[akboss1]

Don't let anybody tell you Hyundai is crap - we just picked up a 2011 Santa Fe and it has been flawless, we love every aspect of the vehicle. It's smooth, powerful, quiet, and the gas mileage is actually quite impressive - we average about 25 mpg. If you're thinking you will get 30+ with an AWD crossover, you're asking for a lot - if this is a priority, get a car.

We have friends who also own older Hyundai's, and even after years of driving none of them have reported even a single mechanical flaw - I don't even think many Toyota's can boast that these days with the recall mayhem.

The one area where you will notice a difference is resale - the Toyota will inherently be worth more at the end of the day when you go to turn it around, so keep that in mind. It doesn't have anything to do with the overall quality, it's the 'brand cachet' people invest in Toyota's. Overall though, because the Hyundai will cost you less, this is not a major stumbling block.

I'd tell the Toyota guy to stuff it and pick up the Hyundai. The competition from Dodge would be heavy on gas and the interior's don't stack up, so feel free to check them out but I imagine you will be underwhelmed.

Again, we have a Santa Fe and love it, so I have no problems recommending that vehicle.