2008 Hyundai Santa Fe?

[skanji]

OK, so here it goes. I *thought* I was ready to pull the trigger on a 2008 Santa Fe GLS (FWD). I have my Elantra, so no issues on the reliability of the Santa Fe...

Pros:
- total savings (roughly) $4500 - - $3,000 back on cash purchase (March 2008 only) and negotiate $1500 off MSRP - total out of pocket $27,525
- Consumers Reports recent award for Santa Fe makes it a real must buy (although still don't know if the award is for the 2007 or 2008)
- buy now as demand for these vehicles will rise (or will they? see point 1)

Cons
- poor gas mileage on Santa Fe GLS - if I can't drive from Toronto to Ottawa on a tank of gas (about 430km), I'm not gonna be a happy camper
- is total savings the best I can do - will other promotions come that will equate to more than $4500 off Santa Fe GLS?
- since I am paying cash, may it be advisable to wait for a few months for the Santa Fe 2008 GLS to be used with a 25,000km on it and purchase used through the dealer and save about $10,000?
- similar to above, look for a larger, used 2007 Veracruz through the dealer for about the same price as new 2008 Santa Fe GLS

Really debating this one and can't make up my mind...

Any thoughts by you all would be appreciated...(and yes, surprisingly I did cross post this in the Hyundai forums!) ;)

EDIT: after doing some math, a new 2008 will cost me just over $31,000, NOT $27,000 (forgot the freakin GST and PST!!!). Whereas a used 2008 will cost me about $26,000 taxes in this time next year...

i'm wondering if I should hit up dealers with this - although I know there is little they will be able to do...

not sure if future incentives will come - more than $3000 cash back?? hmmm, not sure...

[LoveRFD]

If you pay cash, go south to get it cheaper!

[skanji]

If you pay cash, go south to get it cheaper!

not an option. Hyundai Canada doesn't honor Hyundai USA's vehicle warranty's...

[thephenom]

not an option. Hyundai Canada doesn't honor Hyundai USA's vehicle warranty's...

Buy 3rd party warranty?

[The_Professor]

Do you really need the size of the Veracruz? If not, I'd rule it out right away. Also, if you were to pick up a used one, it would likely be the first model year of that car, something I generally try and stay away from as there are always some minor annoyances.

When do you need the car/SUV? If right away, then just go for it. There will always be a better deal down the road, and there's not much you can do about it.

If it were me, I'd try and save some cash by buying a gently used one.

[skanji]

Do you really need the size of the Veracruz? If not, I'd rule it out right away. Also, if you were to pick up a used one, it would likely be the first model year of that car, something I generally try and stay away from as there are always some minor annoyances.

When do you need the car/SUV? If right away, then just go for it. There will always be a better deal down the road, and there's not much you can do about it.

If it were me, I'd try and save some cash by buying a gently used one.

I don't need a veracruz, but at least a veracruz could be used by us for future needs as the family grows (7 seater and all.) 2007 Veracruz was the first model year, correct? So far, I haven't heard of anything major with it. the other reason for a veracruz is the cost will end up being on par with a new santa fe.

i don't need it right away, but definitely within the next year. the sooner i get it, the less i will use the elantra which has 140,000km on it. i plan on driving the elantra into the ground, so the sooner i get it the better, although i can wait for a bit...

[MrDisco]

- poor gas mileage on Santa Fe GLS - if I can't drive from Toronto to Ottawa on a tank of gas (about 430km), I'm not gonna be a happy camper


I don't see you buying a Veracruz if the Santa Fe's gas mileage is already a concern. Realistically you're buying a large heavy vehicle - be prepared to pay for it at the pumps.

The CR rating applies to both 07 and 08. There wasn't any significant changes to the model.

I don't quite understand. If you don't need the vehicle now why go through this exercise? Cash incentives are unlikely to go much deeper (baring further economic disaster in the States). You will probably see cuts to their financing rate, particularly as we get closer to the introduction of the 09 model or perhaps a dealer gimmick (i.e. 'free' mountain bike)

[buy.A.gift]

i have my 2003 Santa Fe for almost 5 years with 0 problem.

[skanji]

I don't see you buying a Veracruz if the Santa Fe's gas mileage is already a concern. Realistically you're buying a large heavy vehicle - be prepared to pay for it at the pumps.

The CR rating applies to both 07 and 08. There wasn't any significant changes to the model.

I don't quite understand. If you don't need the vehicle now why go through this exercise? Cash incentives are unlikely to go much deeper (baring further economic disaster in the States). You will probably see cuts to their financing rate, particularly as we get closer to the introduction of the 09 model or perhaps a dealer gimmick (i.e. 'free' mountain bike)


The difference in mileage between the VC and SF is minimal...the VC is also a 7 seater...

I would love for an honest dealer to let me know the promotions that have happened within the past year. I keep reading that xmas time is the best time to buy.

The key is I can wait...but not for more than 10 months or so...

[tkl]

Skanji,

I bought a 2007 Santa Fe SE FWD in the US in Nov so I've had the thing for 4 months. There is basically no difference between the two. Here's my 2 cents worth. You can look up the difference in trims but basically it's the top of the line auto(with manumatic) FWD without leather, sunroof, dualzone climate and I got it for under $ 24,000 out the door. US version also has the TPMS which the Cdn does not.

There is a huge price difference. The warranty was covered until they change it recently but I've phone Hyundai USA and was told I could submit the invoice to them. I just need to let them know ahead of time. The other option is to drive it back to Buffalo where I have a 5 year warranty, 10 year powertrain which is better than the Canadian warranty.


Pros
Nice styling, although that's subjective.
No defect so far, crossing my fingers.
Drives great, like a car
Great layout, lots of interior room and trunk room.
5 Star crash rating
Quality appears top notch for me, ask me in a few years.





Negs
Gas mileage. It's a mid size SUV. Get use to it. I underestimated the gas prices. I get around 300 MILES a full tank ( 77 litres). I use to drive a CIVIC so my gas cost has increased 60 %
Hyundai invokes the Pony, Excel image. Somewhat unfair since it was over 20 years ago. In fairness, if this one ends up being crap, its' my 1st and last Hyundai.

[skanji]

Skanji,

I bought a 2007 Santa Fe SE FWD in the US in Nov so I've had the thing for 4 months. There is basically no difference between the two. Here's my 2 cents worth. You can look up the difference in trims but basically it's the top of the line auto(with manumatic) FWD without leather, sunroof, dualzone climate and I got it for under $ 24,000 out the door. US version also has the TPMS which the Cdn does not.

There is a huge price difference. The warranty was covered until they change it recently but I've phone Hyundai USA and was told I could submit the invoice to them. I just need to let them know ahead of time. The other option is to drive it back to Buffalo where I have a 5 year warranty, 10 year powertrain which is better than the Canadian warranty.


Pros
Nice styling, although that's subjective.
No defect so far, crossing my fingers.
Drives great, like a car
Great layout, lots of interior room and trunk room.
5 Star crash rating
Quality appears top notch for me, ask me in a few years.





Negs
Gas mileage. It's a mid size SUV. Get use to it. I underestimated the gas prices. I get around 300 MILES a full tank ( 77 litres). I use to drive a CIVIC so my gas cost has increased 60 %
Hyundai invokes the Pony, Excel image. Somewhat unfair since it was over 20 years ago. In fairness, if this one ends up being crap, its' my 1st and last Hyundai.



Thanks for the heads up. I probably won't by new from the US (if anything, I'll buy used.) Also, I don't like the fact that everytime I have a service issue I have to let Hyundai USA know. But apart from that, there's no argument on the price from me. The difference in price appears to be $5,000 (although cdn version comes with leather)

The gas is really scaring me. If I can't make it on a trip from Ottawa to toronto on a tank, that would really suck.

As far as the image, growing up Honda didn't have a good image, but at the end of the day it's value for money...not to mention safety.

[MrDisco]

The difference in mileage between the VC and SF is minimal...the VC is also a 7 seater...


perhaps on paper, but in real life use the VC is going to use more gas. its a larger vehicle to haul around:

SF:
City ranges from 12.1 to 12.6 (depending on engine size and FWD or AWD)
HWY ranges from 8.3 to 8.4 L/100km

VC:
City ranges from 13.4 to 13.9 L/100km (depending on trim)
HWY ranges from 8.7 to 9.0 L/100km

No matter how you slice it, if gas is your concern you can't ignore these numbers.

edit: if you're really thinking about a family why not just get a mini-van and be done with it?

[skanji]

edit: if you're really thinking about a family why not just get a mini-van and be done with it?

hehe - since you asked, it's because of the wife...she hates 'em....

;)

[djjosee]

skanji, if you buy used ... please do me a favour and do not get the older style (yuck).

How big is your family now?

Are you set on the Santa fe? Have you looked at the Outlander?

[skanji]

skanji, if you buy used ... please do me a favour and do not get the older style (yuck).

How big is your family now?

Are you set on the Santa fe? Have you looked at the Outlander?

if i buy used, i'm going to wait for the '08 GLS to come down in price...they are similar to the 07, but i really want a sunroof...

looked at the outlander briefly - what did you end up getting from your search a while ago?

family is 3 so far...but we expect to keep this car for 6+ years...

[runningdog]

How about a new 2009 Forester? From the States. The price has been lowered and more room. Not sure about the gas mileage compared to the Santa Fe, but the 2009 gets the same mileage as the 2008.

It is NOT a van. :cheesygri

[LoveRFD]

How about a new 2009 Forester? From the States. The price has been lowered and more room. Not sure about the gas mileage compared to the Santa Fe, but the 2009 gets the same mileage as the 2008.

It is NOT a van. :cheesygri

The only problem for it is it looks ugly.

[skanji]

The only problem for it is it looks ugly.

+1 - it is a 4 Cyl though...and that's why the mileage is (marginally) better...

How much in the states? also, what about the warranty issue?

[qwert97]

Have you looked at Hyundai Tucson? Its better on gas and has the same cash rebates program for the m/o March. Although its not a 7 seater but it is bigger than the car and not a minivan. In addition you will save a few thousand $$$ since it is cheaper than Santa Fe. The GLS option comes with Sunroof and leather seats.