2006-2012 Hyundai Santa Fe
History
Despite having this story repeated several times, Korean car manufacturers had been the subject of automotive jokes during the 80s and 90s. They can be similarly compared with microwavable snacks to go in convenience stores, they're cheap but disposable. In fact, some Korean vehicles end up abandoned or being ripped for parts in automotive recycling facilities. Hyundai was one manufacturer who never gave up in making efforts on building reliable vehicles and the manufacturer reaped the rewards for their efforts during the latter part of the 21st century.
Bet you didn't know that the Santa Fe was Hyundai's first SUV that badge engineering was not involved in the process. It was introduced to the market in 2001 which was touted as the compact crossover SUV craze, with numerous vehicles of this genre being released side by side. The second generation placed Hyundai in the spotlight of award giving bodies in vehicle quality and journalists took a liking of it.
2006 saw the launch of the Santa Fe in the Philippines and it was a fresh sight among the mid-size rivalry from Toyota, Mitsubishi, Ford, and Isuzu. This vehicle was wrapped in a unibody construction, unlike others that utilized a ladder frame body. While other SUVs gave backaches when driven hard, this one does not thanks to a sedan-like driving dynamics. With the fuel prices a worry, the Santa Fe, in diesel form, became a top choice among fuel conscious motorists who prefer their rides smooth. Seeing this generation of Santa Fe inside Hyundai dealers lasted until 2012, with a new generation model being launched in September 2012.
Bet you didn't know that the Santa Fe was Hyundai's first SUV that badge engineering was not involved in the process. It was introduced to the market in 2001 which was touted as the compact crossover SUV craze, with numerous vehicles of this genre being released side by side. The second generation placed Hyundai in the spotlight of award giving bodies in vehicle quality and journalists took a liking of it.
2006 saw the launch of the Santa Fe in the Philippines and it was a fresh sight among the mid-size rivalry from Toyota, Mitsubishi, Ford, and Isuzu. This vehicle was wrapped in a unibody construction, unlike others that utilized a ladder frame body. While other SUVs gave backaches when driven hard, this one does not thanks to a sedan-like driving dynamics. With the fuel prices a worry, the Santa Fe, in diesel form, became a top choice among fuel conscious motorists who prefer their rides smooth. Seeing this generation of Santa Fe inside Hyundai dealers lasted until 2012, with a new generation model being launched in September 2012.
Value and Costs
All you need is to remove your oppositions against vehicles from the Gangnam Style country, this outstanding performer (save in some aspects which we will explain later) can be had for P680,000-P1,280,000. The ones in the million bucks territory are the recent models but any unit with a diesel engine under the hood is the one to get.
Having this SUV in your garage wont bring you potential headaches, that's if you maintain it properly. Have this baby fueled up in clean gasoline stations, especially for the 2010 and later diesel models. If possible, find for a 2009 and up unit to utilize the 5 year warranty.
Having this SUV in your garage wont bring you potential headaches, that's if you maintain it properly. Have this baby fueled up in clean gasoline stations, especially for the 2010 and later diesel models. If possible, find for a 2009 and up unit to utilize the 5 year warranty.
Exterior and Interior
This one looks more conventional and waved goodbye to awkward angles of yesteryear's. If you said that it has some sides resemble European makes, this is because the Germans laid their hands on designing this vehicle. Have a peek at the back and see those twin pipes? They dictate to the great performance this SUV has.
Don't let the small exterior proportions fool you, the cabin is roomy than you think. While the two rows are general patronage, the third row is R-8 (kids eight years old and younger are allowed) and below. Interior quality is a mixed bag, while they look of high quality, durability (no thanks to the climate, which are the apparent weakness of Korean vehicles) and scratch-resistance are something to be improved upon.
Don't let the small exterior proportions fool you, the cabin is roomy than you think. While the two rows are general patronage, the third row is R-8 (kids eight years old and younger are allowed) and below. Interior quality is a mixed bag, while they look of high quality, durability (no thanks to the climate, which are the apparent weakness of Korean vehicles) and scratch-resistance are something to be improved upon.
Engines
Two sets of engines are made available throughout the Fe's selling life. From 2006 to February 2010, an MU 2,656cc V6 gasoline with 188hp at 6,000rpm and 248Nm at 4,000rpm and a D 2,199cc diesel that carries 150hp at 4,000rpm and 335Nm at 1,800-2,000rpm are options among buyers. An update in March 2010 had the V6 engine ditched in favor of the Theta II 2,359cc inline-four that has 174 hp at 6,000rpm and 225Nm at 2,750rpm while the 2.2 diesel got an upgrade to 197hp at 3,800rpm and a frightening 436Nm at 1,800-2,500rpm. The diesels are no slouch performers but the one that can bring a fast pull is the R engine that can bring out the sports car in you. The 2.4 gasoline performs decently while the 2.7 V6 is the one to avoid. at least in the local sense.
Driving Impressions
The monstrous engine characteristic (especially with the diesels) that can give you a frightening acceleration, and the comfort biased suspension that does not fit to its character is standard contrasts to one another. The Santa Fe prefers to be driven in straight roads but don't give this a diet that has curves and zig-zags, since it will drive like a boat and making it a weak point of this SUV. Smooth roads are heaven, bad ones are hell, and thus, be wary of the suspension.
The monstrous engine characteristic (especially with the diesels) that can give you a frightening acceleration, and the comfort biased suspension that does not fit to its character is standard contrasts to one another. The Santa Fe prefers to be driven in straight roads but don't give this a diet that has curves and zig-zags, since it will drive like a boat and making it a weak point of this SUV. Smooth roads are heaven, bad ones are hell, and thus, be wary of the suspension.
Verdict
Enjoying family trips without sacrificing driving fun is a hard task. But the Santa Fe's car based suspension and the great zing of the R diesel (the D oil burner is also a great performer) makes it a fun combo. With prices below the million peso range, you can have an SUV that you and your clan can enjoy with.
The Good:
- Sleek looks
- Great diesel engines
- You'll love the ride, it won't break your back
The Bad:
- Good luck sitting in the third row
- Not that a pleasurable drive
- Underwhelming performance of the V6 (in local conditions at least)
The Pick: Diesel versions
THE SPECS
Engines: 2,359cc Theta II I4 and 2,656 MU V6 gasoline, 2,199cc D (2006-2009) and R (2010-2012) I4 diesel
Power: 150hp @ 4,000rpm (2.2, 2006-2009), 188hp @ 6,000rpm (2.7 V6), 197hp @ 3,800rpm (2.2, 2010-2012), 174hp @ 6,000rpm (2.4 I4)
Torque: 335Nm @ 1,800-2,000 (2.2, 2006-2009), 248Nm @ 4,000rpm (2.7 V6), 436Nm @ 1,800-2,500rpm (2.2, 2010-2012), 225Nm @ 2,750rpm (2.4 I4)
Fuel Consumption: 6-10km/L (city), 9-12km/L (highway) (*estimated and varies, ranges all engine variants)
Transmission: 4-speed automatic (2.7 V6, 2006-2009), 5-speed automatic (2006-2009 diesels), 6-speed automatic (2010-2012 models)
Suspension: Front independent McPherson strut, rear independent multi-link
MORE INFO
Price (New): P1,330,000-P1,800,000 (range from 2006-2012)
Price (Now): P650,000-P1,280,000
Rivals: Kia Sorento, Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Ford Everest, Isuzu Alterra
On Sale: 2006-2012
Resources:
Contacts:
Hyundai E Rodriguez - (02) 416-5767
Hyundai Marcos Highway - (02) 682-4739
Hyundai Quezon Avenue - (02) 374-3911
Photos courtesy of http://www.olx.com.ph/2007-hyundai-santa-fe-ref-7179-iid-481905299
Hyundai Marcos Highway - (02) 682-4739
Hyundai Quezon Avenue - (02) 374-3911
Hi, if I'm to get a 2006 2.2L CRDi Santa Fe for just below P700,000 today, would you consider this as a good buy? Or do you think it will need plenty of replacements/maintenance at this point for a 2006 Hyundai? I know this is subjective, but the previous(and first) owner states this is casa maintained, and assuming he took good care of the car. Is the car durable enough to be considered as a good buy? And what do you think the FC of this model will be today? Hope you can share some pointers as this will be my first car and I don't know much on what to look for in second hand cars. Thank you in advance and hope to hear from you soon.
ReplyDeleteGood evening! A 2006 Santa Fe can be had for below 700k but it is a bargain when everything is in good condition. Hyundais during that time are not anymore the bad ones, but with age, you need to check the engine's condition since it is CRDi with all the injectors. To be sure, bring the car to a mechanic to double check.
DeleteAs for the fuel consumption, it may hover between 8-10km/L today. Apart from that, there's no need to worry about 2006 Hyundais.
adding another comment so I get notified when you reply.. thanks..
ReplyDeleteGood evening, I urgently need help, I'm planning to purchase a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe, Gas, AT, V6 4WD 4x4 (I'm not sure if it's 2.7 or 2.4). Mileage is at 45k.
ReplyDeleteI have a few concerns regarding this model. I wish you could help me. :)
1. Is this a local version?
2. What is the fuel economy? Is it a gas guzzler? (I live in Baguio City, and of course also wish to use it for long trips to Manila,etc)
3, What are the common issues (mechanical, etc)?
4. With a price tag of Php 530k, is it reasonable?
5. At what mileage should we expect to face major problems?
6. I don't know anything about cars, what should I look out for before I make the purchase?
7. When I test-drove it, it seemed like I needed to step on the gas to make it go further, RPM would go around 4000, is this normal, or should I be worried?
8. What would be the maintenance issues that I have to be worried about in the future?
9. Are there any other things that I need to know before I make my next major move?
This would also be my first major car purchase just like Mr/Ms.Fact-Finder, so I desperately need help. I really hope you could help me out. By the way, all the information about different car models in your website helped a lot of people around me purchase their own second-hand cars. We want to thank you so much for such a great blog! :)
1. Is this a local version?
Delete- The Santa Fe gasoline that we had back in 2007 is a 2.7 V6 2WD, so what you had is an imported one.
2. What is the fuel economy? Is it a gas guzzler? (I live in Baguio City, and of course also wish to use it for long trips to Manila,etc)
- Since this model isn't that much tested locally, fuel consumption may play (at an estimate) of 4-5km/L in the city and 7-8km/L in the highway.
3, What are the common issues (mechanical, etc)?
- Although there are no reported issues, best to check the electronics and the engine
4. With a price tag of Php 530k, is it reasonable?
- Yes, since gas engines of SUVs are losers on resales.
5. At what mileage should we expect to face major problems?
- If the car is well maintained, it wouldn't be a liability. Just make sure you check the car thoroughly.
6. I don't know anything about cars, what should I look out for before I make the purchase?
- If the vehicle is in tip top shape like the engine, brakes, interior. Bring a mechanic to be sure.
7. When I test-drove it, it seemed like I needed to step on the gas to make it go further, RPM would go around 4000, is this normal, or should I be worried?
- No idea but it has to do with the high end torque of the vehicle.
8. What would be the maintenance issues that I have to be worried about in the future?
- This is more with the V6 engine.
9. Are there any other things that I need to know before I make my next major move?
- Try going with a unit which has the diesel, that is the best Santa Fe. Steer clear of any gas model, regardless of year.
Hope it helps! Thank you and God Bless!
Wow Sir Myk Belmonte! That was a speedy reply! Thank you so much for all the information. So basically sir, you wouldn't recommend this vehicle, right? :) God Bless too sir!
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