Santa Fe? Pros / Cons? Opinions Please

So, my Windstar has so many problems, it takes 2 hands and a foot to count them all. REALLY don't want to get a new car, but I can't see throwing more money in to a '98 with 117K.

So, I've decided that I don't want another van, but something a bit smaller, like a smaller SUV. I've started looking, and so far, what I've read about the SANTA FE has me leaning towards this car. Since I haven't even thought about a SUV in the past, I'm really unfamiliar with any of the brands out there and will have to go by reviews, personal opinions, PRICE and test drive.

So, if you don't mind giving me some advice, information, etc. about your SANTA FE and/or your experience with owning/driving one, I really would appreciate it.

I'd like to know, which engine size you most recommend. I'm clueless when it comes to cars and issues like that, so your insights on whether to get the v6, 2WD or 4WD 2.4 vs 2.7, etc etc. Not sure if this matters, but I live in south FLA, so no hilly turain, won't be towing anything. Once my last one flys the coop, just using it for leasure driving. Not sure if that makes a difference or not.

Last - do you think they (dealers) would still have some new 2004s???

THANKS EVERYONE!!!:D

Debbie

Sante Fe is definately the best small suv for the money. If I were you, definately get the V6, which is standard on all 2005 models, but you have a choice between the 2.7L and the 3.5L. Currently, my demo is a 2005 Sante Fe LX, 3.5L, 2wd. I have driven a 2004 2.4L 2wd base Sante Fe before as a demo, and wouldn't drive another 4cyl one again. Just doesn't have the pickup that the V6 does. Overall, and very reliable suv. We don't see too many of them in here for problems, and those that do come in, the problems are minor. But with the 10yr 100k mile warranty, you can't go wrong. Especially if you don't plan on driving it much once your kids are gone, the warranty should last you a long time. Unlike my wife who has had her 03 Sonata LX for less than 2 years, and I get to do a 60k mile service on it tomorrow. fun fun. The 4wd is nice, but it's going to hurt your gas mileage. Being in Florida though, you don't need it, so I wouldn't get it THE 4wd.

As far as 2004s being available, you might be able to find some. I know we probably still have about 10 left or so.

Thanks for the reply John. I appreciate your insight.

I've found a couple of dealers who still have some 2004 models. Going to try and test drive one this evening, go see a few tomorrow. Wonder what kind of deal I can get for a 2004 model with the options I want. Don't want anything fancy, I think, from what I've read thus far, the V6, 2.7 with 2 WD would be fine for me, with 4WD would be a bit better.

Any other sites on the web you may recommend to read about the Santa Fe?

WOW, your wife does travel - good luck tomorrow- sounds fun ;)

I concur with lowsonoma. The Santa Fe is one of the best of the small suvs. Especially for the value you get. I still ove mine and mine is a 2002.5.

You may want to check out my website (in profile) on other stuff and links on the Santa fe.

TS out

Thanks guys!

Posted on the other forum, "should I buy this SUV?"

Did buy one!! Few minor issues to iron out, nothing major - radio/speaker problem, needs a small bit of alignment.

lOWSONOMA - does the dealer have any touch-up paint? Small scractch by the door handle - was late at night (bad time to buy a car) and didn't notice it til next day.

TWOSPIRITS, thanks for the info on your site - lots of great stuff to read through!!!!:D

Debbie

lOWSONOMA - does the dealer have any touch-up paint? Small scractch by the door handle - was late at night (bad time to buy a car) and didn't notice it til next day.

Yes dealer will have, or can get you touch up paint. Comes in a little bottle bout the size of nail polish.

THANKS LOW! Appreciate the reply.

Surprised, they don't give you a valet key -

LOW, can you answer - do they carry rubber mats in tan/beige, or only black. Someone replied on another board that they only have black - I'd rather have the tan, if possible.


Worth getting the extended warranty if I can get it can get it at a good deal from a dealer?

THANKS

THANKS LOW! Appreciate the reply.

Surprised, they don't give you a valet key -

LOW, can you answer - do they carry rubber mats in tan/beige, or only black. Someone replied on another board that they only have black - I'd rather have the tan, if possible.


Worth getting the extended warranty if I can get it can get it at a good deal from a dealer?

THANKS

They are correct, the all-weather mats only come in black.

If you can get a good deal on the extended warranty, I'd go ahead and get it if you plan on keeping it for awhile.

I have to find out the different ones available - I was too mentally taxed to hear the finance guy explain them to me when we got the car. I've also heard you can shop around to different dealers and get different prices for the same warranty.

Debelli congrats on your new purchase :smokin: hope you like it as much as we like ours.They are a really good mid-size SUV and the price is definetly right! I personally would look over the extended warranty very close before purchasing (do you really need it with a 10yr./100,000mile warranty) Just my 2...............now get with the MODS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:evillol: rangerfan

RANGER, thanks! I think I'll be happy once they fix whatever the heck's wrong with the radio speaker tomorrow:D

I like to keep my cars as long as possible. If I can keep it for 10years+/100K+ I would, so I'm taking that this warranty would be good for the long run. Just have to inquire all the particulars now.

:ylsuper: Debelli hope you get your speaker issues fixed...do you have the Monsoon system(6 cd changer etc.) we do and are not really impressed with it! :sly: we may change it out.We like to keep our cars awhile too..I'm getting the Santy when the wife is through withb it in 4 years...I'm just nervous about extending the warranty,paying for something that may not be neceesary.Anyway good luck and Happy Motoring

:evillol: Rangerfan

My girlfriend bought a Santa Fe this summer to replace her Cherokee which she had for many years. We've both been very impressed with it's performance. It handles like a car and doesn't have the top heavy feel of most SUVs. It also has a good amount of room. She bought hers used. It was a lease vehicle with only 20K on it. She saved a ton of money that way.

Also, her Santa Fe is all wheel dive which was an important feature for her since we get a lot of snow here. The AWD works awesome and is much better than a SUV with rear wheel drive that changes into 4 wheel drive on demand.

I expected more gas miliage out of the car for its size but that is because it is AWD.


So, my Windstar has so many problems, it takes 2 hands and a foot to count them all. REALLY don't want to get a new car, but I can't see throwing more money in to a '98 with 117K.

So, I've decided that I don't want another van, but something a bit smaller, like a smaller SUV. I've started looking, and so far, what I've read about the SANTA FE has me leaning towards this car. Since I haven't even thought about a SUV in the past, I'm really unfamiliar with any of the brands out there and will have to go by reviews, personal opinions, PRICE and test drive.

So, if you don't mind giving me some advice, information, etc. about your SANTA FE and/or your experience with owning/driving one, I really would appreciate it.

I'd like to know, which engine size you most recommend. I'm clueless when it comes to cars and issues like that, so your insights on whether to get the v6, 2WD or 4WD 2.4 vs 2.7, etc etc. Not sure if this matters, but I live in south FLA, so no hilly turain, won't be towing anything. Once my last one flys the coop, just using it for leasure driving. Not sure if that makes a difference or not.

Last - do you think they (dealers) would still have some new 2004s???

THANKS EVERYONE!!!:D

Debbie

RANGER, got the issue fixed with the speakers - sounds better, but I do find that I seem to get more interference, esp. on talk stations, than I did with my van. Not quite sure about it still, need to give it a little time to decide if it needs some more tweaking, but I won't change it. I have just the regular CD, not the 6 CD.

I am getting the extended warranty - found it through a dealer elsewhere for a good price and I think the peace of mind it will give me to have the extra 4 years B-to-B will be worth it.

Bought a cargo tray on Ebay - bought Hyundai all weather rubber mats from a dealer up north at a great price - can't wait to get both.

GREENDEVIL, I am waiting to find out just how many mpg I'll get on my new Santy - I'm hoping for 20, but doesn't look like it will get there, maybe 18-19 - but still haven't gotten around to filling the tank up for the second time round to figure it all out.

Did either of you install the cabin air filter???