Hi All, well my wife and I are actually contemplating buying a 2009 Santa Fe Limited...we started our SUV search months ago...initially we wanted a BMW X3 turned out too pricey for what you got and it was tough to justify that cash to drive around with two dogs in the back stinking it up, than a RAV4 I hated it's driveability, we both said no way not a Hyundai...so we looked at a Ford Escape, a bad past with Ford puts it out for me, tried a Murano felt like I was captaining the SS Nissan, just way too big.

As a just to see, but no intention of liking it, we tried a new Santa Fe yesterday afternoon...they dealer was very easy to talk to, offered top dollar for my trade (2005 Honda Civic) and a 0% rate...all that aside we truly like the vehicle. Not sold on it's exterior, but the interior was comfortable with a slight classy note, and it had all the features we wanted.

I know I'm rambling, but my question is are you happy you bought a Santa Fe, and would you go back to another one vs say a Toyota. I guess I'm hoping for any feedback (positive/negative)...I tried the search but it kept telling me about Sonatas (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I waited a year before buying (mostly waiting for the iPod integration!). I was 1000% neurotic about it. It came down to a slightly used MDX and the Santy. I bought a white Limited, black interior, no nav and it was absolutely the perfect decision I could've made.
I love the car. I only have about 320 miles on it.

You know the 2010 refresh should be around the corner - right?

Is there a good reason for you to buy an SUV? If answer is Yes then Santa Fe is a great option.
IMHO, it is the top in safety and ranks above average for anything else: performance, efficiency, features, style, reliability, comfort, etc...
I have had a 2007 Limited for 2 months and could not be happier. Specially comparing to my previous car, 2005 Volvo S40, good vehicle: just not as good as the Santy when it comes to room and comfort ;-)

Well, this being a SF owner's forum, don't expect a lot of negative comments. I'm on my second one. First one was replaced by Hyundai. This one is good.

I was just like you when I was looking for a vehicle (I thought Hyundai??? no way.) Then my parents told me to give it a shot and I'm so glad I did...it's an excellent vehicle. I got it brand new off the showroom floor and now have 35K miles with zero problems. I am kind of growing tired of seeing them everywhere but I guess that's a good thing (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Personally I would wait just a while longer for the 2010 model, they are adding a 6 speed transmission and a more powerful V6.

Good luck on whatever you choose.

Like you, I stumbled upon Hyundai 10years ago while shopping for an entry level mid-size sedan, and ended up buying a Sonata. Since then, we've gone through several different vehicles, including 2 Toyotas and a Nissan. Fine choices they were, but just cannont beat Hyundai's bang-for-the-buck.

Now, I am on my 4th Hyundai/Kia vehicle, and I will not buy another vehicle without seriously looking at what the Koreans have to offer.

I am the first Hyundai owner in a family that has Honda Accord owners on both sides and before I drove a Toyota. Unless Hyundai does something seriously wrong, I will NEVER go back to Honda or Toyota. It seems to me from what I've read and seen that the quality of Japanese branded cars is on the downward slide. With Toyota's unintended acceleration and Honda's transmission issues along with some serious build quality problems on the new Camry, I don't see Honda and Toyota being the value they were 10-15 years ago.

My 2004 Santa Fe just turned over 130,000 miles and has been completely trouble-free. I drove a 2007 Santa Fe when they came out in the summer of '06 was supremely impressed. Everything I could nitpick about with my car was addressed on the new one; better handling, improved interior materials, reduced road and wind noise, and great controls. I'll never sell my '04 but I'm not positive if I want to buy a newer Hyundai when the time comes for my next daily driver. They are on my very short list of new cars...I'm torn between an Audi A4 2.0T manual or a Genesis 4.6 sedan. And the only reason the Audi is on my list is because I want something practical yet fun to drive that offers a stick shift. I may even pick up another 1st-gen SF if I can find one in good condition, low miles and with the features I want.

To make a long story short, go for it! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/thumbsup.gif) Without bias, I honestly believe that Hyundai offers the best new car value, period.

This is my 4th Hyundai. Given the chance to do it over, I'd buy each one again. But I've loved every one even better than the one before it. Constant improvement is a great sign! This Santa Fe is by far the best car I have ever owned or driven.

My boss (who has always been a big Toyota fan) has a Rav4; but from the first time he rode with me, he has commented how much better he likes my Santa Fe, and wishes he had looked at it before he bought the Rav4. Specifically he says the Rav4's seats are uncomfortable, the ride is rougher, the side-opening tailgate is always in the way and the interior layout is not as convenient.

My brother-in-law recently hit a deer in his Honda CRV. I let him drive my Santa Fe for a few days, then lent him my old Elantra Wagon till his car was fixed (going on 4 weeks now!), and he keeps telling me how much he loves Hyundais now. He really wishes they would have totalled out his CRV so he could go buy a Santa Fe for himself.

We bought a 2009 Limited in June. We looked at Murano, Escape, Edge, Flex, Outlander, Outback, MDX, Rav4, RDX, even some old Lexus RX... Still went with the Hyundai. Best bang for the buck by far. The only thing we would do different in hindsight is wait for the 2010. Even though we didn't, because we got 0% financing on the deal it may still be possible to trade up to the 2010 at some point next year. (We're really hoping anyway) I think it'd be win-win: we get the vehicle we want and the dealership gets to sell a 2010 (adding to it's sales numbers and making some more profit) and re-sell our 2009 that we'd trade in (thus making some profit on it again). Maybe that will give them incentive to make the deal work. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

In terms of our satisfaction with the vehicle itself, we have some things we wish were better, but they're understandable based on the price we paid. The build quality still isn't up to Murano or MDX levels but the price is 10-15K less ;)

This post has been edited by jaydee77ca: Nov 3 2009, 11:37 PM

We also looked at the Honda, Mazda, Toyota, Subaru, etc. We really did not think the Hyundai was something we were interested in. Did finally take one for a drive and then just kept coming back to it.
The others just were not comfortable and felt like the cars I rent when traveling. The real surprise is that we also drive an E500 Mercedes and I now would just as soon drive the Santa Fe as the other. The others were so far off in comfort and finish that I just could not be happy in buying.
No regrets here.

Welcome Caper75.

Your discovery process is going exactly like mine did. After years of loyalty to Honda and Nissan, we found ourselves blown away by the Santa Fe. It is better-built, better-finished, and just plain better than anything within $10,000. Today, after two winters and many miles of towing a camper, it has proven 100% reliable and feels just as solid as the day we drove it home. I strongly recommend it.

The only obstacle for some people is brand snobbery; the fear of being seen in a Hyundai. But even that is changing. People often stop me to ask about my Santa Fe, and when I see a pretentious social climber in a baby BMW I give them a grin. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/shades.gif)

A couple of months ago I was in the same boat as you, having had Hyundais as rental cars some 10-15 years ago - and they were junk.

I have a good realtionship with one of the local dealers here and even though I wasn't really in the market he let me testdrive the Azera 2 years ago, the Genesis, and the Elantra Touring. All very impressive cars in their segment, and they put their money where their mouth is by offering 5yr/60K bumper to bumper. I would have loved to buy the Genesis, it drove every bit as good, if not better than an E-class mercedes or 5-class bmer (not sure it would match S or 7-class as per ads) for at least $15,000 less, but I need the vehicle for my business, where I occasionally have to transport stuff, so I needed another SUV. I think some of the "Genesis" design may have trickled down into the Santa Fe: When I tried the Santy, I immediately noticed that it had been manufactured really well - body fit and silence in the interior a a good indicator. I ended up buying an AWD limited - it has 2k miles on it and I love it. Only - 2 minor complaints (gas usage is only around 16mpg city (moderate traffic - but quickly goes up to 18 or so with longer, highway distances added in) , and suspension (in order to improve handling and drive sporty, it is a little harsh on bumpy roads.

Do you really need AWD? If so get the Santy, if not, as a fellow dog owner, I would like to point you to the Elantra Touring SE (Limited?). Because it is lower, it is much easier for the pooches to enter the cargo area, in particular as they get older. European design derivatives, plenty of space, good ride, nice interior, only downside I saw was that the 4 cylinder engine can sound a bit strained when acclerating, but this car probably has way better fuel economy.

I very much appreciate all the honest replies...I think we're in the same mind set as many of you were...we're just not sure how we got from a 2010 BMW to a 2009 Hyundai...but are beginning to feel comfortable with it. We're already made plans for the money we won't spend on the BMW to put in a new Gazebo and Spa. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/grin.gif)

I'll have to do more reading on the benefits of the 2010 if it's simply a 6sp tranny I'll pass...too much negative on other companies making the switch. It would take me years to be comfortable. See BMW (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

We're going back on Saturday morning...we want to drive it once more to make sure it wasn't just a mirage and we truly liked the vehicle as much as we think.

Per Wildbirds question we really do want the AWD, my wife travels approx 40min each way in Ottawa Canada each winter, and it would make us both more comfortable...we also want to purchase a small tent trailer to get some more camping in. This seems like the right fit.

IndyMGA commented about his boss and the RAV4...both of us felt the same way, when we sat on the leather of the Toyota I had to ask the dealer is it real leather as it felt horrible, and it's a 2G upgrade. Your boss is right, no where near as comfortable, and not as aesthetically pleasing on the interior...I do like it's exterior better, but where do I typically sit, inside.

Hey caper75

We were the same as you....I had my mind made up that I was buying an Acadia then the wifey kept saying how her colleagues @ work bought SF's and were constantly raving about how much they enjoyed them so I decided to go to Pathway Hyundai in Orleans and try one out. Low and behold I ended up buying an 09' Limited AWD V6. Not sure which dealer you are working with here in Ottawa but I highly recommend Pathway and ask for Zina, she is very good to work with + if you ever did end up buying through her I'd get a $100 referal! LOL I'd actually split it with you if it ever did happen. Shoot me an email if you have any questions. bturcotte@tph.ca

Cheers,
Brad

Caper75.. just picked up AWD Limited last weekend in Mississauga .. Love it so far.. we were in the same boat as many here.... and for the money and financing we could not find a better deal.. why put a huge downpayment on other makes/models when I can finance at 0% for 48 or 0.9 for 60 ? I can use the cash for something else...Anyway.. check with Car Cost Canada as there is a good markup on the truck.. and also you can get a good deal on accessories if you build it in when negotiating..

FYI, the Car Cost Canada reports are posted here.

This post has been edited by jaydee77ca: Nov 5 2009, 12:40 PM

I think there is a career for you in Hyundai's marketing department (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Well tried my deal today with Smith Falls Hyundai south of Ottawa using a CCC report.

We came to within 1000 but they refused to budge giving me a story about the CCC report was inaccurate and they have 718 more in fees on top of that and the 3000 hyundai canada rebate is really 2500 and they pay 500. Then also tried back peddling on a trade-in offer they had made/signed on Monday when they first were hoping we'd pay MSRP.

So with that said the hyundai dream has stopped for the moment. Was surprised a vehicle they've had on the lot for 4 months paying interest etc and for 1000 they didn't want to move. Guess I'll call around the city a bit more.

We settled at $1,000 with our dealership. We tried to go further but they wouldn't budge. There are only 3 Hyundai dealerships in our city and they were the best one so we figured buying from a reputable dealership was worth paying $100-200 more in dealer profits. I doubt you'll be able to get them below $750. I think CCC recommends about 3% dealer profit as reasonable. I've seen other sites that say $500-$1000 for domestic vehicles and $1000-$1500 for imports is usually reasonable.

The Hyundai discount is $3000, so I think they're pretty much lying on that one. Plus there's a hold-back amount too.

Also, just FYI, the dealership we dealt with actually recommended we use CCC before coming in to make the deal. I guess it all depends on the dealership.

As a former car salesman many years ago, I suggest trying the same offer at another dealer. If they turn it down too, your expectations are probably too high and you should consider making a more realistic offer to the dealer you like best.

It is also possible that the dealer isn't taking you seriously. "Calling around the city" does not exactly make you a hot commodity from the salesman's perspective... the world is full of people who gather prices and pit dealer against dealer. My suggestion is to pick a place you like, inform yourself of their cost (which is the same everywhere) and decide how much profit you are comfortable paying. $500 to $800 is probably reasonable for you and for any dealer. Good luck.

PS: I am in Ottawa and had a positive experience with my salesman. PM me if you'd like his name. (No, he does not pay me... he doesn't even know that I recommend him)

This post has been edited by Don67: Nov 6 2009, 03:57 PM