2013 Initial Impression

[dryfly]

After researching the internet, I started with a couple of test drives yesterday. Drove a Sorento first then a Santa Fe Sport, both comparably equipped with leather interior.

My first impression of the Santa Fe was WOW! There was something there that just looked better than the Sorento. However on the test drive I immediately heard wind noise that apparently came from the mirror. Not terrible, but something I cannot live with. When I mentioned this to the salesman, the sales manager, and the service manager I got the same reaction: we have heard this before and there ain't nothing we can do about it.

I am now thinking about going back to the Sorento again, as I really found nothing to complain about plus I think I can save a few dollars on it. I know this is a Hyundai forum, but I would be interested in any opinions from those who drove the Sorento and ended up with a Santa Fe.

thanks

[debyne]

We looked at the Sorento, but we just feel the Santa Fe looks better, is quieter, and has a better dash layout. I can hear the very faint wind noise (from the mirror I suppose) if I REALLY pay attention to it, but I personally think it's WAY overblown (no pun intended). The SF is the quietest car I've ever had.

[tripoldfield]

I haven't heard any wind noise from my SF since I bought it 2 months ago. Perhaps the window was not fully seated? Not sure why some people complain about it and others, like me, haven't heard it.

I liked the Serento but i thought the steering was too vague. If i can put my finger on the steering wheel at speed and then move it back and forth an inch each way, the car should move. Didn't with the Serento. Try it on your next test drive.

[golfermack]

Originally Posted by dryfly

... on the test drive I immediately heard wind noise that apparently came from the mirror. Not terrible, but something I cannot live with. When I mentioned this to the salesman, the sales manager, and the service manager I got the same reaction: we have heard this before and there ain't nothing we can do about it.

I test drove 4 cars before I bought mine. One of the cars had very noticeable wind noise. Most don't. I believe if you drove another 2013 Santa Fe at the same dealership, there would be no wind noise.
John

[dryfly]

Thanks for the replys. Hope to hear some additional feedback.

I raised and lowered the window several times, no change. Noise was less noticeable on passenger side but still there. Strange, but folding the mirror back in really didn't change the sound much. I thought it would.

Maybe I'm just too sensitive to these kind of things. Squeaks, rattles, wind noise drives me nuts. Maybe I'm expecting too much from a $30K car. I've been driving an A4 Audi for the past 7 years and have to say it has been very quite.

I'll drive another SF before ruling it out. Also, I've got to determine if I could be happy with the Sorento.

[luck11]

Are the SFs with wind noise equipped with a bug/hood deflector by chance? I know my HL makes a whistling sound at speed and thought it was my mirror. Took my deflector off and voila, it was gone. Anyway, put the deflector back on because I wanted the protection.

[dryfly]

I have not been back yet to take a second test drive, but it's really bugging me because this one issue is standing between me and a Santa Fe. Any more comments from those that own a 2013 model and could verify no wind noise from the mirror would be appreciated.

I'm not trying to beat this to death but I can't imagine owners would have overlooked this noise when buying. I know I may be a little sensitive on listening for this but it's a shame to buy and having to deal with this as I drive it off the lot.

[grandpaswagon]

No wind noise on our car, just hit 2K miles.

[Mrtheplague]

I don't have any wind noise on my santa fe. if it such a problem turn up the radio!

[tenpin288]

I have about 1600 miles on my SF, with varying types of driving, and no wind noise issues I can detect.