Hyundai Santa Fe Accessories and Modifications

drwoodr

I'm also a bit of a fanatic about dents, and I always try to park in what I call a "dent-free zone" in parking lots. So far after 5 months, no dents, but it's always a challenge to get my wife to do the same (although she has gotten better, probably because she doesn't want to put up with me if we do get a dent). As for the body side molding shown in the other posts, all the dents we got in our former cars always seemed to be higher on the door than where this molding is shown. You get some of those monster SUVs next to you, and the widest point on their doors is up by the door handle on the SF. The odds are very small that the door next you will hit exactly where you install the side molding, so I don't feel it is worth it.

kdahlquist

The ability to add a back-up camera is indeed a feature of the in-dash units. When I looked into it, though, the backup camera itself sold for $200, and the installation was another $100 or so. When added to the $800-1000 price of the nav unit itself, plus install of the nav unit, it was getting very expensive.

In terms of features you might lose, it's all a matter of what you're willing to pay for. Want to keep the use of your steering wheel audio controls? Figure another $150 in parts and labor to connect them to an aftermarket stereo with nav. Want XM radio? It's a $100-200 option. So ... by the time you buy the in-dash nav unit, accessories like the backup camera, XM tuner, etc., and pay to install it all and have the steering wheel controls hooked up, you could easily be looking at $1500+.

On the other hand, you'd have a system that does a lot more than the factory system, and even more than the factory system with a portable nav like the Garmin Nuvi. You can even add things like Bluetooth connectivity ($100) and an iPod interface ($100). The iPod interfaces available for the aftermarket in-dash units are slick. The display track and playlist information and let you control your iPod from the touch screen on the dash.

Only you can decide what all of that is worth to you.

mpuzach

The 2008 Santa Fe Limited is reported to have an optional factory navigation system. It shouldn't be long before we know what it looks like and whether or not it can be retrofitted to a 2007 Santa Fe. Among the many upsides to this would be design integration to the Santa Fe's dash and (presumably) compatability with other features such as steering wheel buttons. I haven't heard whether or not it will include a back-up camera.

mpuzach

I'm in complete agreement with you. Those BSMs are a complete waste.

somedai1

yeah these mouldings seem to be just for looks if you like that sort of thing

somedai1

check crutchfield.com - i think there's back up systems you can add on just like getting a add on navi system without having the in dash screen -but this is all aftermarket stuff - not from dealer... i think there's a back up camera that shows in the rear view mirror...

pearlsantafe

Actually, i have put an Xenon(HID) light system on my 07 Santa Fe LTD AWD. I used H7 6000K kit and it works and looks like stock! It took me about 30 minutes to install it and i bought them for $100 even. Now, stock HID is 4300k and their are so many different kinds of lights out. 6000k is bit bright to SUV's and will be hard on something like 350Zs (my roommate's ride) if they are infront of me. But it looks good and again looks stock.

I will post some pictures of you want to see them. Hope this will help.

gypsystar

Thanks everyone for all your thoughts and good ideas. I was successful parking around my suburban neighborhood over the weekend (I have no issues parking far away and walking), but tomorrow will be a bigger test. I will have to drive to work downtown and park in lots that have sardine sized parking spots (unfortunately the price to park there is anything but sardine like).

Hopefully I'll be able to use the tips you all gave me and will also find a bit of good carma waiting for me :>)!

js06gv

Has anyone installed a remote start on a 2007 SF yet? If so, which one and how much? Were you able to integrate it into the factory remote?

skierbri10

Good question, I don't have an answer for you, was just hoping to bump this post. Thanks :shades:

bcme136

Also interested. Another bump

ghd1959

Has anyone installed one of these in there 07 Santa Fe??

sdseabreeze

somedai1

never tried it - i actually saw one being sold by jcwhitney.com

sduff68

I have a silver 07 Hyundai Santa Fe SE I purchased in late April. I regret not getting an limited now because I wish I had the leather seats. Anyone know if Hyundai will install after market leather seats.

If I were childless I wouldn't care. But a three year old is murder on a vehicle's interior.

One of the main reasons I have an a Santa Fe now is because the Sonatas with the two tone interior with woodtrim were light tan. I loved the looks of the car, but I was concerned about that light tan carpet.....

kdahlquist

I'm sure Hyundai would sell you replacement seats, but it would cost a fortune. A better option is just to take your car to an auto upholstery shop (check the yellow pages). They'll recover your existing seats in leather of any color you choose. You can even get contrasting colors, custom stitching, you name it, or you can just have them duplicate the look of the factory leather. Around here, reupholstering two front buckets and a rear bench in leather runs around $1,000 to $1,200.

collins96

Hi,
I recently purchased a 2007 Santa Fe Limited in Platinum Sage with Ultimate Touring Packages (and I'm LOVING it!!). I hope someone can answer a few questions:

1. Is it possible to purchase guards for the door edges in the same color as the car? There are a few minor chips already along the edges of a couple of my doors (unfortunately already there when I bought the car), and I don't want them to get worse.

2. Does anyone know if there is a rubber/plastic cargo mat available for the Touring (3 row) package? I'd like something that I can lay over the cargo area when I'm not using the 3rd row, to protect the backs of the 3rd row seats. Is there maybe even a generic mat I could use?

3. Is there a cover I can get to hide the items in my cargo area when the 3rd row is folded? I've seen a cargo cover for the 2 row Santa Fe's, but not for a 3 row version. Mine doesn't have the side wall grooves in the cargo area, so I don't know if it's even possible to use a cover.

Thanks for your help!!!

gypsystar

Hi, I'm enjoying my Santa Fe SE AWD, but at the time of purchase didn't realize how light the gray interior actually is. I now wish I had purchased a Limited with the black interior (which seems to look more charcoal gray to me), but it's too late.

I don't want to worry about getting the fabric dirty or getting stains on it. Even the carpet is light gray, which doesn't make sense to me because dirty feet go on a carpet!

Does anyone know if fabric protector is a good investment? If so, what is the best kind to get (I've heard of Resistol, Xzilon, and Permaplate)? How much should I pay for it(I've been quoted $295, $450 & $495 from 3 different places) and is there anything special I should know before I buy?

Thanks much!

drwoodr

I have the beige interior, but I bought 2 cans of Scotchguard fabric protector for the seats and carpeting, and I used a can of Scotchguard carpet protector for the mats - total cost around $20. So far so good. I had a few stains I was able to easily get out with a fabric cleaner. I also put a set of clear plastic mats over the light mats to catch most of the dirt, and the rest is vacuuming up fine.

stever

That stuff is known as mop & glow in the trade and is a big profit center for the dealers.

It's just wax and that $20 worth of Scotchgard that Drwoodr mentioned.

I'd get the Scotchgard and maybe some nice mats for the floor.

You may be interested in the Paint and Body Maintenance & Repair and Cleaning Leather/Cloth Interiors discussions too.

somedai1

maybe some well made custom seat covers would work for you - all the other alternatives seem overly expensive for the purpose that you want the leather seats...

tenpin288

Try this company. They advertise custom covers made in anything from cloth to vinyl to leather.

Cover King

lucky15

Try Koreanautoimports.com, they may have what your looking for in leather, you`ll just have to have a local professional install them as they suggest. Hyundai would just farm a job of that nature out to a seat cover professional.

gypsystar

Does anyone know if you can put custom made seat covers on seats that have the airbags coming out of them? The Hyundai dealership recommended that I do not put seat covers on the seats because of the airbags. The custom made seat cover folks, however, claim that they can make them so that they are compatible with airbags. Has anyone had experience with this? Thanks much!

bwd1970

bwd1970

Anyone know if aftermarket load adjusting/leveling shocks are available for the Santa Fe? Please provide a product name/number for reference.

44enedina

Yes, I had a remote start system tied into a much better alarm in Houston,TX on my 2007 SF limited. It cost me about $350 and works great. I have the blue LED lights on the drivers side dash that one can really see day ot night. The 20" mags with wide tires and side fender inserts really helped with the looks.
Ben

pelican19

please post a pic or two. I would love to see the 20 inch wheels on the santa

44enedina

We are in Panama now and leaving for Costa Rica tomorrow, but hope to be back home before the end of Sep. I will take photos of the 20" mags and the side fender inserts on my SF Limited and send them to you. Let's stay in touch. For what it's worth the Santa Fe Diesel 4x4 is very popular in Panama City, Panama. To bad Hyundai doesn't sell them in the US. I would by one in a heartbeat.

pelican19

I agree. If they offered it I would be right behind you on line...

Enjoy your trip. Reach out to me when you get back. I sent you my cell number in e-mail...

sduff68

Wow, thanks for all the quick responses!

I have seen the Korean Auto Importers page, their seat covers have that ugly red piping "yuck."

I went to the Cover King page. The price for genuine leather covers is just as much as having an installer do it. The "leatherette" is about half the price as leather. However, I would rather have an installer do the work, that way if it isn't done right I can go back and complain, plus I can get a warranty.

I contacted the dealer and they told me about a local re-upholsterer named "Sure Fit" in Arlington, VA; they order and install covers from a company named "Katzkin Leather Interiors".

The price they quoted was about $1000.00 for the leather seats alone and $1400.00 if I want seat heaters. Either price also includes the door panels as well and it has a 3 year 36,000 mile warranty from Katzkin.

I am just glad the dealer was honest. The price they originally quoted was around $2600.00. When the guy realized I already owned the vehicle he recommended I contact the company directly.

Personally I don't mind that price, I just have to convince my wife.

The lack of leather seats is the only thing I am lacking in my SE. It has every other feature I would want at this price point.

Until I get the leather seats I will probably clean my seats and then get some Scotch Guard (thanks for the post).

I already have those little plastic covers you place under the car seats. I have them in my 07 Santa Fe, and in my wife's 06 Toyota Sierra. They work great and look better than the towels we used to have under the car seats. Even when I get leather I will still use the covers, my wife's Sierra came with factory leather.

stelmoqn

I just looked at the Weathertech floorliners on the website. They look great and since I have the light beige interior, they are probably a must. However, I can't decide if the liner or simply the all weather mats would be better.

Anybody have any thoughts? At any rate, I am insistent on as perfect of a fit as is possible.

kdahlquist

I have the floorliners in my beige 07 Limited, and I love them.

stelmoqn

Did you shop around to find a best price on them and do you also have the cargo tray?

lv2drv

Get the liners. I have the regular floor mats (all weather), but they don't cover as much as I would like them to . The liner will cover the whole floorboard.

I do like the product. It's sturdy and will last forever.

stelmoqn

We were unloading stuff out of my old SF into my new SF Limited last night and my husband called my attention to the cargo net in the new SF. He said the photo book on the salespersons table showed a compartmentalized cargo net that hangs on the black knobs in the cargo area, but the net in the new vehicle was the standard cargo net wiht the clips that attach into the floor.

Did I receive the wrong cargo net?

somedai1

mine has black clips...

bobmct

I've recently purchased two (2) 2007 Santa Fe LTD AWD Black/Black (his/hers) and so far am extremely pleased.
With winter coming soon I would like to equip them with remote start capability.

Have any of you readers installed such a device on YOUR Santa Fe's and if so, what is your opinion and recommendation?

All advice greatly appreciated.

bobmct

ex510

I have a Viper 5500 by Directed (www.directed.com) on my 2007 Santa Fe LTD AWD. No problems. I upgraded to the 5500 with this vehicle but have had other Viper models on other vehicles, all with good luck.

sduff68

Has anyone used the drop in K & N air filter for their 07 3.3 liter Santa Fe?

Did it improve gas mileage? How is the sound?

I would like to increase both. I like how quiet the car is, but I would like a little more aggressive growl.

However, if their is no noticeable improvement in gas mileage (at least 1 additional mpg) I wouldn't want to bother purchasing it.

Thanks!

stever

Check out Gas Saving Gizmos & Gadgets too. Shifty has some personal experience:

Mr_Shiftright, "Gas Saving Gizmos & Gadgets" #118, 28 Aug 2006 10:55 am

oscar_gata

I spoke with my friend in Hyundai's Parts Department. He said the cargo screen was deleted (it was installed in the first two months of 2007 Santa Fe's built in Alabama) because the rear flap could make noise if the screen was not attached. Hyundai's Quality group did not want to chance a quality issue, and so had the factory stop installing them and did not let them be "port" installed either. By the way, "port" installed in this case is a facility located right outside the factory, which is located far away form any ocean.

sduff68

Steve,

Thanks for the link. Looks like the K&N doesn't do much to improve fuel economy. However, using synthetic oil looks like it might be a winner.

stever

Lots more tips here:

What Really Saves Gas? And How Much?

darryl84

This is a trivial concern....I just bought an 07 Limited 2 weeks ago (which I love!) I received a sort of a cargo net, which is standard on the Limited, but what I got is actually a LUGGAGE net, which attaches more like a cover you'd place over items in the cargo space to preventing them from rolling around back there. What I wanted, and was expecting, is the CARGO net that hooks to both sides, as in one that keeps bags of groceries from falling over. The MSRP sticker lists CARGO NET included. I have no use for this type of net they gave me. My dealership tells me they can order an actual CARGO net for me, for an extra $50!!!
I plan to go there in person today and express my dissatisfaction and hope they will just swap the 2 nets for me. I just wondered if anyone else has been deceived by this same thing?

somedai1

what about the roof rack - what's the best thing to use as a hold down/tie down when using the roof rack without getting the trays and cases Hyundai offers?

lv2drv

Trust me on this: get the floorliner. I have the mats and the coverage isn't as good. I'm usually the only one driving or I would have exchanged them.

rmcbain

Hello: I just recently took delivery of a 07 Santa Fe from the USA and to comply with Federal laws it must have daytime running lights installed before it can be registered in Canada. Is there a plug and play relay system as I would prefer not to have to cut the factory wiring harness. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

elecbluestreak

I too received the same net and I too find it crappy. I wanted the same kind of net that you wanted to hold bag of groceries. I have the cargo tray and nothing slides on it. So for that I am happy because it came with my Santa Fe.