeep is not fancy - Cassette - No fog lights, etc. I am not sure which one is the top of the line Santa Fe (no leather seats). How many of you would trade for one even though it sounds like I would trade down. My Jeep was sticker price 28,000. I don't want to make a mistake!!!!
Package 12 is ABS and Traction Control.
Package 13 has that plus dimming rear view mirror and heated front seats.
At 7500ft elevation, the Santa Fe V6 would produce around 144hpMAX, with a noticable decrease in felt power.
Something like a Jeep with the 4.0L would also drop by 25%, to 146hp MAX, HOWEVER, this is where the big displacement engine really shines...the Jeep engine would still produce substantial torque in the "normal" rpm band.
Just a little tidbit for others to ponder before they hook a 1500lb trailer behind their Santa Fe and head for Vail, CO.
I hope that this helps in making your decision.
-PC