Hyundai Santa Fe (2006 and earlier)

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Comments

  • fitnessman42fitnessman42 Member Posts: 21
    To correct the flickering clock problem all they do is simply replace the entire upper console unit; no big deal. I had to have mine replaced because of the same problem and the clock has worked fine ever since.
  • hung0820hung0820 Member Posts: 426
    Rear Deflector does not look very bad at all however there is a little noise wind in high speed but if you listen to radio you won't hear it. The Rear deflector help water and dust from dripping into the rear trunk window and fog it up. Good to have but I rather prefer a rear spoiler (rear wing) because it does look much nicer. However, rear wing might not be available for Santa Fe because they have test it and too much noise in high speed. Hopefully they can do something better in the future.

    The hardest thing about this rear deflector is that you have to drill it into your car body. You must have good equipment and also drill it correctly too. "Very Hard", "Very Hard".
  • johnnylofijohnnylofi Member Posts: 14
    I have a random problem with my wiper in variable speed. Occasionally, when the variable speed is set at its fastest speed, it is actually equal to the constant rate at the non-intermittant slow speed. In other words, The 1st two intermittant speeds don't have an interval of time between wipes. I pull the lever down to constant speed and you can't see a difference. It only does this when I change the positions a few times prior. It is random so sometimes the intermittant is correct, sometimes it isn't. Also, I hate the way the rear washer squirts down a solid stream. Can the little spout be changed so a mist is emitted rather than a stream?
  • hyperpiperhyperpiper Member Posts: 7
    Hi, I am considering buying either a Santa Fe or a Honda CR-V but am concerned about the SF's reliability. I know it's new so there's nothing to base it on except Hyundai's reputation which in the past hasn't been great. However, I drove a SF on Saturday and was quite impressed. And I love the looks; more curves than the CR-V and roomier as well. Seems like you get a lot for your money. Any input? Thanks!
  • dave91gtdave91gt Member Posts: 1
    Sorry people. The guy in post #875 was probably correct and not trying to scare anyone. A lady I work with bought a Santa Fe about 4 months ago. At the time, my wife and I had a 2001 Dodge Ram. It was a big disappointment and we were looking to trade it in. We seen hers and fell in love. Just to make it fair, we looked at the competition. I am normally a Ford man, but we really liked the value of the Santa Fe and the warranty. Needless to say, we bought a AWD V6. We have approx. 2500 miles on it and absolutely know we made the correct decision. Well, the lady I work with was traveling on the interstate yesterday (hers is also a V6 AWD) and the motor blew up at normal highway speeds. It has 4000 miles. They told her it was a broken connecting rod. And by the way, you cannot overrev the engine, as it has a rev limiter to prevent such. Thought I'd pass it along.
  • hung0820hung0820 Member Posts: 426
    10 years or 100,000 miles warranty on powertrain. Cover engine, transmission, and transaxle. Free of charge if any failure. My wife's cousin usually have a CRV and she own it brand new in 1998. I told her not to buy the CRV because the car is very weak. She bought is anyway and just recently trade in 6 months ago for a V6 Honda Accord. She said that after driving for a few month, she hated the ride of the CRV. She was apologized for my comment originally. "Gaurantee you that this is not a lie story".

    This is what I told her: Honda motor is not very impressive with the Automatic Transmission but good in Manual. I told her if she have to buy it then buy a Manual otherwise don't buy it at all. She said that when she test drive the car is was fine. Especially when it comes to 4WD she was regret on speed, price, ride, and sytle after 6 months plus. But she end of getting the V6 Honda Accord now. Still I told her that the V6 Camry is better than the V6 Accord with similar price. Especially come to A/T car. Would you agree with my comments on the Camry and Accord or not?
  • tronsr1tronsr1 Member Posts: 149
    This a SantaFe site...why are you asking about Honda Accords and Toyota Camrys??>Go to the Honda or Toyota sites.
  • hung0820hung0820 Member Posts: 426
    It was just a comment to hyperpiper who wants to compare the CRV and the Santa Fe. I don't need to know if the Camry and Accord is better but what I want to point out is that to me the Camry is better than Accord. Also some positive comment for a person to decise to buy a Santa Fe or a CRV. That's all.
  • thall02thall02 Member Posts: 6
    You have researched the various wood dash kits that are available for the SF. Which one or ones do you recommend? WoodDashFactory.com offers a 26 piece kit that seems to offer the most coverage, but still lacks some pieces, like around the Speedometer and upper vents. What do you and the others on this site recommend?
  • billbo1970billbo1970 Member Posts: 76
    Hi all, I just picked up my Nordic white Santa Fe this past Saturday, and I love it! It had 50 miles on it when I picked it up, but the paperwork I signed said it only had 10 miles. This annoyed me, but I wasn't about to drive it back & give it up. The only thing I don't like about it so far is 2nd gear. Man, when you slow down and then hit the gas again (such as after making a turn) there is NO acceleration in 2nd gear at all! I got my first fill-up yesterday, and guess what? There was NO gas cap at all!! I didn't have any check engine lights on either. I went back to the dealer and they gave me a shiny new cap to put on. Why didn't I get any dummy lights???? Have you gone to the Hyundai website? They show things like automatic climate control & stuff that is NOT in the brochure!!! I guess that's what's gonna be in next years model? Man, it looks good!!! Almost wish I waited....nah, having too much fun! :)
  • hung0820hung0820 Member Posts: 426
    Personally I like the wood dash belong to Florida Auto Trim only because they carried good quality and many nice colors as well. DO NOT buy any wood dash for now, just wait for awhile. Yes! Eventhose, there is only 17 pieces but there will be more pieces add to the set later. You can check the color and layout simply visit WWW.AUTODASH.COM and select Florida Auto Trim.

    26 pieces from Wood Dash Factory are nice too, but not much color to choose and quality????

    I have already sketches and cut more pieces and send to Florida Auto trim, last 2 weeks. Expected to finished within 4-6 weeks. The list below are the pieces that I have cut and send to the manufacture.
    1. surround the speedometer
    2. surround the upper part of the speedometer
    3. surround the driver side airbag
    4. part of the club compartment
    5. surround the door handles
    6. rear trunk upper light trim
    7. rear cup holder trim
    8. surround the shift gear "edges" upper part
    9. center upper light trim
    10. missing gap on 2 front-center vents.
    The upper vents already available with the set that I have. Florida Auto Trim will only add just a few of these pieces to the set and the other can be customized. However, a few of these pieces are good enough since they are the most important pieces to me.
  • billbo1970billbo1970 Member Posts: 76
    Actually....I lied. I have 1 other problem with the SF...the radio reception REALLY SUCKS!! So...that's a total of 2 things I don't like about it. Not bad Hyundai!! :)
  • loveit2loveit2 Member Posts: 3
    Hi All,
    Looking for feed back on santa fe owners of GL 2.4L. all i. see are owners of V6. I got my gl 2.4L 2 weeks ago seem peppy enough for me,it has every things that the gls has except AWD. and ABS and it was 2,000 dollars cheaper. had alot of snow here two weeks ago had no problem getting around or getting stuck, front wheel drive make all the difference. love to hear other opinions on their 2.4L Thanks
  • hyperpiperhyperpiper Member Posts: 7
    Thanks for the input about the Santa Fe. Hyundai has a great warranty but I don't want a car that is constantly in the shop; warranty or not. But it sounds like everyone on this site is completely happy with their SF's. I plan to drive it again this weekend just to make sure. I think I'm leaning towards to Santa Fe! Thanks again.
  • guyfguyf Member Posts: 456
    I had a CR-V for 4 years. OK vehicle but I traded it 2 months ago for the Santa Fe and I do not regret it at all. The Santa Fe is a nicer vehicle to drive; more power, more comfortable and overall more refined than the CR-V.
  • gtmustanggtmustang Member Posts: 41
    I just got an e-mail from a person by the name of "Ras". He posted in here a few days ago concerning the Santa Fe.
    He just told me that Hyundai has just brought into port a whole bunch of "Specialy Badged" 6 cylinder Santa Fe LX's. These vehicles are going to be used for some type of special promotion that Hyundai is going to have in the springtime with only the Santa Fe LX 6 Cylinder model. The vehicles which Ras talks about have a special badge on them and they have the rear spoiler and come with 17" inch special wheels. He tells me that he saw 2 dozen of these special LX's in the color that I want (which is Nordic White) parked next to each other at the port in New Jersey just 2 days ago. I don't know if there are any other colors of this type of vehicle at the port with these special features on them for the promotion that he talks about.
    I would like to know if anybody here knows about this. He claims that these vehicles do not show up on the dealer's computer sheet because they are "special" LX's that will be used only for the promotion. I am hoping someone here can research this further and tell me if this is true. My dealer has not told me about any specially made Santa Fe LX with a spoiler, 17" inch wheels, and a Special Badge that will be sold under a spring promotion. I am wondering if these special Santa Fe's will be more money than the fully Loaded LX that I ordered. Will these special LX's that he's talking about going to upgrade the current LX model? I am afraid that I might get a low end LX if these specially made LX's are going to be available in the next few weeks. I ordered the Santa Fe LX with ALL the Loaded options in it including the Leather heated seats, the 4WD AWD, the Traction control and ABS antilock brakes. I am afraid that my LX will not be the top of the line model any more if these "special LX's start selling at the Hyundai dealers in a few weeks. I need to verify if what Ras told me is 100% true. Please help me find out more info about this. I am sure that those in here looking to purchase this vehicle will want to know about this too. I need more details about this.
  • hung0820hung0820 Member Posts: 426
    Yes! That information should be about right. It should come very close for the Santa Fe to built with more options available. However, you have to paid more. The new badge are basically gold trim instead of chrome trim and we can gold trim in our current modern. 17" Chrome wheels is nice but waste more gas and we can install in our current Santa Fe too. Rear Spoiler was test and it was not successfully in the last 2 months because of high speed noise. Maybe they have been improved already. I really like to have the rear spoiler but just recently order the rear deflector. I will try to contact Hdkautosport.com and find out more about the rear spoiler by now.

    If you want the best Santa Fe then wait for next year model with the Fuel Cell System and more options must be available as well.
  • gtmustanggtmustang Member Posts: 41
    Where will the Gold Trim be put on this specially Badged LX? Also, will the 17" inch Chrome wheels be the Shiny mirror type of chrome? I also didn't know that the spoiler created lots of noise. Maybe I should stick to the LX which I ordered instead of ordering the Specially Badged LX. What do you think Hung?
    I don't know where the gold trim will be on this car and how good gold will look on it. Also, I don't know if the chrome wheels will look nice on it either. I don't want my Santa Fe to stick out like a sore thumb with all the gold and chrome on it. I don't like overly fancy looking vehicles that are overdressed with too much body cladding and chrome. Do you have any pictures of the way which this specially badged Santa Fe LX will look like? Pictures will be helpful.
    Also, how much more will this vehicle cost. I paid $23464 for mine and am still waiting for it to come in. It's been 4 weeks now going on 5 weeks.
  • explrsportexplrsport Member Posts: 34
    Yes, yes, I heard about it to! I was at a dealor few days ago and overheard two salesman talking about SF "special" model coming soon with biger wheels, spoiler, and something else. I think wood dash with steering wheel wood. When they saw me that stopped talk so I have no more detail. Will try to learn more and report back.
  • pro212pro212 Member Posts: 44
    Thanks Hung and others for comments on the rear deflector. I also spoke with hdkautosports who said the rear deflector increases wind noise at 40mph and confirmed you have to drill holes in the body for installation. In sum, its not worth it. If you install and then wind noise is a problem, not only are you out $71+installation charges, but you have holes in your body!! Slight benefit (rear window kept a little cleaner and looks a little different) but a big cost (to me with increased wind noise and holes in body. Hung, you should wait 6-9 months before drilling holes for a rear deflector 'cause I bet the rear spoiler will be out soon. Besides, the rear deflector is nothing more than a hunk of smoke acrilic plastic. The rear spoiler will be "boss".
    Anyone install hdkautosports series 2 front and rear brush guards (chrome) and tube side rails (chrome)? How much will the dealer charge me for installation? Also, how much should the dealer charge to install the front deflector and 4 mud flaps? From what I hear what seems fair is a maximum of 1 1/2 or 2 hours on the guards and step rails with maybe 1 1/2 or 2 hours on the front deflector and mud flaps. How much time is required for installation of the front and rear brush guards with side tube steps? How about the front deflector? hdkautopsports said series 2 is very easy bolt-on Hyundai item so 3-4 hours max for everthing and maybe as low as 2 hours. Thanks in advance for your advice.
  • tonyg6tonyg6 Member Posts: 48
    I have a 4 cylinder as well [pewter 5 speed].

    I can tell you I have no problem with acceleration or speed.

    I've driven next to other bigger engine SUV's and kept up with them from dead stops and in highway traffic. Again, keep in mind I'm referring to a 5 speed. I cant't speak for the 4 cylinder auto although one fellow that I came across did have the 4cyl/auto and mentioned he too had no problem with power.

    In my case, I've not found myself flooring the gas to take off at lights or accelerate on the highway. If anything I simply start at a rather leisurely pace and can easily keep up with the pack [in some cases even ahead].

    I have no regrets about getting the 4 cylinder; especially 5 speed. I've always driven manuals [as well as my wife] and we enjoy every moment we drive the vehicle. I've had mine now for a month and so far no problems [hope it keeps that way, it's my first Hyundai].

    As for the 4wd. I live in NJ. Yes we have an occassional heavy snow, but IMHO nothing I can't get around in a 2wd. I've driven in heavy snow [with Toyota's] with rear and front 2wd, up and down hills and made it fine [all with 5 speeds]. Granted it takes a little more time and practice.

    I chose the 4cylinder for a few simple reaons:

    1 - it was available in 5 speed [major decision factor]. Even if the 6 cylinder was available in 5 speed I'm not sure if I would get it because of lower gas mileage.

    2 - mileage [my wife will mostly use it for work and her commute is long]. Had we not come across this SUV with such good mileage we probably would have purchased another small car. Gas mileage for this vehicle is rather good considering it's weight, horser power and not to mention it's damn good looks.

    Well, I hope I've answered some of your questions. You should have no regrets about your choice!

    Good Luck!
  • jcgsojcgso Member Posts: 7
    I purchased my Nordic White LX AWD w/ABS and Traction in mid-December. I have 3,000 mostly city miles on it. So far I have not had one single problem! I am truly impressed with this vehicle. I have to admit I was a little nervous about buying a Hyundai at first, but now, no regrets. I have only seen two others in the area since getting mine. Mileage has been at 18 MPG city driving, 20 MPG mixed. I'm hoping that improves a bit. I have added the Weathertech front mats and cargo liner ($150.00), the Florida Auto Trim synth. wood dash kit, which looks great ($240.00 for 17 pieces), and the Hyundai mud guards ($34.00 per set, rear installed, front on back order). That's about all I will add, except maybe a 6 disc CD changer later on. To all those still considering a Santa Fe, I say go for it! BTW, people ask me if it's a Lexus all the time.
  • tonyg6tonyg6 Member Posts: 48
    Hey guys...

    I've been reading a couple of posts asking about the rear deflector. Some folks mentioned problems with wind noise at high speeds.

    I've also posted my experience with the deflector in past posts, but in case anyone has missed it...

    I have the rear deflector on my SF. I had it installed by the dealer since it required drilling into the rear hatch [I suggest you do the same]. They did a super job. Alignment and pitch was perfect. Clean looking and not overpowering.

    As for wind noise...
    I've driven up to 70mph and have not heard any noise whatsoever either at 70 or anywhere below.
    If you are getting wind noise, I imagine it might have to do with the pitch [up/down tilt] at which it was installed. Otherwise, I have no regrets.

    If you're undecided about the current deflector vs the future rear spoiler, just wait a bit. You have the vehicle which is a big step from waiting for one.

    Good Luck
  • hyundairacerhyundairacer Member Posts: 10
    OK
    I live in South Florida and I loved getting the stares and points that come with having a new model car that is rarely on the road! But the other day I went to Ft. Lauderdale and I saw 5 different Santa Fe's within a half hour! Mine just blended in with the others. So now I'm at a dilemma. I want to separate myself from the pack! I am a young guy, so I was thinking about doing something drastic, like putting on some nice 20" chrome rims. That would really change the appearance of the car! I've already talked to several shops, and they said I should have no problems doing that. But does anyone else think this is a good idea? Maybe you have some suggestions about how to stand out of the crowd! Maybe 20" rims isn't such a good idea. Let me know any thoughts!
  • losthat1losthat1 Member Posts: 93
    Gas milage will improve! I'm getting 24.8 mpg in mixed driving (more highway) with almost 6,000 miles on my LX. The more I drive them more I love the SF.

    Sorry about the Lexus comments. What an insult!
    :-> :-> :-> :-> :-> :->
  • hyundairacerhyundairacer Member Posts: 10
    OK
    I live in South Florida and I loved getting the stares and points that come with having a new model car that is rarely on the road! But the other day I went to Ft. Lauderdale and I saw 5 different Santa Fe's within a half hour! Mine just blended in with the others. So now I'm at a dilemma. I want to separate myself from the pack! I am a young guy, so I was thinking about doing something drastic, like putting on some nice 20" chrome rims. That would really change the appearance of the car! I've already talked to several shops, and they said I should have no problems doing that. But does anyone else think this is a good idea? Maybe you have some suggestions about how to stand out of the crowd! Maybe 20" rims isn't such a good idea. Let me know any thoughts!
  • billbo1970billbo1970 Member Posts: 76
    I have the 2.4L 4cyl automatic FWD one, and like I said....I am very happy with it. I just don't like the acceleration in 2nd gear after slowing down for whatever reason. 2nd gear blows....and my radio reception sucks, i get alot of squelch. I'm wondering if the antennae plug is loose??? I mean squelch is ODD. I'm going to crawl under there & see if I can see anything...otherwise I'm replacing the head unit with a Pioneer. Anyone else have this FM problem??
  • hung0820hung0820 Member Posts: 426
    To Gtmustang:
    Badges (Emblems)= The Emblems will be gold trim with $500 plus add to invoice and it looks exactly what we have right now (Chrome). You can do the gold trim aftermarket for about $300.

    Chrome Wheels = 17" Shinny Chrome Wheels (Dunlop 275*55*17 tires) with a price of $3000 plus will be add to the invoice but waste gas. We can do it aftermarket around $2200.

    Rear Deflector/Spoiler = No matter how perfect you install these 2 items there is still going be a little noise if you sit in the rear. The last 2 month test spoiler was very noisy and hopefully this is a good type of spoiler. I really like to install both of these items in my car (cut & modify) with all of the equipment that I have owned.

    ***Stick with your order because you can upgrade these feature when you sign the invoice****

    4 Cyclinder = If you prefer to have a 4 Cylinder please buy the one with the Manual gear only because and A/T gear shift is very weak for this kind of sport platform built heavy car. Initially I really like to buy the 4 cyclinder with Manual and then add the turbo charge but my wife can not drive Manual Shift. So I have to get the V6 instead.

    To: Pro212
    I have installed the front Bush Guard Series 6, Rear Bush Guard Series 2, and Side Steps that was not shown on any series but also order from hdkautosport.com. The front hood deflector and the mud guards was also the easiest things to install. You should be able to do it yourself with no problem. Dealer will charge labor overprice. I installed everything by myself with no problem...Install each product on each day and have fun like me. You will fall in love with your car more if you install it by yourself. I just have a confirm today with the following item will be ship out today for me: Fender flares on series 3, Roof Rack on Series 2, and the A/V Stereo System HAV-M72 with the 8 discs video cd changer. Excited and can not wait to install of these myself again.
  • billbo1970billbo1970 Member Posts: 76
    What are you talking about? The gear shift is NOT weak, what propted you to say this? And what is your backing? Are you a Hyundai mechanic? When you state your opinions, please state so. Some may take your opinions as fact not knowing better.
  • hung0820hung0820 Member Posts: 426
    To: Billbo1970
    Radio Reception: The attenna is built in the rear-trunk window driver side (high technology). There is no need to check the attenna but rather check the attenna switch attach behind the radio. You can check back with the dealer because you have warranty on it. That should not be a problem because my radio reception is excellent. The dealer might be able to fix or change the stereo system for you.

    A/T Shift Gear: With 4 cylinder car the 2nd gear is weak but the 1st gear strong. That is all you can expect on the 4 cylinder because the RAV4 and CRV are about the same. I usually owned the RAV4 and sold it already and I know it. However, you should not be able to have this similar problem in you have a Manual Shift Gear.

    Part of the prove read message #1474. We will know this comments! Hopefully someone who owned the 4 cylinder with Manual and stand out and share the comments on the Gear please.
  • tulpenhamtulpenham Member Posts: 32
    Hello gtmustang! In post number 1471 you complain that you are already waiting for over 4 weeks for your SF to come in. I have ordered mine on December 27 and I am still waiting! On the day I ordered, the dealer already told me that it will not be delivered before May, so that means it will take almost 5 months! And should you order one today, that means delivery in NOVEMBER! I wonder if that is because almost the complete production is being exported to the US? ;-)
  • krcooperkrcooper Member Posts: 14
    I think what hung0820 is trying to say (in his inimitable broken english, which I usually 'get' sooner or later) is that acceleration in 2nd gear is weak - not the gear shift itself. Acceleration is fine in first gear, 2nd gear is a little slow - at least on the V6. So presumably if you get a 4 cylinder Santa Fe, hung0820 believes you should get it with the manual transmission so you don't feel so 'saddled' or restricted by the less torque & speed a 4 cyl. automatic may give you. But that's only my guess that's what he means. Who knows - maybe the gear shift WILL break off in your hands when you shift into 2nd gear!?! Mr. hung0820 sure seems to be on top of everything else about the Santa Fe! He's a true trailblazer for all of us!
  • hung0820hung0820 Member Posts: 426
    Yes! Krcooper know what I mean. With an A/T car on the 2nd gear you will get less torque but problem will resolve if you have a Manual. However, do not give up with what you have on the Santa FE because in the future when the warranty is over just add the ECU to boost up your car power.

    To Billbo1970> Sorry for the grammar! This is one of my suck subjects when graduate from High School. I have good grade in every other subject but Grammar forgets it. Maybe because I am Vietnamese and I can read and write my own language, which disadvantage in this subject.
  • gtmustanggtmustang Member Posts: 41
    I'm still waiting for the LX Santa Fe to come. It's been 5 weeks now. I am interested in getting more information on the Special Badge edition LX with the 17" inch chrome wheels, gold package, rear spoiler and interior wood trim. How much more will this vehicle cost than the Loaded LX that I ordered? Are there any PICTURES of this vehicle? I would like to see PICTURES. Does anybody here know anything about this special edition Badge model?
  • 25lookin25lookin Member Posts: 1
    Was looking forward to buying a SF and was even prepared to pay sticker but in the Southern Illinois and St. Louis area that won't cut it. Dealers have an extra sticker with "regional adjustment" from $1,000 to $1,500. Told the salesman that I wouldn't even waste his time by driving one if he expected that price. Has anyone else seen such mark ups?
  • billbo1970billbo1970 Member Posts: 76
    Oh OK....sorry Hung. Then you are correct. BUT, normal 0-60 acceleration with my 4cyl A/T is excellent. I mean excellent. And this is coming from a guy who's previous vehicle was a Mitsubishi Eclipse. My 2nd gear annoyances only happen when I'm already moving along, and need to slow down. Once I start accelerating again it's from 2nd gear which has no punch. But, it's ok, I can live with that. Yeah, there is some cool stuff at that hdk site you posted about. I want that cool airfilter! Have you tried those aftermarket headlight bulbs? As to the radio....that "switch" as you call it is what I was talking about Hung. I definately need to have the dealer look at it. I am afraid to pop the panels off myself, and I crawled under there.....you can't see anything, that panel needs to come off :(
  • billbo1970billbo1970 Member Posts: 76
    By the way, what is this "Fuel cell system" you mentioned a couple of posts back???? Also, do you know what that "cyclone power charger" thing is that HDK is selling? Does it do much?? Thanks! -Bill
  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,709
    It's true! Hyundai will eventually replace gas engines with fuel cells. They've selected International Fuel Cells to start up their Fuel Cell powerplant and Enova Systems of Torrance,CA to supply the electric drive train and power management systems for Hyundai's Santa Fe SUV demonstrator. There'll be a single stack of fuel cells. The only waste will be a water vapor put into our breathing air! Cool! I'll be following it with big interest!

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • georgefarmergeorgefarmer Member Posts: 98
    MY SF that got hit in the rear at a stop light goes in the shop on Monday. The insurance guy estimated the damage at $1200. That is for bumper damage as the body does not seem hurt. My SF dealer has a body shop right next door so at least its in good hands. Hope the bumper paint matches. let you know.
    george
  • billbo1970billbo1970 Member Posts: 76
    Well, I got fed up and bought a Pioneer DEH-330 which has a Supertuner III in it (FM sensitivity = 9). Guess what? The reception is even WORSE now!! I guess that factory radio had a signal booster built into it. Now I am really upset about this! Still LOVE the truck, but really upset about this antenna. I am thinking about putting the roof antenna from the Audi TT coupe on the truck, but I don't know how much it costs. I know installation will be around $100. If the Audi antenna costs too much, then I think I'll get the VW roof mount one. I can't believe my reception is even worse. Grrrr... :)
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Nice review. They even mention Edmunds :-)

    Steve
    Host
    Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
  • hung0820hung0820 Member Posts: 426
    Fuel Cell System: There was a test on one of the Toyota Hybrid-Prius. By next year, the Santa Fe will be the first SUV test in the market. So far I know everything is good. Get to know more visit Toyota.com and click on PRIUS. Amazing gas mileage.

    Ride: Regardless what type of cylinder you have on the Santa Fe the ride is smooth. The car built in a luxury sedan class (Camry-ES300). Add the strut bars and you can get nearly up-to the Sport Coupe level similar to (SC300-Solara).

    Headlight Bulbs: Yes! I have installed the Blue illuminated Headlight bulbs from HDK and it looks very nice.

    Air Filter: Yes! I have bought 4 of that air filters and also 6 oil filters because they are actually OEM (Original Equipment Manufacture). Manufacture Quality!!!!

    Antenna: Most of the shops that can install stereo can also install A/T antenna too. Maybe the area where you listen to the FM/radio have less reception, try to go to a friend car and compare. Maybe when install the Pioneer DEH-330 and forgot to hook the antenna plug to the radio.

    Cyclone Power Charge: Most oftenly go with a turbo charge because it need to produce more wind/air to prevent engine from burning. Cooling the engine when racing in high speed. Not worth it for normal condition ride.

    You can see an example of what is behind the radio panel. Simply visit my site at www.y2kcatalogs.com/santafe. Click on the In Dash Wire Detail picture. You can take the panel out! You basically have to take the ashtray out and then remove the 2 screws and the rest you should know.

    Price for Santa Fe: Most of the dealers now won't sell out their Santa Fe in a cheaper price because the inventory is very low. If you are lucky, you can contact some dealer that can match the internet price. If you can get a Santa Fe with an Internet price then that should be very good already. Santa Fe parts are pretty cheap/good and this is a good investment compare to BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, and other as well.
  • georgefarmergeorgefarmer Member Posts: 98
    Loved the part where he said the Santa fe went up a steep, very slick icy hill without spinning a tire, the same hill that the expensive German SUV's could not get up at all! $20000+ more to get from point A to point B except they could not get to point B!
  • gtmustanggtmustang Member Posts: 41
    I was just in the Santa Fe Club Forum and Someone in there posted some new information about the Santa Fe 4 cylinder 2wd. They said that their vehicle experienced some problems with the timing belt. The dealers are trying to fix it by doing something to the tensioner.
    This person claims that there will be a massive recall for ALL 4cylinder Santa Fe's because the timing chains which are in the 4 cylinder engines are too big for the engine. I think that they are doing something to the tensioner to fix this problem. The problem arises when the cars shift into second gear causing the car to skip.
    Does anybody here know anything about this recall and about the timing chain being too big for the 4 cylinder engine in the Santa Fe? I would like to know if anybody has heard about this problem. I think that this is a weird thing. I hope that Santa Fe is not going to have recalls. I really love this car.
  • gtmustanggtmustang Member Posts: 41
    Hung, I don't want to spend $3500 more for a special addition Santa Fe with Gold trim and 17" inch tires and a spoiler. I agree with you that it will burn more fuel with the larger tires. Plus fuel prices are going to go up again due to OPEC's 1 million barrel a day oil reduction in the next few weeks.
    I am afraid that the Gold Trim and chrome wheels will look bad after 2 to 3 years due to the heavy salting of the roads here in the winter time. Chrome and Gold trim tend to pit and fade from the bad weather up here that we get in the winter time. New England winters are brutal up here. I would rather go with the generic Santa Fe look with the LX model.
    Plus, I don't want my vehicle to look like the cars that I see in the ghettos up here that are equipped with heavy chroming and gold trim. I think that the Santa Fe looks better without the gold trim and chrome wheels. It isn't a Cadillac or Lincoln, it's an SUV. SUV's should look rugged and not like some type of Barbie Doll vehicle. Too much gold trim and chrome makes the vehicle look too flashy for an SUV.
  • sofsofsofsof Member Posts: 23
    I've only had the Santa Fe for a week, but there's something very peculiar and annoying going on. On the freeway, with all the windows shut, there's this almost continuous loud whooshing sound, as if a wind is blowing through a tunnel.

    Has anyone else experienced something similar? How do I tame this whooshing beast?
  • oilfldgrloilfldgrl Member Posts: 2
    I have been researching mainly SUVs and some cars for the last 3 months. I began with the Mazda Tribute, just "knowing" I wanted one, after research (many problems) and a bad experience with a dealer, I chose not to, just had a sinking feeling about it.

    I have returned over and over to the Santa Fe, and this board has been a tremendous help, you guys are great. I drove one at my local dealer, a GLS, and liked it, but was looking for a white LX. The car salesman laughed when I told him what I wanted, and I haven't heard from him, so I am assuming he hasn't received one.

    Last week I found another contender, a Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7, looked really good on the outside, made the 1 hour trip to drive it, the first hint something was amiss is when the salesman just stood out by the building, I had to approach him, hmmm. I drove it less than a mile, that's all I could handle. It is a poor excuse for an SUV. I felt as though I were driving a tin can. The seats are cheaply made, the engine sounded like a sewing machine, so much potential lost. He asks me how I liked it, I say I DIDN'T.

    He then asks me if I have seen a Santa Fe (they are a Hyundai/Suzuki (soon to be former he tells me) dealer.) I tell him yes, indeed I have been looking, a long time, but they are hard to get, he laughs and says yeah, we get what they decide to send to us. He has two on the lot, both GL models, he says the only reason he has those is b/c everyone wants a 6 cylinder, I say, yeah me too. So he says, but we have one coming in next week, a white one. My ears perk up, white you say? Yeah, an LX. Are you sure??? He says yes, we walk inside, his sales manager relates that it will be in next week. Hmmm I am thinking, this is too weird. So I ask him what they are selling them for, he says sticker, I say geez...he says hey, a lot of dealers are marking them up over sticker. I say nothing, but know in my mind I have read that here lots of times. So, I don't know if it has the heated seats, which I want, or the ABS, which I would prefer, or is AWD, which doesn't matter, we get snow every five years or so. He says he will call when he gets it. Oh...he says they difference between sticker and invoice is $700.00 something dollars, is this right?

    So...I am torn, I LOVE a Toyota 4Runner, but to get the options I want, I am just not willing to pay the price, I would have to resort to a used vehicle, and they are high too. I currently drive a Honda CRV, and moving to an SR5 would not be accomplishing much, basically all the same options I have now.

    I know you all can help me. As a sidebar, as I was traveling down the highway after leaving the dealership, I see this white SUV coming towards us, and I ask my daughter...what is that??? You guessed it if you said a white Santa Fe, I had never seen one "in the flesh" so to speak. It was beautiful. Strange sequence of events for one day.

    Thanks for your help!!
  • fuller2fuller2 Member Posts: 6
    Greetings. I would like to get the LX with the heated seats, but I'm not thrilled with the factory
    leather and would like to have it replaced with some custom leather I've found out about where I live. Question: Has anyone had this done? Would it have any affect on the heating of the seats? Thanks in advance! Oops, also, Best price/seller of the bush gard anyone?
  • bluecruzerbluecruzer Member Posts: 1
    I was THIS close to buying a Sante Fe. Here we have the GL and the GLS... I didn't want leather, and the GL comes with air conditioning.

    -To add air is $2000 CNDN (1300 US)
    -GL has 4 wheel disc instead of Anti Lock.

    To top it off, I asked about service... what if you break down in the back country, no where near a dealer.

    If it's a serviceable item, such as say a starter or something trivial, a Toyota dealer will suffice they say.

    If it's major, it MUST be towed to a Hyundai Dealer for service.

    Here's the kicker... even if covered by warranty, only the first 100 km (65 miles) of towing are covered.

    In Canada, you can be 500 km (easily) from the nearest dealer... Ouch!
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