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Comments
On my first oil change, the tech overfilled my power steering and brake resevoirs. I corrected this, and when I told the dealership about this they gave me a coupon for a free oil change. (Unfortunately, they had already let the tech go because he had done this on several cars).
I've been totally satisfied with the product and service to date.
I've researched A LOT of SUVs in the past month or so and narrowed my list down to the Santa Fe, Mazda Tribute, Chevy Trailblazer, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander. So why did I finally choose the Santa Fe?
Tribute: way too many engine problems. I need reliability. Otherwise, a very nice vehicle at a good price.
Trailblazer: reviews aren't too good for it. Too expensive when configured the way I want it. Great size and wonderful 4.2L engine, though.
Pilot: really bad brakes scared me away, along with the price.
Highlander: have owned two Toyotas in the past and loved both. This one's just too expensive, though.
Santa Fe: Best bang for the buck, especially with the 3.5L engine. The engine's not new and badly needs a technological makeover (Honda's similar engine makes...what...230 HP or more?) but it's "mature" and "proven" and smooth with a good torque curve. I've seen both 195 HP and 200 HP stated for it...I wonder which one's correct. Anyway, the larger engine clinched it for me. I'm taking the wife out for some serious test driving sometime soon. I've only test driven it once last year with the smaller engine (unimpressive).
I live in the Thumb of Michigan and we usually get a lot of snow and icy road conditions (except this winter, which is so far snow-free). The 3.5L Santa Fe's Borg-Warner AWD system is hyped up pretty well, but I'm still wondering how it compares to the other Hyundai AWD system which was very highly rated.
I'll check back in occasionally with my buying and driving experiences.
Sounds like you've come to the same conclusion I did, regarding the competing small SUVs. Good luck convincing your wife to go with the Santa Fe. Once she drives it, I'm sure it'll be a cinch.
I've got the 2.7 liter 4WD, and we're averaging 20 mpg with 60 mile round-trip commutes. I would imagine the 3.5 will get less under the same circumstances, but I am curious as well.
No problems yet. My gas mileage is betwenn 20-21 mpg on the open road.
My only concern was that before my first oil change I checked the oil & it was about a half quart low. I filled it and changed the oil at 3,ooo miles. I guess when the car was PDIed
they over looked the oil.
Anyway I have checked the oil twice. Its right on the mark.
I love my Sante Fe.
Thank you
The only failure I have had was the battery for the remote control for locking and unlocking the doors failed and the dealer replaced that free.
So I am very happy with my LX.
Steve, Host
Did you program the keyless entry remo by yourself?
Quick update:
Our 2001 Santa Fe LX 2wd is at 42k miles and is still in great shape. The only real problem we've had with it was a few weeks ago when the driver's window dropped down inside the door ala Volkswagen. The dealer said it was simply a loose bolt and fixed it in about an hour. The magnet holding the top portion of the console closed broke off. The part is at the dealer waiting for me to care enough to go have it installed under warranty. Oh, and the first winter we had it we found the heated seat switches were backwards - the driver's switch heated the passenger's seat and vice versa. Pretty minor nits to pick, in my book.
It's still smooth and quiet as ever - even the OEM BF Goodrich tires still have plenty of life left in them. Barring unforseen events (more kids, etc) we plan on keeping it at least until the 120k mile mark when our warranty runs out. We were on the "understated horsepower" list so we got the extended powertrain.
Bottom line: momma's still happy, so I am too.
-Jason
> Did you program the keyless entry remo by yourself?
>========================
Didn't need to - haven't lost either of the originals - yet! =;-)
You can program the key xmitters yourself. I think I've saved the info somewhere(goes to look...)
(Comes back with URL...)
Go here: <http://www.hmaservice.com/webtech/iindex.asp?id=394877231#_394877231>
I was told earlier that only your dealer could do the programming because it required some sort of special transmitter device.
Thanks!!
If you can get down (I realize not everyone is able or wants to) and locate the ETACS unit (under the driver side dash), programming the remotes can be done by the Santa Fe owner.
Push the code saving switch to 'set'. Activate the remote. Return the code saving switch to the original position ('off'). If you want TWO remotes to operate your vehicle, the two remotes should be activated (one after the other) within sixty seconds, before returning the code saving switch to 'off'.
I then will assume (there's that word) that you'll test the remote(s) before going on vacation? =;-)
There's no problem programming three remotes in the same fashion (within sixty seconds)??
Thanks (Again)!!
> There's no problem programming three remotes in the same fashion (within sixty seconds)??
>===========
The Santa Fe brain only accepts two remotes. =;-p
Press 'lock' only or 'open' only. That should do it.
=;-)
These warranties are money-makers for all involved, except the consumer. They offer these because they make a ton of money vs. what they do have to cover. Some people do get lucky (unlucky?) and these come in handy, but it's not the norm. Save your money, IMO.
If you want to see a nice looking hyundia prototype, check out the HCD8 Concept
Have your dealer 'reset' your transmission's memory and then drive it as you normally would and it should respond accordingly. Mine did... I had the same symptom, but when my battery was accidentally dicharged completely it had to 're-learn'. My SF had several hundred miles on it when I purchased it and apparently had been taught some bad habits!
The learning starts after the transmission is at operating temperature and continues for several days under normal driving circumstances.
Here's Edmunds take:
http://www.edmunds.com/future/2005/hyundai/tucson/100370918/previ- ew.html?tid=edmunds.f.mmindex.content.num1.0.hyundai*
There are rumors that the next generation Santa Fe (due in 2006-2007?) - to be built in Hyundai's new US plant - will be slightly larger with a third row. We'll be keeping an eye on this, especially if Hyundai keeps offering loyalty rebates.
-Jason
:-)
Way to go - thanks for the update!
Steve, Host
See Hyundai TSB 03-97-002 ("Cabin Air Filter Replacement") for instructions, with pictures. Hyundai filter part number: 97619-38100
My dealership gave me FREE OIL CHANGES & FREE USE OF A LOANER CAR, if my car needs to stay over for service.
The second half of the 10 year 100,000 mile warranty is on motor, trans and front end.
I am confused though. Why is an extended warranty needed?
To cjb2486:
Not only lighter in weight but less drag by not turning all of the drive system for power to the rear wheels. We are considering the GLS FWD 2.7 as well. Better fuel mileage and since we don't trailer anything or other stuff like that I don't feel the 3.5 is warranted in our case
My local dealer promises a $100 birddog fee to a customer if they refer another person to the dealer and they buy a Hyundai from them. Well, I bought an 03 Elantra GT for a friend of mine back in May of 03 (I got $100 after a week of hassle). In November, my boss said he was interested in looking at a Sante Fe for his daughter and asked my opinion on Hyundai. I told him I've been happy with 2 Hyundais and had no problem recommending one to him. I referred him to the local Hyundai dealer where he bought a Sante Fe and my name was mentioned as the person who referred him. I talked to the saleslady during the buying process. I even went down to the dealer in person, provided the info she asked from me, and expressed interest in buying an 04 XG350 from them. I purchased an 03 Diamante instead since I got a better deal. My friend then came into town and the new car bug bit him after seeing my Diamante. He was interested in trying to trade up to a Sante Fe. He drove one (same saleslady) and was going to try to buy it. However, since I was disgusted over how the dealer had bs'ed me for over a month now, while we test drove the Sante Fe, I suggested we stop at Mitsubishi and take a look at what deals they were offering. My friend liked the Endeavor better and tried to give the Sante Fe back to the dealer but the saleslady wouldn't accept it back, telling him to drive it longer. Long story short: my friend traded in his Elantra for an 04 Endeavor. The saleslady was furious when the Mitsu dealer returned the Sante Fe to her. It had been at least 6 weeks since my boss bought a Hyundai from the dealer and the saleslady kept coming up with excuses as to why she couldn't get the money. After knowing I bought a Diamante and my friend bought the Endeavor, she definitely wasn't interested in trying to get me the birddog fee anymore and I was going to let it drop since I was tired of dealing with it. Step in Hyundai....
The Elantra was serviced for the brake recall the same day my friend bought the Endeavor. Hyundai called me to do a survey...:) Well, I said I had no problems with the repair service but I did let her know I liked Hyundais, had bought 3 of them, and because my dealer renigged on their $100 promise, Hyundai lost a sale to Mitsubishi. The survey lady appeared very concerned and interested in my story. Not 2 days later, I received a call from the service manager telling me that he and the OWNER of the dealer had heard from Hyundai about my complaint and they wanted to make things right with me. The service manager even asked me to return his call to his personal cell phone because this matter was so "important" to them. They told me that when I receive the JDPower service survey in the mail, to bring that in to them and they would give me my $100 and fill up the tank on my 03 Tiburon. Yes, a little bribery was involved, but, I gave them what they wanted (a perfect service rating on the survey) and yesterday, I got my $100 and a full tank of gas! So apparently these surveys do matter a lot to the dealer.
Kudos to Hyundai for caring about something that was really a policy of the dealer not Hyundai corporate and putting the fire under their bad dealer to make me happy. If anything, Hyundai increased my faith in their company and their ability to get things accomplished fast.
Thanks!