USED Hyundai Santa Fe 4x4 (06 - 12)

My car

An update on my previous review. Now 6 months on and 6000 miles i am still impressed. A recent trip to the south of france (fully loaded)was a genuine pleasure . Quiet, relaxed cruising, no aching backs and only one fill up. For the record my fuel consumption (in an automatic) on the trip down was 38.7 and back was 37.8 mpg ( why the difference? it must be uphill coming back !). Consumption during the 2 weeks averaged 35.6 mpg. Back at home my short trips of 1 to 2 miles and my occasional 4 to 5 miles give 27.6 mpg My challenge to exceed 40.0 mpg on a long run is proving very difficult. I have only one problem the roof rack cross bar has stuck. Will have it looked at at the service. Any one else had a similar problem?

My car

I liked this car from the very beginning. I treat her like my wife. I like it overall. Complete with features.

My car

I test drive this car in June and loved it, it was refined and comfortable. The spec of CDX version is excellent although I would like the electric seats to have a memory function. My only complaint was the 100% plastic fake wood trim, perhaps there will be an after market re-trim offer!

Anyway after looking at a second hand Volvo XC90 (my existing V70 has been through the list of known failure, front suspension, EMT etc.) I was too scared by the running costs and placed as order for Santa Fe on Saturday safe in the knowledge that it has a 5 year warranty.

Not sure the dealers are used to selling cars over £20k though, they gave away the discount from minute one and then tried to back track when they realised I was actualy buying. Seems like they are scared of the second hand market from competitors like Volvo, BMW and LR. Can't wait to get mine in October and put a row of seats between me and the kids.... peace!

My car

This car is brilliant. My test-drive impressed me with the refinement of the 2.2 diesel auto.

The Hyundai soaked up the holes and bumps, negotiated tight corners with better manners than an XC90, and the diesel pulled well. It is also much more refined than the Grand Cherokee that I tried last year.

I currently own a Jaguar S-Type 2.7 V6 diesel and a Honda CR-V, both 2005 models. The Santa Fe (hate the name) was only slightly noisier than the very refined Jag diesel at standstill, with no perceived difference at speed.

The Hyundai offers a five-year guarantee which gives more comfort than Jaguar quality (I had to replace the rear transmission after 15,000 miles, and now there's noise from the suspension after 30,000).

The Hyundai spare wheel is mounted at axle level which gives better cornering stability than the CR-V (where it is mounted on the rear door), and the diesel engine pulls better than the thirsty petrol CR-V, with less noise.

The Jaguar interior is classier, but the Hyundai is better than the CRV (apart from the tacky wood inserts). The Santa Fe has excellent blue night-lighting (reminiscent of VW dashes), and nice quality leather in the CDX (better than the CR-V, not so good as the Jaguar).

The Santa Fe has a low towbar noseweight of 80kg compared with other full-size 4x4s and this is my only concern. If assuaged, I shall swop the Jaguar, subject to the right 'deal'.