• Summary

    3 out of 5 3.0

    What does this car say about you?

    This car says I couldn't afford an XC90, but I do not want to compromise on style and function

    What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

    It does not have a "wow" image and those with badge snobbery don't particularly like it, but by and large it gets a positive reaction

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    I would not buy another one - it is cheap to buy, but it shows in the finish and I will hopefully be able to afford the Volvo next time if I go down the 7 seat SUV route

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Volvo XC90 if I go for an SUV, but perhaps a Mercedes E class estate if I don't. I had a 5 series BMW previously and it was excellent

  • Buying experience

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Didn't buy from a dealer

    Did you buy this car new?

    Yes

    What price did you pay?

    £23,500

    When did you buy the car?

    May 2011

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    I bought through Sonnauto Ltd an online fleet buyer and was able to get a good discount on the RRP. No dealer could get close.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    The car was bought because I have 4 children and a dog and needed something that was practical with more style than an minivan. I would have bought an XC90 if I could have afforded it, but the Santa Fe was best value for money.

    What was the dealer like?

    The main rpoblem was that the delivery date kept being pushed back and this caused severe problems as I had already sold my previous car. To be fair to Sonnauto they paid for a hire car to cover a critical weekend - I would use them again, but I won't be buying another Santa Fe

  • Driving it

    3 out of 5 3.0

    What's it like to drive?

    easy to drive, but thirstier than the official stats - I get about 32mpg on the motorway driving at a steady 75mph. With the eco switch on it is very sluggish on acceleration, but surprisingly nippy with the eco feature switched off.

    What's it like to park?

    It is a large car, but I have not had a problem parking it. The rear sensors help

  • Living with it

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    The car functions and has not given me any problems, but I have complained about the roof mounted DVD player fitted by the dealer that supplied the car fro Sonnauto. Hyundai are not prepared to accept there is a problem and have said if I try to change the system I will invalidate the warranty.

    What's most practical about your car?

    7 seats

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    ipod connector