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Hyundai Santa Fe New Owners
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Comments
On another note, the weather here has been really nice the last couple of days. I want so badly to go cruising with my sun roof open; but I can't see wasting the gas and money right now. I love my new SF!
Life is too short to not enjoy a beautiful day when you have the chance. For about $3 you can go cruising for 20 miles with that sun roof wide open. Stop and have some ice cream and walk it off on that trail at your nearby park. Don't forget to take your camera
Please also let me know when you have a copy of this TSB as I am also interested in getting this fixed. I've hit brick walls with my dealer and Consumer Affairs, both telling me they will not honor a fix for this issue. Thanks!
I did go cruising last night (Sunday) and got some ice cream. I didn't take a walk, though; I just kept on driving! I'm sad I don't have my car today because it's beautiful again. My husband took it for it's first oil change. That's a good thing, especially because it's free!
I wonder if they use a different radio unit on the Canadian Santa Fe's. Mine plays WMA files without any difficulty. Of course, I don't have XM radio
2007 Santa Fe Limited AWD with Premium and Touring packages
Dark Cherry Red with beige leather interior
Thanks for any help!
If anyone has gottn the map light fixed, this would be useful information to take to the dealer.
Thanks,
Karen
I just read your message about contacting Hyundai corporate to get a fix so the map lights will come on when the doors are opened. Would you mind giving me the Hyundai contact information? My Santa Fe was built in November 06. It is a limited AWD in natural Khaki and we really like it. Thank you very much.
http://www.hyundai-forums.com/t11768-st-80-dome-light-wtf.htm
Who did you contact to get the information. Is there a phone number where you called to start with? Did you contact Hyundai Consumer Affairs? Also are you located in the US or in Canada? I would like to try and call. It seems that some people are getting somewhere by contacting Hyundai directly.
Thanks!
It is amazing to note how much this forum has influenced me.The reason I ended up buying a Santa Fe is the awesome reviews that people had in this forum and my test drive proved nothing less. Anyways..long story short..I am a 2 weeks old owner of the Santa Fe..and loving every minute.
2007 Santa Fe Limited AWD with Premium and Touring packages
Dark Cherry Red with beige leather interior
A big thanks to the nice folks here.
Cheers.
Please post some pics of your new ride on your CarSpace page too.
2007 Santa Fe Limited AWD with Premium and Touring packages
Dark Cherry Red with beige leather interior
Mods: trailer hitch, mud guards
Now more research to add on a few things to my new vehicle. Any websites anyone knows about would be appreciated. Looking at mainly exterior add ons.
Ok, I am still smiling :-)
We were left with my wife's daily driver (2006 Mazda 3) and my weekend toy (2005 Corvette). It didn't take long to figure out that, although I'm keeping the Corvette, I definitely don't want it to be my daily driver. Not only that, we really wanted to have an SUV to replace the Volvo. No way were we going to buy anything nearly as expensive (or big) as the XC90; in fact, we set our sights on a Hyundai Tucson Limited AWD. We took one for a test drive and were quite impressed with it. Not only that, but the dealer had one that was equipped exactly the way we wanted it. It could have been so easy!
Just for the fun of it, I walked across the dealer's lot to their row of Santa Fes. Within a few minutes we were test driving a Limited AWD. As nice as the Tucson was (and it was very nice), the Santa Fe blew it away for just a few thousand dollars more. We left the dealership quite convinced that we'd end up with a Hyundai SUV - we just weren't sure which one.
Over the next week I did my due diligence by doing a lot of on-line research, kicking tires, and taking test drives. I drove the Chevy Equinox, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Honda CR-V, VW Rabbit, to name a few. My only hesitation with the Hyundais was their lack of available factory navigation systems.
In the end, it came down to the Santa Fe and the Grand Cherokee Limited. My wife and I both liked it with its V8 (we drove a 4.7 liter V8, not the Hemi) and luxury touches such as standard power passenger seat, power adjustable pedals, memory function for driver's seat, outside mirrors, pedals, and stereo, and available navigation. Still, something was missing in the Jeep. The interior was dull and dated with Chrysler's rather boring blue-green lighting. For such a large vehicle, I thought the rear seat accommodations would be generous but they're actually quite tight. Even though dealers are giving Grand Cherokees away (they're easy to buy at or slightly under invoice AND there's a $4500 rebate!), one without navigation would have still been $4000 more than a Santa Fe Limited AWD with Premium Package. Combine that with the Jeep's considerably worse gas mileage and higher insurance cost and it makes a solid case for buying a Santa Fe instead.
This past Friday our local Hyundai dealership notified me that they'd just received a Santa Fe that was configured exactly the way we wanted it - Limited AWD, Steel Gray/Black, Premium Package, carpeted mats. To top it off, it also contained the $20 "official" Hyundai first aid kit! We looked at it that night, then went across the street to test drive the Grand Cherokee. The next day (this past Saturday) we bought the Santa Fe and drove 'er home. We paid invoice + $0, less the $1000 rebate.
Though I've only put around 100 miles on it since picking it up, I'm very impressed with this car. It has a very high-quality feel to it and everything works perfectly. In fact, and this is a strong statement, my new Santa Fe is every bit as enjoyable to drive and feels every bit as high-quality as the $46,000 Volvo XC90 I just turned in! Two weeks ago I'd have never imagined making such a statement but today I make it without hesitation. The Santa Fe is truly impressive in both its design and its build quality. Interior materials choices seem to be excellent. The car provides excellent ride quality and it's tight as a drum. I'm especially impressed with how quiet it is inside, regardless of speed. Everything about it exudes a high-quality feel.
The Santa Fe is also much more comfortable than I expected it to be. Not only are the front seats great, but the back seats are, too. (Mine is a 5-passenger.) I'm 6' tall and with the driver's seat in my optimal driving position the rear compartment still has plenty of leg room - much more than the Jeep. Add to that the reclining back seats and you have a vehicle that can accommodate 5 adults in genuine comfort.
If I could make changes, they'd be few and minor:
Make navigation available. (Rumor has it that it will be a factory option on U.S. models for 2008; if so, hopefully the unit will retrofitable to 2007 models.)
Provide a dash or stalk-mounted switch to turn on all interior overhead lights at once. (Luckily, my just-built car has the front overhead lights that illuminate when the door is opened.)
Automatically turn on front overhead lights upon removing the key from the ignition.
Provide exterior repeater lights on the outside mirrors or front side fenders.
Illuminate the power mirror controls in the driver's door.
Do something with the rear bumper-mounted red light lenses! (Why not use them as rear fog lamps in U.S. models?)
Make the power passenger seat standard.
Provide an intermittent cycle for the rear window wiper.
Offer HID (xenon) headlamps.
Offer the upgraded audio system as a stand-alone option.
Provide back lit illumination for the overhead map light and sunroof control buttons.
That's pretty much it. Hyundai has clearly hit a home Run with the Santa Fe. I'm proud and feel very fortunate to own one.
2007 Santa Fe AWD Limited with Premium and Touring packages
Dark Cherry Red with beige leather interior
That's good to hear, Dave! I'll have to check mine out. Thanks for the info.
I have a 2007 Santa Fe Limited AWD. Same issue with the front map lights, they fail to go on when a door is opened.
Can you advise the number you called for Hyundai USA?
Lastly, does anyone find that the rear turn signals on the Limited are too dark? Motorists behind the Limited have a hard time seeing the turn signal when it is on, the entire light is red, not yeloow like other Santa Fe's.
Thank you,
Rob
I'm told mine will be replaced, but I need to set it up.
I agree about the rear turn signals. Yellow is much easier to see. I recall seeing a posting about an after-market kit that replaces the low red reflectors with working lights, but I don't recall if they were just brake lights or turn signals.
That being said, you can get the Euro taillights (yellow turn signals) at Korean Auto Imports but I’m not sure they are legal in the US/Canada because although there is a red lens around the outside of the taillights I’m not sure they light up at night.
Hyundai Corp. told me last week there is no such mod.out to do this,that it's all a rumor on webb.
If some one has had this actually done,please provide any info you may have.Such as mod.#,part#,something that we 1st gen.owners can provide dealer with.
If you don't have this,please provide dealership info that did work.
I have 14000 miles on my AWD Limited,and except for light issue,and recent false readings on my outside temp.display,really like my S.F.
the phone and ext # at Hyundai usa is 800 633-5151 ext# 54204-Barbara . She has been a pleasure and contacts the dealers to get the parts ordered for you.
I have the parts on order and the then dealer called to confirm that I do not have a sunroof (different dome light) and they were ordering the kit Friday .YES IT IS IN THE USA west coast.
Dealer confirmed 1) new console, wire harness, and new dome light. The reps name is Barbara at HyundaiUSA. Parts were released at the end of last week from wjhat the dealer said and it is all being done at no chg. You are speaking to the wrong people or have old info. They gave me that line 2 weeks ago too!
There is also a TSB on the temp issue that is also listed here on the forums some time back. I had it done in march and there was a wire that had to be moved in the fuse box. My dealer knew nothing until i gave him the TSB...do a little hunting in here....you will find it
Would you be able to share the cost that your dealer is charging? I think based on cost, I will determine if I should continue pursuing this fix.
I was told there was no charge for the fix (dealer confirmed this also). I will post when it is completed, hopefully next week. This is not a TSB but some type of field warranty fix. I wish they would get their story straight. I got the same type of mess until last friday
NOTE: the dealers knew NOTHING about this until I got it from consumer affairs....
The part # for the light kit in GREY with no sunroof is
00325-92800J4...dealer confirmed Warranty work (NO CHG) authorized by Hyundaiusa! it should be in this week...we shall see. Note there are different part numbers for the different trims!
There was a TSB for the temp indicator on the computer though
Was that the number you called for Barbara?
Yes, please post when you have your map light completed. Any information will be greatly appreciated.
Then ask for a rep and ask for ex 54204 barbara.
if she is busy, get a case # opened anyway and tell the rep you are speaking with, that barbara is aware of the issue and to please contact her for you...it is a pain since you cannot dial directly. If you have to, ask whatever Rep that does not know about what that part number I gave was for
If you can find them, some of my posts show SEVERAL DIFFERENT responses from the different reps throughout this ordeal....it was not until Friday when barbara called after researching the issue that things started to happen. There is also a post somewhere in here about someone else that has had it done already....so it is definitely real, especially in light of the part # I gave you etc.
Several others here have also mentioned her and that extension. Barbara called my dealer and the dealer immediately called me!
I spoke with my dealer this am and she said the parts will be expected this Thurs...assuming no backorder...uggh) I am lucky and my dealer is smart and COOPERATIVE. She also got part numbers for all trim levels so she does not have to go thru this again...she was embarrassed especially since she remembered I had to get the TSB (from this forum) to correct the temp indicator problem (that they were not informed of)!!!!
I will definately keep you informed and should be finished with this sometime next week!
Here is the deal: call Barbara (specifically) at Hyundai Consumer Affairs at 1-800-633-5151 x54204. She is handling my file # for the map light issue. Very nice & helpful.
Apparently the first 4,000 2007 Santa Fe's had no issue with the map lights, then somewhere on the line something changed. Hyundai is not contacting all owners (they should) but those who call are getting a "retro fit" kit for the map lights at NO CHARGE via a dealer install.
Barbara said the retro fit parts will get to the dealer in about 2 weeks, I should expect a call from the dealer to set up the appointment.
Lastly, to repeat, I was told there will be NO CHARGE for the install & parts. Don't accept anything less!
Good luck! - Rob M
The rep that told me they just added another dome light was way wrong.(that was after numerous calls to reps that said there was NO FIX and they had no idea of an issue!)
Barbara actually went back and reviewed the file and called me to give me the correct info and apologize for the company...
I HOPE SOMEONE FROM HYUNDAIUSA IS READING THIS FORUM....THEY ACTUALLY ASKED ME FOR THE URL! WITH MORE PEOPLE LIKE HER AND THE GOOD PRODUCTS THEY ARE NOW TURNING OUT....WINNER X10!!! THIS LADY IS CUSTOMER SERVICE PERSONIFIED!!!!
This forum has been invaluable in getting the correct info out to us owners...THANKS TO THE SPONSORS!!!
Thanks for the info. Great site! Luv my S.F.
But there are few things here.
1.Rear Mirror. Did anybody ever notice the passenger-side rear mirror adjusted differently from the driver side? It doesn't go up when I hit UP and instead goes to "up-right". Um, we did not notice this at the dealership. When the passenger-side rear mirror moves, it moves with a triangle axle instead of two axle along horizontal and vertical. That's weired.
2.Antenna. Do you have an antenna on your SF? We don't have one! Just wondering if it is a standard for SF SE.
3.What's in the back organizer underneath? We have a few tools but not sure if we miss something there. Can I find a list somewhere?
Thanks for sharing your experience. This forum is awesome!!!
With the XM radio, the antenna is on the roof, at the rear just above the rear door.
I never noticed a list, but I do recall that there appears to be a lot of extra spaces for tools in the storage bin, but it looks like everything you would need to change a tire is there.
Gas mileage is so low now. about 11miles/gallon! I'd move to another thread to see what others say.
Luv SF!
Well I was at a light today and looked across the intersection at a nice Santa Fe. The woman driving was looking at mine as well and when she noticed me she put on the biggest smile and waved
I used to own an old corvette and I have had a few motorcycles in the past. Both of those vehicles usually get a nod or wave from a fellow owner. I almost forgot what that felt like until today. I guess there are more and more happy Santa Fe owners around.
I'm going to order a trailer hitch in a few days, and eventually a bike rack. I wish Hyundai would come out with some more accesories. I'm guessin you have an 07, I really like the improvements they made on it, especially the console, and the hood design. I'm on my third Hyundai, and my next vehicle will most likely be a Hyundai. I do see a lot of hyundais on the roads here, especially the Santa Fe> Good luck with yours.
The XB was a great little car; it got great gas mileage, had an incredible amount of interior room for its size. It also had some great safety features for its price range (ABS, Traction Control, and Vehicle Stability Control).
Unfortunately it lacked features like cruise control, had a well designed interior, unfortunately it was all hard cheap plastic (for some reason no one ever mentioned this in the glowing reviews), had a rough ride, and little sound deadening. I felt like I was driving an entry level kid’s car. (I am almost forty years old, and I felt like I should be enjoying my drive)
The recent reviews where it got poor impact ratings concerned me too. I have two little boys that I often drive around and if we were in an accident I want to ensure they have maximum protection.
When my wife finally gave me the green light to purchase a new vehicle I decided to go with a Hyundai. I had read the recent reviews of the Sonata Limited, and I knew it had all the Luxury features I wanted at the same price as an entry to mid level Camry or Accord. I was not seriously considering an SUV because I wanted good gas mileage.
I had my heart set on a white or silver Sonata. Unfortunately the dealer I went to only had the Platinum Edition Silver Sonata Limited with the monotone black interior. In my opinion the two tone interiors along with the wood grain are a big selling point and it looks luxurious. I was looking for something luxurious looking without paying a big luxury price. The only two tone interior Sonata in a color I liked (gold) had a two tone brown tan interior with natural wood grain. I was willing to settle for gold, and I liked the interior; however I have a two year old and a 5 month old, I was seriously concerned about how well that light colored tan interior would hold up.
Just for GP I decided to look at the Santa Fe’s on the lot. I had seen them on the road and I was really impressed with the appearance. I had never liked the bulbous appearance of the older Santa Fe’s. However the new ones impressed me. They looked like a cross between a Nissan Murano, and a Lexus 350 however unlike those vehicles they had a really reasonable price.
Well, the rest is history. I test drove the Santa Fe and I loved how it drove. Unlike the Sonata it had a firm European ride with minimal body roll when you cornered. Like the Sonata it was remarkably quiet, and it felt like a much more expensive car. I had traded in a Ford Explorer for the Scion and I missed “riding high” and the feeling of security it gives you. They also had it in silver with the dark and light grey interior and the faux grey tinted wood. (In my opinion the grey tinted wood looks a lot more realistic than the brown wood). My wife drove the Santa Fe as well and she preferred it to the Sonata. She prefers larger vehicles (she drives a silver Toyota Sienna) and she was not used to a vehicle that “jumps” forward when she eases of the brakes.
I made a deal I could live with and drove a silver 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe SE home. (I would have liked to have a limited but my trade-in was upside down and I could not afford it. Also, the SE had every feature I really wanted except for leather). It has been one month and I am happy with the vehicle. The XM radio was a pleasant surprise. I had never seriously considered it and now I can’t imagine not having it. My wife liked XM so much that I bought an accessory unit and installed it in her Toyota Sienna.
The car’s interior is beautiful. The blue interior lighting reminds me of the VW Passat or the Jetta which I have always loved (until I saw the 07 Santa Fe Volkswagen was the standard for a affordable vehicles interior, and I have always liked the interior of German Luxury Vehicles.. The interior design is very similar to a Mercedes, or BMW SUV (I know, I have looked at their interiors to compare). The car is so quiet, it is quieter than my wife’s mini van, and most car reviews call the Sienna the “Lexus” of mini vans. The transmissions are equally quiet but the Sienna has a little engine growl that the Santa Fe lacks (I actually wish the engine or the exhaust had a little more growl, but the lack of noise only makes the vehicle seem more expensive).
The dual exhaust is a nice aggressive “manly” touch, and unlike the competition the new Santa Fe does not look like a “cute ute”. I went to JD Power and 52% of the purchasers of the Toyota RAV4 and 53% of the purchasers of the Honda CRV are women; 56% of the purchasers of the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe are men! Despite comparisons to small SUVs the Santa Fe compares equally to the Toyota Highlander or the Honda Pilot for a lot less money and I think it looks a lot better to boot! More guys buy the Honda Pilot (63%) however, and the Highlander is about equal (55%).
My only complaints are you cannot turn on the fog lights without turning on the headlights (I like being able to drive with only the fog lights), I cannot believe there is no MP3 auxiliary jack, and of course the gas mileage. While the Santa has good mileage for a SUV/CUV it is still not as good as a car.
I am not worried about reliability because I know that Hyundai has improved and their warranty is second to none. Re-sale is another matter espcially since I am already slightly upside down because of my trade-in and I know Hyundais dont have great resale...yet. However, I plan to drive this vehicle for the next ten years...I think it is that good.