Hyundai Santa Fe (2006 and earlier)

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Comments

  • carseeker4carseeker4 Member Posts: 228
    ...congrats and best wishes on many trouble free miles -- even more than 99,903! And only 40 hours of research?!?!? Slacker!! ;-) You mean you didn't agonize for 3 months?...have sleepless nights?...fasted and prayed?...gotten totally confused and given up?...bought another vehicle and then backed out? Hmmmm. I guess I need to be less concerned with these things! Any way, best wishes and enjoy the new Santa Fe.
  • whodathought1whodathought1 Member Posts: 5
    Thanks for the well wishes folks. Actually, the research time I listed was for me. My wife probably did more time than I did, as the vehicle is for her. Mine is a Honda Odyssey.

    Only one hitch with the purchase. After transferring things from wife's 99 Altima with 14,750 miles on it, to the SF, the saleman says the remotes aren't there. Neither were the owner's manuals. He took a set of the owner's manuals from another SF but said the remote Fobs had to be programmed and service department was closed. Not a biggie, but I am 97.2 miles away from there.

    He will check Tuesday when Service people come back in since the SF had just recently arrived, thought it was possible that the mechanic had removed them and laid them aside. Let's hope so.

    If not, then I will get a local Alarm place to program the FOB's he gave me and send them the bill.

    Wife loves driving the vehicle and I've finished reading the Owner's manual so we are A-OK.

    Whoda
  • mmhblgmmhblg Member Posts: 6
    Just wanted to thank everyone for the posts to this board. I took delivery on a new LX on Saturday. Chose the Pewter over the Blue but it was close. I just love this vehicle! I wanted a safe car, a luxury car, and a really "cool" car and got all three in the Santa Fe. It is a dream to drive. Got a great deal at Hargrave-McEleney Hyundai in Iowa City, Iowa. If you are sitting on the sidelines go ahead and take the plunge. You won't be disappointed.
  • jimbeaumijimbeaumi Member Posts: 620
    Congratulations on your new SF -- I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy my Elantra. What a tough choice between Pewter (a very forgiving color) and that beautiful blue!
  • charlesm1950charlesm1950 Member Posts: 24
    The link is too long to post, but you can go to cars.com and look in the left margin. Click on "2003 SUVs" and then under the heading Compact SUVs click "Hyundai Sante Fe" you can read what they have to say about the new model. There's no meantion of when we can expect to see it.

    It seems the 2.7L engine is still the biggest engine offered, but a few new bells and whistles have been added including an optional "Monsoon" stereo with CD-changer and HomeLink universal garage door remote. The article also says side impact air bags.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    You can get around the long link limit by clicking the "Check Spelling" button after you have written your message and then "Post" from the spell checker page. Alternatively, you can use http://www.makeashorterlink.com

    tidester
    Host
    SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories

  • rygell17rygell17 Member Posts: 2
    I wonder if anyone can help me here. I bought a Santa Fe LX 4WD and it doesn't have rear vents. I had read that rear vents were standard. Was I wrong? If someone who has an LX let me know I would appreciate it, that way I can take my car in to get them put in if I should have them. My salesman "thought" that the Santa Fe didn't have them. Thanks!
  • lngtonge18lngtonge18 Member Posts: 2,228
    Did you look under the front seats? When rear vents are mentioned, this is the most common place to put them. You will see a black plastic piece protruding from the carpet. When you set the AC flow to the floor, you should feel air coming out of it.
  • jimbeaumijimbeaumi Member Posts: 620
    Elantra has rear heat ducts too -- located under the front seats.
  • n9wjvn9wjv Member Posts: 3
    When will the 2003 Santa Fe's arrive? Will there be any changes?
  • carseeker4carseeker4 Member Posts: 228
    Well, hopefully Hyundai changes the HP rating to 173 (as discussed on other boards) on the sticker. But if they don't they should be fined! Otherwise the SF is a good vehicle which I like and I hope they don't change too much! Why mess with success?
  • banddexpressbanddexpress Member Posts: 63
    Does anyone have any idea about crash results for the santa fe I couldn't find anything on edmunds.
  • carseeker4carseeker4 Member Posts: 228
    Check the IIHS site (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)... crash test results.
    The Santa Fe recieved a Good in the offset crash test. There is no NHTSA test (the "star" rating gov't test) on it though.
  • n9wjvn9wjv Member Posts: 3
    I want to buy a Santa Fe in the worst way..new car bug has bit.. but am wondering if I should wait for the 2003 models to appear. Will there be improvements and/or price increases that anyone has heard about.
  • rjshaulisrjshaulis Member Posts: 1
    Does anyone know when Hyundai is releasing the 2003 model for the Santa Fe?
  • lrchomelrchome Member Posts: 130
    You previously stated that the price for a used 2001 Santa Fe Lx would be between $12,000 and $14,000. I have been looking for one for my wife, there are no used 2001 santa Fe's in my area.

    I went to MSN carpoint to find one,there was only one listed it was a black 2001 GLS FWD, and they wanted $20,499. Perhaps you could tell me where I could find one for 12 to 14 thousand dollars. Since this is the price Edmunds says they are selling for. The one listed was by AUTOWAY.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    That seems awfully high! On the other hand, the price one asks for a used vehicle is not always the price they will get! Here's what Edmunds has to say about it.

    tidester
    Host
    SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I don't know what your customized appraisal said (I got my numbers based on zipcode and miles, and I think I gave you the "trade-in range, clean"). I also said "note that neither Edmunds or Kelley will actually buy your car." We don't locate or sell cars either :-).


    fwiw, it appears you could have purchased one last week for $14,600 on eBay but he appears to have raised his price. link

    You may want to try Edmunds Used PowerShopper, but most listings there will likely be dealer cars too (i.e., more than TMV pricing often). Good luck!

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

  • jaserbjaserb Member Posts: 820
    That eBay job has 30k miles on a 4 cyl. (AKA strippo) model - lrchrome was asking about an LX, which includes the V6, leather, and all the toys. Even that's at $15k already. From what I've seen the Santa Fe seems to be holding its value well enough that I would think about trying for a new one, especially since only the original owner gets the 10yr/100k mile warranty. This model seems to be bucking the Hyundai lousy resale trend, so far.

    -Jason
  • rsturdevantrsturdevant Member Posts: 1
    has anyone taken there sf offroad? if so how did it do??
  • aquesadaaquesada Member Posts: 24
    Does any body installed K&N air filters on your Santa Fe? ¿Any improvements on power or MPG?
  • maximasmaximas Member Posts: 2
    Yesterday (2 Oct 02) my wife received a letter from Hyundai stating that the HP in her 2002 Santa Fe was only 173 HP rather then the advertised 181 HP. What gives? Are all of the 2002 Santa Fe's lower HP? What about the rest of the V6's in the Hyundai line? Is this one particular run of their engines or are all of the 2002 V6's 171 HP?

    Hyundai offered, as compensation, an extension of their warranties. I want my 8 HP not more warranties.

    Comments, please on the Town Hall or directly to maximas00@hotmail.com.
  • alphansteinalphanstein Member Posts: 95
    Sorry, but you never knew the horsepower wasn't there in the first place, so doubt your gonna get it back. I had the same issue. In fact, even before I got this data, I found was commenting recently how strong the Santa Fe feels at 35Kmiles. The engine opened up real nice. In any event, here is a web-site that gives more details from the Hyundai president.


    http://www.hyundaistatus.com


    The best option to me is the extension on the bumber to bumper warranty since having those miles increased is probably the best return for me who will only keep the car for 5-6 years and be right around 100Kmiles then.

  • mitchjgtbhmitchjgtbh Member Posts: 1
    I am looking at a Santa Fe GLS and a Toyota Highlander. Love the Highlander, but the Santa Fe is at a great price. Not a lot of info on Consumer Reports as far as reliability. Looking for first hand experience.
  • carseeker4carseeker4 Member Posts: 228
    Post 3411 on this board contains my Santa Fe 5K review... In reality, its been no worse than any American car I've owned (and maybe better than some Amercian cars I've owned) after 5000 miles (7800 on it now). I think Consumer Reports rated its initial reliability "just below average" - if you have the printed copy of CR, in the front section, they have a reliability graph. In it, you can see the "visual" of what they say... I'm sure the Toyota will be more reliable, but $8,000 more reliable? I can't answer that one.
  • lrchomelrchome Member Posts: 130
    I purchased my Santa Lx two years ago. I have 18,780 miles on the vehicle. The only failure I have had is the battery for the remote control to lock the doors, and set the alarm failed. I do not know how much more reliable a vehicle can be then this one.

    I fully expect to go 100,000 miles with no failures , excluding replacing normal wear and tear items.
  • bmcadoobmcadoo Member Posts: 17
    I am able to get a new 2003 black LX AWD w/ sunroof for $500 over invoice. Does this seem like a fair deal compared to the demand for these vehicles. Just wondering what kind of deals everyone else got on their Santa Fe's. Also, I was told that Hynudai is eliminating their 10 year/100,000 mile warranty with all of their 2004 models. I guess it has done the job and gotten people to buy their vehicles. Don't need that selling point anymore. Thanks
  • mmhblgmmhblg Member Posts: 6
    The two vehicles that made the final cut for my recent purchase were the Santa Fe and the Highlander. I bought the Santa Fe and it has been perfect in all ways, but I do only have 900 miles on it. I anticipate trouble free operation based on my previous car, a 2000 Sonata. Prior to that I had a 1997 Toyota Camry that was in the shop 10 times in the first six months. You can't always rely on reputation. I have had great luck with Hyundai and felt respected by the dealer and the company. The Toyota Shop I leased my Camry from could not have been more rude or less helpful when I had probelms and Toyota North America did not respond for 6 months to my concerns. I am convinced that Hyundai is the way to go. Bought a new home theater and going to Europe on the money I saved chosing Santa Fe over Highlander.
  • adamjraeadamjrae Member Posts: 65
    Please visit the first Hyundai Santa Fe owner's gallery on the Internet.

    www.geocities.com/adamjrae

    As of now I have 35,000 miles on my Santa Fe. Please visit www.geocities.com/adamjrae for more information.

    Adam
  • kev250rkev250r Member Posts: 1
    Hello, I recently rented a Santa Fe for a 1,500 mile road trip from So.Cal. to Arizona and was VERY impressed by it. We used it for everything from open highway driving (9.5 hours each way) to light off-roading, to city driving and I was very pleased with it. Now I'm just about ready to buy one but before I do I want to know how capable the AWD option is (the one I rented was 2wd) and I'd like to know if anyone has towed ~2,000 LBS with one? I do a lot of camping/off-roading in my local mountains and deserts and occasionally will need tow my ATV's or dune buggy to the desert (~100 miles each way) and just want to know how well it will work for that, yeah I know that it's got a rather small V6. As far as AWD drive goes I know that option won't make it into a "Rock Crawler" but would like to know if it's worth the extra expense, mostly what I'll be using it for (aside for hauling all my junk to the great outdoors) will be for some light to moderate dirt fire road driving.

    BTW Are there many aftermarket accessories for this vehicle out on the market? (wheels, etc.)

    Thanks in advance for any responses, I'm going to look at one later this week and tentatively plan on purchasing one in the next two weeks or so.

    --Kevin
  • hyundaimahyundaima Member Posts: 197
    (Injury index) (pelvis deceleration g's)

          31 _46_ Honda CR-V 4x4

          36 _50_ Hyundai Santa Fe 4x4

          40 _61_ Honda CR-V 4x4 w/SAB

          42 _73_ Subaru Foreser 4x4

          46 _82_ Saturn VUE 4x4

          51 _75_ Toyota RAV4 4x4

          53 _94_ Ford Escape 4x4

          53 _94_ Mazda Tribute 4x4


    http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/testing/NCAP/Cars/2002SUVs.html

  • bmcclainbmcclain Member Posts: 39
    Our 2002.5 GLS 4WD did a great job when towing our boat. I think that it weighed less than 2,000 pounds, though. I've driven it off road (though nothing very serious) and it is very comfortable and controlled, especially compared to the kidney-crusher Ford F-350 I've driven for a day or two in similar conditions. We decided to buy our Santa Fe after a week long rental, and needed something new to replace the car and a truck for towing. It's mean looking, and has an engine to match. The 4WD system is highly advanced, and seamless in use. You should have absolutely no problems towing with it. I must recommend a U-haul towing package installation (for around $200 for everything) b/c dealerships charge astronomical labor fees ($700 estimate).

    Hyundaima, I can't believe that the Ford/Mazda were given 5 stars in side impact also, with 94 g's! Especially when CR-V and Santa Fe has only 46-50 (no SAB).
  • colteycoltey Member Posts: 5
    I have been interested in a Santa Fe for awhile, and one thing has been driving me nuts. twice in recent months I have seen a Santa Fe in a sort of "dark bronze" color (definitely darker than sandstone. I fell in love with the color, but as far as I can tell, it has never been a choice. Is this something that is offered in other countries (maybe Canada....)???
  • tsberkey4tsberkey4 Member Posts: 40
    Coltey,


    You can log on to Hyundai Canada's website and check out the different colors there. The address is http://www.hyundaicanada.com/ and the last time I was there, I noticed many different colors for the Santa Fe. I considered crossing the border to get one myself, but I thought warranty work might be a problem, so I bought locally.


    Good luck.

  • colteycoltey Member Posts: 5
    Thanks, tsberkey4! It's right there on Hyundai's Canadien site. The color is copper orange, and I'd give anything to have that available here. I just don't understand how some colors are available in one place and not the other. It's frustrating to know that a model I like comes in a color I LOVE, but I can't get it. My wife is from Quebec, and we bought a SeaDoo jet boat up there, but I too am wary of the complications of buying a vehicle across the border (if it's even possible........).
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    What You Need to Know About Canadian Cars in the U.S.


    Gray Area



    (It'd almost be worth the risk just to get to enjoy a few good meals up there....)


    Steve, Host

  • colteycoltey Member Posts: 5
    Thanks, Steve. I've always wondered about that. I'm a little confused by the article, though. Are they saying that you CAN legally purchase a new vehicle in Canada through a licensed importer? Or is this still risky, and considered a grey market car? I've never heard of this, but if I could get the exact Santa Fe I want, and save some money in the process, it seems to make sense.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Well, I didn't write the article you understand, but the biggest risk seems to be getting warranty service. I'm assuming Hyundai USA is a different company than Hyundai Canada, so the USA one could very well turn you down for service. Honda is notorious for this I hear.

    Perhaps a licensed importer could pull the right strings and get you into the US computer system for warranty work? Owners used to be able to do that with Toyotas (or was it Nissans?).

    The other issues are tedious, but largely paperwork I'm thinking.

    The EU is going through the process of lowering these kinds of barriers (the Brits have long paid a premium over what the same car would cost in France or Spain). Maybe that'll happen in North America one day too.

    If you decide to try this, be sure to look into the tax rebate issue, as well as payment arrangements.

    Converting the speedo to miles may be an issue for you too (esp. if you intend to resell the Santa Fe in a few years - you may have to put a disclaimer on your title that you can't verify how many miles are on the SUV since the speedo got swapped).

    You may have trouble finding a dealer willing to sell to you if they find out you plan to take it to the states (that's probably a violation of their franchise agreement).

    Steve, Host
  • jaserbjaserb Member Posts: 820
    I can see this making sense for some vehicles, but one of Hyundai's biggest selling points is its warranty. Not only do you run the risk of losing your warranty completely (worst case), but Hyundai's canadian warranty is far shorter than the US version. So, best case you're getting a 3 yr/60k kilometer (about 36k mile) bumper to bumper warranty and a 5yr/100k kilometer (60k mile) powertrain warranty. And that's if you can prove Canadian residency for your wife, etc.

    -Jason
  • chagrechagre Member Posts: 3
    I have had several problems with the 2001 Santa Fe. After only 18,000 miles:
    First, the engine light came on. This wasn't the gas cap trick either. Some sort of sensor had to be replaced.
    After having the sensor replaced, the car would not start after a couple of days. Needed some sort of crank.
    Also, the windshield wiper fluid would not work on the front or rear windshields. It apparently became clogged.
    Most importantly here in Texas, the a.c. went out. It kept freezing up after about 20 minutes. After three attempts to fix it and diagnose it, maybe it is working. It is in the shop as I am typing this.
    All these problems at the same time.
    The kicker is that my mom bought a new Santa Fe and she is having the same exact problem with the a.c. after having the car only a few months. I see a potential recall.
    The worst thing is no loaner at the dealer. Too expensive to rent a car everytime this car has a problem.
    I am inquiring on trading it in as soon as I can to get a used Expedition. Couldn't be much worse.
  • jaserbjaserb Member Posts: 820
    Where are you in Texas? You should be able to find a dealer that participates in Hyundai's loaner car program.


    http://www.hyundaiusa.com/service/carcareServiceLoan.asp


    Even if they don't participate, many dealers have a loaner car if you make a big enough stink about it. Hope you get everything worked out.


    -Jason

  • lok888lok888 Member Posts: 1,788
    Do you have to pay for the rentals first and get reimburse? I spoke to one Kia dealership. For any repair required over 6.5 hours, they can get you a rentals which also runs by the dealer. I think the Kia will pay for the cost. They didn't tell if you have to pay the rentals first. Anyway, this is not Lexus or MB. At least we have something which Toyota and Honda won't give you. BTW, Honda Care is not come with the car.
  • bgkanne1bgkanne1 Member Posts: 18
    In less than six months, exact time unknown, the Santa Fe will be available with the 3.5 V6 from the XG350. Exact output rating is unknown at this time, but it should be worth the wait. I got this information directly from Hyundai reps at a 2003 Hyundai dealer event.
  • jimbeaumijimbeaumi Member Posts: 620
    That will be good news for Santa Fe owners. Now if we could only get the VVT into the Elantra sooner ....
  • mwitt58714mwitt58714 Member Posts: 44
    can anyone tell me #1 if the lx has power drivers seat #2 is there anymore leg room than the 2001 0r 02 models in the 2003 model, i currently own a 2001. if someone has the answer can you please email at mwitt58714@aol.com much appreciated looking to make a second purchase of the santa fe lx now with the moon roof it has it all also i heard the 03's, the power door lock's and window switches on the doors are illuminated is this true
  • ccquinnccquinn Member Posts: 3
    My wife and I purchased a 2003 Santa Fe GLS FWD last week and couldn't be happier. Two weeks ago I wouldn't have considered a Hyundai because of the poor reputation they had in the 80's and early 90's. My wife thought the Santa Fe was cute so we took a look at it to make her happy. One look and one test drive was all it took to make me a Hyundai convert! The features, build quality, warranty, and price are all quite impressive.
  • docknowdocknow Member Posts: 8
    My wife an I just purchased a 2003 Santa Fe with sun roof and Monsoon radio/6 CD player. I compaired with Ford Escape, Chev Trail Blazer and GMC Envoy. The quality of workmanshop, body fit far surpased the other three vehicles as well as saving $9,000.00. I buy my vehicles to last, I currently have a 1997 F150 Supercab 4X4 that is loaded, with 153,000 trouble free miles. Maintenance is the key word regardless of the brand.
  • newcarsearchernewcarsearcher Member Posts: 1
    Just test drove both a top of the line 2003 SantaFe (6) and Mazda Tribute (6). My impressions:
    1. Acceleration (From 10 MPH - 60 MPH)
    The SantaFe bogged down momentarily then accelerated smoothly to 60 MPH. I would say the acceleration level was "acceptable" to most people and would not be judged as a problem.
    The Tribute accelerated smoothly to 60 MPH and felt like a car in the process. I would judge the acceleration level as "very good".
    2. Acceleration (From 30 MPH - 60 MPH)
    The SantaFe accelerated smoothly to 60 MPH.
    The Tribute the same, but noticeably faster.
    3. Tight Cornering
    The SantaFe leaned considerably during a tight circular left turn.
    The Mazda leaned far less on the same turn.
    4. Outside Looks.
    SantaFe - Excellent Tough Looking, smooth lines make it seem more in the Mid-SUV Class a real eye catcher.
    Mazda - Good, but less tough looking and more droopy toward the front. Looks like a Mini+SUV
    5. Inside Looks.
    Santa Fe - Excellent looks a little like an aircraft instrument panel. Everything is solid appearing and easy to reach.
    Mazda - OK looks. Far less instrumentation and a more generally stark interior. About identical rear storage areas.

    Hard to decide. From an appearance standpoint (AND WARRANTY) the SantaFe is tops. From a driveability standpoint, the Mazda is about 15% (my estimate) better. Cost wise the Mazda is about $2K higher. I guess it all boils down to whether I am more interested in acceleration or looks - if reliability is equal. The dealership sold both Mazda and Hyundai. They had plenty of Mazda Tributes on the lot (about 12), but NO SantaFe 6s. The dealer was pushing the Santa Fe over the Mazda and said several 6s would be coming in bext week. He was nice fellow, but mostly used the Warranty as the reason. Anyone guess why he was hard selling Hyundai with none on the lot over Tributes with 12 on the lot - strange? By the way, I hated the looks inside and out of the Honda CRV-6 so I didn't even test drive one. Any comments to this greatly appreciated.

    Bill (Philadelphia)
  • lrchomelrchome Member Posts: 130
    I have a 2001 LX and I just returned from a trip to Philadelphia. I now have 21,759 miles on my Santa Fe, and have not had a single problem. I live in florida and my AC works great.

    I cannot understand how you are having the problems you describe. What is the VIN Number on your vehicle. I would like to see when you car was built. The VIN Number will provide that.
  • mwitt58714mwitt58714 Member Posts: 44
    can any1 tell me if the door switches for the windows and door locks are illunimated . and on the 2003 model does anyone have the power driver seat is there any more room verse the manual seat patiently await an answer
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