Comments on: 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe review

By: derwoodii

derwoodii — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:34:05 +0000

Update we had a problem with our Santa Fe CRDi. A carboned up or sticky PCV or similar emmission valve caused the engine to run like water in the fuel briefly at start up. Once fault was id & cleaned all sorted by Hyundai service crew & very happy.

By: Car Fanatic

Car Fanatic — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 06:09:49 +0000

I suggest you read all the reviews before deciding what car you want.

By: Hayley

Hayley — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 05:46:56 +0000

This is a wonderful site. so helpful. Hubby and I are looking at a new car after down grading from a large 4wd we are now seeking something smaller. I had been told about the santa fe and told that they were a pretty good car. Had a look at one today and really liked it, priced at 42k though, is this too dear?
I dont think we would be buying one new, but would want something with very low kms. What is the best yr model to get if we are looking at a 2nd hand one?

By: 110km

110km — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:55:05 +0000

I got 2006 2.7lt v6 done 110k kms. Have issue with surging. No issues up to 90k km’s and was really pleased. Had new gearbox, torque convertor, three ecu’s and still not fix. Hyundai’s thought acceptable level, still under warrentee. Not happy. Looking at new car as I am writing this

By: on road rep

on road rep — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 11:21:23 +0000

I have had a 2007 model company crdi santa fe and it has been a great car,
just coming around to the 100000 k mark and had no issues at all.

although no none genuine brake pads are on the market and hyundai charges near the $1000 dollar mark for pads fitted.

i would by a santa fe and am considering taking this one off the companys hands at the end of the lease.

By: Mrs Max

Mrs Max — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:02:35 +0000

My husband wants to buy a Elite but I prefer Kluger. I do worry about the safety at the 3rd for 7 seater. Any comment?

By: RG

RG — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 07:02:43 +0000

I’ve got 2007 crdi elite, owned it since 38k km to now about 50k km., extremely happy with it. Done many 300k trips non stop… great car. Only issue I had was witht the service personnel at one of the Hyundai dealers, ordinary at best.

By: Derwoodii

Derwoodii — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 08:39:44 +0000

Roy our 2007 CRD is almost up to 50 clicks and no problems to report. It can beat all competitors at half the purchase price and half the service cost.
No issues re brakes or tranny etc

By: Roy

Roy — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:05:05 +0000

I would like to know if South Korean made Sante Fe 2009 crdi SUV is as durable and long lasting as compared to many German and American competitors ? Has anyone had a reasonably trouble free 80,000 km on a Sante Fe 2008 or 2009 model ? I would also like to know If the Brakes, Transmission and Suspensions lasts Long for mostly safe highway drives ?
Can experienced owners help me with my Queries ? thanks

By: Dave

Dave — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 03:57:11 +0000

I own a 2007 SLX CRDi auto and have to say that it is a superb vehicle. The more I drive it, the more I am glad that I chose it.
It has been on soft sand (Bribie Island, Straddie and others), mud, on all sorts of out-of-the-way tracks and trails, and it has never felt anything less than sure footed. It’s very much at home on the highway too, and returns ridiculous fuel economy (best seen so far is 6.5l/100km), almost got to Sydney from Brisbane on a tank full recently.
Performance off the line is better than reasonable, more than once I have embarressed a little boy in his Commodore at the lights.
The 7 seats have come in handy many times, and do fit an adult, albeit no 6+ footers will fit in there. I think it’s good looking too, and don’t have an issue with the blue lights or fake wood. Will hopefully be getting a 2009 model in August!

By: tony hamilton

tony hamilton — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 02:13:48 +0000

Folks…Its fantastic following all your comments and knowledge in this blog. I am close to buying the 09 Elite 2.2 diesel. I see various comments that it has good towing ability. Would that include towing a van at 1.6-1.7 tonnes?
Still enough grunt? many tks

By: Alan

Alan — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 10:28:06 +0000

Sounds like a great vehicle.
I am looking at the Elite D 2.2 engine. I tow a 16ft boat.
I have been used to towing with a 3.5 petrol Nissan Maxima, Will this do the job as well?
Interesting reading above….I am almost sold on getting one. The local dealer has a Dec 07 Elite demo model with 5000km.
He is asking $38990aus…is this too much?
Also does anyone know what the re-sale is like, I usually turn mine over every 3-4 years, I would imagine diesel would hold value better!
Cheers for any info.
AL

By: Two Heads

Two Heads — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 09:58:42 +0000

I have a 2007 SX Diesel manual, now done 37.5k. It would have to be one of the best cars I have ever owned. I previously had a large Trailer Sailer and had a petrol Prado and then a diesel Pajero for towing. After selling the boat I kept the Pajero for a while and then wanted to downsize to a similar style SUV. I particularly wanted a diesel for improved torque for towing (have just recently purchased a 4.8m alum runabout, and wanted to be able to easily launch the yacht club rescue boats etc) and also economy. The competition at the time was Jeep Commander or Captiva, and the Santa Fe won hands down for overall quality. Didn’t want extra seats (older kids) and wanted heaps of out of the way storage, so it had to be the SX model, fake woodgrain and cassette player doesn’t worry me, just find it very comfortable to drive longer distances (I regularly drive a 340kms round trip most weeks), economy is great – about 34mpg most of the time. Only gripe is the position of reverse in the manual box. Although it has a lockout, it is very close to first and it is very difficult to pick whether car is in reverse or first just by looking at the position of the gearlever. Oh, and the plastic marks very easily. Have ditched the dealer servicing as it was costing 50% more than the Pajero used to cost to service. Overall, why isn’t everyone driving one of these?????

By: Jeremy

Jeremy — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 10:16:34 +0000

This car is fantastic, Hyundai have really improved their product and in my opinion are deserving of a better reputation then they already have.

By: Adam

Adam — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 23:09:29 +0000

Does anyone know if the new 2009 model has actually arrived in Australia yet? Where can I see one?

By: Lightbulb

Lightbulb — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 08:44:12 +0000

Hi JoshGeo:
Congratulations on your purchase & you have certainly bought a great car. Interestingly, today as I was walking past my local Hyundai dealer, I noticed a couple looking very closely at a Santa Fe & asked the lady if she was interested in that model. The lady told me that they were looking at the petrol model & if negotiations went well would buy it. I look forward to seeing those pictures & again you have bought one of the best cars in this class.

Cheers !

By: JoshGeo

JoshGeo — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 07:01:04 +0000

After driving a few other models like the Craptiva and the awesome Outlander, a hard decision but ordered Santa Fe today. Lightbult – will put another post on here when I have pics (will put them on Panorimo). Gave the Elite and the highly technological digital compass a miss…..a classic “What were they thinking”. SLX was awesome.

By: towielynn

towielynn — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:49:40 +0000

Chad 09 sound OK, gee gonna miss that cherry wood grain.
Has the 09 mod still got a digital compass in the rear view mirror (what where they thinking) league as the cassette deck.
Still these quirks take nothing away from a great car.

Very happy Elite diesel owner

By: JoshGeo

JoshGeo — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 07:44:51 +0000

Thanks heaps Chad – great info – No Cassette Deck – SOLD!!!!! Tried to Google images of interior but no luck. There is also the option of the “Trek n Tow” kit – site says it enhances off-road performance, increases ride height by 20mm and ball load from 150kg to 180kg.
Trying out Santa Fe and Outlander tomorrow – will let you know Lightbulb.

By: Chad

Chad — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:27:07 +0000

Welcome To Santa Fe. 2009.
Changes inside include, All new Premium Audio Systems, featuring USB and iPod inputs, larger display (in lieu of Cassette Deck) Dark Black Marble Wood Effects instead of the Dark Cherry Woodgrain, feature accross the Dash, Gear Selector and Door Panels, Also Darker Metal Effects rather then the brighter Silver finshes of the 2006-2008.5 Santa Fe Range. Also Exterior Changes include all new side mirrors with indicators. Trip Computer now features the Gear Selection and Instantous Fuel Consumption.