Hyundai Santa Fe (2006 and earlier)

hung0820 · June 2001

watching:
I hope that you are clear with your house lock change, credit card reported, and report for lost report. You probably can get tax deductible for this. Anyway, please give us a price on the key fob and remote change (later). Thanks for sharing information. **That's a really Watching Alert**

orivera · June 2001

gtgcobra: How long have you been waiting for your Loaded LX?

leevan · June 2001

And so it goes for what used to be a great place to sit and share views, ideas and information about the Santa Fe, while drinking your morning coffee. Now by the time you read through all the garbage about "status" and "Lexus vs. Santa Fe"..... Ridiculous. And a bit sad. Lighten up folks. They're cars, for Gods sake! Which is better, which is nicer. Who got the better deal? It seems to me that we no longer need this board for information, because it seems we have all the answers. The Lexus folks seem to have somehow looked into the future, and can tell you everything that will happen to you because you weren't smart enough to buy a Lexus. Even going as far as to attatch resale values on both. The Santa Fe folks seem to be hellbent on convinceing the Lexus owners on how smart they are, by compareing everything from tires, to the number of aftermarket accessories that are available. The bottom line is.... Who cares! Obviously each front is VERY interested in the others vehicle, or you wouldn't be spending so much time knocking each other around. I say, best of luck with your vehicles. Personal choice is what dictates your likes and dislikes, not how much money you spent. Sorry for the long post. Most likely my last. Good luck to all of you, on both sides of the fence. I hope both vehicles live up to the tremendous expectations put upon them by both camps. This way no one loses.

stever · June 2001

Since it seems that the members aren't going to police themselves here as they do in most of our discussions, I've taken the liberty of cleaning out a whole bunch of recent off-topic name-calling messages. Every community has potholes, but please try to keep from jumping the curb in our Town Hall community.

Steve
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gtgtcobra · June 2001

I ordered my Santa Fe LX in the beginning of February. I received information this week that it is on its way. The LX model which I ordered is FULLY LOADED. It has ABS/Traction Control, Leather, Heated Seats, Night Dimming Mirror and all the rest of the LUXURY OPTIONS.
There is a very big demand for the LX model with these particular luxury options and they are hard to come by in other colors other than Black and Pewter (Silver). They are even harder to come by with ABS/Traction Control and Heated Seats. When I first ordered my LX back in February, there were very few of these LX models available in the United States. Most of them did not have ABS/Traction Control with Heated Seats and the only colors that were available with these options were the Black and Pewter.
Now it is four months later and the floodgates are starting to open and more LX's are starting to be shipped to the United States with the ABS/Traction Control and Leather/Heated Seats. They are also more easily available in the other colors other than the Black and Pewter color which I only see on the roads up here.
By the time I get my vehicle, the total waiting period will probably be 4 1/2 months. It is a long time, but well worth it for me because I ordered the Nordic White color with ALL Luxury options that are available. The Nordic White is a very hard color to get here in a fully loaded LX model. It would have been easier to get the GLS in this color, but it didn't have all the options that I wanted. That is why I waited so long. I figure that if I am going to spend money, I should to get what I WANT.
I can't wait until my LX comes in and until I pick it up. I bought the 10 year/100,000 Mile Warranty with it. I love this vehicle very much. I like its beautiful styling and its luxurious ride . Hyundai makes an excellent SUV.

pethaven · June 2001

My wife and I took a fairly long trip (380 miles each way) from Milwaukee To Mackinac City MI this past weekend with our 2 collies and luggage. It was a bit cramped for the dogs in the back even with the seat down. I am looking to buy a top luggage carrier for the roof rack but was wondering if I should get a hard plastic carrier or one that is made from nylon. Does the type of carrier make a big difference with wind drag? The hard type carrier might be more aerodynamic but the nylon type might be a smaller height therefore less wind drag. Or doesn't it really matter what type I get - never had one of these carriers before so I am not sure what type to get. Thanks for any responses!

hung0820 · June 2001

Luggage:
It really does not matter what you get. The most important thing is the weight. Remember I have drag 2 and 3 long tables on my roof rack without feeling anything. So I think either luggage you are looking for is okay. However, the Santa Fe can handle many weight as well as the roof rack is made by steel.

billbo1970 · June 2001

what do you mean you "bought" the 10/100 warranty? That's standard!!

Bill

gtgtcobra · June 2001

The Santa Fe has a standard warranty which I think is only 6 years/100,000 Miles, but it covers only the Engine and Drivetrain. The standard bumper to bumper warranty is not for a full 100,000 Miles. I think it is for only 5 Years/60,000 Miles Bumper to Bumper.
The 10/Year/100,000 Mile Warranty which I bought cost $1000 and it is a BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY. I don't want to pay for anything that might go wrong with things like a heater core, electrical problems, ect. after the regular warranty runs out. Parts and labor can get expensive for repairs. I know that the cost for replacing the heater core on a Hyundai costs over $500 to $600 with parts and labor. That's just for that one repair. It would cost even more to repair and replace other things that might break on the vehicle after the regular warranty period runs out.
I put many miles on a vehicle than the average person on an annual basis, so I need the extended warranty. I drive an average of 18K to 22K miles per year.

wales1 · June 2001

I too was offerd the 'extended' warrenty for just under $1,000. Seems they were having a special on warrenty's and they gave me a call. I passed on the offer. But its true, you can buy full 10/100,000 all round coverage.

pmarshall3 · June 2001

Although the warranty for Hyundai is still quite good, I found out when I bought my Santa Fe that the rust protection warranty is not 6/60 in any state that uses salt on their roads. This is a little frustrating as they advertise the heck out of it in the Northeast without sharing this tidbit.
Have any Santa Fe owners experienced excessive wind noise around the drivers mirror or constant whining with the auto tranny? Other than these two issues I have been very happy with my SF for 3 months now.

waynesan1 · June 2001

Can someone please help? While driving up I-81 this week, about 30 miles out of Knoxville I was approaching a merge lane and noticed a car about even with me. I slowed down and let him move ahead so he could merge into the traffic. All of a sudden he ran through a pile of gravel which were thrown into the air and flew into the front of my beautiful black Santa Fe with the horrible sound I would liken to ball bearings being shot from a gun in my direction. While the damage was only minor (chipped front window and minor chip of paint off the hood) I can't seem to get the sound of the gravels hitting my dream Santa Fe out of my mind. It just keeps replaying over and over in my mind and making me miserable. Any suggestions on how to stop this mental torment would be appreciated. I only hope none of you ever have to experience a similar highway tragedy.

drew_ · June 2001

Sorry to hear about your little incident. Glad to hear that the damage was only minor You may want to consider getting a hood deflector which may help to limit/prevent the chips on your hood. The smoke tint of the deflector should blend in nicely with your black paint. :-)

Good luck!

Drew
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hung0820 · June 2001

Good things that I have at least 4 of my close friends are auto mechanic. Otherwise I would have to paid about $1000 for the Extended Bumper to Bumper warranty. I am sure that every dealer have offered this warranty to every buyers.

Wind noise:
Probably you are driving under the high wind! Otherwise the dealer can replace the rubber at the door easily. Good luck.

keithatwork · June 2001

i get my smashed santa fe back from the body shop today.
the did have to put the thing on a frame straightener and they replaced the whole nose of the truck. (click here if you haven't seen the photos)

my wife is picking it up so i am very anxious to see if the shop did a factory job on the paint (no orange peel in the paint, etc)

i will probably wind up trading this one in after a while to get something that hasn't been touched. depends on how good the job came out. i am dying to get my leather seats done this summer.

also...

does ANYONE know the factory rim width, offset and bolt pattern on the truck. i would like to try to see what wheels from other cars/trucks would fit on there... a set of those BMW X5 18" rims plished would look sweet.

later,
kc.

shivelyt · June 2001

Just returned from a 6200 mile trip in my Santa Fe. Starting mileage was 2200. Trip took us from Las Vegas to Milwaukee, Detroit, Cleveland, Albany NY, Indianapolis and home. Car handled very well and gas mileage was 26-28 at speeds of 70-75. Car has to really exert itself crossing the Colorado Rockies. Interesting that in the whole trip (30 days) I saw only 2 other Santa Fes. My friends all thought this was a Lexus. They were astounded at the price. No problems to report except that car slips out of cruise control with no apparent reason. Doesn't seem to matter how long I have been in cruise or road conditions. Really startled me when it first happened. Dealer is set to look at it next week. Car rides very well although not the soft pillowy ride of my Buick LeSabre. Now that I've cleaned off 15 million bugs and a pound or so of road tar the car looks great once more. I think we all made a good choice.

rfaires · June 2001

My Santa Fe, purchased in October of 2000, which now has 8,800 miles, has slipped out of cruise control once. It scared me to. Let me know what your service department says.

Remember, this "truck" of ours is a truck, even though based upon a Sonata frame. It is not one of those land yachts when it come to riding smoothness. What air pressure are you running in your tires? At my first oil change, the guy who was checking the tires said, "You want to leave your air pressure at 38?" I almost fell over. It came from the dealer that way. Since that time, I've been running 30 front and back and the ride is much, much smoother.

iluvmysephia1 · June 2001

you Santa Fe owners can take great pleasure in knowing that your cute little SUV's are staying upright on the road even if air pressure is at 38, eh? Better follow the manual but it's got to be reassuring to know this simple little fact. Just treasuring all of the good Hyundai and Kia news I can snap up. There's critics lurking around every corner of the road, 'ya know? Wait a minute, with Explorer it was TOO LITTLE AIR PRESSURE THAT CAUSED THE TIRES TO OVERHEAT AND TREAD TO SEPARATE. THEN THE WHOLE VEHICLE WOULD TIP RIGHT OVER. Think about that. Erodes confidence big time, huh?

jellybean111 · June 2001

Just purchased a Nortic White GLS Santa Fe. LOVE IT! I will be taking a trip to the beach and will need extra packing room. I am interested in purchasing the softer type cargo carrier and wanted to know if anyone owned one? what kind? and where can I go to purchase one? I need one ASAP since I will be leaving for my trip on June 26th. Thanks for the advice!

stever · June 2001

We should try to collect more comments about rooftop carriers over in Rooftop Luggage Carriers. Not much there, but I do see people talking about their racks and such scattered all over Town Hall.

There are also a few posts in an archived discussion: Roof top carriers (i.e. Rocket boxes). Good luck.

Steve
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Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

bchin · June 2001

I was reading the post about the tire pressure.
You think 38 was bad? One morning I checked mine after 2 weeks of driving it and to my horror, The tire pressure was at a whopping 46 for all 4 tires. I immediately corrected it. The dealers always gives you this check list of what prep they did to the car before you drive it off. I think it is an appearance of them caring than them actually doing everything on that list. Every car I have bought the tires were always over inflated. So it is good to know that my SF rode well even at that air pressure.

trimtime · June 2001

We bought our Santa Fe in Ohio a few weeks ago and were offered an extended warranty to increase the bumper-to-bumper 5/60 to 10/100 for an additional $910. When we got to the dealership the next week to finalize everything they informed us that it was only a 6/100 extension because of the AWD option. Basically paying $910 for one more year of driving ( at a 15k/yr. average). We declined said offer.

gtgtcobra · June 2001

I was at my dealer today to get the final figures for my new vehicle which will soon be delivered to me. The dealer was trying to get me to purchase the "Simonize System 5" for my Santa Fe. It costs $300. He was telling me that the Simonizing is a PAINT PROTECTION for the vehicle. It is applied to the vehicle's paint by a buffing machine. They also have Simonizing for the Leather Seats and Carpet fabric.
I am not sure whether or not to get Simonizing for my new Santa Fe LX because the paint will probably be only 1 to 1 1/2 month old from the factory. I am afraid that if the Simonizing is applied to the exterior body of the vehicle that the paint and the clearcoat will get damaged. I know that this simonizing paint protection is applied by buffing machine. I am afraid to have the dealer use a buffing machine on FRESH paint from the factory on a new vehicle. I think that using a buffing machine on fresh new factory paint will damage the clearcoat and cause damage to the factory fresh paint finish.
I would appreciate it if the people in here who own the Santa Fe can tell me whether or not it is safe to get the vehicle Simonized. I don't know whether this will help or whether it will harm the paint and finish of the vehicle.
I would also like to know whether or not it is safe to Simonize the interior Leather seats and the interior carpets of this vehicle. I am afraid of discoloration occurring from the chemicals which they apply on the leather seats or carpet if I decide to get the interior simonized.
Please give me any information which you might have as to whether or not it is safe to Simonize the exterior and interior of this vehicle. I need to give the dealer an answer soon before the vehicle comes in for delivery. What are the negative things that occur from Simonizing the exterior paint and the interior of a vehicle like this, especially if it has fresh paint from the factory and virgin leather. I need all the input that I can get from everybody here about this subject. I don't know what to do. I don't want my vehicle's finish and paint and interior to get damaged by Simonizing if it is going to do harm to the vehicle.

gsogymrat · June 2001

What kind of mileage are people with FWD getting?

Does the air conditioner work well? I have been driving a friend's Honda Civic and the air conditioning is weak.

Is the roof rack functional or mainly decorative?

hung0820 · June 2001

simonize paint:
They give you warranty protection for the paint anyway. They know what they are doing. This is a good thing to have for the car. However, I don't want to paid for $300 since the new paint on my Santa Fe is great shape. I just wax/polish today because I lived at salt water place.

FWD:
20-29 mpg; depend on the regional and road condition you ride. All Santa Fe received good Highway mpg.

Air Condition:
The Santa Fe have the best air condition that I have ever own. My wife always complaint when I turn on the LOWEST level (she said it is cold); I have to turn off. That's powerful....

Roof Rack:
The Santa Fe can carried high number of cargo space. Roof rack is for serious on nearly every SUV not just the Santa Fe. I carried 3 long tables on my roof rack before and still drive very normal.

My site Update:
I have updates my site with half of the gallery pictures are available to see right now. Click on Galleries category/menu to see it. If you want to see the Santa Fe on beach/sand then click on Gallery and then OCEAN BEACH. My Site

manoy · June 2001

The dealer installed the engine splash guard all for free. It took a month's wait. Now, road dirts and ashpalt will be minimizes going in to the engine compartment. I complained and was listened to. I also held back sending the Hyundai dealer survey untill I was completely satisfied. I gave them a two thumbs up.
I too had over pressurized tires at 44 psi. I happen to just check the tires two weeks after driving my "truck" Just to tell you folks that my wife and I are still happy campers.

lrchome · June 2001

Simonize is just a good wax job, $300 is awful high for a wax job. I would not want to have my leather seats waxed, I think they would be so slick you would be sliding all over the place while driving.

chas215 · June 2001

I'm considering Santa Fe or PT Cruiser or new CRV for 2002. Does anyone know specifics for 2002 on any of these? Opinions about these are ok as well. Thanks.

iluvmysephia1 · June 2001

Nice pictures of your Santa Fe in all kinds of getaway locations! That is one full loaded Santa Fe! Looks great in nature spots and in the city it looks beatiful, too! Hyundai and Kia designers have got it going big time now! They're on a roll that I hope just keeps going and going. Gtgt-personally I'd pass on their Super-duper Simoniz package for interior/exterior. I'd rather wax that baby myself. Also there's protectant for the interior dash/console/doors that you can apply yourself that would work fine. I, too would leave the leather seats alone. You'd probably only have to spend $10.00 or so for the wax/protectant to do the job yourself. Looking forward to your baby's delivery, gtgt!

gtgtcobra · June 2001

I think that Simonizing will ruin the clearcoat and paint on a Factory Fresh Painted Vehicle like the Santa Fe. If Simonizing is applied to the paint using a buffing machine, it will take off the clearcoat which was applied at the factory. It may also ruin the paint too.
I also think that the leather interior will get ruined if it gets simonized. I DO NOT trust the chemicals that they will use at the dealership and the way they apply them to Simonize the Santa Fe's Exterior and interior.
I am very afraid to let the dealer put any chemicals on the paint and leather interior of my brand new Santa Fe. I DO NOT know what types of reaction that the chemicals that they use which are applied for Simonizing will have on the clearcoat, paint and leather materials on the Santa Fe. I think it is BEST for the vehicle to not be Simonized for these reasons.
More input on this subject is appreciated.

kengijunlee · June 2001

My SF just passed 7500 miles. I read the owner's manual and it says that I have to do the maintenance checkup for drive belt and tranxasle fluid. You find out about this on the manual. I brought my SF to a local mechanic and he said that I don't have to do this maintenance checkup; and he does not know how to do it with SF as SF is very new to him. My SF is GLS V6.

Did anybody get 7500 miles maintenance checkup? Do you think that it is required? If so, where did you do that?

Thanks.

lesteryeong · June 2001

Hi to all

Anyone has a better solution to the fender flares and side claddings just being taped onto the body by double sided tape has a better idea to make sure itt doesn't come off. The mechanics here say they can only use tape!

With regards

Lester

lrchome · June 2001

To check the automatic transmission fluid, under the hood right side of engine between battery and radiator hose there is a red handle dip stick, pull this out and wipe off, on one side it says cold the other side says hot. when checking the fluid the fluid level should be at one of the indicators depending on if the engine is hot or cold.

Check drive belt on left side of engine look at drive belt to see if there are any cracks or if the edges are frayed, if not the belt is good. Use a flashlight to check belt.

These checks are easy and your Santa Fe probably does not need any care.

tonyg6 · June 2001

What model did you get i.e. GL GLS LX?

I'm assuming you got a GL model with 2wd is that correct?

Is the splash guard you're referring to the plastic cover below the engine area?

billbo1970 · June 2001

That's just a fancy way of them saying they are going to wax the truck for you. If you go to the car wash, they will wax it for $40, or, you can wax it yourself. A good wax will cost $10. As for the buffer... any pro uses a buffer to wax a vehicle. It will not hurt the clear coat. The clear coat is a paint, not a coating that can wear off. I have waxed my truck twice already, the first time I took it off by hand & the second time I used a buffer. I used the buffer, because the first time took forever & was killer on my arms! Also, when you use a buffer the finish comes out super shiny, you can't get it quite as shiny by hand! And, waxing it does protect the paint. tar, sap, & bug guts can really eat into a car's finish. If there's a nice coat of wax on there, it will wash off alot easier. I recommend using either Mequire's or Mother's waxes. They are tops. A good carnauba based wax will give you a nice shine & a good protective coating. Other waxes will give you the nice shine, but not much protection & won't last as long. Whatever you decide, ENJOY YOUR TRUCK!! :-D

Bill

hung0820 · June 2001

I just recently wax my Santa Fe a few days ago too. I wax my car every six months. My Santa Fe just recently reach six months and therefore I do the wax. I lived in Salt Water Area (San Francisco) and therefore I have to do it to protect the clearcoat and paint on the Santa Fe.

hkjang · June 2001

Some of you folks might remember the noise problem that I had when I made right turns.
It made some kind of scraping noise.
I went to the delaer this morning and finally got it fixed!!!
They couldn't fix it the fist time half month ago.
Here's where the problem was:
There is some kind of metal plate close to rotor and its position was not right - at least that's what the guy said.
So, they just took the wheel off and re-positioned the darn thing and no noise now!!!

billbo1970 · June 2001

Did you shine it by hand or use a buffer? That's alot of wax to buff off by hand, isn't it! Whew, I was doing it by hand in 85 degree's with high humidity. That's when I bought the buffer

You wait 6 months? I guess you don't care about the shine, just the paint protection? I wax at every oil change. I used to wax my CAR more frequently, but the TRUCK is alot more work!

Bill

hung0820 · June 2001

Yes! A lot of work for waxing the whole car. I do it all by HAND with a small fabric round buffer thing come with it.
1st = I wash the car
2nd = Let it dry in the sun for good
3rd = Start to Buff/Wax by Hand
4th = Used the clean soft fabric clean out the dry buff
5th = Dry around for awhile let the dry buffs/wax flew away from car.
6th = Should be very shine and well enough to protect the clear coat and paint.

hung0820 · June 2001

Just add the Chrome Finishes Which I order from HDKautosport.com:

billbo1970 · June 2001

Do you wax the roof too? I've decided not to bother waxing the roof. It has too many crevasses, I can't reach it very well, and nobody sees it anyway. What have YOU decided?

hung0820 · June 2001

Yes! I wax everywhere in the roof including the silver bar and door handles too. Everywhere that I can possible do. In the matter of fact; I wax my roof better than everywhere because I don't have the sun/moonroof and therefore it is very easy for me to climb on the roof and do the job. The roof is the place where the car will damage the most because it carries the most dirt, etc...

manoy · June 2001

To Tonyg6 & all who are interested:
Yes it is the plastic cover under the engine. We bought the V6 LX model 2 wheel drive. Any car was designed with engine cover plastic or metal. Besides dirt protection, aerodynamic effect was also considered. So any car with out the cover is not complete. I complained to the dealer and they in turn ordered and installed same for free. So, gentlemen, "check your engines".

waynesan1 · June 2001

My Santa Fe is two month old now and I decided when I got her I was going to make more of an effort than on any previous vehicle I have owned to keep the exterior looking good. My question. The salesman where I bought my Santa Fe told me that the black ones do not have clearcoat on them. Does anyone know if this is true, and if so why? I plan on waxing my Santa Fe this fall and wonder if I should use a polish, polish-wax, or just plain wax. Any advice would be appreciated.

santafegal · June 2001

Now we will find out about one of Hyundai's alleged flaws... parts supply. I got rear-ended on a California freeway last week... by a Saturn... which slid under me a little... minor scrape but the impact bent the bumper assembly down about half an inch... almost $500 to repair... we'll see how long it takes to get the parts. Wish me luck.

lesteryeong · June 2001

Hi

Sorry bout your little accident by the saturn. But once again this goes to prove the durability of this baby that is owned by people worldwide. So brace up gal, I believe a good car deserves a good taken care of by your dealer. Btw, can't you claim insurance against the saturn since it reared you? Cos in Singapore, in cases like this, the latter bears the repair cost. well, let us know.

With regards

Lester

bmcadoo · June 2001

Hello all. I have been away from the Town Hall for a few months. So long that I forgot my password and had to register with another name.

Anyways, here is my question. Since I have been gone, have there been any updates on when the 2002 models will be coming out and any news on the specs. My Civic lease is up in October and would like to know if I'm able to get a Santa Fe at that time.

Thanks all.

btw, love your website Hung!!

sla · June 2001

I love my AWD 6-Cyl Santa Fe. It now has 6500 miles. It drives and feels absolutely perfect.

My gas mileage on the highway is about 16-17 mpg. Could anyone suggest some mechanical adjustment that might improve the mileage. I drive at about 65-70 mph to keep up with traffic and maybe this is the problem. I use regular unleaded (87).

Thanks for any help or advice.

SLA

hung0820 · June 2001

Clearcoat:
Not sure if the any of the Santa Fe have the clearcoat or not. However, I still be able to polish my Santa Fe and make it to look shine and protect the paint for good.

Rear End:
I am sure that the Saturn Insurance should paid for the damage but the matter of waiting for the part to deliver to the dealer/shop to repair it. I assume!

2002 model:
Good! Get ready to get the 2002 model Santa Fe by the mid of October or maybe a little early in October (depend on the region). It will look exactly the same as 2001 model, however, I am expected a few more options/accessories available.

Gas Mileage:
If you continue received this HORRIBLE gas mileage then have the dealer check it right away. I get 17mpg on city and 24½ always on freeway. Please check the tires, etc. too.

lrchome · June 2001

I have a fwd LX and I get 22 miles to the gallon in suburban driving and 27 on the interstates. I am leaving tomorrow for a 3000 mile trip to the mtns. of Virginia then to Long Island New York, and then home. I will let yo know exactly what mileage I get on this trip.

I would say there is something wrong with SLA's engine if they are only getting 16 to 17 miles to the gallon. Take it to the dealer.

Hyundai Santa Fe (2006 and earlier)

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