Hyundai Santa Fe (2006 and earlier)

billtung

I'm also waitting for my dash kit, they have send me comfirm e-mail but still not charged my credit card yet! Hope I can receive it soon.

Have visited you personal SF site, Hung's U make a GOOD JOD again! So now U have received your Olympic's digital camera? Those pictures are very clear & details, I sure will help SF owners to install those parts.

Your son look very cute & very handsome.....

I don't like your window reflector, there is a gap between the 2 pieces(few inches), mine there is almost no gap (running continuously from front to end, bought from dealer).

just my 2 cents.

drew_

When you said rear windows, were you referring to the rear doors' windows? Or the tailgate window? If it's the latter, I would be cautious about doing it since exhaust fumes can enter the cabin. Definitely not something that you would want, especially in stop and go traffic!

At highway speeds, driving with the windows open may actually not work too well since you are decreasing the aerodynamic efficiency of the vehicle (the window openings cause more drag) and increasing fuel consumption. Also, using the A/C keeps the dust out by pressurising the cabin (I read this somewhere).


Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

tonyg6

Billtung...

What accessory are you referring to on Hung's vehicle when you say...

"window reflector, there is a gap between the 2 pieces"

Do you mean the rear deflector, front bug deflector or something else?

hung0820

I know exactly what Bill is talking about!

Bill Vent Visors/Shades is longer and covered the front and rear windows without the gap in between the front and rear doors/windows on each side while mine have gap in between each door.
To see the example:
1. click on the link below
2. click on exterior
3. click on vent visor
My Santa Fe Site

Hi Bill:
Thank you very much for your comments as well as about my son. Too many people said that too...
Yes! Bill I know that you really like the vent visor that cover without the gap but somehow I really like to have the gap because I don't want to cover the paint: Similar to Tulpenham talking about the Pillars. I really like to have the Pillars color show...I guess we are just a little off on this parts but still we have it install in our car and that is cool because this part really make our car cooler and more...

lrchome

Hung what type of windshield wipers do you have on your Santa Fe. They look like double bladed wipers, and I would like to try them.

tulpenham

Hung, you did a great job, developing your site! It's very userfriendly, the only remark from my side would be to change the border-color...

BTW, I agree with you on the vent visors. For pillars with body-color it looks nicer when they are not covered. For black pillars, I would prefer Billtung's solution without the gap.

wales1

Ok..got my SFe back from dealer today. they had the roof rack recall info there, and they fixed them both. they told me there was even a recall on the recall. Seems a computer glitch has the notice going to the wrong people. Some who have rails wont get the notice, while other who dont have them , get it. Oh well.. As to the other items they were checking. The "hick-up " problem has now been offically noted to HMA, if not done so already. My service rep said he has been driving one for testing and has noticed the hickup problem as well. They drove mine, and it too had the hickups. So, they contacted HMA and noted that there is a definate problem.
Also, go to www.gr8ride.com. Look at the SFe project car.

hung0820

Just buy any double blade type or brand name but use 20" and 20". I believe you can only find double blade 20" and 20" only in the market. The manufacture/dealer use 22" on driver side and 20" on passenger!

Believe me double is much better than single...

hung0820

Not sure about the border color you referred too. However, I think you are talking about back-ground color. I change change the back-ground color instant but I need to know what is the best color is good for nearly all people eyes.

adamjrae

Hello all. I have updated my web page with scans of the “glove box sized” guide mailed to my from Hyundai. It goes over a few things like:
Features, warranties, how to change the clock, how to change the radio, when to run the A/C, wash the exterior, wash the interior, where is the tire jack, how to tow, phone numbers.

I invite you all to visit www.geocities.com/adamjrae and view these scans.

If you have or know of any other Hyundai Santa Fe web site please let me know so we can link to each other.

Adam J. Rafels
Happy Santa Fe GLS 4WD owner since October 2000 with 11,000+ miles

bfh1

I stopped by my dealership yesterday & they had 7 if on the lot. every color except green. the only bad thing is now I won't be one of the few driving around

hung0820

It is better for you to delete your last message from the Santa Fe Problem because that was not a problem.

To answer your question about the fender flares:
No! I don't have to paint the flares at all. They comes with the matching paint. However, the adhesive tape that they have on was not that great so I went on and add more adhesive tape and plus attach a few screws to the fender to keep it more secure...It is very easy to install just peel the tape and attach to the car...

johnnylofi

I heard the 4 speed shift-tronic is made in Austria. Is that true or did the just the design come from there? Also, the rear washer is quite lame in that it shoots down a solid stream. Any way to put on a different nozzle to get more of a wide spray. I have also concluded that the front wipers are vehicle speed dependant. The settings will have different speeds depending on the speed of the vehicle (does that make sense?). In other words, when I am at a stand still, the lowest intermittent speed will wipe with no interval. If I set to the same intermittent level when driving on highway, the interval is 3-4 seconds. Go figure...

hung0820

Technology:
I Believe the Shiftronic is the German technology, 4/AWD is Austria technology, Design in USA, and uses most of the Japan parts technology.

Rear Washer:
I haven't try it yet because I never get a chance yet! However, My Santa Fe have the Defroster too. I am not sure if you can wide spray. Basically the wiper just need to have water apply to it and then it will try to wipe-out the dirt on the window.

Intermittent wiper level:
Your knowledge on the intermitten is probably right because I think that is a good technology. Since driving on Freeway the wiper need to go a little faster because the car will catch more rain-water. "Not sure if this is what you mean?"

billtung

Hi Drew, look at the picture,



1) When I take out my delivery flowers, it is so easy (just press the button from outside below the window) to pop open the window. In Vancouver, always raining, the window prevent my head to get wet while I take out something. Also u can open even on rainly days (w/o the interior get wet).

2) The 4runner type automatic tailgate window is proof to be not too functional. a) Interior will get wet in rainly days. b) Can not open from outside. c)Electric! sound good! It causes more $$$ from you pocket. d)not so stylist when open....look like you have a broken window.

3) So stylist! I don't need a spoiler when I open my tailgate! Yes, other cars tailgate will probably create a problem like inviting the exhaust gas into the compartment, but look carefully in this well designed SF, the tailgate is 45 degree upward, it won't trap the exhaust into the compartment, also I usually turn on my fans & open my door windows too when I drove my car during the hot days, I rather worry about what car I'm following(sometimes I followed some heavy dirty exhaust gas pollutor cars which made me have to close all windows & vent openings) than worring about my own exhaust gas come in from the back.

4)Can carry somethig long like lumbers, pipe, or even a small tree.

5)Proven by me(Haha! Not so scientific! Right? Try at your own risk, I don't guarantee your tailgate don't fly off at highspeed! LOL!), can be drive safely at below 100 khr in highway. (may because of the relative small tailgate window & strong supports & the angle of inclination!)

What do u think?

billtung

If yes I will post more & more .... until post#2000.... yes right now!!!!!

hal2001

Hey guys. Am finding my Santa Fe LX to be a very good vehicle. Much better than the 95 Blazer it replaced, at least so far (6,000 mi).

However, I really miss the electronic outside temp
guage and electronic compass I had in the Blazer.
Certainly someone makes an aftermarket unit that could be fitted to the Santa Fe? Message 1901 refers to an electronic temp guage but gives no source. Have seen no messsages referencing an electronic compass.

Anyone have any info you could pass along? It would be greatly appreciated.

santafeguy

Hey gang!

I know I've read about the fuel fillip problem here before, and I used to think that I could live with "topping off" the tank. I've since changed my mind, and now am wondering what steps I need to take to get this problem fixed. I remember reading that someone had the dealer replace a part that eliminated this problem. Can anyone give me any insight on this problem and fix? Was there a recall?

I would really appreciate it if you could mail me with any responses at chicago.bears@home.com; I'm pretty busy with my two month old son (and his big sister) and don't have much free time any more!

Thanks in advance,

Chris

billbo1970

Lots of great pictures Hung! I'd like to see what those blue headlamps look like at night when you turn them on! I'm interested n getting the side steps, do you need to drill into the vehicle at all to install them?

bchin

Well, after debating back and forth for 2 months on whether to buy a Lexus RX300 and the Santa Fe, I finally went out and picked up a brand spanking new White GLS SF. So far I like it a lot. It rides very nice and is quiet. It is not as quiet as the Lexus but a lot quieter than the other SUV's in it's class. The layout of the dash is great and nicely appointed. My only gripe is the diverseat could use a bit more padding on the back. When I use the lumbar support it is even worse.
Since many of you here have had yours for a while now, can you all list the little quirks you all have found. I read about the gas guage thing. Is there anything else?
Also, How have the dealers been about service if you bring it to a dealer other than the one you purchased it from? Thanks all!

Bill

billtung

There is no difference to serve your car in any dealership service dept., they all earn $$$ from servicing your car, they all want to find out as much defects as possible because they can reinsburse from the car manufacturer, the more they fix the more profits they have. However, the salesmans may not happy with you because u don't buy from them, so just ignore them!

hung0820

Seat:
If you really think the seat is not that comfortable for you then try this: On Summer Time I put the massage on my seats (both front) which keep leather seats from overheat as well as having good pad and massage for long ride too. What you think? Winter I take it out and use heated seats. Just my suggestion...

Billbo1970:
Side Steps; there is NO, NO, NO drilling at all. The steps come with the small brackets and large bracket attach to the car and then you attach it with the side steps. It tooks me about 1 hour to figure out where the small brackets attach to the car when I first started it. Once you see my picture you don't really have to figure it out where. There are some rubber covers the holes on the body of the car and therefore you have to remove the rubber covers and then attach those small/strong brackets to the car and then attach large brackets as see on pictures and then attach side steps. "You will know exactly what I mean if you have the parts in your hand".

billtung

Here are some pics that show I'm not driving my SF alone on the street everyday, I've already met almost 20 SF on the road so far!
Including last sunday, on the mountain lake 1000' above sea level, I saw a SF carrying a 15' Coleman's boat on the roof from Richmond's(A city 40km away from here!)

SFs met on the road:

dm9495

Hi all. After researching (on this site and others) and searching for several months for a SUV, I have finally picked up my Crystal Blue GLS 4WD Santa Fe yesterday. It comes with the ABS option, cross rails, mud guards, and floor mats. I paid $22570 for the vehicle. Is it a reasonable price? Anyway, I would be very appreciated if someone would tell me what I should be aware of with the Santa Fe. I have read in this message board there seems to be problems with fueling up and the CD player playing continuously. Thanks a lot.

hung0820

I have not received any problem in my Santa Fe at all. The more time I try to find the problem on the Santa Fe; I only find good thing out of it; there is no bad thing out it yet on my Santa Fe.

dm9495:
I was just wondering the price you paid ($22570) is "out of the door" or that is the price before tax, license, and fees?

lrchome

I have 5000 miles on my Santa Fe LX and , I have not had a single problem or nusiance, except when filling the gas tank. If you fill the tank at a fast rate it only goes to about 85% full, however if you fill the last 6 gallons at 1/2 the full rate it will fill completely.

I am sure you will find the Santa fe very pleasing in all areas.

jayemmess

I went to a car show in Houston in Jan and they had an option list at the Hyundai booth that included a sliding moonroof for the Santa Fe. They said it should be available in April or May. I have asked several dealers and even called the 1-800 number but they all give me some different BS - some claim it will never happen, others say next year, and so on. Does anyone have any specific info on this? I have seen one in Ireland 4 weeks ago so I am pretty sure they make them. Is it worth waiting for in the US? Or are there some decent aftermarket sliding moonroofs for the Santa Fe? Does anyone know what will be new for the 2002 and when it should be out?

wales1

Bill...are you stalking other SF owners? Just kidding. I see some (very few) here in KY. By the way Bill..if you keep shooting pics while driving, maybe you can take some action wreck photos at the same time. Wow..then we can see how the SFe really does in a crash test. LIVE !! Just be careful. hate to read about your misfortune of wrecking your ride in the posts. Or even worse...that you got to get a new SFe.

wales1

I have finished my stereo upgrade. Sony CD player, Infinity speakrs in front/rear, with an Alpine amp to boot. Must say.a heck of alot better sound !!

wales1

Wow..I am the 2000 post-er. I feel so honored. I have really enjoyed readign all the posts and seeing the images as well. I am continuing to upgrade my SFe. Next is tinting the front door windows as well as the every sought after wood dash kit. Once I get those done, I will post the images. Have a great SFe DAY !!

bfh1

What part of KY? I'm in N.KY, & I've seen quite a few sf's.The dealership had 7 on 5/7. when i see someone else in their sf, I have to smile & wave.
I see at least 2 everyday on I-75.

wales1

Hey bfh1...I am in Louisville. The dealership here in Lville has one on lot. I take mine into them to get service done and they tell me not too many in the city. I have seen several in the city but most are out of state drivers. Did see two on 65 near BG this past weekend. The dealership in INDY that is close to me sometimes has several on lot and the place where I got mine, Radcliff, near Ft. Knox, had alot when I was there. The dealerships have a thing where if a customer sees one they want, but they dont have, they cross sell them at a price mind you, from one dealership to another. SO everday..the lot count changes. I am still waiting to see the Budweiser fleet of the SFe's. They came here on a buying spree and bought as many as they could at each dealership. Maybe if I head north, I might see you on the road, and will be sure to wave !

bidelspacher

Hi All...you don't know me, but I know all of you!! I've been lurking on this board for the past 6 months since my husband and I first became interested in the SaFe. You all have taught us well and this past Saturday, we became the proud owners of a Black GL + Utl pkg + mats + mud guards. We are just so thrilled with our purchase. We walked out of the dealership paying $19900 for everything which worked out to be just over $300 below MSRP. Not a fabulous deal but considering the popularity of the car and that another dealership in our area is selling them for $3000 above MSRP, we feel pretty good. The car rides great and has that wonderful "new car smell"! Except for a mark made on the car by the dealership during prep that now has to be fixed, I can't complain about a single thing on our new baby. We were originally going to get the V6 2wd but they were almost impossible to find in our region, so since we didn't want the 4wd to save on gas, we went down to the 4cy GL and I must say...it is no slacker on the road!! For a 4cy, it has all the power we need and when driving in shiftronic mode up hills, it handles wonderfully...lots of power!! Thanks for all the great advice you all never knew you were giving us and I'm sure you will see us around here more often as questions arise about our new ride!!

billtung

Welcome to our SF Owner club! Pls post your SF Pictures to share with us if possible.

dm9495

Thank you all for all the responses. So far, I don't have any problem with my SF, and I am loving it more with every passing moment. To hung0820, the 22570 price is the vehicle cost excluding taxes, licenese, and fee. Since I am in the NY area, I have to pay a hefty 8.25% sales tax. The "out of the door" price is around 24500. I think this is a little expensive, right? But, I love the SF so much that I can care less. Also want to say thanks to lrchome for pointing out the solution to the fueling problem. I went to fillup the tank yesterday, and the pump stopped after only 12 gallons. I know the SF has a 17 gallon tank, and now I know what to do to fill it up fully next time. I will keep my SF story and problem (hopefully none) posted here for everyone. Later.

ramada

Hi,

I don't know how to post pictures here...but check out a picture of "Hung's Room" at at the Santa Fe Cafe at http://www.santafeforum.com It's neat! Oh, p.s. how do you post pics here? Hung has lots of goodies and Santa Fe goodies too!

rleethal

After reading the posts here for months and waiting for the dealers around here to get some inventory I finally got my Santa Fe. Merlot GLS, Fwd, cd/cassette, cross rails, mats, mudguards, "appearance package", $19,900. If you're in the Los Angeles area I'd recommend Keyes Hyundai in Van Nuys. Good, courteous service and fair price. Other dealers wouldn't budge from MSRP or charged $2000 over MSRP. Just love it!

stever

Hi ramada,

Please look at Town Hall Help for details on putting a photo in a message. Thanks,

Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

hung0820

My Car Price:
I paid almost $25k out the door but I have to wait for a few months to get onto it. BayArea car is tended to be more expensive then most of other places. Most of the Hyundai dealers jack of the price at $27k out the door. I am VERY VERY VERY HAPPY with paying under $25k out the door.

Wow:
This board getting to excite now! I love all of the post/reading today....

peytonroad

In Oregon, we are not allowed to fill up our own gas tanks - and I've only had one fill up so far, and I didn't notice any problems, as the gauge went to the "F" for full. Is that how other's noticed the problem - that the gauge did not go to "F", or that it did go to "F" when they knew that the gas tank was not full?

thanks,
liz

hunter36

Peytonroad: On my SF, the gas gauge goes a bit past the "F" mark when it is really full. If yours is right on "F" (not past) I would say it's about 1/2 gallon shy of full. When filling up, if I stop when it first 'clicks off' it is under full a fair amount - my estimate would be about 1 1/2 gallons. If I want to make sure the thing is really full I just keep 'clicking' until gas is right at the little flapper value 'thingy'.

By the way, your SF won't be getting its best mileage until 10,000 miles or so when it is fully broken in. So, don't be too disappointed initially as your mileage will increase by quite a bit - perhaps as much as 10-15%.

lchatt55

I purchased my 4wd gls (no stereo upgrade)at
Manly in Santa Rosa last november. Paid 22960 out the door. Worked them hard and brought all info from edmunds.

wales1

I paid $19,000 for my GLS w/utility pkg. here in KY... PLUS..they threw in cross rails. They were wanting $21,000. All I can say is I have 3 dealers here and told them..the best deal gets my money. So the one I bought it from said..SHOW ME DA MONEY !!!

peytonroad

Hunter36, thanks for the info- since I can't fillup my own tank here (weird law, I know), I'll tell the guy to click it a couple of times. I also have only had the car for a week and have 400 miles on it - so I'll have to wait a while to reach 10,000 (I drive about 8,000 a year) - but I look forward to better gas mileage
liz

johnnylofi

Bought Sandstone LX FWD w/ABS and TCS, and tow package for $20,800. Out the door here in Phoenix ended up $23,000. I think I did pretty well. Anybody else with similar package can compare?

dstiny

For all of you wishing for this feature, go to http://www.donnellye.com/_private/prod01.htm. I think it's the best solution because these functions are integrated into a rearview mirror - nice and clean.

wales1

WOW..only 8,000 miles a yr peyton? I already have 8,000 in 3 months. I average 22,000 to 25,000 a year. So as you can see, my warrenty will go fast.

peytonroad

I'm a housewife (and happily so) and I was driving my mother-in-law's Honda Accord since Jan. of 1997 before I finally talked my husband into getting me another car (I was only hoping for a newer USED car - but once he saw the SaFe and the price and looked at all the homework I did on the SaFe- thanks to this site and others -...well, the rest is history). Anyway, it had 91,000 on it when I got it, and now it just has over 120k - so in 4 years only 30,000 miles. I'm guessing that most of the mileage was put on when I was a working woman during 1997 and the first 4 months of 1998 (decided to start a family) and had to commute downtown to work. Now, I only go to the supermarket, the mall, and my other mommy friend's homes for playgroup. The other mommies are driving a Suburu, Volvos, Toyotas - two told me not to get a Korean car - but they didn't know how Hyundai has changed! Wait till they see my new baby - One is seriously thinking of turning in her Toyota mini-van for the Lexus SUV - her husband doesn't like the Lexus - Maybe they'll like mine...

liz

mikel12

I just bought my SaFe last night, and I love it just like everyone does. Mine's white GLS with ABS and traction. While driving home at night, I noticed that the little compartment on passenger side doesn't have a light when I opened it. Is this normal?

hung0820

Mikel12:
Yes! That's normal. The Santa Fe does not have it. However, you can turn on the map light when you want to see it at night.