Hyundai Santa Fe (2001 - 2005) 2.0 CRTD CDX 5d (2005/55) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Loads of luggage, 3 people in the back with lots of leg and headroom, comfortable ride that soaks up the potholes on the TERRIBLE SURREY ROADS and continental mountain passes....... I pity the 'mugs' who buy landrover products at massive prices and then use them as 'Softroaders!
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Most of them 'looked down their noses' until they rode in the Santa Fe and saw all the lavish Extras and experienced the ride.... Still, 'Badge snobs' will always exist.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Yes, but only if Hyundai make one with an opening rear window in the boot hatch, otherwise I keep this one until it dies!
What are you likely to buy next?
Another Hyundai. If the ones we currently drive ever wear out.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchise
Did you buy this car new?
Yes
What price did you pay?
£0
When did you buy the car?
March 2006
Did you get a good deal and why?
This car was pre-registered and last of the first model line (hence all faults had been ironed out). Dealer supplied rear tints, reversing sensors, mats and road tax in the price, plus a free first year service.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
For touring in Europe giving high seating for views and a large load carrying capacity. Some use towing classic cars on a trailer.
What was the dealer like?
Very helpful at manager level, but the handover by sales staff showed they were lacking in detailed knowledge of the model
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Obviously it is a large vehicle and cannot be thrown through corners, but the seats are very comfortable eg. variable lumbar support on the driver's seat). Turbo means that fully loaded you hardly notice the weight it is carrying.
What's it like to park?
Again, it is a big car with a large turning circle, so look for larger spaces in carparks.... the reversing sensors help a lot.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Cruise control re-engagement switch failed and there is now a fault on the intermittant switch on the windscreen wipers. Both warranty items in the 5 YEAR WARRANTY
What's most practical about your car?
Total reliability and economy as a 4 x 4 diesel. Opening rear window on the hatch allows full use of the load space (new model does not have an opening window)
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Cruise control on a manual gearbox is an absolute godsend on long motorway driving stints
