More car thoughts

[melaniesuzanne]

I noticed a Hyundai Santa Fe on the way to work this morning and thought, "Ooooh." I've spent this morning reading reviews on Edmumds.com and playing with various models on the Hyundai site. Good price, decent gas mileage, better cargo space than Jeepfink, and the red is called Venetian Red.

I want to start test driving my list of possibilities, but I think I would walk out with a new vehicle on the same day (or at least place an order for one with all the amenities I want). And so, I will wait a few more weeks before putting dear Jeepfink out to pasture.

Comments

[geoffreyapclywd.livejournal.com]

I drive a Santa Fe for work. only gets 17 -18 mpg. It is also not a very comfortable ride, very truck like. My jeep is more comfortable to ride in.
Jeff

[melaniesuzanne.livejournal.com]

How old is it?

[geoffreyapclywd.livejournal.com]

2007

[geoffreyapclywd.livejournal.com]

I haven't noticed any changes from the ones we have to the 2010 version.

[melaniesuzanne.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the data points! :)

[pinkleader.livejournal.com]

Nikulai (in NC) also has/had a Santa Fe if you want another user perspective.

(Doing her Mike Rowe impression) Have you put Ford on your list? The only thing I dislike about my Explorer is the MPG, but I've heard good things about the Escape if you are looking at smaller SUVs anyway.

[melaniesuzanne.livejournal.com]

I've looked at the Escape online; it may be just a skosh too big.

On paper, my top three are Toyota Rav4, Kia Sorrento, and Hyundai Santa Fe. I haven't driven any of those, though, and may detest one or more in real life.

[melaniesuzanne.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the info! The sun/moonroof package made the Santa Fe too pricey. Plus, I like the idea of sunroofs but not the application.

[melaniesuzanne.livejournal.com]

Ooh, that is VERY good to know. I was going to use the Leesburg Brown's. Thanks for the heads-up.

[melaniesuzanne.livejournal.com]

And yeah, there's a lot of road noise with the Jeep. I turn my radio up that much louder. :)

[whitebird.livejournal.com]

Road noise can be very much related to the tires you use. Just saying.

[ballistabob.livejournal.com]

I've always been a fan of my RAV4, but it's a 2006 and didn't have any of the recall issues that the 2009-2010 models have. For the money, I don't think you can get a better balance of comfort, power, and fuel economy (I still get 21 MPG city driving, 26-30 MPG on the highway, and I have over 80,000 miles on mine already). If you do go for a RAV4, definitely get the V6. It has only slightly less MPG than the 4 cylinder, and the uptick in power is more than worth it. Gotta love an SUV that can smoke a V6 Mustang. :-D

[melaniesuzanne.livejournal.com]

Oh yeah, I'm definitely getting V6. I love being zippy. =)

Thanks for the data points on your Rav4!

[greta-k.livejournal.com]

We also have a Rav4 (MY car ;-). Love it. Loveitloveitloveitloveit. Mine is a 2006 V6, too.

My Rav4 is also approved by the Small Person.

[(Anonymous)]

Had a friend with the Hyundai and the car was OK, but the service dept. was a less pleasant experience.

Once they got enough cash together they replaced it just to avoid the service dudes.

I'll add a vote for escape... hybrid even.

[draakken.livejournal.com]

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