Hyundai Santa Fe (2006 and earlier)

hung0820

Big Reason:
The Front and Rear bumper was to protected the from parking. If you lived in San Francisco for awhile then you know what I mean. The crimes and thiefs here now-a-day are well disappear. I see so many SUV with bumper scratch all over the places not just the bumper but also the mold at the side doors too. On my rear bumper I was thinking of cutting out the word "Stop", the rubber was to do bouncing-bumper and therefore must have it.

Weight & Rims:
I don't feel any heavier on my car at all. I still drive normal. No I don't really need to gas pedal more...Just drive very normal....
"Protection was the only reason". I will get some rims when my current tires die////

Other Reason:
The other big reason why I really added all of these accessories and parts on my car because I am going to do a sample showing project. I just want every owner of the SaFe and anyone who looking to buy SaFe to see the example of the options add to the SaFe. Yes! Some of my friends like the rear bumper and some don't but I don't really car because it really help me protect from parking in San Francisco.. Can't wait to get my Digital Camera to do this project...

Wood Dash:
I just try to contact Ken the owner of the Hyundai place to get the wood dash information but the phone line is keep on busy. I will continue to contact for more information:

hmshoodfan

A clarification on the Hyundai (simulated) woodgrain dash kit for the SaFe, that I show on my website. It comes in 4 pieces and each piece is a REPLACEMENT for the original part, it does NOT paste on top of what was originally there:

1 - Instrument fascia

2 - Ash tray front

3 - centre dash fascia upper

4 - centre dash fascia lower

Jeff

http://www.magma.ca/~jbarclay

hung0820

I called Ken at the Hyundai dealer in Canada just a moment ago and he confirm that the wood dash was covered on the whole center parts, 4 doors panel, and at the shift gear only. I did not really like it that much!

to see the sample:
traxsite
1. Owner's gallery
2. Stephen G Woo

ramada

So, like, you're not gonna share with us then? Like where you bought it, did you create this, how did you install it, when, where, how much for labor, etc...are you in Canada, the U.S.? Please provide some info, contacts etc...this would help us all out, if we decide to go your route, the Replacement route. Thanks Jeff. :-)

hung0820

I know that the www.wooddashfactory.com have the 26 pieces but most of them are small pieces. I don't like the color that they have! However, they do have the most pieces in the market.

I ordered the 17 pieces from autodash.com made by Florida Auto Trim. I really like the top vent pieces which wooddashfactory do not have. By the way my set have the missing gap too. However, Monday I order the missing gap which I have sketch it for Florida Auto Trim. I have been trying to convinced many manufacture to make the wood dash kit which I have draw as follow but none of them willing to do but Florida Auto trim will be in the future. With my effort of work, they are going to give me the missing gap piece first, which I will get it by Monday:
SaFe Wooddash Sketches

I really like the manufacture wood dash quality but they just don't have many pieces. Everyone is different and like different! But I am sure everyone will like to have the set that I have sketches. We just have to wait for awhile before the manufacture made it. Once they made it ready they will contact me. Once I have this fully loaded set then I will come back and post it again.

keithatwork

so... ramada scores one for him/her self.

all i can say is that while some of the accesories may look cool on hung's truck... the combination of all of them looks like an ill equipt colorforms set. stick this here... screw that there...

i prefaced my comments with the fact that if he likes it... good. i am glad.. personally i would never put that much stuff on anything i drive. anyone remember the days of windshield wiper aerodynamic fins and fake cell phone antennas.

as for the plasti-grain hyundai kit vs a real wood kit, wood is wood... plastic is plastic...
i would really like to see any automotive interior piece (not custom made by hand) that was made strictly from wood with no plastic backing or mounts. bottom line is... "stick-on" wood dash kits are the defacto standard.

as for the wood covering the entire top piece.. if you think that would look good... by all means... go for it.. the idea is to accent your interior not cover the thing floor board to sun visor with wood. then again... you might like that kinda thing...

so to you.. and everyone else i say... more power to you, do what you like but don't expect not to hear an opinion on what you post. most of all dont expose your ignorance by flaming someone for expressing thier point of view. ooops... too late for you ramada...

enjoy your rides.

PS. i also remember hung talking about bigger rims cutting down fuel economy due to the added weight??? i am not scientist but i think there is a difference between unsprung weight (rims and tires) and sprung weight (300 pounds of fender flares, window flares, roof racks and push bars).

sorry hung... not trying to cut you down... i am just on a roll here. hahaha

hung0820

Weight:
Yes! The weight does cut down just a little bit of gas mile! However, I really need the stuffs that add on my car. I will give all the reason why when I get my digital camera. Yes! upgrade the rims will loose gas mileage too. Therefore, when it times for me to upgrade I will not used the 275/55/17 tires but instead of the 255/55/17 to keep the weight lower. Anyway, my car ride on hill and downhill just like a 'piece of cake' here in San Francisco. The SaFe does not really care much about add relatively weight on it. It is still perform as I was driving normal. Really! No lie. My SaFe break-in working very powerful now-a-day and I love it a lots.

The Wood:
"Everyone need is different!" Therefore, we should not harrass each other about this. My set of wood dash loosing the center piece too. I just got lucky to get it cover by next week. Therefore, I have working very hard to sketches the whole wood dash pieces and hopefully some day in the future everyone who look to buy the SaFe will be able buy the whole set. I am waiting for that day to get the whole set that I have sketched too. Click on the link below to see my sketches!
My Wood Dash Sketches

hmshoodfan

Here in summary:
The (simulated) woodgrain dash kit shown on my website (http://www.magma.ca/~jbarclay) is a genuine Hyundai Auto Canada accessory, which comes in 4 parts, with installation instructions. It is a complete replacement for the 4 original parts:
1-instrument cluster fascia panel
2-ash tray cover
3-Center fascia panel - upper
4-Center fascia panel - lower
I have no idea if it is available in the US. Best to check with HMA or your local Hyundai dealer..
My kit was purchased from Acacia Motors (local Hyundai dealership - 613-745-2311) in Ottawa, Canada. Their list price was $206.95 CDN, I paid $189.75 CDN (tax included).As I intended to install it myself, I didn't get a installation quote. If you have the proper conditions (lighting/temp) it can be done in 90-120 minutes, maybe a bit more or less. Well under an hour for a Hyundai Service Tech who has installed it before. The main tools required are a small phillips screwdriver and patience.
I have added a picture of the installation Instructions that came with the kit on my website.
Also, some advice I got from a Hyundai service tech - Be careful not to break the two small tabs located at the inside top of the lower dash panel, when reinstalling it, to ensure the upper and lower panels will be flush (mine didn't break).

Comparing pictures of kits which have glued on pieces in wood or plastic, with the Hyundai kit, I believe the Hyundai kit looks a bit nicer. The other kits do have additional pieces, for the door arm rests and lower console for example, and are probably a bit easier to install.
To each their own. I am happy with mine.

Jeff

BTW, Hung, I like your pics. Your SaFe looks like it has been working out a bit. Definitely will get a few looks....

billtung

To Keithatwork:

The factory one is made by plastic but the Epoxy finish is very nice, exactly the same thing use in other luxury cars(Like Acura MDX, Lexus, Benz.....), so don't worry about its quality.

What I upset is they don't come with the door's arm rest pieces & the transmission's gear box piece that I am seriously looking for if they want to sold me to install its expensive dash replacement!

I really want to know the reason WHY the designer will give up those pieces? (If they are smart, in order to sold people, they should promise to release other pieces in the near future, otherwise they will lose business to those aftermarket manufacturers!)

This is my CDN 2 cents.

- Bill the SF delivery man

wales1

For thos ewho may not have seen the posting I placed, I contacted the people at tischners hyundai and they told me that Hyundai is having problems with their wood dash parts, the finish isnt holding up. So, for those who have them installed, be on the look out for a recall maybe?

geep1

Are the red lights on the lower driver doors powered, my Canadian GLS does not have these.
Does anyone know the cost of the rear luggage cover, since this is not available in Canada, but seems like a good thing to have.
How would one carry skis on the roof rack?

lrchome

I recieved a service notice from Hyundai Motors. They ask me to bring in my Santa fe to have the neoprene rubber strip on the roof rack cross rails inspected and resecured. They said they have had some of the neoprene strips come loose, and they would like to inspect and resecure them even if they are not loose on my santa Fe. Mine are very solidly secured and I will not take the vehicle in unless they start to come loose.

martinique_3

I received my Santa Fe on March 31st. I have a GLS 4WD ABS/TCS V6 in Nordic White. Can someone tell me if their GLS came with both, a CD player and cassette deck? Every piece of literature I have read said this is standard for the GLS and LX version. The dealership and Hyundai corporation informed me that this is not. They told me to look at the disclaimer they published that they can change the package and not notify the consumer. I love my Santa Fe. It is an awesome vehicle. My Santa Fe drives like a charm. It is so comfortable and has the "get-up-and-go" I expected from a V6. I previously drove a Honda CRV. The prices are comparable however the Santa Fe has so many more little perks. My CRV did not have tinted windows,blue tinted strip across top of windshild, cargo cover, cargo net or tires as large etc. The bigger tire makes a difference in the ride. The seats are much more comfortable in the Santa Fe. I could go on and on. I am disappointed about the cassette deck though since I have always had one so most of my music is in this form. Please reply if you know anything about this

labelgeek

I received a notice in the mail this week from my dealer of RECALL # 913. I called the dealer and they said it is for the rubber flashing strips on the side rails that may come loose and takes aboout 2 hours to replace. Now I wonder if they meant cross rails, which I do not have anyway. I will call them tomorrow to reconfirm.

jajohnson66

I finally got one, a Merlot LX 4WD. Been looking for well over a month for just what I wanted & finally found it in a 4WD, I had been looking for a 2WD. I'm in the San Francisco area where I've been to 5 dealerships in the East & South Bay, all asking 1500+ over MSRP, but I drove about 80 miles south to Salinas where I got a great deal. The supply must be loosening up, they accepted my first offer of 1,000 below MSRP without a counter offer. Makes me wonder how low they would have gone, but I paid less than Edmunds TMV so I shouldn't dwell on it too much.

I agree with martinique, I was expecting a CD/Cassette stereo standard in the LX, but it only has the CD. I'm off to get a new stereo and CD changer this morning.

I've been lurking on this board for a while now, got a lot of great advice. Thanks, see ya on the road!

shivelyt

anyone know where I can get a decent deal on a bug deflector for the Santa Fe? Auto parts stores in my area indicate they don't carry them and can't order them. Thanks

bobcook54

The cassette/cd player is now available. It costs an additional $350.00 MSRP,so I hope that they have upgraded the speakers as well. That's a helluva lot of money for just an addition of a cassette player. Bob

spesss

Hello Shivelyt,

I just ordered a bug deflector for my Nordic White LX/AWD this morning. I purchased it through Tischer Hyundai (tischerhyundai.com).
Paid around 46 dollars. with shipping (15) total was 61.75. Hope this helps!

guyf

No the red lights are not powered on the US model either; this has been discussed here before. They are powered on some European markets however.

I don't know much about the cargo cover, I have a GLS with the rear windows tinted so I feel I can do without it.

For the skis, you first need to buy cross-bars. I bought the Thule brand. Then you can add Thule accessories to carry skis, bikes, canoe, etc...

Hope this helps!

lrchome

The red lights on the bottom of the doors are powered on the US models. I have a Merlot LX FWD, and I just opened my doors to make sure the lights on the bottom of the doors are powered.

mudpuddle

I've been looking for a Santa Fe in the East Tennessee area for a few months now. I took a drive to a dealer in Johnson City, Tn to see what he had and to get a salesman's perspective on the availability of the SF. This dealer was open today (Sunday) and had 2 SF on the lot, both arrived on 4/24. Both were FWD LX models. One was already sold. I asked the salesman how pricing was, and he told me that I would have to expect to pay MSRP. So, no let up yet in pricing in my area. He also stated that every shipment is gone in about a week, whether it's a 2 car shipment or 8 car shipment. I looked at the 300XG while I was there. Found a real nice "ivory pearl" in the "L" model, loaded out with everything for $25K.. The salesman knocked $800 off the sticker before I even asked about pricing. I'm trying to wait for the 2002 models....hoping a sunroof and 6 cd changer will be options on the SF or they change the wheels on the 300XG.

jarren

I've been enjoying everyone's messages for the past few months as I patiently waited for my Santa Fe to arrive. I picked up my Pewter 2WD LX yesterday in Irving, Texas. It was manufactured on 3/31/01 and to my surprise it had both a CD and Cassette player. It's not the most attractive stereo that I've ever laid eyes on and it was an additional $300, however, it was nice to be able to listen to an audio book during the drive back to Norman, Oklahoma.

I was wondering if anyone has installed a CD changer in their SaFe? Is it possible to fit one under either the driver or passenger seat or would it have to go in the back?

One last thing...I got the Santa Fe with everything except for heated seats and traction control for $21,554. I'm thinking that I got a pretty good deal. I was wondering if some other LX owners could let me know what they paid. Thanks.

peytonroad

Jarren, I have put a deposit down on my AWD LX, and I went through the Costco program, which allowed me to buy my vehicle FLEET! What a deal! The dealer sticker on it was marked up an outrageous $5000 above MSRP ($23,134) to $28k and change. The SaFe is a Pewter AWD LX with heated seats, cross rails and this great mat for the cargo space - well, everything but ABS and a cd changer (which I don't want because I rip my own cd mixes at home and don't need 6 cd's in my car at once- I don't mind if my mixes get stolen...) and I am paying $22,534 and $78 for license and registration (no sales tax in Oregon). All I am waiting for now is the blank check from People's choice - the online loan deal. Unfortunatly, only Sonata's and Elantra's are getting the great 0.9% interest rate...
Liz

wales1

Hey there fellow SFe owners or soon to be owners. I wanted to pass some info along. I bought the bug deflector for $57.75 including tax. I live in KY but can also travel 5 min. and be in Indiana, and the tax there is a wee bit cheaper, 6% in KY. The shield looks great on my Auto Black GL w/utility pkg (plus other extras dealer installed..IE..roof rails.)Paid only $19,000 for it. I mean tax tag, title ..the works..
I will also be installing a Sony CDX-M610 CD player as well as 2 sets of Infinity 652i speakers in my SFe, hopefully on Monday if I can get away from work for a few hrs. I will post pics of the car with radio installed if anyone would care to see it. BTW..the SFe has 6 1/2 speaker wells, so keep that in mind if you are looking to upgrade. I love the looks on installers faces when they ask.. 'so what kind of vehicle do you have...' I say with a smile..." a Santa Fe..they reply.."A WHAT ? " I say..a Hyundai Santa Fe" They again reply.."what is that" .
Its a trip..so if you are bored one day and or are shopping for a stereo upgrade, be prepared !
And most of all..if anyone would like to have a fun time this coming weekend..make it to my home town..LOUISVILLE, KY..and watch the greatest 2 min in sports history,..the KY DERBY ! I normally go and shoot it , but this year..I will be out of town, hate to give up on my good set, but oh well. If you do make it or want to attend, its a party with close to a million, if not more, of unknown people. The whole city shuts down for this event.

lrchome

I put a 6disc Cd Changer in my LX and I located the changer under the drivers seat. I then velcroed the wired changer control to the ashtray. I use the remote control to control the operation of the changer.

hung0820

red light driver door:
LX model will have it. Not sure about GLS model but I heard most people with GLS does not have it.

Ski on roof rack:
You really need the side cross bar in order to attach the ski rack. However, the rubber need to resolve which they are aware of it. Option available at nearly all Hyundai dealers.

roof rack rubber fix:
As I mentioned above message. The dealers have been aware of the problem and whoever owned or have these cross side bars then they dealers are willing to fix the problem for free.

Stereo system-speakers:
Most of the SaFe import now-a-day are using the H290 stereo system which it is the combo cd and tape players with EQ. The cd player are also a good stereo. The problem with the SaFe is that the speakers are not that good. I just finish installed new speakers in my car a few hours ago. The front speakers are 6-3/4" while the back speakers are 6". ***To install the aftermarket speakers that match the size where the screws are as follow***Front=Boston Acostic FX6 (6-1/2") and the Rear=Pioneer TS-A1765 (6-1/2"). You can use any other 6-1/2" speakers but most likely you have to drill a new hole for the screws.

Bug/hood deflectors & rear deflector:
I installed the hood deflectors about over a month ago. I bought it at tischerhyundai. This site have the best price on the internet. I just install the rear deflector yesterday. You really need to drill 4 holes on the rear trunk door. It was a little bit tough but I manage to get it through with no problem.

SaFe-Sunroof+Changer:
You don't have to wait for the 2002 model to get the SaFe with the sunroof and the cd changer. The moon/sunroof can be install aftermarket with the manufacture quality. You can buy the cd changer at HDKAutosport.com. The changer just need to attach to the current stereo system.

Cd changer Option-Installation:
The best place to install the cd changer is right under the club compartment. In case of the long trip the passenger person change change the cd. I have my Audio & Video 8 discs cd changer install right under the club compartment. Also you don't have to do much wiring. There is only 1 wiring connect to the changer and the stereo.
1. If you install in rear trunk then you have to try to hide the wire from the front to the rear (unconvenient).
2. If you install under the front passenger seat then you have to remove the hidden bin (too much work).
3. If you install in the club compartment then you really loose storage plus you might need to drill hole for the wire to go in the club compartment (loose storage and might drill hole).
**Best to install right under the club compartment***

spesss

Thor9, You mentioned your SaFe leaned to the drivers side 1/2". I just noticed tonight that my LX/AWD is leaning that way also! Mine is about one inch. This is on level ground, nothing in the vehicle. The tires are all the same psi. It only has 350 miles on it. The lean is more prominent from the back. Also noted the left rear tire is about 1.5 inches closer to the top of the wheel well than the right rear tire. It wasn't leaning two days ago. Let me know what the dealer says when you take yours in. I haven't driven it since I noticed the lean. Thanks.....

waynesan1

I too made several trips to Johnson City looking for a Santa Fe but could never find what I wanted on the lot. Three weeks ago I called several dealers in Western NC who had nothing but I also called TRA Imports in Knoxville who had three. I drove down there and found exactly what I wanted and I got it for about $700 under sticker price. I would rather have bought in Johnson City but I needed a vehicle now. I was not overly impressed with the salesman knowledge of the Santa Fe in Knoxville so do your homework before talking deal.

hung0820

I believe if you park the car lean so much as well as drive with the weight on the driver side more and therefore the car will lean but it should not be happening when you are out the car. This is very interesting. Let's me go to my car and look at it. Wait.

My car was balance!
Sound like the suspension/spring is problem.

wxeye

Can anyone tell me if the red reflectors in the rear bumper are suppose to light up? My don't on my GLS 4WD. Also, what is the small compartment opening above the dashlight dimmer for?

refaires

1. The reflectors are merely that... reflectors. The are not supposed to light up on the US version.

2. Whatever you've got that will fit in it. How about a garage door opener???

wxeye

Actually, I installed a really nice electronic thermometer made by Acu-Rite over the front of that opening. I ran the sensor wire through the hole in the back and out to the front of the grill. It was only ten dollars and shows the temperaure to the tenth degree as you drive. It has a green backlight for night and gives the high and low temperaures. Since I am a weather man, this is great. I had an electronic thermometer on my Ford Explorer up where the clock is on the SaFe. BTW, the thermometer is a gray taupe color, the same as the interior and matches perfectly and looks almost factory installed. If someone is interested, I can take a digital photo and post it.

trapperjj

Can anyone tell me how much fuel is in the tank when the low fuel light comes on. By the way we now have 1000 miles on our Santa Fe [GLS AWD ] can't even find ANYTHING to complain about. Really a great suv. Look forward to hearing from you all

Regards
john

tulpenham

Looking at the pictures of the SaFe on the various websites I noticed that on some of them, the B- and C-style are painted in the same color as the body of the car, but on other pictures they are black.
Does anybody know what the reason for this difference is? IMO it could be due to the different specifications for different countries, but I'm not sure about that. Or is it a choice the customer has?

keithatwork

ok well i officially retract my colorforms statement i made last week. while stick on wood dash kits may be the standard, THEY are the ultimate colorforms kit.

it took me about an hour or so to install the 26 piece medium italian burlwood kit on my sandstone SF. It was a warm(ish) day so i laid the pieces out in the sun to warm since i didnt have a hair dryer of heat gun available. the sun warmed the pieces a little, enough to make them somewhat flexible. my advice, get a blow dryer.

after the first 2 pieces (front door handles) i opted to turn on the heater and bilevel blower and laid the pieces on the floor and dash.

once i did this, all the pieces we nice and pliable... it all went on without a hitch. amazing how flexible they got.

as i was installing the kit with the heater on, i think i figured out why they left the missing piece below the heating vents. that area gets HOT! if they were to put a piece there (which after looking at the kit would not have been difficult for them to make at all) that kind of heat constantly on that area would easily damage or lift the piece...

as for my radio, i am ready to buy a full face radio to take up that hole... i am not to happy with the fact that the hyundai one isnt working after only 2000 miles. i think i am going to have the dealer remove it, send it to get fixed (why cant they just install a new one?) and go get a new fullface radio... maybe one with a popout video screen... that would be sweet.

my only concern is taking the car to a radio shop... since there are not a lot of these on the road, maybe they won't have the knowledge of the car, etc. last thing i need is somebody snipping wires, etc.

time for some research.

later.

wales1

Hung...I have not seen a 6 inch or a 6 3/4 in speaker ever made. Is this a Hyundai Special speaker? I have shopped around at car stereo shops and NO ONE has those size speakers, and the size according to alot fo speaker mfg. for the SFe's is 6 1/2. The 6 1/2, and 5 1/4 are standard sizes for most round car stereo speakers. Again, I am hoping to get my system installed today, shop says app. 3 hours to do the job, so we will see. I will post info on how it went, speaker drilling etc once I get it done.

mrmagoo55

Rec'd a recall notice from Hyundai today.

If your vehicle is equipped with optional cross rails for the
roof mounted carrier, the rub strips have been known to detach.

That's not too bad of a recall.

Other than that car performs well.

gg7143

Will be picking up my Sandstone 4WD GLS today and would like to know how long it took to install the hood/bug deflector? Does it come predrilled with hardware? My dealer wants 1 hr labor or $82+ tax to install. Please advise how it attaches? Will the color of the acrylic go with the Sandstone?

billtung

To gg7143:
I've installed the hood deflector few days ago, it is an easy job, take me about 1/2 hr to finish, make sure you read the instruction sheet before u proceed.

There is no need to predrill hole on your SaFe, It comes with some glue-on rubber protectors, u just need a small philip screwdriver to turn the 2 small screws into the little holes in the supplied C-shape rubber clamp.

Hope it help.

Make sure U clean the surface before u stick the rubber protectors on the hood!

lshirley2

My GLS fwd has powered red door lights.Manufactured 11-03-00. I use the small compartment above the dimmer knob to store my magnetic parking lot card. Its the perfect size and handy to use.

guyf1

I would be very much interested to see your thermometer installation. I too feel Hyundai should have put a thermometer instead of a clock up there. The radio already have a clock built in (well the Clarion in the Canadian Model) anyway.

Thanks

Guy

hung0820

Reflector light on bumper:
The Santa Fe comes with the reflector on the rear bumper. They are not actually light up when you brake it because there was no light bulb. You can add the light bulbs and wiring connection with the current existing brake light for less than $20. You can buy the light bulbs at nearly any auto shop parts such as Kragen, etc.

Small compartment at left side of steering wheel:
Most likely is use for anything that fit it. I have my garage door open there!

Electronic Thermometer:
There are plenty of different kind of thermometer out there. You can get the laser detector kind that comes with it too. You can search the internet to find and buy the kind you like.

Low Fuel Light Warning:
Most likely the low fuel light warning show when the gauge reach "E".

B & C style:
In the USA there is only 2 tones color base for the Santa Fe available. However, in Korea there is a 1 & 2 color tone base option available for the SaFe.

Radio Wire Tip:
The manufacture stereo was actually a good stereo system but the speakers was not that great. You can change the speakers and solve sound problem. For the Radio wiring follow the link below:
HMAServiceTech

Speaker size:
Read my last message carefully about this: "Repeat" Again. Yes! The SaFe size is 6-3/4" on the front and 6" on the back. When you change to the aftermarket product then use 6-1/2" for the front and the back as well. However, if you use the Boston Acoustic FX6 (6-1/2") then they will fit perfectly for the front and if you use the Pioneer TS-A1765 (6-1/2") then they will fit perfectly on the rear. You can also use different type of 6-1/2" size but most likely you have to drill new holes for the screws to hold the speakers. With the speakers I have listed above you don't have to drill holes but instead of use the same holes as the manufacture speakers.

Hood/Bug Deflector Installation:
The Hood/Bug Deflector is take about 20-30 minutes to install. They are very easy and you don't have to drill any hole at all. They come with tiny-small bracket with tiny screws to hold in on the hood and the screw attach inside and under the hood. This is very secure and strong holding...

banjopari

koreans are of the ultaic-turkic language group which comprises Japanese, Hungarian, Finnish, and Turkish. Koreans developed from northern siberia, extreme northern china (hence partially of han and mongolian blood) and koreans eventually moved into Japan (first in kyushu and later honshu beginning in the 11th century). Hence, Japanese and Koreans are genetically identical as well as their languages being identical except for the vocab (Japanese was originally the language of the Paekchae region (southwest korea). KOrean is nothing like Chinese although KOreans and Japanese use Chinese ideographs in written language to clarify diverse definitions for the same word. KOreans tend to be tallest of "Asians" while Japanese, though descended from southwest koreans, tend to be shorter because of mixing of blood with the indigenous "Wa" peoples who were hunter-gathers with no knowledge of metallurgy (interesting fact, the famous samurai sword is of Korean origin since there is no iron in Japan proper to make such instruments; original samurai (called hwarang in korea) swords can still be found in tombs throughout Korea...the code of bushido is also a direct copy of the code of hwarang in korea).

the irony though is that when Hideyoshi invaded KOrea in the 16th century, he kidnapped thousands of the BEST korean intellectuals, artists, skilled craftsmen, etc. hence Korea's culture degenerated up until the 20th century while Japan's rose to its lofty heights today. Interestingly, to this day, fully a third of the noble Japanese families (or daimyo) can directly trace their lineage to southwest korea or the other ancient korean kingdom of Kaya. The Yamato lineage (the emperor line) is in fact Korean and are directly descended from a noble who emigrated from Paekchae. This is why it is still against the law in Japan to excavate teh major emperor tombs. The few that were unearthed by Europeans at the beginning of the 20th century, in fact, discovered ceramics, swords, etc that were clearly of korean origin, again from the southwest portion of the korean peninsula.

My point, then, for those of you wondering what the heck this has to do with the Santa Fe, is that it seems the koreans are making up for their lack of "progress" in the past four hundred years and catching up with the vaunted engineering expertise of the Japanese (-koreans once removed).

hung0820

Because of Korea's geographical location, many foreign elements inform her archaeological past. However, Korea has been able to maintain a national homogeneity through the ages despite foreign influences. It is important to note this when one considers that Korea is one of three important countries of East Asia. Throughout her history, Korea has served as a "cultural bridge" between China and Japan. Korean art is often analyzed as being the first to be influenced by continental culture as well as a transmitter of culture to her island neighbor. There is a need to explore the Korean uniqueness in art.

"Cultural Brige" Between China and Japan!
Vietnam was strictly from China as well...

tulpenham

In reply to Hung's reply on colors: I'm not referring to the solid or two-tone colors of the body but to the color of the window-styles (the vertical area between the front and back windows, the so-called B- and C-style if I remember it well). On some pictures these small surfaces are black, on others they have the body-color.
What's the reason for this difference?

hung0820

I am not sure if you refered to the black shade on the windshield or without the black shade on the windshield! Most people want shade and some don't but the USA SaFe version all come with it. The use to protect from sunshine and light reflection at night.

wales1

I got the radio/speakers installed today. I have started a mini webpage off my company website that I will be posting photos of my SFe on. The next project is tinting the front windows on driver/passenger doors.

http://www.nfocusimages.com/SantaFe.htm

Take a look and I welcome any feedback or questions.

iamnohs

Hi all,

I will be ordering a Santa Fe within the week from a dealership that apparently does enough volume with Hyundai to have ordering privileges. Does anyone out there have a photo of a pine green Santa Fe that they can share, or if not that, can anyone give me an idea of just how dark the color is? I've been to santafeforum.com, and the person who runs it has a nice link to photos of different Santa Fe colors, but the only pine green photo is a bit shadowy. Thanks in advance. This message board has been very helpful in my decision. Any scanned photos could be sent directly to me at iamnohs@yahoo.com.

stever

Edmunds' color chart at this link may help a little until you can get you a better photo.

Plus a review from the Cincinnatti Post to ponder while you're waiting (Hyundai paves the way with Santa Fe).

Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

wxeye

I have had my GLS SaFe Pine green for three weeks now and it is very nice. When the sun is out it changes color like it has blue in it. It is not a dark green at all. Haven't seen any other color on other cars. I get tons of compliments on the color. I will try and take a photo of it and post it for you.