Hyundai Santa Fe 2007+

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Comments

  • gnannegnanne Member Posts: 3
    I removed plastic oval but the only screws of course are on the latch. I cannot find anything underneath and I do not want to start prying the plastic up until I know there is not anything holding it down. The wiring looks like a snap but can't get the threshold off.
  • gogregogogrego Member Posts: 15
    The GVWR is the total maximum rated weight (vertical down force) on the vehicle axles. The trailer weight is on its own axles so it does not get included in the GVWR. But, the load the trailer places on the hitch (tongue weight)does get considered. This is typically about 10% of the total trailer weight or 350# max. The Santa Fe gvwr is 5556# with a dry weight of about 4100 pounds. Added the 350# max tongue weight (I'm a lot less than that) leaves another 1100 pounds for junk and people in the car. I'm definitely not going to load it up with that much stuff and pull the trailer.

    Per the owners manual, the Santa Fe with the 3.3L engine is rated for 3500 lbs "maximum towing weight" (with trailer brakes). The manual also says hitch weight (tongue weight) is 350 pounds (10%). My trailer weighs loaded up about 3300 pounds so I am not exceeding the max towable weight of the vehicle. For added safety I also have a weight distribution hitch and sway control. Like I said before my Santa Fe pulls it real nice and brakes real good too (thanks also to tandem trailer electric brakes). It just sucks gas!

    By the way my trailer is an '07 Fun Finder 189FBS made by CruiserRV. I'm going to buy an air deflector to mount on the roof rack. Hopefully that will improve the mpg.
  • kdahlquistkdahlquist Member Posts: 130
    gogrego, good practice for safe towing is to weigh your fully loaded tow vehicle with and without the trailer on, and do it on a scale that gives you axle weights. You may find, for example, that your Santa Fe weighs quite a bit more than 4,100 pounds even without people and cargo, because the listed curb weight for the Santa Fe does not include options, the weight of the trailer hitch itself (usually 100+ pounds), etc. In addition, while a properly loaded trailer should carry about 10% of its weight on the tongue, you never really know how much tongue weight you have unless you weigh it. If you load the trailer wrong, you could easily carry 20+% of the weight on the tongue.

    Also, besides not exceeding the GVWR with passengers, cargo and trailer tongue weight, you need to be careful not to exceed the weight rating of each axle. It's not uncommon to find that a rig may be o.k. from a GCWR and GVWR standpoint, but still be exceeding the weight limit of the rear axle.

    You can sometimes address that last issue with the use of a weight distributing hitch. Your posts say, in fact, that you are using a weight distributing hitch. My recollection, however, is that the Santa Fe owner's manual specifically warns against using a weight distributing hitch, which is typical for unit-body vehicles (weight distributing hitches are really designed for use with body-on-frame vehicles like conventional trucks). What hitch (make and model) are you using?
  • gnannegnanne Member Posts: 3
    I finally eased the threshold off and installed my wiring harnees in about 5 min. then left the flat harness connector in the storage box to use as required out the back hatch
  • colklinkcolklink Member Posts: 20
    Good guess. I had figured it would be about 18K as well. One dealer offered 17,500 and then the GM dealer we were at with called the same Hyundai dealer that we had previously visited and got the SF from and was quoted 18,500 as the trade in value. Funny how Hyundai couldn't come up with the number while we were in there :confuse: . Oh well, I guess that's just how they roll.

    Going to a VW/Infiniti/BMW dealer today to look at a Pontiac SV6 loaded minivan. I'll let you know what they offer just in case someone else has this question down the road prior to published values coming out.
  • colklinkcolklink Member Posts: 20
    If anyone is unfortunate enough to have to trade in their Santa Fe we got $19K. Of course it was a little harder to get them to come down on the purchase price of the vehicle we were buying. Overall we got a good deal and nice minivan for the wife and kids.
  • somedai1somedai1 Member Posts: 416
    what'd you replace the santa fe with?
  • tobicagentobicagen Member Posts: 1
    hey themoonman, do you have pictures, ive got a 2007 santa fe and was looking at the avic-d3, can you email me pictures? or post pictures?
  • smith1smith1 Member Posts: 283
    Is there any sign Hyundai will put the 6-speed automatic used in the Veracruz in the 2008 Santa Fe, to wring out a bit more performance and fuel economy?
  • smokeyhamsmokeyham Member Posts: 2
    I have just ordered a 2007 Hyundai Limited, with no optional packages (i.e. no Touring Package).

    Do you have any experience towing with this vehicle? Do you know if a two package can be added as an after-market item?

    Thanks for any help.

    Gordon
  • bellefantbellefant Member Posts: 8
    Adding a towing package is actually very simple. I looked on this forum before approaching the idea and found out that etrailers.com is the way to go. I ended up getting the hitch and wiring harness for less that $160 with free shipping, and the install was less that an 45 min. Search the forum and you will find pics of a step by step install. I feel confident thatyou will be happy when you take this route and consider how much you saved by not getting the factory package. Good luck!
  • gizzer777gizzer777 Member Posts: 335
    Just to add the following:

    depending on how much you will be towing, the Touring PKG also includes an oversized radiator and little transmission cooler. I also think the suspension is a little different.

    if it is a small light pull...this all does not matter IMHO...I went for the Pkg and bought my hitch from Etrailer as well (Drawtite) Great outfit and CHEAP too. Mine had the "prewired trailer wiring" (the big rip off) which caused me to buy the special wiring adaptor from Hyundai (still could have used the Etrailer Modulite if I wanted to...this was much easier,and does not give Hyundai any warranty "squiggle" room :P but also and additional $80...I think the Modulite wiring with T connectors is about $35! Hope this helps
  • jblsantafejblsantafe Member Posts: 1
    Do you mind emailing me (pcdc_11_@hotmail.com) a couple pics of your AVIC-D3 nav unit in you santa fe, as i am thinking of putting one in my recently purchase santa fe, just curious how it looks. Thanks.
  • kdahlquistkdahlquist Member Posts: 130
    "Adding a towing package is actually very simple."

    Um, not really. It true that it is easy to add a hitch and wiring harness, but that's not what the Hyundai factory "tow prep" is. In fact, the Hyundai factory tow prep (included with Touring Package on SE and Limited models) doesn't include the hitch and wiring harness, as those are dealer installed accessories. The factory tow prep consists of an upgraded radiator and fans, trailer pre-wiring (so a trailer wiring harness just plugs in and does not require splicing), AND upgraded suspension. With the Touring Package (tow prep and 3rd row seat), the Santa Fe AWD's gross weight rating is increased from 5,291 lbs to 5,556 lbs, and the towing capacity is increased from 2,000 pounds to 3,500 pounds. You still need to add a hitch and wiring harness.

    So just putting a hitch and wiring harness on a Sante Fe without the tow prep will not give you the ability to tow as much as a Santa Fe with the factory tow prep package. You'll still be limited to a 2,000 pound trailer, and a 5,291 lb gross vehicle weight.

    I bought a 2007 Limited AWD with Touring, so mine came with tow prep. I did not get the dealer-installed hitch and wiring harness, which are something like $500. Instead, I bought a hitch from e-trailer and installed it myself, and got the Hyundai plug-in wiring harness from my dealer's parts department for $81, which I also installed myself. The end result is that I spent about $200 for the hitch and wiring, but my Sante Fe will safely tow a 3,500 lb trailer.
  • somedai1somedai1 Member Posts: 416
    what will you actually see to tell the difference between a limited with tow package and without?
  • gizzer777gizzer777 Member Posts: 335
    In front of the radiator you will see a small transmission cooler and under the driver's side rear fender, you will see the "pre wiring pigtails"neatly tucked up if you have the tow pkg.
  • kdahlquistkdahlquist Member Posts: 130
    Check the window sticker, as it will identify a vehicle with tow prep. If it is rated to tow 3,500 pounds, it has the tow prep. I do know that the two prep comes standard as part of the "Touring" package (3rd row seat) on SE and Limited models. I don't know whether it can be ordered separately or as part of any other package.
  • bellefantbellefant Member Posts: 8
    My apologies for the misunderstanding on the reply that I posted to "Towing without a Touring package." I must of assumed that it was about adding a hitch to a Santa Fe that does not have the touring package or tow prep. Oh wait...that IS what it was about. :)
    I do appreciate the extra info though, especially the specific details about weight limitations. There have been a few postings in the past where people are unhappy with trying to tow more than the vehicle is rated to pull. One should also note that hauling large loads on vehicles that are no necessarily designed to do so can be very bad on a transmission.

    Also thought you may be interested to know that the wiring harness from etrailers also requires no splicing. It is plug and play much like the factory harness.
  • gizzer777gizzer777 Member Posts: 335
    Yep, the Harness by Modulite (Etrailers)is no splice, but you must remove most of the rear paneling (a pain). It uses a T connector with the rear lights.

    In the past hyundai has threatened to void the electrical warranty (Not legal but who has the $$ to fight them) if you add 3rd party mods, adds etc...Just an FYI.

    That type of harness has been around a Long time and works well and is cost effective.
    Funny since the "official splice harness" from hyundai is probably the same inside the converter box (as is the plug and Play version)..

    Like the other poster, I bought my Hitch (drawtite) from etrailers and plug n play harness from Hyundai...about $200 total. I added a new ball, receiver and locking hitch pin so the total was enough to get the .99 cent fgt deal from Etrailers.

    Auto manufacturers do not want anyone infringing on their territory! That is the only reason I spent the $80 for the official plug and play harness...Modulite=$35 and for the xtra few $$ I feel better about the warranty...no room for them to squiggle!

    You are 100% correct, the SF is NOT a truck and thus is somewhat limited in towing capacity. Have fun with your SF!
  • smokeyhamsmokeyham Member Posts: 2
    Thanks so much for the feedback. I'll search further in this forum, and also will have a look at E-trailers.

    Gordon
  • js06gvjs06gv Member Posts: 460
    I've gotten a lot of very good information on this site, and am wondering if anyone out there can comment on the following (I have a Ltd front-drive 5-pass with premium only):

    1) I had the autolocks programmed at the dealer on the first visit back. Somewhat related to this, I know that they will not auto unlock when the vehicle is placed in park or turned off but is there some programming that can be done to turn the interior lights on when the vehicle is turned off. I've gotten very used to this feature in all my other cars (save the Dodge Magnum as it seems Chrysler isn't big on this) and find it odd that it doesn't happen in the Hyundai.

    2) The factory brochure refers to the rear wiper as "intermittent" but all I see is either continuously "on" or "off." I haven't tried to mess with the intermittent control for the front to see if it has any effect on the rear yet, but I doubt it. Anybody know? To me, on a rear wiper an intermittent setting is more useful than a continuous setting.

    3) What I'm getting from recent posts is that the only way one would have the "towing package" is if the vehicle is equipped with the "touring package." I've researched and it appears that a towing package is not a stand-alone option at all. It would seem that if an aftermarket transmission cooler was added, one could bump the standard 2,000 lbs. to 3,500. In my experience with other vehicles, the trans. cooler (also sometimes an engine oil cooler) is the key component to greater tow limits (anybody can add a hitch, and I'll add that it does seem ridiculous that a towing package doesn't come standard with one from the factory). The only thing that concerns me is the discussion about there being an upgraded suspension with the 3rd seat, touring models. I wonder if there is a substantial difference here that really affects towing?

    Thanks in advance for anything you all could provide.

    2024 Ram 1500 Longhorn, 2019 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2019 Ford Mustang GT Premium, 2016 Kia Optima SX, 2000 Pontiac Trans Am WS6

  • mpuzachmpuzach Member Posts: 635
    1. As far as I know, there's no option to cause the interior lights to come on automatically upon shutting off the engine or (as is more common) upon removing the key from the ignition.

    2. The rear wiper is actually quite cool in its operation. When you turn the switch to the "On" position, the wiper runs continuously for around 10 seconds, then automatically changes to intermittent. The interval cannot be adjusted.
  • wjanerwjaner Member Posts: 25
    My experience with Hyundai goes back to 1999 and I still own (four) Hyundais. My current ride is 2003 Santa Fe with the 138 HP 4 cyl with standard transmission. My bumper to bumper warr is about to expire and would like to buy a 2007 Santa Fe GLS. The current Santa Fe with the standard transmission is shipped from Korea. If somebody out there has a 5 speed standard tranny equipped Santa Fe, please advise what area you live in. I live in Los Angeles Ca area and have not found any Santa Fe with the standard tranny. I have never used more than 1/2 of the HP available in my 4 cyl 03 Santa Fe but because the HP race continues with the auto buying public Hyundai has dropped the 4 cyl option.
    Now i'm afraid that Hyundai will drop the standard transmission also.
    Many Santa Fe autos are produced in Korea and shipped to many countries. Please if you know where a supply of Santa Fe autos are available with the standard transmission please reply.
  • kdahlquistkdahlquist Member Posts: 130
    "The only thing that concerns me is the discussion about there being an upgraded suspension with the 3rd seat, touring models. I wonder if there is a substantial difference here that really affects towing?"

    According to Hyundai, the "tow prep" that comes with the Touring Package included upgraded radiator and fans for increased cooling, and the trailer pre-wiring. I don't recall whether a trans oil cooler is part of the package, but I don't think it is. FYI, I've never heard of an "engine oil cooler" and the trans and engine oils do NOT intermingle. If you have a trans oil cooler, it cools the oil in the trains only - not the engine oil. The engine oil temp is controlled by your engine cooling system (radiator, fans, water pump, etc.) which keeps the block temp within the prescribed range.

    As for suspension, all that I know for sure is that the Touring Package results in a higher GVWR. It's not higher by a lot -- something like 250 pounds or so. That could be the result of the cooling upgrades alone, or it could indicate stiffer springs, different shocks, larger brakes, or any combination thereof. Since Hyundai doesn't say, anything is possible. I imagine that it is possible to make reasonable aftermarket additions to safely tow more than 2,000 pounds, but you're almost certainly voiding your warranty if you do.
  • gizzer777gizzer777 Member Posts: 335
    My 07 SE Santa has the touring Pkg which came with a small transmission cooler. It is listed on the sticker (within the towing pkg) and I can see it as well. Hope that helps. Living in the High desert, the HD radiator and fans + tranny cooler is a nice addition on these 100 degree days towing or not.
  • js06gvjs06gv Member Posts: 460
    Thanks mpuzach and kdahlquist. Good tip on the rear wiper as I don't think I've ever left it on for more than 5 seconds or so!

    Right, I realize that engine and transmission oils do not intermingle. Not sure where I got engine oil cooler from, as I was thinking about a power steering cooler as the other type that is sometimes found. My '00 Ram Air Trans Am has one of these, although in this application it is for performance and not towing.

    I looked at some SFs this evening at the dealer and found some (all with touring pkg) that clearly had the transmission oil cooler while others did not. If equipped, it is a black cooler located just behind the grille on the driver side. ALL of the SFs also had another, much smaller silver part that looks like another type of cooler behind the grille on the passenger side. It is located lower than the other but still just in front of the A/C condenser. I mistakenly thought this was the trans. cooler on mine, but I've now confirmed that mine does not have the towing package.

    Interestingly, every SF I looked at also had the harness for trailer wiring tucked inside the left quarter panel so this apparently isn't limited to those with the actual trailer package.

    2024 Ram 1500 Longhorn, 2019 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2019 Ford Mustang GT Premium, 2016 Kia Optima SX, 2000 Pontiac Trans Am WS6

  • tpfilm1tpfilm1 Member Posts: 25
    "...The current Santa Fe with the standard transmission is shipped from Korea... Many Santa Fe autos are produced in Korea and shipped to many countries."

    Ummm. All Santa Fe's that are shipped to USA or Canada are made in AL. Including the 5 speed manual. Most Americans don't want a 5 spd so most dealers don't order them. If a dealer has one on the lot, it is so they can place the ubelievable price ads that say buy a Santa Fe for 18k. If you really want a 5 speed ask your dealer to do a search. HMMA made the '07 until June of this year. Montgomery Vehicle Processing (the company that handles US & Canada shipping for HMMA) has not had time to ship out the remaining '07s. The vehicle you are looking for may be in a storage lot in Central Alabama. Your dealer will have to work for the sale but if they want the sale bad enough...

    No Santa Fe's or Sonatas are shipped from Korea to the US.
  • rick2456rick2456 Member Posts: 320
    About the wiring harness. Where do you view/access this harness. From the inside or outside of the vehicle? Thanks.
  • gizzer777gizzer777 Member Posts: 335
    Rick
    view from Outside the vehicle under the rear driver's side fender well....2 pigtails in the harness. Best done lying on your back looking up! A creeper helps.
  • pongspongs Member Posts: 14
    It is indicated in the brochure (versatility page with the rear picture of a limited in natural khaki) that the SF has 9 cup holders with a 3 row seating. I have a Limited AWD with 3rd row seats and all I can find are 5 cup holders. Two at the first row console, two at the 2nd row arm rest, and one on the driver's side of the third row. Anyone has an idea of where the other 4 cupholders are located?
  • boltguyboltguy Member Posts: 94
    just guessing but is there 1 cupholder in each door?
  • pongspongs Member Posts: 14
    The ones in each door are rectangular shaped pockets, which are found on mostly, if not all car doors. If you put a bottled water in it, chances are it's going to tip over. But I'm not sure if those in each door includes the beverage holders that Hyundai indicates in their brochure. Since beverages are circular, so beverage holders must be circular shaped.
  • rick2456rick2456 Member Posts: 320
    Thanks, I will check it out.
  • wjanerwjaner Member Posts: 25
    Thanks for your timely and courteous reply to my comments regarding the 07 Santa Fe with the standard transmission.
    Information I received that the GLS with standard transmission is assembled in Korea came from what I thought was reliable information. It is clear that you are better informed and I was delighted with your response. Please tell me what is the source of your information that I may be better informed in the future. Do you know if the 07 GLS has been delivered with the standard transmission and the premium equipment package? I notice that on earlier Hyundai BUILD YOUR OWN internet sites the area where you would add the PREMIUM option to the vehicle it did not say "AT" (automatic transmission only). Now it clearly states "AT" in the area where you would add the Premium Option. I am pursuing your instructions regarding the dealers ability to search and pursue the vehicle that I desire.
    Many thanks
  • mpuzachmpuzach Member Posts: 635
    In response to your post...

    I, too, have been told that 2007 Santa Fe GLS models with manual transmission sold in the U.S. are built in Korea and not Alabama, at least earlier in the model year.

    I see what you mean regarding the HyundaiUSA web site. In the "build your own" section, if you add options to a GLS FWD or AWD it clearly implies that the optional automatic transmission ("AT") is required in order to add the Premium, Touring, or Ultimate Package. Oddly, it allows you to select any of the packages without also adding the automatic transmission; this could just be a web site fluke.

    The 2007 Santa Fe brochure does not specify anything about whether or not these packages are available on GLS models with the manual transmission.

    If you go to Edmunds.com => New Cars => Hyundai => 2007 Santa Fe and then select any of the GLS models with manual transmission (with or without XM, FWD or AWD), then "Price with Options", you'll see that none of the packages show up as available options. According to Edmunds (and I've found their info to be very accurate), the only options available on GLS models with manual transmissions are carpeted mats, cargo tray, mud guards, and first aid kit. All of the packages are shown as being available on GLS models with the optional 4-speed automatic.

    I spoke to my dealer this afternoon. He said that for the entire 2007 model year he has not received a single Santa Fe GLS with manual transmission; they're quite rare.

    I just checked the Fitzmall.com web site. They have several GLS 5-speeds in stock (2 FWD and 3 AWD). They all have carpeted mats and 1 has the cargo tray but that's it as far as options.

    From all of this I'd have to conclude that none of the packages are available with a manual transmission. Sorry to have to give you the bad news.
  • samirataustinsamirataustin Member Posts: 17
    I have been eyeing a stick shift with touring package for a while now. Most dealers I spoke with weren't able to help. Based on my email conversation with Hub Hyundai at Houston couple of months ago, touring package with manual on GLS was a possibility. I was told it was made in low volume, and not in all colors etc., but presumably could be pre-ordered sometimes. They mentioned that 150 were being built at the time. We couldn't agree on price so I did not order one. So can't say for sure if this would have worked out.

    Good luck- and if you are able to find any details please post.
  • nhowlnhowl Member Posts: 6
    Can anyone comment on how an after market radio looks with a black trim package.

    I'm concerned because the current radio and surrounding trim is gray. I worried that it might look a little awkward.

    It would be great if someone could post a picture....
  • mpuzachmpuzach Member Posts: 635
    Why do you want to change the radio?
  • nhowlnhowl Member Posts: 6
    I really don't want to change the radio, but it is the only option for hooking in my MP3 player (besides FM modulation).

    I use Yahoo Music subscription on my MP3 player. That service does not allow me to create MP3 disks.

    I love the Santa Fe, but there is no excuse for not having an audio input.
  • mpuzachmpuzach Member Posts: 635
    Yeah, I agree with you. I've got to think that there's a way to hardwire an input jack but I don't know how it would be done. It would be a shame to have to disrupt the beautiful appearance (especially at night) of the factory system. One possibility: Since there's unconfirmed talk of a factory navigation unit being available on the 2008s, maybe there will also be an input jack. If so, it seems quite possible that the 2008 factory head unit could be retrofitted into a 2007.

    Does your Santa Fe have XM? If so, another thing to look into is the location of the XM receiver. (I don't know whether it's a separate receiver or integrated into the head unit.) If it's a separate receiver, it's quite possible that an input jack can be wired into it. I've actually heard of this being done with other cars. While I don't know the technical details, I can tell you that it has worked for others. To listen to the MP3 player, you'd select one of the XM modes (1, 2, or 3) and tune to channel 0. You'd then hear only the output from your MP3 player.

    It may be worth checking with a skilled car stereo installer to see whether or not this is possible.
  • smith1smith1 Member Posts: 283
    Several companies make aftermarket aux input converters for direct connection of mp3 players to OEM head units. They generally plug into the CD changer connector on the head unit. However, the only one I've seen that claims to work with Hyundai head units is the "xcarlink." It features not only a stereo jack input for an mp3 player but also a USB input so it can play files directly from flash drives and portable hard disks.

    Here's a link to a Norway source that ships to the U.S.-- I've not yet found a U.S. source.

    http://www.xcarlink.no/Default.asp

    I have no personal experience with this device but it might be worth a try.
  • tpfilm1tpfilm1 Member Posts: 25
    My source is my step-dad who works at the plant. The V6 engines used in both the Sonata and the Santa Fe are built in Montgomery. I am not sure where the tranny comes from - maybe Korean. They are assembled in MGM.

    As far as 5 spds not being on dealer lots... Dealers order the vehilces on their lots. They don't just 'show-up.' Just like any other commodity the inventory is not shipped until ordered. The only thing shipped is what the retailer orders.

    Car dealers actually buy the autos they sell. The dealers buy them from distibutors/factories. They have to pay interest, insurance on them, etc. That's why you have a better chance of getting a great deal on a car they have had for awhile. In states that have inspections with visible stickers/expiration dates you can tell how long a car has been on the lot (EX: there's a '07 GLS, 5spd, AWD at Hyundai of ILM. The expiration date on NC Inspection sticker is Feb '08... Therefor the car has been on the lot since Feb...)

    If you go to other dealerships that sell other cars and look on the lot... most of the vehicles will be mid-level vehicles in the model line. You may find a base model with a few options in the back of the new car area... Next to the used cars... Dealers order what sells. Manual transmissions with base options don't sell... In the middle of big city, say, New Orleans, LA... you would be hard pressed to find, say, a Base 4X4 Jeep Libery sitting on a dealer's lot.

    Seems the most popular Santa Fe model ordered was the FWD SE. AWD GLSs are out there... They built them... Your dealer just has to work for his money....
  • mpuzachmpuzach Member Posts: 635
    Sorry, but this info is not entirely correct. Contrary to logic, Hyundai does not allow dealers to order specifically-configured vehicles. The best a dealer can do is request a specifically-configured vehicle. If one has been built and it's available, that dealer may get it. If not, they either wait until one becomes available or they don't get it at all. What's important here is that the dealer's request will not cause a specifically-configured vehicle to be built. This is in stark contrast to American and European car companies, all of which (as far as I know) welcome specific orders from dealers. Hyundai's method makes zero sense to me. I've got to think that they'd sell more cars if they allowed cars to be ordered how the individual dealers and buyers want them.

    The problem is very real for those looking for a Santa Fe GLS with manual transmission. Technically (according to the brochure and Hyundai's web site), they're available. The trouble is, very few dealers actually have them and no dealer can order them specifically configured for a customer. Pretty lame IMO.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    have to pay interest, insurance on them, etc

    The dealers do get holdback to help defray that interest expense. That's why many love special orders - the holdback can be pure profit. And your point about buying a car that's been on the lot a while is true too - those are really costing the dealer just sitting there. Often the owner will give a money spiff or bonus to the salesperson who moves them off the lot.

    Hyundai holdback is 2% of the total invoice. (link).
  • smith1smith1 Member Posts: 283
    Hyundai's method makes zero sense to me. I've got to think that they'd sell more cars if they allowed cars to be ordered how the individual dealers and buyers want them.

    True, but Hyundai's method is no different than the Japanese brands, Toyota in particular. On paper there are a huge number of different configurations, but in reality the vast majority of vehicles built are in relatively few configurations and getting a configuration that is out of the mainstream can take forever. Of course that doesn't stop dealers from talking about "ordering" a vehicle, knowing that the customer thinks they mean "order" in the GM/Ford/Chrysler sense of the word, when it really means wait until something close to what you want gets built, which could be months later or never. This system makes less and less sense as more and more Asian auto plants get built here in the U.S., but I don't see any signs of it changing.
  • tpfilm1tpfilm1 Member Posts: 25
    In Toyota's case everything is controlled by the regional distributors. There's a whole line of options that are not factory or dealer - they are 'port installed' and are non-negotiable and most of the time hard to find true prices for. Depending on what part of the country you live in determines the basic make-up of the car.

    As far as any 2007 Santa Fe goes... you can't order any of them. They are not building them anymore. I was stating that the dealer will have to work harder and try to get te distributor (Montgomer Vehicle Processing) to locate the exact Santa Fe.

    The OP had said his dealer had not seen a manual all model year... Simply because he had not tried to get one!
  • jntjnt Member Posts: 316
    Transmitting you portable MP3 music via FM Modulator may not be a good option for vehicle like your new Santa Fe. The reason is your FM antenna is on top of the metal roof (mini whip). The metal roof is a perfect shield that prevents the FM Modulator signal from getting to your vehicle antenna. It is similar to trying to make a cellphone call inside a metal building: the signal hardly gets thru. As the result, the audio would sound horrible just like listen to radio 60 miles away. So be aware of that drawback also.

    jt
  • np01np01 Member Posts: 17
    I tried a Monster wireless FM modulator and it was really bad, possibly due to the placement of the antenna. I ended up getting a wired FM modulator last week (Audiovox 100a)and so far the sound is very good. With quiet music (Beethoven adagio or Enya, for example) I can hear a some noise but not so much as to be distracting while on the road, and the volume/tone is great.

    I wanted a clean installation, and after vising a few audio shops I settled on a Best Buy that had an tech with an advanced rating who was willing to modify the input jack and power switch. Best Buy doesn't carry wired FM transmitters, so I brought him an Audiovox unit, along with a stereo mini jack and a rocker switch from Radio Shack to replace the unit's standard phono jacks and unsightly red power switch. which he soldered to the Audiovox unit. The mini jack is cleanly installed between the heated seat buttons next to the power plug, and the rocker switch is installed in an open area next to the ESC/Dash Panel dimmer/Fog light switches. The total cost was about $175.

    NeilP
  • grandillusiongrandillusion Member Posts: 13
    Am I glad I read this post… Due to ongoing problems and my dissatisfaction with the early (non-XM) standard radio in the Santa Fe, specifically with MP3 playback capabilities, I’ve been considering replacing it with an aftermarket unit with GPS navigation capabilities. After reading many of the earlier posts, I had considered the Pioneer Avic-D3 or Avic-Z2.

    After much consideration, however, I leaned away from these to the top rated hand held unit, the Garmin Nuvi 660 and was actually moments away from ordering it when I read the post. What attracted me to it were the FM modulator capabilities for playing the navigation instructions and MP3s from the GPS unit through the cars stock stereo system and, when paired with a bluetooth phone, it also acts as a hands-free unit, all of which would be useless if the FM modulator capabilities were inhibited.

    Now, I am once again giving the Pioneer systems more thought. What scares me about the Avic-Z2, simply put, (besides the price) are the moving parts (hard drive and screen). The more moving parts, the more to break down. So back to the Avic-D3.

    I’ve seen many previous posts from people who had installed this unit (D3) in the 07 Santa Fe. I have a few questions that I don’t want to clog up this forum with. Would any of you who have installed this unit be willing to drop me an email so I might ask a couple of (probably stupid) questions? (grandillusion@mchsi.com) Thanks!
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    so I might ask a couple of ... questions?

    Why not ask them right here? All will benefit.

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
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