Hyundai Santa Fe (2006 and earlier)

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Comments

  • solara11solara11 Member Posts: 78
    I believe the AC compressor being activated not only helps remove moisture, but also helps lubricate the otherwise unused AC compressor in winter months, preventing premature, costly, seal failures. It is a good feature, not a bad one. As for warming up faster, I do not think that is why, as you could always press the gas pedal, as my friends teenager does, and blow your cam shaft if you wanted!!! VERY EXPENSIVE!!!
  • kph5kph5 Member Posts: 7
    I paid $19,500 for a FWD GLS Floormats and cross-rails on the roof rack...sounds like you did okay...what dealer did you use?
  • billtungbilltung Member Posts: 255
    fitnessman42 asked in #895 1) When I use the heater/AC I notice that if I select the floor position or the defrost position I still c. According to the manual that is not supposed to happen. It is not a major concern to me but I am just curious if anyone else has noticed this. I am wondering if it is a defect in the airflow selector switch.

    My answer: I double check my airflow system, I only get airflow through the door vents when select blow-to-your-body position. There is no or very little air come out from the door vents when I selected defrost or floor position. I suggest u call your Hyundai's mechanic ask for the reason.
  • billtungbilltung Member Posts: 255
    100% agree with solara11 response #903 to the A/C automatically turn-on when select to defrost position.
  • lshirley2lshirley2 Member Posts: 14
    I checked my air vents with the floor selector and a small amount of air comes out of the door vent. I guess if you closed the vent , the air would all go to the floor. I you lived in a humid place,like Houston, you would always have the ac on with the heat. Thats the only way not to fog up all of the windows. I think this is a neat feature.
  • jacks8jacks8 Member Posts: 4
    How is the acceleration with the GLS FWD. I test drove a GLS AWD. I'm curious to find out if there is a difference.
  • lshirley2lshirley2 Member Posts: 14
    to jacks8. The acceleration on the GLS FWD seems pretty good. I did not drive an AWD so I can't compare. I have been raced at greenlight start up by some V8 explorers and I come out even at 0 to 60. I have almost 2000 miles on the SF and got 19.1 mpg at the last fillup for in town driving.
  • marier1marier1 Member Posts: 1
    I just purchased a Santa Fe 3 weeks ago (4 cyl. FWD) and I've already put a 1000 mi. on it.
    I am very happy with my decision so far. I love the Santa Fe. It's fun to drive, problem-free and by the way, I live in the northeast and have not experienced any freezing locks either. Friends and acquaintances are very impressed with roominess, styling and value. This message board was helpful in my decision to buy one as was the warranty. I traded in a Dodge Caravan that was a car owners worst nightmare. It threw off 3 serpentine belts before they were able to fix it- all with less than 8,000 mi. on it. The air-conditioner quit working the third summer I owned it(past warranty) The fuel pump went at 35,000 mi. ( past warranty) and the transmission blew at 74,000 mi.(past warranty) I figured if it had been a Hyundai at least everything would have been covered under warranty.
    Good luck to all you other Sante Fe owners out there.
  • topofthehilltopofthehill Member Posts: 4
    You can call the dealership at 1-800-227-4601 and ask for Chuck Oststot. I've purchased a Toyota from him and got a great deal. So I returned when we were looking for the SanteFe. You can also visit their website at www.jeffwyler.com I think they still have some SanteFe LX AWD not sure about packages though. Wife was specific about what color and package she wanted. So we're still waiting for it.
  • topofthehilltopofthehill Member Posts: 4
    You can call the dealership at 1-800-227-4601 and ask for Chuck Oststot. I've purchased a Toyota from him and got a great deal. So I returned when we were looking for the SanteFe. You can also visit their website at www.jeffwyler.com I think they still have some SanteFe LX AWD not sure about packages though. Wife was specific about what color and package she wanted. So we're still waiting for it. Sorry it took so long to reply.
  • bironbbironb Member Posts: 63
    Anyone know if a cargo cover is available for the Santa Fe in Canada? The Hyundai dealer I dealt with was not aware of one being available so I called three other dealers in Ottawa and only one said that a cargo cover was available, but for some reason he did not have a parts # nor know the cost of the item. Why the cargo cover is standard in the US but not in Canada is beyond me.

    With the high rate of break-ins for the most insignificant items left in view, all SUV's and Van's should have a cargo cover as standard equipment or at the very least available as an accessory.
  • billtungbilltung Member Posts: 255
    I'm in BC, Canada. I also looking the cover at the beginning, the dealer told me will be available later! But now I change my mine, the tinned glasses is very dark in the day time especially in full sun, very difficult to see through.
    the canadian version also without the shopping net, I think the reason is clearly they want to cut cost, so that they can earn a little bit more profit in the future when u buy add-on's from them. In my opinion, Hyundai sells its Santa Fe almost at cost in order to steal lower-end SUV buyers from other SUV makers. We paid much cheaper to buy here (For my V6 4WD fully load, I only paid total $29K including Freight & tax) compared to usd$20K the American paid for a FWD model. I'm a little bit worry my SF when I 1st bought it 3 months ago, but now I am so happy to hear so many good comments about this SUV from owners in North America & Europe & Australia. Of course I also couldn't find any major complaints in this Sweety. I bought it mainly because its look advance & powerful, comfort in ride, spacious & of course the best price & the best warranty on earth for SUV under CDN$30,000.
    Didn't you guy read the forum here in Townhall about the problem that owners of Tribute & Escape have outrage the gas odor enter these 2 SUV compartments. But still Ford's & Mazda's without re-call. I almost bought Escape in the beginning, but I was lucky passed through a Hyundai dealer & spent time to test drive it, then I undertand why this company TV ad said "Driving is believeing", I think more customers (willing to spent under $30,000) will choose this car after they test drive it. I think I made a very smart decision on purchasing my SF so early to take advantage of Hyundai's promotion before SF become popular - that time they will ask for more $$$. One thing I was unhappy is the fiancing rate drop to 4.8% one week after I bought my SF at 5.8%. It is even better for new SF buyers.

    My last opinion about SF is,
    "Korean auto technologies have greatly advancing, do not just look into their eariler failures. They learn a lots from their expensive lessons. I can not believe my eye when they 1st held the Olympic & wons so many gold medals, then computers, VHS, DVD & now the Santa Fe with all these good quality & price. For sure I will continue support Hyundai new advance products & stop bully this brand name! (I used to tell friends Hyundai's brand name is cheap! But now I am driving a luxury Hyundai's every day!)
    Good luck to all new San Fe buyer.
  • leigh8leigh8 Member Posts: 14
    We have 1800 miles on our 3 week old SF. It accelerates nicely and I haven't had any problems w/ any of the concerns listed thus far but I do have a couple of questions.

    1) My steering wheel does not lock - should it?

    2) My brakes squeal when continuously applying the brake, for example when pulling out of the garage or going thru a fast food drive thru. It started a week and a half after we got it. The Hyundai service shop said that this is normal and it would not go away after time. Is anyone else noticing this problem? I do have ABS but am not sure if that is the cause.

    Can anyone shed some light on these 2 questions?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    bumper test

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  • billtungbilltung Member Posts: 255
    Mine is a GLS 4WD SF with ABS,3 months old, about 5000Km.
    1)My steering wheel does lock when I turn off my engine.
    2) I never notice any squealing sound in my SF, I don't think it is normal. I've experienced with my GMC saferi, when the new brake pad installed by a outside brake shop (not GMC), it has some squealing sound in the beginning, but after few hundred Km the sound disappeared (Probably because brake pads they used were cheap quality!) If your SF is brand new, its should use the genuine brake pads, there is no reason the brake has noise, mine SF came with only 10km on it, besided the burning smell of the undercoat material (The smell was gone after one week), I noticed nothing about the brake noise. I always stop & go, but the whole SF was still so quiet that I nearly don't notice the engine was running - like driving a electric car. It has mentioned by other SF owners.
    If the Hyundai service shop said that this is normal and it would not go away after time. That they are lying to u, I suggest u check your SF in another Hyundai dealer, if unavailable, complains to the original Hyundai service shop.
  • billtungbilltung Member Posts: 255
    Can anyone answer my questions?
    Besides the benefit of light weight, are there any advantage or disadvantage of an aluminum engine vs Traditional (Iron?) engine? Which is better?
    Thanks
  • georgefarmergeorgefarmer Member Posts: 98
    Edmunds still says all V6 AWD get 4 wheeel disk brakes but Hyundai site says only those with ABS get 4 wheel disks. Which is it?
  • maj1maj1 Member Posts: 37
    topofthehill

    Thanks for your reply, I'll try to call him Monday.
  • lrchomelrchome Member Posts: 130
    All GLS and LX models get 4 wheel disc brakes wether they have abs or not. According to Hyundai site and to two Hyundai dealerships.
  • andes11andes11 Member Posts: 62
    Your steering wheel should lock when you remove the key.
    About the brake, did you take the car in for service? was a repair order generated?
    do you know whether the tech did anything to the brake other than looking at it?
  • fitnessman42fitnessman42 Member Posts: 21
    Hi all,

    I have step rails for my SF that I am not totally satisfied with. I wanted the "nerf bar" style and that is not what was sent to me. Mine are a hard, durable plastic. They look good, they just are not exactly what I want. They sell on-line for $249.00 plus 70.00 shipping. I will sell them for 199.00 plus shipping and I am sure shipping is nowhere near the 70.00 they charged me. I have digital pics of them installed if anyone wants to check them out. I still have the installation instructions also. They are simple to install; I did them by myself with no trouble. Just - mail me at fitnessman42@aol.com if interested.
  • adamjraeadamjrae Member Posts: 65
    Question - Does the low fuel light come on when you start your engine. Mine doesn't and I'm wondering if I have a blown bulb. I also drove it one day on E and no light.
  • allhyundaiallhyundai Member Posts: 11
    No the light does not come on when you turn on the key. I have found that the fuel gauges in Hyundai products are very hard to read until you go through a few tanks of gas. I have a 2000 Elantra with 2500 miles on it and I let the fuel gauge go down quite a bit and the low fuel light never came on. Then one day when I ran it really low the light finally came on. When I filled up I still had 3 gallons left. My wife has yet to see the low fuel light come on in her Santa Fe and she is notorious for letting the fuel level get low.
  • leigh8leigh8 Member Posts: 14
    Thanks all for the information. I will call the dealer on Monday and check into the steering wheel problem.

    I only called the service dept on the brakes and was given some answer about the disk brakes being made of metal and that it was normal for this to happen(sorry, his answer was more technical). Needless to say I will request that they repair them or replace if necessary.

    BTW, I still love my SF. We have purchased new cars before and it seems we always have to go through a period of adjustments and minor repairs. Also a note on the low fuel light - our light comes on when we have approx 2 gallons of gas left in the tank. I too am guilty of letting the fuel tank get low so ran through a couple of tanks to check on the # of gal. left when the light comes on.

    Thanks again!
  • adamjraeadamjrae Member Posts: 65
    The first month or 2 my brakes would squeal in the morning due to the damp weather. I never had a car do this but the dealer said it's normal. After applying the brake 4 or 5 times they would stop squealing for the rest of the day. This is due to surface rust that appears on the metal during damp mornings but it should not happen thought the day. I'm at 7,700 miles with no problems and this problem stopped at around 3,000 miles.
  • kim532kim532 Member Posts: 19
    I ordered a GLS V6 2WD. I am so excited I cannot wait to get it. The dealer thought he would be able to do a trade and have me one in 2 weeks. I had been researching and had it between the Escape and the Santa Fe. I know I made the right decision. I had to pay MSRP but they are flying off the showrooms here in Milwaukee. I'll keep you posted on how I like it and any problems.
  • rbentriderrbentrider Member Posts: 5
    Just bought a SF LX w/ ABS & TC for my wife. BTW $450 less than MSRP was the best I could do in Dallas. We looked at everything including Lexus RX. She made the decision -- Santa Fe. Lexus was the #2 choice.

    No question that the RX is more refined but the SF isn't bad at all. Certainly better than Tribute. The RX had problems too - wind noise, engine/tranny vibration, and a very breakable retracting antenna. And as best I could tell the RX would put us out about $16K more including TTL. She'd rather have the $16K to spend elsewhere.

    The Santa Fe is well thought out, attractive, fun to drive, handles well, has a good ride (for a SUV), no wind noise, decent stereo and seems well built. She loves the heated seats. I got the 10yr/100k bumper-to-bumper warranty, however, just in case it isn't that well built. I also would have bought a 100k warranty for the Lexus too because they're so expensive to repair.

    We may take a killing on depreciation over the long haul but I still think it will considerably less than the Lexus. Especially considering a new Lexus will be out based on the Highlander chassis and the "old" Lexus will take a big drop in value when the model changes.

    Only complaints so far: (1) Smells - Potent plastic smell in the interior and burning paint smell from the engine. (2) Road noise. I expect the first one will go away with time. I'm considering a soundproofing undercoating to fix the second one. Anyone have any experience with soundproofing a Santa Fe?
  • fitnessman42fitnessman42 Member Posts: 21
    When I installed my step rails and was underneath my SF I noticed it had undercoating already on it. I am not sure if they all come that way but can guarantee you the dealer did not do it or it would have been an added item on the sticker.
  • mikezakmikezak Member Posts: 95
    Q1). How much did you pay for the 'extended' bumper-to-bumper 10yr/100K? Was it negotiable?

    Q2). Does the LX have insulation barrier on the inside of the hood? I noticed that some Hyundai's had them, but I did not check the SFs. I would be interested in other owner's comments as well. Could one be 'made' by a body shop -- would not think it could cost that much.
  • mikezakmikezak Member Posts: 95
    Just curious...What dealer did you get your SF from? Was it Arrow, Boucher, or the dealer in Glendale?

    If you had to order from Portland port of entry (and not trade) how long did they say it would be to get one? I am having a dealer here in Central WI say 10 - 12 weeks, but would not stand behind it.

    Reason I ask is that Boucher in Waukesha told me that they can not get ANY SFs and ALL of their incoming SFs are already sold. I just wanted to make sure I was getting a straight story.
  • fitnessman42fitnessman42 Member Posts: 21
    I was wondering if anyone has installed a bush guard on their Santa Fe yet? If so, does it affect the handling? Does it make noise or cause vibrations of any kind? Does it contact the bumper in any way at all? I am afraid that if it touched the bumper or any part of the vehicle that it would rub the paint off. I saw a pic of a bush guard installed and it looked like the guard was touching the underside of the bumper. Any help/pointers would be appreciated.
  • johnnylofijohnnylofi Member Posts: 14
    I have SF LX with factory installed hitch )bolted to frame), ABS, TCS, heated seats...basically, every option except for upgraded stereo. Paid 23K out the door in phoenix, az. Was hoping for some others costs so I know if I scored well. The vehicle actually had 400 miles on it. I guess it was dealer demo. I love the vehicle and have had absolutely no problems!!
  • thor9thor9 Member Posts: 26
    I ordered on 12-15-00, delivery on 01-11-01, from Van Horn-Weiland in Sheboygan, WI. LX with Package 13.

    Van Dyn Hoven in Appleton, and Zimbrick in Madison both had LX's available, but wrong colors.
    Rosemurgy in Wausau and Denil Wall in Green Bay had nothing at the time.

    Arrow in Milwaukee was sold out, but Arrow was quoting 4 week order time, and I won't even bother with Boucher, who it seems can never be bothered to comply with Wisconsin law regarding clearly posting prices on vehicles, they prefer to put a 'Not Inspected For Sale' tag on everything, then display them in high traffic areas on the lot.

    Glendale was too inflexible on removing the useless 'Gold Package'(gold lettering and emblems)for an extra $560 OVER MSRP (YIKES!)

    Van Horn in Sheboygan seemed the nost willing to search for what I wanted with a minimum of games.
    I dealt with Lance, a decent guy who is too new and straightforward to have been caught-up in the usual dealer shenanigans yet.

    Apparently dealer can view inbound (to U.S.) units on their computer and reserve one, so it will ship directly from port of entry upon arrival. I was told 4-6 weeks is normal for this.

    Good luck on your search!
  • thor9thor9 Member Posts: 26
    Oops, I forgot one other place to check: Rosen Hyundai on Hwy 20 & I-94 west of Racine.

    Their on-line inventory had indicated a couple of AWD LX's when I was looking, but they only had FWD when I called, so I don't know how often they update their web site.
  • mikezakmikezak Member Posts: 95
    Thor9 -

    Can you confirm the process to view 'inbound' vehicles and reservation process. Dealer here in central WI, has told me that their dealership can NOT view Hyundais until they are "on the ground".

    If a Hyundai dealership in Sheboygan told you they can do so, if you still have a relationship with the sales manager or salesperson, could you please ask them how (get website, or whatever process they need to use), and repost.

    I am sure that this would help out a great deal of folks, not only myself.

    Thanks...
  • losthat1losthat1 Member Posts: 93
    Congratulations on your new Santa Fe. See you also own a Mercedes. Yes, I too see the S.F. winning out over the Lexus and the Mercedes models when it comes to an s.u.v. I love my Santa Fe! Just be cautious of what you say about the Lexus--there seem to be those who view these posts who get very offended that we chose the S.F. over their more expensive choice. As for me, I can't justify spending $15 or $20+K more for the "luxury" of owning one. Have fun, enjoy and know that you got a great value. I have nothing but positive comments about the S.F., even to my friends who look at me funny when they see that it's a Hyundai.

    Could we have a few more posts on the low gas light? As one who has a habit of running low I'm curious as to how many more gallons actually remain until empty. Thanks
  • thor9thor9 Member Posts: 26
    Unfortunately I don't have any particular relationship with anybody at the dealership that I can ask about the process, but what I was told is that they were able to see what was in transit to the U.S., and they worked through the Hyundai regional dealer rep. to reserve a unit with the desired option package and color. I do not know how they access this info on their computer, but their information proved correct. I suppose it's possible that the regional rep. is the one who provided the info on arriving vehicles. I was also told their 'allocation' of SF's is based on 'turn & earn', the more they sell, the more they can get, but it is not based solely on SF, they also have to move the rest of the models. I do not anticipate a return visit to the dealer anytime soon unless I have problems, but perhaps you could give them a call yourself, at (920) 457-3608 and ask for Mike Tasche, who was the person who actually located this unit.

    Van Horn attempted to dealer-locate a unit for a dealer-trade, and Van Horn even had a black GLS AWD SF to trade at that time, but no luck from Illinois to Minnesota, nobody would trade if they had one.

    If you have an agreeable person at your dealership (I am guessing it must be Rosemurgy) have them contact the Hyundai regional rep. to see what assistance is possible, otherwise I would try a more cooperative dealer.

    Good Luck.
  • rbentriderrbentrider Member Posts: 5
    100k extended warranty - $1559. It's a Hyundai factory warranty and they didn't back off one dollar. Every time I have taken out one of these warranties, I have won. Cost of the repairs under warranty have always been more than what I paid for the coverage.

    Insulation - I haven't looked to see if the hood has insulation but the road noise I would like to eliminate is from the rear. Closing the rear parcel cover helps but it also damps out the rear stereo speakers.
  • harlekharlek Member Posts: 8
    Where are you finding Accessories for the Sante Fe, such as the step rails mentioned in a previous post??
  • richardr4richardr4 Member Posts: 49
    Check out http://www.wooddash.com


    I think you will find about everything you want there.

    Hyundai is also selling side guards and a brush guard and I may have a URN for that if it isn't on that site. It's been posted here before back around message 836 or so. Not really sure.

    Bought a silver manta be LX FL this weekend. Paid less than sticker but what a hassle!

    Great car, great price and now the wife loves it. Now I'm stuck with her old four door luxo mobile. Imagine my joy!


    Rich.


    Let me know if this helps or not?

  • richardr4richardr4 Member Posts: 49
    Try going to http://balder.prohosting.com/~jtkv/index.html and scroll on down to the bottom.

    Check out the bush guard and side rails there.


    Sorry about that.


    Richard.

  • losthat1losthat1 Member Posts: 93
    My dealer gave the following quote for extension of 5yr-60mi. warrenty. Decision and purchase of warrenty must come before 12mos. or 12,000 miles.

    To extend to 10yr/100,000 mi. bumper to bumper---
    $859.00! This is about $100.00 less than original quote. I will purchase soon as I drive between 15 and 20,000 miles a year. I believe this is non-transferable if you sell vehicle.
  • mikedallas23mikedallas23 Member Posts: 2
    Rbentrider,
    Would you mind telling me what dealership and salesman you dealt with in Dallas? Would you recommend the salesman that you dealt with? Also, did you take one of the cars that they had on the lot or did you have to wait for them to search for one for you?
  • rbentriderrbentrider Member Posts: 5
    Purchased it at Freeman in Irving. Salesman - Terry Gibson. He's a fleet manager that found through our credit union. He did a good job, with no tricks or misleading statements. Bought one off the lot since they had exactly what we were looking for. The next best price was from the Sherman, Texas dealership. Hope this helps.
  • labelgeeklabelgeek Member Posts: 10
    Never bought one before from these folks so I don't know how reliable they are but you can get an extended bumper-bumper 10yr/100k warranty for $699 from Warranty Direct.
  • kim532kim532 Member Posts: 19
    I did get mine in Glendale and yes I had to pay the horrible $500 for their GOLD package trim, but like I said they promised me one in 2 weeks or less( but in reality it is not in writing for 2 weeks, it is in writing for a month, I 'll keep you posted how long it takes) is why I bought there. They said they did such a high volume and had more on the way that 2 weeks was a realistic delivery time.

    I called Boucher too and they told me 2-3 months. The guys at Arrow aren't much more optimistic, they said 1.5-2months. I even called places in Northern IL and they were saying March sometime.

    I may have been suckered into buying at Glendale by a misleading delivery time, but I would like to think they wouldn't be that sneaky. I am a little desparate is why I am in such a rush. My car went to the little car heaven in the sky and I am driving a rental car now.

    Kim
  • allhyundaiallhyundai Member Posts: 11
    I am curious as to what type of repairs you needed done under your extended warranty that exceeded the cost of the coverage.
  • shauneen1shauneen1 Member Posts: 6
    We finally received our Ochre Beige, (Sandstone for below the border), on Saturday. It's fully loaded and we love it. The color is even better than we thought it would be. We actually ordered it through a dealer in Camp bell River, AC in December, but after numerous empty promises that we'd get it "next week", we finally cancelled the deal. We went to another dealer who got it in two days for the same price! We got it from Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island... ask for on or Pat.

    We're still thinking about getting the undercoat and diamond coating but I noticed that some of the postings say that it already had an undercoating... we'll have to check it out. Does anyone know if there is any truth to the sales pitch on the diamond coating?? Or on the interior leather??

    And for Canadian owners - the ad player is awesome, but you have to ask for the manual on how to use it or you'll never maximize your sound. The dealer was a little reluctant to give us one because he said he only had one, but he relented when he saw that I wasn't leaving without it.

    In Canada we can order the wood grain dash as a Hyundai accessory - has anyone had it installed, (not the after market wood dash, but Hyundai direct). If yes, how does it look? Are you happy with it?

    We noticed that our gas mileage wasn't great..... has anyone noticed a substantial improvement after the break-in period?
  • dognut1dognut1 Member Posts: 11
    I just took a look over at the Owner's Club section of the Town Hall. I like the layout of these clubs. Would any of you frequent posters be interested in organizing one for the Santa Fe? I am an enthusiastic owner, but because of travel am unable to commit to checking the posts on a regular basis. This format would better organize posts for those with a specific interest, and also help potential owners who want an overview of ownership.

    Would like to see one forum over there called "I love my Santa Fe, even though I could afford anything else!" I'm tired of reading posts in other s.u.v. forums from smug owners of other s.u.v.s who make sarcastic comments about Hyundai owners! I happen to think the Santa Fe offers the best value in its class, and it's a shame that others look down on us.

    Just an idea. Anyone else interested?
  • mndugganmnduggan Member Posts: 4
    Have a sandstone LX AWD w/ABS, TC, etc. - just hit 3k miles. Absolutely LOVE IT, in fact we're thinking of buying another Santa Fe to replace our other vehicle. Only one weird thing... have noticed a consistent, nasty catalytic converter (rotten eggs) smell since day one. Anyone else run into this? Not sure if I should mention this when I go in for my first service...
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