2009 Hyundai Santa Fe CRDi Long Term Review update
June 5, 2009 by Karl Peskett
2009 Hyundai Santa Fe CRDi Long Term Review update
Well it’s been four weeks instead of the usual three, what with the whole Full Throttle trip and all, but the Santa Fe hasn’t been locked up in a garage, with a forlorn look across its grille.
No, the good wife has been getting some use out of the car, while carting the offspring from swimming lessons to playcentres.
In those few weeks, more than 1000km have been added to the odometer, with the current count standing at 2197km. The fuel use has also gone up slightly, with the optimistic trip meter telling us 10.6 litres per 100km, but the real world usage equates to around 0.1L/100km greater than that. That’s not really of great concern, as city only trips can certainly cause the consumption to fluctuate.
In the not too distant future we will attempt a country run and see what we can get the big Hyundai down to.
Mostly the Santa Fe has been holding up well, but a couple of areas of concern are the cheaper plastics surrounding the ignition barrell, as well as the door handles.
If you are chatting while trying to put the key in, and miss the keyhole for the ignition when starting, it also can scuff the textured surround. Care is needed when dealing with the harder, black plastics. Long fingernails (no, not mine) also tend to scratch the door handles slightly.
The seats are still very comfortable, and are softening up now with a bit of use. The clip we spoke about in the last update is doing fine, too. The back of the passenger seat is also resisting the occasional size two boot that the little ‘un rests there during travel. Actually, in the accommodation stakes, the Santa Fe is one very good number.
We are going to keep an eye on the suspension though. My wife reported that there was a thumping sound when going over speed bumps and, sure enough, I was able to replicate it. Even at slow to medium speeds, the springs seem to “top out” which results in a thump through the cabin.
It’s not super alarming, but it is a little uncomfortable, and again, might be due to the Trek’N'Tow package. My first port of call will be to compare it with a standard Santa Fe, and we’ll know exactly what’s what.
We’re loving the parking sensors, and the convex mirror which helps keep an eye on activities in the rear of the car. I also love the towing capabilities.
We recently had to cart around some sand for Master Peskett’s sandpit. A cubic metre of the stuff was loaded up, and with nearly a tonne of weight in the trailer, the Santa Fe simply got on with the job; no hassles, no struggles.
The 2.2-litre diesel has plenty of torque, and even with that weight dragging behind, the auto didn’t flare, or miss a beat. The suspension also hardly moved, proving that the tow in Trek’N'Tow is certainly worthwhile.
You can’t fault the Santa Fe’s performance. So far, we’re fairly impressed.
Print it: 
Hmmm, sounds like a lot of excuses being made for quite a few quality issues with this car. Appreciate the honesty in highlighting certain problem areas, but not sure I understand why there was a need to try and tone down any negativity, for eg.
“My wife reported that there was a thumping sound when going over speed bumps and, sure enough, I was able to replicate it. Even at slow to medium speeds, the springs seem to “top out” which results in a thump through the cabin.”
followed by:
“It’s not super alarming, but it is a little uncomfortable, and again, might be due to the Trek’N’Tow package.”
This is a brand new car, right? And already it has had the seat leather pop out of it’s stitching (pre-delivery), now a thumping noise from the suspension, and the cabin plastics are quite obviously not up to the long term task (even though it’s hardly been long term – roughly a couple of 1000 k’s).
I want to believe that Kia/Hyundai are getting better, but from an outsider’s perspective it seems they still have a way to go.
Now let the flood of recrimination for my comments begin……
If that cubic metre of sand was dry it would weigh 1.6 tonnes, 2 tonnes if it was wet… haha sorry for being pendantic. Makes its towing ability all the more impressive though.
Hal,
Let the comments begin….
You are correct in saying that KIA/Hyundai are getting better but are not quite there yet.. In saying this consumers need to realise that these two brands are actually quite better then opposing brands in regards to reliability and rattles/random squeaks in the cabin. I have been driving around in quite a few Suzuki’s and Mazda’s lately and I can see that these cars are pretty cheap as well but yet get away with higher prices. The Suzuki Swift I was in last week was rattling and squeaking everywhere (I think ear muffs would be a good option in this car!).
Anyway back to the point, I was driving a KIA Sorento for about 6 months and even though IMO I think the Sorento’s interior plastics and materials are better quality then the Santa Fe’s – people need to realize that they are paying 40k as opposed to maybe a Toyota Prado which is worth 20k more. Yes the Toyota probably has better interior plastics and seats but is it worth the extra 20k? Hyundai/KIA are somewhat known to be “disposable” vehicles, drive it for 5 years until the warranty and ends & then get another one!
Cheers…
I have an 07 Santa Fe CRD without the Trek n Tow Pack. I also experience the thumps over speed humps. It is probably my only real negative on this car for me as you get a perception that you may be doing damage. I guess I tend to now take them even slower or slightly on an angle so that the wheels are not hitting the bumps in unison. Fuel economy in mine still sits under 9 lt/100 km so hopefully with a few more Km’s under the belt you will see this drop
Hmmm, that much sand in the trailer is totally ILLEGAL.
I would have thought Caradvice knows the law and abides by it at all times.
I was close to buying a Sorento a few years ago, but the cheap plastics were a major turnoff. Especially more so when the test car had a broken vent piece, and I saw another (older) Sorento where the front guard flare had cracked in two, indicating complete brittleness. Compared to the 10 year old Jackaroo plastics the Kia was rubbish and I didn’t buy it.
might have good engine/gearbox, but is still let down by cheap korean plastics and quality issues!!
plus it is a very ugly car IMO..
I think you will find the springs are bottoming out, not topping out. Topping out is when the rebound of the spring is too fast, and causes the suspension to extend to its maximum length too quickly. This will only happen on a car when the wheel is off the ground, as the sheer weight of the vehicle prevents suspension top out. Bottoming out is far more likely, as the car will be blowing through its suspension travel too quickly, which would suggest a dodgy shock absorber or incorrect spring spec/fitment.
Reckless,
Yep that was a point I picked up on in the story as well.
Looking at the trailer it doesn’t have over-ride brakes, and I doubt that a “loaner” would have electric brakes fitted, therefore it is safe to assume that either they broke the law or the total weight of the sand didn’t exceed about 500kg, + about 250kg for the trailer = 750kg legal unbraked limit.
I know that anywhere that I have been to get sand etc, they wont load over 750kg total (inc trailer).
I’m no fan of Korean cars but believe it or not this car is on my shopping list. On paper it passes the initial brief of :-
1) 50K budget
2) 7 seats
3) SUV format
4) Must not drink like a POM in a free bar
I did drive on hire a Hyundai Elantra. It appeared to dislike the bumby semi-sealed local roads. Not to mention the steering wheel appear to have way too much give in it.
not trying to defend this car but from my experience EVERY car from Kia to Mercedes will show wear issues if you intend to use them as designed.
I remember borrowing a Mercedes SUV as a loaner during service and the guy said to be careful of the cream/biege trimmings/fabric/mbtex whatever inside.
You are dreaming if you think the $38,888 Ford Territory is any better once you chuck kids and the family inside.
I have also complained about wear issues in many cars. It’s just up to the dealer to replace what can be replaced and live with what can’t be.
The bottom line is this… you pay under $40k for a car/suv/whatever, expect to see some corners cut. Hope for some considerate dealers.
I am a bit surprised that Hyundai don’t have fancier keys? That looks like a standard keyhole from a 1992 Excel.
A standard (6×8) trailer load of sand/mulch/stones etc is usually 1/2 a cubic metre – that looks like a standard trailer.
Might only be 800kg….
Hi Karl
I have a Jan 09 build Elite here in Perth with the std suspension setup, on which I can routinely replicate the suspension ‘top out’ after departing the apex of a speed hump at approx 20-30km/hr. I also think this is not acceptable and will mention it to the dealer when I book in for the next service. I think it is the calibration of the front suspension.
In all other respects a very good car.
John
The springs are too soft that’s the prob.
Very common in Jap cars of the 90’s especially Mazdas/Hondas.Soft suspension that bottoms over humps and/or with a load.
Trim/plastic quality is really a very mixed bag at this price point across manufacturers and seems to be getting worse IMO.
Amazes me how things like suspension tune slip through given how much effort it takes to bring a model into production in the first place.
With respect to the quality of the trim for the price point I paid, I accept it. The only gripe I have is with the Elite level, the steering wheel should be proper leather.
I recently had a nail in a front tyre and was pleasantly surprised to first note how accessible the jack/tool kit was and seoncdly, how easy it was to release the full size 19″ spare on its alloy rim. A full size spare – most European SUVS in this category have a space saver.
The thumping sound you speak of might be a lower linkage or steering arm from the power steering rack.
I have recently purchased an 09 SLX CRDi and I love this car. The diesel is a great engine and matched very well with the auto. I have not had any trim issues after 7500km nor any noise issues, probably because I dont go crashing over speed humps.
I came out of a Mazda CX-7 and I must say the trims it that were shocking, all you have to do was look at the silver trims and they scratched, the flat black trims on the console and dash were easily scratched by cleaning them and the whole door trim panel was the same hard plastic as the dashboard and very uncomfortable to touch and marked easily. These Santa Fe’s have come a long way and so to Hyundai, if I only have half of the issues I had with my Mazda I would be thrilled with our Santa Fe. We replaced engine mounts, a/c, door trims and they couldnt fix the excessive fuel consumption (18l/100km)or the knocking sound in the front end.
A lot of people are missing out on good cars just due to badge snobbery.
Anyone thinking of getting the Hyundai Santa Fe should wait for another couple of months. They’ve just announced new improved diesel powertrains and 6 speed transmission.
Check it out!
http://www.carpoint.com.au/new.....ines-15536
it is quite amazing to read the ranting and raving against the SF. It is a semi-affordable tuna-tin but hell it works! I have a SLX Diesel and it is as good as anything else in the price range and the trimmings might be worse than a RAV4 (my beloved weapon of choice)but it is on parr with Subaru Forester, better than a Territory and X-trail. if it lasts 5 years, then it is serious value. Most Land Rover Discoveries at three times the price don’t.
^^^^^^Justus Mafolo Says:
Errrrr, no the NISSAN X Trail and haonda crv are better and have much more appeal and stronger on the 2nd. market than than the Hyundai.
Gets worse, now you can buy the X Trail with a choice of diesel power-plants x2[why bother?]
I DON’T have a good rap for the Rav4, very over rated and over priced, tiny too
Cheers
F-0
Thanks for the link Hans. I’ve been waiting for news regarding the facelifted santa fe. It’s good to see that Hyundai have improved the engine. Sounds like no changes to the interior though. Now it’s just a matter of convincing the wife on the Hyundai badge!
How can you say the CRV is better than a Santa Fe, different market. The Nissan is a better comparison, at least you can have full 4×4 lock and disable the ESP whilst keeping traction control working, the CRV is a high riding, all wheel drive capable Civic. The X-trail doesnt have two engine choices, just different tunes depending on auto or manual as the automatic cannot handle the torque of a diesel and has to be detuned until they can get a strong enough auto and quite a few reviews and owners say dont worry about the auto as it is a slug to drive and not very well matched.
Honda will always have good appeal on the 2nd hand market due to Honda reputation but the x-trails dont have great strength due to running costs etc associsated with owning a Nissan, there is just a lot of them out there and so greater numbers being traded in, no diesels yet as they have not been around long enough.
These newer styled Santa Fe’s are very strong in the second hand market as they have been around for a few years now and 06/07 models are being traded and reselling at great prices as they have proven to be a strong and reliable SUV without being a truck to drive and the diesel has very few if any reliability issues which cannot be said for alot of the Japanese diesels with their DPF’s issues including the new x-trails.
Thanks for nice review
2009 touhgest cars on the road by Forbe
1. Ford escape
2. Ford Fusion
3. Honda Civic
4. Honda Fit
5. Honda CR-V
6. Honda Element
7. Hyndai Santa Fe
8. Subaru Impreza
9. Subaru Forester
10. Toyota Corolla
Hal said I want to believe that Kia/Hyundai are getting better, but from an outsider’s perspective it seems they still have a way to go. Well, Santa Fe seems like a reliabe car. We need evidence based discussions, not emotional ramblling.
Reference
http://www.forbes.com/2009/06/.....ide_8.html
Santa Fe ranked 7th on 2009 touhgest cars on the road by Forbe
1) Ford escape
2) Ford Fusion
3) Honda Civic
4) Honda Fit
5) Honda CR-V
6) Honda Element
7) Hyndai Santa Fe
8) Subaru Impreza
9) Subaru Forester
10) Toyota Corolla
Hal said I want to believe that Kia/Hyundai are getting better, but from an outsider’s perspective it seems they still have a way to go. Well, Santa Fe seems like a reliabe car. We need evidence based discussions, not emotional ramblling.
Reference
http://www.forbes.com/2009/06/.....ide_8.html
Looks like a facelift is on it’s way for Santa Fe. With exterior and interior changes, it should boost Hyundai’s sales. Now all I need is to convince the wife, that Santa Fe is a reliable car.
Here is the link on some of the changes for the Korean market – who knows if Australia will get all of them.
http://autoworld.wordpress.com.....nd-photos/
I drive an 07 Santa Fe Elite, and have had no problems. I live in Alice Springs and have been to many remote communities ,over some pretty rough roads ,including sand, and the car has not missed a beat . The only problem i had was with the door trim ,which started to peel off ,and was replaced straight away . Fuel consumption has been excellent,and have had a few ‘ONLY BE A TOYOTA’ guys very impressed where i have got to , and given them food for thought .
I am deciding between the Sante fe and the Captiva diesel. They both seem impressive Is there anything else i should take a look at?
I bought a Sante Fe CRDi new in 2007 and it has 97,000km on the clock. I have done long trips around Australia on all roads and often have it on the beach and crossing sand dunes to go surfing. The best fuel consumption to date is 7.8l/100km over a 2200km journey. The only problems so far have been electrical – the radio / CD player had to be replaced as did the central locking system. A few more centimetres in ground clearance wouldn’t go astray and they need to bring back the hinged rear window so the tailgate doesn’t have to be fully opened; a hassle when loaded.
I too was tossing up between a Santa Fe and a Captiva, both diesel. What sold me on the Santa Fe was it seemed to have a bit more room inside and a few more creature comforts. Nicer dash layout, sunroof, dual zone air, extention piece in visors, air con in the third row, cooler in centre console, better towing capacity 2000kg, (1700kg captiva)and a big factor for us was the second row seat on kerb side folds down as Captiva was road side. We have three kids one still in baby seat the other two pile into the third row at school pick up and drop off. We have not had any problems at all. we average 750km to a tank approx 9.3 ltr/100km and thats running kids to and from school, dancing and all the crap that goes with kids. We absoloutely love it. IMO its the best car I have driven, we are so looking forward to our big camping trip in December, hope all goes well.