Santa Fe
 

I have seen the new Hyundai Santa Fe advert, and they really do look too good to be true, so this afternoon i went and had a look for interests sake.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member...5_247_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member...5_246_full.jpg

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There are several models, 2 engines [petrol diesel] and it costs from £20k - £26k. The latter buys you 18's, leather, climate, sunroof, DVD, SAT NAV, 7 seats, cruise etc etc etc. It is a nice looking SUV, looking a bit lexus like. The leather did look, and feel, quite cheap - but i am told it is American built which explains alot, although the salesman thought that was a good thing :wonder:

Anyway, i have had an invitation to take the 2.2 diesel out. That is the extent of the info they could provide me with. The petrol seemed to be a thirstier, slower version though :freak3:

Either way, I had a look at the PCP finance deal and in 2 years they will give you £11k for the car. The rough with the smooth i guess, but you could buy £20000 of trouble free motoring for 5 years.

Andy, is it new RAV4/CRV size, or more Landcruiser/Discovery (dare I say it X5/ ML Class) sized?

£26K buys you a fully loaded new RAV4 which isn't Amercan built (which IS a good thing :) ) and will probably have better residuals and arguably be more reliable/better built, etc.

It is a similar size to THE ML / XC90 / LEXES etc. And with 7 seats! I don't think I would consider a Hyundai just yet, as I am sure it is a bit of a false economy?

More info though: http://www.shropshirestar.com/show_a....php?aID=44188

Hi
Also has a look at the Santa Fe as I was passing though local garage to the service desk (they do Subaru & Hyundai!).
Have to say it strikes me as being a poor mans X5! (in a positive way!)
Fantastic value for money and I think they have the styling just right.
With 5 year warranty - I think that I would definately consider one of these as a good 2nd car.
The only small problem is the badge image!!!
Have yet to test drive it - but I hear that the 2.2 diesel is pretty good.
I told the salesman - they really need a big 3.0 litre diesel - that would really worry the Germans!
Cheers
Steve

Surely you are pretty much buying an SUV for image reasons, especially if you are looking at getting the 18" wheels etc - but the fact its a Hyundai means it has no image, so whats the point?!!

Value rentention will be poor, image is poor, styling is good for a Hyundai, but still poor compared to decent non-cheapskate brands - the only plus point is the 5year warranty.

Thing is you can get a very nice year or two old X5 for that kind of money. Not sure i would spend that kind of money on a Korean car.

Its definatly a step up from their usual efforts, nice car but probably about £5k too expensive.

Will make a tempting second hand buy in 2 years, with 3 years warrenty left and less than half price.

£26k for a Rav4! Aye' carumba!
Save yourself a packet and buy 2nd hand;)

If you dont need 7 seats get a estate.