Recommendations on buying Santa Fe 2008 3.3 V6 auto? In particular transmission

[dta721]

Originally Posted by Pawper

Dta----you said that the dealer slaps another year and 20k km warranty for a certified pre-owned vehicle -CPO. How can I found out if my Hyundai dealer does that? Our 2009 awd SF has always been dealer-serviced--does that mean we would get higher trade-in value even though it would be past the factory warranty of 100K km?

Pawper, the additional warranty - 1 yr, 20K km is part of the deal when I negotiated to buy this used car, gloriously known as certified pre-owned -CPO. I don't think this has anything to do with your level of dealer service. True, you would reap the benefit of higher trade-in value with your service records, but that does not increase your Hyundai original warranty. That said, when a dealer sees a well-maintained cars/SUV, they will keep it in their lot, do 130 point or so inspection, and jack the price up to cover the "additional" warranty for the next owner. (I managed to push for the "assumed" trade-in value, plus some profit for the dealer, which pays me back with this kind of warranty, methinks)

This also means other trade-ins, especially those the dealers do not have service records, and they are not in mint condition, they would usually send them to the auction lot.

But not all CPOs are equal, IMO. In the process of looking for a CPO, I found that a Lexus dealer in town almost always put new tires in, as their CPOs RX350 are usually 3 years old lease, with mileage ranging in the 60K km range. At that point, also to pass Safety, they need new tires anyway.

Back to my case, they add another year w/ 20 Km, effectively make it 6 year 120K km warranty. In other words, with the current 49K, say 50K km, I have another 3 years -2015 and 70K km (presumably whichever comes first). Perhaps it is better than a brand new Honda or Toy's warranty in that respect !

@Canderson: thanks for your reply, it is duly noted!

[Don67]

Can't say enough good about the 2007-2009 Santa Fes. Flaws are minor. As others have said, stabilizer links are a weak (but easily repaired) point on rough roads. And the rear brakes need annual cleaning and lubrication if you live in area where road salt is used in winter (although being in Central Africa I'm guessing you don't see much of that).

The RAVs of that vintage are also pretty solid, if not quite up to the reputation of earlier Toyotas. The biggest difference between a 2008 RAV and a 2008 Santa Fe is going to be the vehicle's mileage, accident history and maintenance records... not the logo it wears.

Best wishes on your search,
Don

[canderson]

@Don
It's not just salt, though that certain accelerates the process, it's water, and I'm a little worried that the dirt tracks where he'll be may wind up being mud tracks from time to time!

I'm trying to think of things now that would be more problematic in the middle of nowhere.

Another I'd warn about in advance are things like the TPS (throttle position sensor). It's another easy fix IF you have the part, only the consequences of this one going bad aren't quite as innocuous. I'd check the maintenance history on the vehicle to see what, if anything, has been done in that area. As I think about it, that's one of the few potential weak points that could actually leave you limping home at low speed. We've also see a fairly typical number of bad O2 (oxygen) sensors .. couldn't hurt to make sure your local mechanic has one available that fits just in case. A 'generic' one with the wrong connection (or none at all) is no problem if he's any good with a little cut and splice of a connector.

Last, and a BIG thing to consider in your case in particular, is assuring that you have a full size spare underneath. If there isn't already one under there, be sure it's outfitted with one before you take delivery.

[Don67]

Water and mud certainly won't help the brakes, but my impression is that most (if not all) of the brake seizures we hear about in this forum come from the snow belt. Regardless, it's all good advice. Ditto for the TPS... lack of parts there could ruin one's whole month.

[canderson]

Yeah, and WE complain when the dealer has to order a part from the distribution warehouse and it takes a whole day . I can't even imagine what it's like to be well and truly 'out of touch' as this fellow will be at times .. well, apart from when I'm driving off-road up in the mountains. A tow bill from up there would be a really serious wallet buster, but at least they'll eventually come get you if you can get any cell service to call for help. I imagine parts and service get scarce in a big hurry where he'll be traveling.

[reus49]

I have the 2008 3.3 tranny with 71,000 miles. Never had any problems at all.

[santa06]

If the diesel is an option , the added economy might make it a good choice.

A well designed diesel vehicle inside the cabin should have same noise level as gas/petrol.