Hyundai Santa Fe 2007+

backy

I agree with your husband. Is this really worth getting "extremely upset" about? It's possible all the sales reps were tied up when you stopped in. When I want to talk to a sales rep at a dealer, and no one comes outside to me, I walk into the showroom and usually am greeted by a sales rep. If not, I go to the welcome desk and ask for one, and they find one for me.

ergsum

http://www.thecarconnection.com/Vehicle_Reviews/SUVs_Wagons/2007_Hyundai_Santa_F- e.S181.A10638.html

stever

I'd jot a note to the owner. The owner should appreciate knowing that the staff is chasing buyers away, especially since women influence more than 85 percent of all new car buying decisions.

You may want to peruse the THE WOMEN & FAMILY CAR GUIDE too.

backy

So you consider it "chasing buyers away" when someone comes to a lot on a Friday, doesn't go inside the dealership, and no sales rep comes outside to talk with her? I can't count how many times I've stopped off at a car dealer to browse the parking lot. Sometimes a sales rep will come out to me, but not often. I'd actually prefer they do not come out to me, so I can look around in peace. Then when I'm ready to talk to a sales rep, I can go into the sales floor. If I am ignored then, and it is clear that some of the reps aren't busy (that's happened to me a couple of times at Honda dealerships), then I get a little peeved. There are some days, like on Saturdays, when the sales floor is so busy that no reps are immediately available. Then I just ask the receptionist to find a rep for me. Very simple. IMO nothing to get all upset about.

stever

That wasn't the impression I got from reading Lv2drv's posts. Maybe she can expound on the circumstances a bit more.

subarufan1

I just came back from a bay area hyundai dealer, the new santa fe is legit! its very plush inside, just the right size and it feels quality built with quality materials. right now its down to this new hyundai santa fe and a new subaru legacy wagon. i really like the new hyundai i just cant seem to find one with AWD and ULTIMATE pkg :confuse: :mad: i wish hyundai had an easy way i could acess dealer inventory via the internet so i could find one with my criteria

lv2drv

Thank you for your note Steve. I will send a message to the owner; and I've calmed down. It's the age old thing: women aren't taken seriously. Just this past week, two guys from my office went to look at a new truck for the job. A salesman was at their side almost instantly. My husband had one at his side pretty quick. It's all about service, and that's hard to come by lately. And the day of the week doesn't matter. Maybe they were all busy. But like I said, the office is close to the lot and there weren't any other cars there except the ones being sold. If they really want someone's business, they will take everyone seriously. My husband told the salesman this morning we weren't quite ready to buy yet. No pressure from the salesman then. We all gripe about the sales staff pouncing on us. I really don't mind it. It shows they are eager to serve and want their commission. Had someone come out, I would have told them the same thing my husband said. You don't have to give them your name and phone number. I hope this wasn't too long and I will visit the women's guide. Thanks.

beebee13

Hi everyone!
After reading all about the '07 Sante Fe yesterday I told me husband lets go take a drive to the nearest hyundai dealership. The salesman there answered all of our questions, and we went for a long test drive! It handled very well, in fact, my husband was leary about the Hyundai at first but was very impressed. It is nice that it takes regular unleaded fuel so that was a big bonus. It reminded me of the MDX in many ways (except the price!!). this is one car that we are definitely considering. what I REALLY liked was that the salesman was not pushy so we would be going back to him for sure. We will not deal with a dealership who will not even talk to a woman (and there ARE quite a few of them out there).I am the one who does all the research, clue him in, then we go in as a team!

lindaww

I've had both good and bad experiences with automobile sales reps. Some definitely take women more seriously than others. I think perhaps you were reacting to prior experiences (which we all do) when you were there that day and no one came out to greet you. Basically, you really can't assume that they were purposely ignoring you, but it's certainly possilbe that they were!

I've had a couple of sales reps that have totally ignored me if I'm there with my husband -- until my husband directs them to me and says, "We're here to purchase my wife a car, she's the decisionmaker!" (And have had different reactions to that statement!) Most of the sales reps have been fine -- and that's more true now than it was when I was purchasing a car 10 or especially 20 years ago! Now I kind of find it interesting to play "rate the sales rep" as far as how they treat me, and on other traits -- how knowledgeable they are, how pushy they are, etc. If they don't measure up, I know I don't have to work with that person.

I was recently at a dealership with just my 12-yr-old daughter accompanying me. I was expecting to be ignored, and was pleasantly surprised with the sales rep -- he was courteous, respectful, joked with my daughter, and spent quite a bit of time with us test driving and going over the features of the car. By the way I walked straight into the showroom that day and asked for a sales rep.

I would give that Hyundai dealership another chance -- do go into the showroom if they don't come out.

Linda

musky1gfm

Steve,
Could you make this issue a seperate catagory,not that I'm insensetive,but this is supposed to be for 07 Santa Fe,the vehicle itself.
Thanks

stever

A lot of this could be avoided if you make an appointment to test drive a car. The do all the negotiation by email or fax and only return to the dealer to close the deal. But it's hard to know what may interest you without visiting some showrooms.

For more gender related issues, please visit the Car Buying for Women discussion.

For buying experiences for a Santa Fe, check out Hyundai Santa Fe: Prices Paid & Buying Experience and Hyundai Santa Fe: Lease Questions.

berniedg

Anyone compared Hyundai-Saturn lately ? Saturn: has the V6 Honda engine, similar gas mileage, towing, weight=3500lbs, Shoulder/Hip room is approx 4"less than SF, cargo similar behind 2nd row. Saturn is $1k less (retail) for FWD.
Comments ?

chantellew

IMO There is no real comparison maybe the 06 SF can compare with the VUE. But the 07 sets the standard this year without any help. I wouldn't buy a Vue even if it is $1K less.

chantellew

Does anyone have new pics of their 07 Santa Fe? Any trim...

lv2drv

After having done all my research, compared cars online and at the dealership, we will be buying the SF. It's a good car for the money. It's the right size for us and bigger than we thought. My husband is pleased with it, too. One thing, he said there was a whine coming from the tires. He thought it was the make, or maybe they were over inflated. Who knows? I want the limited, but what about this 18" tire problem? Is there any way around it? Do we have to buy new tires for a brand new car? Thank doesn't sound right. Please let me know soon.

berniedg

No comparison ?
Any details to back your statements, even anecdotal evidence.
Driveability, style, interior ?
Personally, I don't know anyone who owns either a Hyundai, or a Saturn product.

lv2drv

As far as I know, the Vue is smaller than the SF. The Outlook will be larger than the Vue, but I'm not sure how much larger than the SF. I know someone with an 05 SF that her husband purchased. She said she had no need for an SUV, but she has fallen in love with it. The 06 SF and previous would compete with the Vue.

subarufan1

I think its one of the best suvs on the market and if I would have bought one if it was :mad: :sick: nt such a hastle to find one near me!

lv2drv

The shortest drive for me to find an SF was one hour and twenty minutes. I decided to go ahead and do it. It's a great excuse to take a day off work. I have great benefits at work. Two of them are three weeks vacation and comp time for overtime. I don't mind taking time off.

vegito1971

I have been following this thread for a while now and am quite disappointed on a few points. The 2007 Santa Fe is a feature-packed SUV and a great stride for Hyundai. However I do not understand all the negative views toward the previous body (2001-2006). I owned a 2002 Santa Fe GLS AWD for 4 years and experienced only a minor issue with brake noise from my left front caliper. The caliper was promptly replaced by the dealership without hassle and the issue resolved. All-in-all this vehicle obviously made a very good impression on me since I have since purchased a 2005 Elantra GLS sedan for everyday work driving. As for my 2002 Santa Fe, after 47k miles it has been replaced by another Santa Fe. The 2001-2006 body enjoyed a distinct style that made it easily identifiable. The only possible "clone" that could be mistaken at a glance would be the Lexus RX300. Given the Lexus prestige, I think this is actually a compliment. When I first bought my 2002 there were very few on the road and I constantly had compliments and inquiries from people. Hyundai should also be complimented because of their continual improvements made across the 2001-2006 run within the same bodystyle. Every year they made improvements and added more bells and wistles to the package with negligable cost hikes. To cut short, the 2007 might be a fresh entry into the next-generation Santa Fe; but, don't knock the original for getting them there. It really was/is a praise-worthy vehicle too.

One could easily be argue that the new body takes a "me too" approach in styling. It bears striking resemblences to the VW Touareg, 2007 Toyata Rav 4 (minus the spare tire), and even has a front-end hinting at an Acura MDX.

My other gripe is the bashing of some of the other auto manufacturers. Obviously I have become a Hyundai fan myself solely based upon my satisfaction thus far with their vehicles. Like many I have owned a wide variety of vehicles from various manufacturers. Personally I would never again consider anything from Ford, GM, Dodge, or any of their affiliates. I have not personally owned a Toyota but their reliability is quite legendary. Honda too has earned their place in the realm of quality and reliability. Also note that in the 2006 Indianapolis 500, ALL of the engines were Honda. My only gripe with these two giants is their pricing. My 2005 Elantra is replacing a 1990 Honda Accord 2-door that retired with 303,862 miles on it. This thing still ran like a champ even though the body was certainly showing its age. Over its lifespan it suffered some obvious mechanical wear-and-tear fixes, but none major. I can only hope that my Elantra can live up to this bar set by my Accord. So far the Elantra is at 22k without ANY problems and adding 400-600 miles/week, making me a happy camper. Give Toyota and Honda some credit because they do make reliable vehicles. There will be some competition from Hyundai owners/scouters but don't discredit yourself by saying Honda and Toyota are junk. You may as well try contesting that Michael Jordan should never have played basketball too then.

Hyundai is certainly a company on the move in a positive direction. But bear in mind that they are also still learning along the way. I still give praise to the 3 that I have owned without gripes. By the way, my 2002 gamble paid off for Hyundai since amongst my parents and older brother another 4 can be tallied up (2003 XG350L, 2004 Sonata LX, 2006 Elantra GLS Hatchback, and 2006 Santa Fe GLS FWD). They too were previously Honda-loyalists who turned away because of pricing incentives. So far no gripes from anyone on any of the vehicles.

Obviously there are preferences but let's also be open and realistic.

subarufan1

i think the pre 2007 santa fes have a great following and showed hyundai could engineer a loveable, reliable,competent suv and i still think it represents a great value but having said that, the new santa fe is a leap ahead of it without question. huyundai is doing big things and hopefully their expansion will continue and hopefully they will continue building quality cars at prices the everday joe can afford and not stray too far from their established base of consumers in their quest to move the brand upmarket.

arumage

The Vue (and all Saturns)has suffered alot of fit and finish issues, along with that serious suspension issue (wheel tucking under during a near rollover situation)a couple of years back. That being said, I'm sure Saturn has atleast fixed those problems, and the Honda engine is pretty nice. The review are fairly favorable for the 2006 Vue, but ABS brakes are not standard. Also, stability control is not even offered.

lasberry

I test drove an 07 SF and an 06 Vue on the same day. I am a long time fan of Saturn because of their durability. After driving the two, I have come to the following conclusions:

1) They are classified in two different size categories. The vue is a CUV. The SF is now an Mid-size utility vehicle. I agree that the 06 SF is a more accurate comparison.

2) Performance in the Vue seemed peppier. This is because the Vue is lighter, and the GLS has the 2.7L (smaller) v6 than the two. A SE or Limited SF comparison would have been a preferred control. Also, I liked the feel of the Vue's steering wheel better than that of the SFs. That's very minor though.

3) Wind noise in the Vue was irritatingly more audible than in the Santa FE GLS I tested. My wife even went so far as to mention it to the Saturn salesperson. He failed to substantiate the road noise. The Santa Fe felt like a silent cocoon. Nice!

4) A nit-picky issue I noticed was that the SF does allow you get a sunroof with the DVD entertainment package while the Vue does not. I'm getting an SUV as a family vehicle and want to my kids to be entertained in the backseat.

It is not fair to compare the SF to the Vue. The Saturn Outlook due out in the fall is a better comparison but will ultimately match the class of the Hyundai Veracruz. I hope this review helps someone out. :shades:

jvenezia

Lv2drv,

Many people ought to budget for a new set of tires right away when they buy their new vehicle. The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) tires that most vehicle manufacturers buy in bulk for their models are typically lousy. I learned a while ago that the new vehicle buying experience also (for me) involves swapping out the tires before the rainy/snowy season so that my expensive investment isn't wrapped around a utility pole because of a lack of grip. For the 07 Santa Fe, the Bridgestone Dueler H/T D684 II tires that it comes with have mixed reviews. My expert source for all-things-tire is Tire Rack, a very reputable and well respected company that reviews, tests and sells a huge variety of tires at great prices. If you check the reviews for the Bridgestone Duelers, you'll come across such phrases as, "These tires hydroplane terribly and spin off a dead stop almost at all times." (a Saturn VUE driver), "These tires are awful. I work for a Saturn retailer, and we see them coming in worn all of the time." (another Saturn VUE driver), and "They perform great in all conditions especially in mud and snow." (an Isuzu Trooper driver).

The reviews are all over the map...you'll have to try them out and be prepared to replace them right away if necessary. After all, if you're going to invest $25,000 or $30,000 in your vehicle, you should consider spending a few hundred more to make sure that it has the best "shoes" to keep it and yourself and family safe.

As for me, if/when I purchase a Santa Fe, I'll definitely have a new set of replacement tires ready for it in my garage when I bring it home. I'm looking at a set of Avon Tech ST 255/55-18 all-season light truck tires at $105 each or Pirelli Scorpion A/T 235/60-18 off-road light truck tires at $152 each, without shipping (which is $18 per tire for my zip code) or mounting and balancing (which is $12 per tire where I live). For winter-only use, I'd recommend the Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow 235/60-18 at $148 each.

In my garage is also a set of Michelin Energy MXV4 Plus tires that came with my 05 Elantra and that I swapped out for some much better treads after 420 miles of driving. I'll place an ad in my local paper to sell them and I'll recover most of the cost of the new tires which were quite a bit less expensive than the overpriced, underperforming Michelins.

lv2drv

Please don't laugh when I ask this question because I don't much about tires and buying cars. Why not have the dealer replace the tires with the ones you want? We are paying a lot of money and having to replace tires right away. Is this just not done?

jvenezia

Well...it's just not done for the masses. If you were purchasing a very expensive vehicle (think Ferrari), then the dealership may give in and find, purchase, and mount/balance a specific set of tires to sell you that car at MSRP or higher. I've never heard of the dealer doing that for us, however, unless the tires were Firestones and were involved in a recall. It definitely costs the dealer money to get after-market tires (that's a modification) and then they'd also have sets of unused tires piling up around their shop.

A lot of people think that because they're paying a lot of money for the vehicle they can make certain requests for modifications (radios, remote starters, security systems, tires, paint, coatings...) and the dealer would just eat the cost. But for most vehicles, the margins generated from the sale just can't absorb much beyond a few dozen dollars and still take care of the salesperson's commission, a piece of the dealership costs, and some profit. I always hear about how people can talk the dealer into throwing in certain items, like floor mats, into a sale. Yet those are typically items that the dealer already paid for one way or another and throwing those into the sale is no loss to them (just a lost opportunity for profit). But tires aren't among those items since it costs money for the purchase and shipping, and all the labor involved for acquisition and installation.

Now just wait...someone will pipe in and say he was able to get the dealer to get the tires he wanted at no cost

benben2006

Any comments?

new2diesel

Bridgestone Duellers. I like mine. No complaints. I'll drive 30-40k out of them then think about what I want. Still lovin my Santa Fe! Just filled the tank and logged 24.2 mpg for the tank. That was mixed driving mostly a hilly rural state road (55 speed limit) and a daily 5 mile climb up a mountain. The onboard computer calculated the MPG exactly the same as the miles divided by the gallons used method. With 1000 miles on the odometer I know I will be getting better mileage as it breaks in. :shades:

lv2drv

Thanks for the info. I can't wait to purchase my SF.

graycar

Friends,

Please let us know what kind of deals you are getting on the 2007 model. I guess it would be best if you did this on the "Santa Fe: Prices Paid" forum.

I know all the prospective buyers (like me) would appreciate it!

Thanks.

tidester

Here's the link: Hyundai Santa Fe: Prices Paid & Buying Experience

tidester, host

karport

I am not laughing you are 100% correct.

Car dealers need your money to sell their cars. If the tires are an issue in buying the car then they should change them. If not its an indication of what should expect in the future for service.

You are paying $23+K for a product and its and expense not an investment.

karport

Sorry, but yes I have had dealers change the tires on car's over the years.

My 3rd car many moons ago was a Chevy Malibu with Firestone tires that had a terrible reputation. They changed the tires with no issue.

If memory serves me correct I also had the Mazda dealer change the tires on a 626 from Bridgestones to Goodyears and it made a huge difference in the ride.

When Honda first came out with the original Civic they came with tires that were so small, nobody wanted them but Honda would not change them. It soon became such an issue Honday stopped selling them ( i think they were 13"). The bottom line is you get a vote in this with your wallet.

Tires are not exactly like a sound system that you want to upgrade or Mag wheels. Tires are basic equipment and if they don't meet your tastes, the dealer should certainly swap them or replace them.

In life you get what you accept. If you are making a reasonable request it should be honored. The price of the vehicle has nothing to do with customer satisfaction.

Heck even Burger King alows you to have it your way

gxm

I just picked my 2007 santa fe yesterday morning. I liked everything about it until this afternoon when I noticed that a number of nuts in wheel wells are not fastened. I can turn these nuts with my bare hand! What an assembling quality made by Hyundai Alabama factory! A brand new car with nuts not tightened. Would these nuts tighten itself or would they fall off the bolt after I drive it for some time?

I really don't know what to do with this.

Any advice?

lv2drv

The SF Limited my husband drove had the obviously whining tires. I look at it this way, if he can hear it, so can the salesperson. They can't deny the noise. So, when I buy, I will ask them to change the tires. If they don't, oh well. Maybe I can go to another dealership. It certainly never hurts to ask. If enough people ask to have the tires changed, maybe Hyundai will use better tires. But, why didn't they in the first place?

musky1gfm

You have roadside assitance,call them to fix promblem or tow the vehicle to a dealership. :lemon: :lemon:

jimsist

i wonder why all of the problems with the quality coming fro the usa when the 05 i bought came from korea and the quality is great.when i bought mine it came with a quality control sheet that was signed by the dealer with a copy of pre delivery before buying and after sale.did the sales men go over everything on the suv? :confuse: :sick: :confuse: :

mrnice

As a Canadian buyer we have to put up with limited trims, options and colours. I am seriously considering importing a 2007 Santa Fe to Canada. Perhaps we can start another topic on the subject if anyone is interested in sharing information. I have done quite a bit of preliminary research and everything so far indicates that it will be beneficial and relatively easy but will involve quite a bit of paper work.

My wife likes the idea of an off white Santa Fe. No white is offered in Canada but two are offered in the States according to hyundaiusa.com. Artic White and Powder White Pearl. Has anyone seen these colours in person or have access to a vehicle to take pictures? Every dealer website I go to shows the vehicle in silver.

As for interior again according to Hyundai I see beige, black and gray. Are all three available in leather? When I build my own limited powder white pearl I am allowed to select all three interiors. Again any pictures?

I think beige would look the best but I have a newborn who is only going to get dirtier so I am leaning towards gray.

Any insight to what you have seen or opinions on colours is appreciated.

stever

Check out the Importing Car into Canada from US discussion too.

berniedg

Hi, I know how you feel, in Canada, with limited options.
I share your pain.
I'm still arguing and sending E-mails to Toyota and Honda, about not bringing their FWD Highlander and Pilot, up here, at lower prices.
Theres a forum elsewhere, about people importing Pilots from U.S. From what I have read, not worth the endless trouble.
Personally, IMHO, Hyundai is giving us Reasonable choices in Canada at this time, relatively speaking.
In my dreams, I see FWD Pilots and Highlanders for (7k less) at the 2007 Toronto car show. Then, its game on for us !

Also, on Tires: I have never owned an SUV. Is it possible to fit a nice "passenger car tire" on a SF, that is Quiet, Smooth, and Handles great ?

guyfr

The Goodyear Fortera Silent Armor would be a good choice.

jcspohr

However, it is NOT available in the SF's 18" size.

JCS

nifty56

Check the Wheels section in the Saturday Toronto Star. There is a column devoted to tires. Write to them via e-mail and ask them for a tire recommendation.

new2diesel

Get a wrench out and tighten them up - then drive it for 10 years.

new2diesel

My gls with 2.7 FWD is so quiet on the road that I can hear the birds chirp when my windows are open - that is no exageration. I am very happy with my Bridgestone Duellers so far with 1300 miles. You will find that some people are just "tireofiles" that obsess about these things no matter what vehicle they buy. Most people are satisfied with what comes on the vehicle. It makes no sense that the manufactorer would put a loud tire on a vehicle they are trying to sell as a quiet vehicle. Having said that, there is a small difference between the limited 18" low profile wheels and the GLS and SE. When I drove them both back to back - it wasn't a big difference. The difference was more in the ride. :shades:

jimsist

here in north carolina i,ve driven the white with a beige interior and have driven one with the gray the gray makes the suv look dark in side,the wood grain is a darker wood color then the beige . my wife like the beige . i have a 2005 now with a gray next one will be beige. sorry no color pics now but go to the hyundai site and go to international site and you can build your on and see the colors with the interior. ">

jmorgart

Thanks for your reply. Yes... I do like the Sorento, but gas mileage is poor and they are having a problem with their crankshaft bolts breaking, according to this forum. I was also looking at the Jeep Liberty CRD, any thoughs.

new2diesel

I can certainly tell you about the Jeep Liberty CRD! I just traded my 9 mos old Liberty CRD in on this Hyundai Santa Fe. The reason I did was that the Liberty has been in the shop for over 30 consecutive days with a blown transmission. I had it in the shop 4 times in 9 months and Chrysler was terrible to deal with. They did not do their homework before they built this vehicle. Good idea bad execution. Go read the Liberty Diesle boards - they are full of problems and unhappy people. The icing on the cake for me was the terrible depreciation I took on the vehicle after 9 months when I went to trade it in. It depreciated over 40% in 9 months. BUY THE SANTA FE !!!!!

jcspohr

I agree with new2diesel.

My 07 Santa Fe tires (OEM Bridgestone Duelers) appear to be fairly quiet - so much so that I have not noticed any noise coming from them. I've the read many reviews on these tires and the majority have rated them highly. I think the issue with tire noise and/or performance related to the vehicle and tire combination. I have had tires that were great on one vehicle but horrible on another.

So far, with 400+ miles on the new SF, I am content.

Regards,

JCS

subarufan1

is it in full production and if so where are all the cars being distrubted ?? i see hardly any in northern california?? seems odd? 4wd models seem even more absent :sick: