Hyundai Santa Fe (2006 and earlier)

javaswing · July 2001

looking to buy a santa fe in the next week or so.
anybody recently got one? Price?

bmcadoo · July 2001

How can there be rumors on the 2003 model when people don't know about the 2002 model yet? What is your source for this rumor.

lrchome · July 2001

Yesterday I changed the OEM wiper blades and put on Anco Blades. What a difference, the factory blades skipped and chattered across the windshield, the new Anco blades wipe smooth and even, no chatter.

If anyone is intrested the Anco Blades are narrow seat 20 inch on passenger side and 22 inch on drivers side.

wales1 · July 2001

I have updated my site and added some new images to show what I have done to my SF.
I would like to invite you to visit my site at:

www.nfocusimages.com/sfe.htm

drew_ · July 2001

FWIW, Honda Odyssey owners that have the Katzskin leather seats aren't impressed at all with the quality and appearance of the leather and some have said that they wouldn't do it again with this brand. Just something to consider.

Good luck,

Drew
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wales1 · July 2001

drew..thanks for that info. i wonder if the odessy owners have kids and the seats are getting alot of use, plus..seems those seats are bigger area. could also do with the installer. i went to local shop who doe sinstall here, and they do all the major dealerships here. the dealerships them mark up the vehicles and consider them the "unlimited pkg, or sport pkg.
saw one that they had marked up $2,000 for seats and wood trim kit. I know the seats only cost me $1,300 to install, and the trim kits maybe 200.00 tops, so deduct a dealer discount, you can see what they are making there.
i will be shopping and dreaming some more on them. the next project is mobile video unit, which goes in friday

diploid · July 2001

I read about the 3rd row of seats here:

http://www.teamsr.org/news/santafe.html

kcorcoran · July 2001

would be interesting to see that installed wales...

please... take good notes and let us know what it really costs. i was thinking of getting something for mine but know it will be big bucks.

6 days to my leather conversion... wish i could have got it for $1300... guess it's just the cost of living in NYC.

later.
kc

diploid · July 2001

I know putting pictures on the web is no easy task, but would you please allow us to click on the pictures and have a full blown view? I would really like to look at the pictures in details.

bhuberjv1 · July 2001

I have been lurking here for about 7 months, since getting our Black GLS around Christmas. Only accessory to date is the bug deflector.

I have been really happy with the SF. Only complaints are:
- seat belt buckle mounted too low
- vibration at 100-105 am (any body have the solution for this yet? I know it has been mentioned before)
- a small rattle/creak that seems to be coming from the rear hatch locking mechanism

Dealer in Regina has been good so far.

Am interested in detailing tips (deep cleans, quick cleans and tricks) especially tire treatments!

stever · July 2001

I'd suggest nosing around the Maintenance and Repair Board for discussions on waxes, paint care and the like for detailing tips. Be careful of the Zaino topic though--it's a real black hole :-)

Steve
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wales1 · July 2001

Hey Keith, and others. to answer the mobile video info, the cost was as follows. I must point out I am geting these prices due to the installer in personal friend, who gets them at cost.

Lanzar Video screen SV2400 (6.8 in screen)

Sony VCP

Cables, wires, etc..

TV antenna (booster)

TOTAL FOR EQUIPMENT = $777.00

INSTALL FEE (2 GUYS) = $300.00

TOTAL WITH INSTALL AND SHIPPING = $1,100

Not too bad I think. I shopped around local install shops, and was looking at close to $1,500 and up for less quality equipment.

I think the screen were Audiovox and an Emerson VCP.

So, I am planning on shooting pics during the install so details will be a plenty, and will show it off afterwards too. I was going to get DVD player, but I cant watch the video while I drive, and I am the only one in the family who cares about DVD quality, and little ones movies are on video tape.

So, I will post pics on my side, http://www.nfocusimages.com/sfe.html

wales1 · July 2001

I think either I put wrong URl down or Edmunds edit isnt working. try this one

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

sandyscar · July 2001

I had this too. Dealer found a problem with, and replaced, the rear actuator and noise disappeared. Good luck.

mech4 · July 2001

Hi, I am from Estevan and own a 2001 Santa Fe GLS purchased in Regina, email me (double click on my name in the posting for my email) and we can talk about some things

bmcadoo · July 2001

Thank you. You threw me for a loop when you mentioned the 2003 models of the Santa Fe and 3rd row seat in your post. I see now that where you got that info, they are talking about the 2002 models. Thanks.

That is something to look forward to. Hopefully that 3rd row will be like in the Acura MDX where the 3rd row can be pulled up or put back down for the full cargo space in the back.

diploid · July 2001

I apologize---for some reason I typed 2003 when I meant to say 2002.

I do find it kind of hard to imagine a 3rd row seat in the Santa Fe. If it is true, I think it would be a rear-facing bench (like in the Volvo wagons) specifically for kiddies only, since the web site mentioned no increase in size for the SF. But still, that's 2 extra seats when you're trying to cram the whole family in and head out to a restaurant.

If the 3rd row is indeed a front facing bench, I hope it's not like the 3rd row in the Suzuki XL-7.

keithatwork · July 2001

ok.. is this normal?

when i buckle my passenger seat belt you cannot stretch it out (loosen it) unless you release it.. let it retract all the way in.. and pull it back out.

no other car in my life has worked like this. normally there is a small pendulum weight that locks the seatbelt during deceleration.

the drivers side doesn't do this.

can others please check to see if thier SF does this.. so i dont waste time with a trip to the dealer.

thanks..
keith

roadkill55 · July 2001

I actually took my Santa Fe back to the dealer with this exact question. The front passenger belt would lock if pulled all the way out and would not extend out again until it was retracted all the way.

The salesman told me that all the belts will do this and proceeded to test all four shoulder belts. The rear did it just as easily as the front passenger. The driver did finally do it as well.

Per the salesman, this is a safety feature that is to be used when installing a child seat. When installing the child seat you should extend the belt all the way out before pulling it tight. This would insure that the belt will not loosen and will make the child seat even safer.

We have learned to live with it. We just make sure that we do not extend the belt out completely before buckling. In fact, I had almost forgotten about this issue until you brought it up.

georgefarmer · July 2001

Anyone seen the difference in braking distance on SF with antilock brakes vs reg. brakes? I still find it hard to believe that ABS which allow the wheel to turn in order to allow control can still stop as fast as fully locked up wheels. Not that that's a good thing to do in may cases but just in regard to the quickest stop how can wheels turning, even for micro periods be stoping you? By the way, ABS was started in response to insurance companies request. Now they do not give lower rates for ABS since studies do not show a lower fatality rate but actually a higher one possibly from people steering their way into head on collisions. I also think its because most people do not know to keep their foot on the brake even when it goes to the floor and instead pull up on it in shock. The ABS system then has to restart and by then, well it's all over.

diploid · July 2001

That's not surprising, since most of the reviews of the new Hyundai Elantra said that its braking felt as if the vehicle was equipped with ABS.

lrchome · July 2001

I understand the ABS takes longer distances to stop on dry pavement, but stops shorter on wet or slick pavement.

My previous vehicle Nissan Altima had ABS and the manual said it took longer distance to stop on dry pavement , and shorter distance on wet pavement.

wales1 · July 2001

IF any of you would like to see a mobile video unit installed, please go to my site:

www.nfocusimages.com/sfe.htm

There you will see images and links containing shots of my SF.
Hope you enjoy and maybe get some ideas.

georgefarmer · July 2001

The IIHS has released its test of the smaller SUV and the Santa Fe gots its best rating! The Santa Fe got and overall GOOD and the Tribute got an MARGINAL. If you want to see something dramatic look at the side by side photos of best worse which was Santa Fe and Isuzu Amigo. The address is;

http://www./highwaysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/0104.htm#5

georgefarmer · July 2001

OK< Will try address again;

http://www.highwaysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/0104.htm#5

georgefarmer · July 2001

Where is the oil ilter on the SF? looked in and under it, did not see it.

lrchome · July 2001

George the oil filter is located in the left front of the vehicle. If you look under the left front side in line with the left edge of the grill, the filter is mounted about 20 inches back.
It is mounted horizontal so you will only see the end of the filter sticking out towards you.

mrmagoo55 · July 2001

Recently I posted re the vibration I have 57-62mph. Dlr balanced & rotated. No difference.
Anyone else with this prob & solution?
Also, upon filling up the gauge doesn't show full. I know this was discussed earlier on
but was it found to gauge or "odd" procedure for filling up.
Thanks.

svadlamani · July 2001

Hi guys...

Looking to buy a Santa Fe and could use some help in pricing. The one that my wife and I want is a 4wd GLS. Dealer here in Texas is asking $21,600 = TTL for it. It has the standard GLS stuff, and some of the following on it:

Pewter Exterior
It has the crossrails on teh luggage rack
Floor Mats etc.
Traction control and ABS

Does this seem like a good price to you guys?
The Cars are in stock!..No waiting.

-Sri

diploid · July 2001

I think the SF is a nice car, but that's still too high for a Hyundai. I know their cars are getting better, but I still don't think Hyundai has proven itself worthy of such a high price. All the magazines say that the 4-cylinder engine is anemic while the V-6's power is "adequate." Not exactly high praise. People who bought the SF will defend their purchase by saying it's enough power for them, so I won't discuss the people I know who chose the 2wd SF over the AWD because it felt a lot lighter without the extra 300 lbs. for the AWD system. But they still chose the V-6 over the 4-cylinder.

stever · July 2001

You could click on the "How much should I pay?" link from the main edmunds.com page and see what the TMV number is with that tool and compare it with your price. Good luck.

Steve
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ariellyn · July 2001

On page 46 there's a nice article on Hyundai. "Once the butt of jokes, the Korean brand is among the hottest on America's highways." But of course, we already knew that ;-)

billbo1970 · July 2001

I too am waiting for "QUALITY" aftermarket parts to hit the stores. I'm starting to see QUITE A FEW Santa Fe's on the road around here (Long Island, NY), I would think there is already a big enough consumer base to warrant their existance. C'mon guys, get into production already!!!

Bill :-)

wales1 · July 2001

for those who are looking for aftermarket itmes, I have doen extensive research into aftermarket companies, such as Westin, Rhino, Ventshade, etc..
So far..Weathertech has the window vent shades.
All of the aftermarket tech and sales reps I spoke with said they will not get into production until 6 mo to a year after the vehicle has been out.
Also, if the production #'s are limited, and the SF is limited to date..they wont be doing alot till later.
The start up cost for making molds, templates, etc..is not worth their expense until more of the vehicles are out.
HMA has told me that they will be coming out with new accessories in the coming months, and they could include nerf bars, brush guards, etc..

dimbulb · July 2001

tried to communicate with the Estevan Santa Fe owner ( Post #2518) but cant seem to make email work by clicking on his name as directed

stever · July 2001

If you click on his name (underlined and blue, next to the flag), his profile will pop up in a new window. Contact info is there, although mech4 has marked his email address "private."

Steve
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fkatu · July 2001

I am buying vehicle in the next 10 days. Would you all owners who have had your Santa Fe's for over six months give me quick thumbs up or thumbs down on the vehicle. You can email me at FKatu@aol.com so not to take up tons of space here. If this request is out of line, then disregard this. This is my first post.
Thanks
Frank

stever · July 2001

Welcome to Town Hall. Email requests are fine so long as you aren't harvesting addresses so you can spam people. But it'd be interesting if people would just post and that way all of us can keep score :-)

Steve
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Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

iluvmysephia1 · July 2001

I'd also find it interesting to tally the "do buy it" and "don't buy it" offerings with the Santa Fe. My guess is the far, far majority of SaFe owners would give the "two thumbs up" sign about these handsome new SUV's by Hyundai and would recommend a purchase to anyone interested.

roadkill55 · July 2001

I have had my GLS FWD since Nov 2000. I would give it a thumbs up.

lrchome · July 2001

I have had my Santa Fe LX fwd for 8 months and love it. I have not had a single problem, it rides great, looks great. and is very quiet. I have 9000 miles on the Santa Fe.

papimom · July 2001

I've had my GLS since last Oct. and still love it.
My gas mileage wasn't the greatest at the begining but after 5000 miles it really improved.
I still like the features, styling and ride better than any of the new suv's that came out this spring. I think it handles snow better than the Explorer I used to have.

geep1 · July 2001

Try now, sorry about that

fear_hope · July 2001

I have been reading posts on the Santa Fe for weeks now. I am seriously considering purchasing one. I like the style, the size and the features. Of all the SUV's I have test driven it was the only one I found truly comfortable. But I must admit I have reservations due to the uncertainty of the vehicles reliability, regardless of the warranty. I have my minivan up for sale now with only 35,000 miles on it because of part failures. It too was under warranty, but what a headache and a pain to have to keep worrying about it and spend time after time at the dealer. I have read here about many problems with the Santa Fe: engine failure (several vehicles), many complaints about car vibration at about 62 mph (an issue never resolved after owner going back for fix up to 3 times), power window actuator failure, and many, many other smaller issues. The thing that baffles me is that almost everyone who posts here still loves their Santa Fe, regardless of how much trouble they have had with it. Please share your feelings on this with me. ( By the way, I am also looking at a Highlander and cannot find any major problems on the board and only very few minor ones. But it is much more expensive.)

lrchome · July 2001

The only engine problems I have seen on this board is the timing chain on 4 cyl models, and Hyundai has issued a fix for that. I have not seen any other problems.

I did read one individuals problem with vibration betwee 57 and 62 mph, and I understand he still has the problem according to his last post.

I dont know where you got your info on many engine problems, and many vibration problems.

I am not familiar with all the other minor problems you you say exist, please elobrate.

richposner · July 2001

The name is after the ball in the movie Castaway.
My companion and goes where ever I go.
Here are the problems.
After the first four days of ownership the vehical had an oil leak located at the oil pump. It was there at the beginning. It took two days to fix and I had to fight for a rent a car because I didn't purchase the extended warantee. I won only because my father taught me how to be a but hole when needed to get your way.
Now I noticed that once I got the car back yesterday the air bag light stays lit. This I read is not good and will be looked at on monday...stay tuned.

jamesjr1 · July 2001

NO PROBLEMS with LX Sandstone 4wd after 8 months and 6,000 miles. It is a dream to own. Only changed oil. No squeaks, rattles, etc. My wife is crazy about it. Believe it or not, I wouldn't take the 22,000 I paid for it. It gets a lot of attention and people can't believe how roomy inside. I've seen no problems listed to speak of on this site with the Santa Fe. Read the owner reviews of any vehicle and you will find some problems. No vehicle is perfect. Santa Fe is now the seventh most selling SUV (finally enough around) per Car Point; safest SUV in its class; no recalls (can Mazda and Escape say that) and rated as a "Best Buy" by consumers digest. A killer warrranty to boot! Compare for yourself. Enough said. Motoring in Virginia.

fear_hope · July 2001

Someone asked me to elaborate. Here are the problems and post numbers in this topic through #1889. That is as far as I got... Here goes:

Bad Engine # 880
Engine failure # 875
Power lost while driving #1518
Power lost while driving #1558
Engine power loss #1614
Piston breakage #1602
Engine skip #1695
Timing belt #1692
Timing belt recall #1496
Vibration problem # 874
Vibration problem #1057
Vibration problem #1511
Vibration problem #1747
Fan motor failure # 868
Fan failure #1660
Crank shaft sensor fault #1174
Wiper, door & window
alarm sys module #1518
Wiper problem #1454
Keyless remote failure #1057
Engine skip #1695
Recall 2wd LX #1803
CD player quit #1839
Radio quit #1889
CD player quit #1231
Clock flickering #1452 & 1435
Clock flickering #1607
Steering wheel not locking #915

These were different people posting various problems. I checked their names. I am not out to down the vehicle. I really like it and am thinking about purchase as stated before. But I am worried more because of all of these posts. The car has only been out for about nine months here in the states. Please do not take offense, but I am really interested in your responses.

lrchome · July 2001

I looked up a couple of engine failures that were posted. When they were asked to give the VIN # and dealer they purchased from, they never replied. However I dont want to get into a debate involving the subject so will end the discussion on my part.

diploid · July 2001

Those problems may seem like a lot, but in comparison to the people who have bought Santa Fes and have NO problems with it, I think you can answer your own inquiry. Besides, it's a great looking car with a very competitive price.

My only gripe with this vehicle is its engine power. That is why I have not bought one yet.

Hyundai Santa Fe (2006 and earlier)

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