Hi, all
I am thinking of purchasing used 2013 SFS. I test-drived one and liked it, however it is a base model. I would like to estimate what can I do to make it better. I have checked the forum and I might have some answers, but still prefer to have it all in same place. Appreciate your input. So here are the questions:
1) When I drove the car on the freeway rear seat headrest was shaking really bed even though my kids were sitting there. Is it common to all SFS? What are the solutions for fixing it?
2) Audio system. I know that stock audio system is not top of the line. If i decide not to replace the head unit how much better sound can I expect if I replace the speakers, add amplifier and a small sub under the passenger seat? What is a minimum budget for it?
3) Navigation/backup camera. I know that there is a compass-nav kit for adding those features to the car - checking the cost with them. If someone had installed it - how good/convenient is it?
4) Fog lights. $600 for the complete kit on ebay seems little too high. Did anyone installed them for less? MF swithch can be purchased for $60, light set for about $170. Did not find any relay/wiring harnesses for sale separately.
Any other ideas?
I think this are all questions at this point. Thanks ahead for input.
To be honest, you might be better off looking for a better equipped model with those upgrades rather than installing all those features. IIRC only the top model gets the NAV screen.
That being said, unless you're super into integration, getting an aftermarket Garmin unit will work better and you'll get free updates for life. you can hide in the dashcubby too.
I think people have had better sound with a speaker upgrade (Search, there's a SFS thread on this). A better head unit will not fix crappy speakers and I believe that is the core of the issue.
Does the 2013 base model not come with any fog lights? 2014 it's standard on all models.
Yes, I have read through those threads about speakers upgrade. That's why I am interested to see if the improvement will be good enough with speakers+amp+sub.
I suggest you test drive some other vehicles because the shaking you describe is not normal. I would agree on the base model then add aftermarket stuff.
I got the Tech package because that was the only way to get the dual climate (wife and I never agree on hot/cold) and I am already thinking to upgrade audio and navigation to something else. Mind the suggestions, both the navigation and audio are decent but price/quality is not so good comparing to what you can get professionally installed.
10k for just some audio is a lot yeah, but 6k for climate control, panorama roof, heated or vented seats, electric seats and default better audio, rear camera etc do add up. And makes your life pretty comfortable.
Normally when I was shopping for a second hand car I looked at the top models, with higher mileage but in very good condition. Its the opposite of buying a lower mileage basic car. you'd be close in price, but would lack several years of fun without the gimmicks. And imho after 4 years it doesn't matter if you bought a 1 tear or 2.5 year old second hand car.
Now cars do wear, but Hyundai cannot give a 5 or 10 year (sometimes transferable) warranty if they didnt make a car that can live that long.
But I'll be honest, I have no experience with he second hand market in the US, only in the Euro and Asian market
We own the 2014 Santa Fe 2.4 Luxury for the company and it is a great car. Don't be scared by the what you will read on this board, anyway most of the people will post to be secured or complain about something but rarely when they are extremely satisfied.
Still, here my 2 cents...
1- If you like the car, don't be bothered by the headrest rattling. Just make sure the repair will be covered by the warranty. Please, please, don't ignore the car for that unless the dealer wants to charge big bucks for the repair.
2- I somewhat agree on this one, the sound is terrible. I would upgrade just for the sub for now and turn down the bass on all 4 speakers. The factory head unit can hardly push bass and changing the all 4 speakers might improve but maybe not the the level you want. Adding a sub first is not a waste because you will end up there anyways...
3- If you plan to use the navigation on a frequent basis, then, honestly, we have a great solution however, if you plan to use it only once in a while, a PND might be a better choice for the money.
4- Just be careful about the fogs, a customer of mine bought a kit from Ebay made in Hong Kong and they don't fit on North American models. There is an interference with the bumper sheet metal where you have to cut a 4" metal piece on each side to make it fit. You might be better taking them at the scrap yard to be safe... with the electrical harnesses... or ask the seller!
Good luck with your next purchase, the SF is a great car, really!
I agree, you should look at a better equipped model. However that is up to you, I can tell you my rear head rest shakes a little with no passenger. With a rear seat passenger it does not shake
Thank you all for the responses. I will test drive SFS from some other dealers in the are to see which one I like the best.
I hate the bad habit of auto makers of pushing features in "packages". Especially in the big and expensive ones
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