o/t buying a new SUV and have Q's

[BitsnBearsMom]

Hoping some of my Canadian friends can give us some imput.
We are looking at replacing out 2001 MPV (most problematic vehicle) with a new mid sized SUV. The 2 we've narrowed it down to are the Hyundai 2010 Santa Fe or the 2011 Kia Sorrento. The Sorrento was just released and we can't seem to find much info on it but am wondering if anyone ownes one of these vehicles - even in an older year and if you are happy with them or not. And have you had any major issues with them.

It's a tough decision and hopefully in the next few weeks we will have a new car!!

 

[dancin Disney style]

My friends have both the Santa Fe and the Tuscon....the absolutely love them. I also have 2 clients that just bought these SUV's and both have said they are the best cars they have ever owned. They were both domestic buyers before.

My DH works in the auto industry and I used to as well so we have many discussions about cars. The Kias don't have the best rep right now. Kia is trying to work out the bugs but they will even say they are not up to the same level as the other imports. BTW, I personally heard the president of Kia say that. I can also tell you that I have seen 3 accidents that involved Kias and the damage to them was more than double the damage to the other cars. My impression was 'crumpled pop can'.

 

[BitsnBearsMom]

Perfect - that's the info we are looking for!
We've typically been a Toyota family (with the exception of the MPV mistake) but I can't justify the price of the highlander and the Rav4 isn't big enough for my 6 ft 2 15yo to be comfortable in the back.

 

[dancin Disney style]

Funny....we both worked for Toyota. You do get what you pay for but I know what you mean about the cost. They are expensive.

My friends husband is 6'5" and he drives the Tuscon. They explained that the Santa Fe is more geared for cargo space while the Tuscon is more passenger friendly. Her hubby can't fit in her Santa Fe.

 

[BitsnBearsMom]

Well we have had ds' and dh sit in the back seat and by adjusting the passenger side forward just a bit so the passenger (aka ME) is still comfy ds' is ok in the back. I figure I'd like him to be comfortable in the back but he's going to be 16 soon so I'm sure won't be travelling with us that much longer!!

I'd really like the cargo space too - need enough room to haul around little ds' saddle and pony stuff and also the golf clubs.

We will go drive them both next week but had a look at financing this morning and Hyundai is winning by far at this point with 0% for 60 months compared to 3.9% for 60 months with Kia - makes a big difference.

 

[irisesareblue]

I'm not sure if this is relevant but I just traded in my KIA Sportage for a 2009 Chevy Trailblazer and would never buy a KIA again. I HATED the KIA - lots of road noise and couldn't hear my daughters if one of them was in the backseat. Driving at night, I felt very unsafe - once I had to stop suddenly (for a deer on the road) and the back end of the vehicle was almost in the air - headlights did not illuminate very much other than 2 pindots on the road in front of me. It did not feel very stable.

I actually hated the vehicle enough to take a loss on it when I traded it.

 

[nepean]

I have a 2009 Sante Fe purchased last September after only owing GM vehicles since 1969. I LOVE my "truck". It is actually listed as a truck on my car insurance. DD's BF is 6'2" and he fits well in the back seat. His Mom also drives a Sante Fe. We took it to Florida for Christmas and the ride was really comfortable. We hit that major snowstorm around Washington and we kept driving. We do have snow tires and after the first snowstorm here in Ottawa we knew we would need them. The service at Myers has been amazing. There was a leak in the rear taillight and I booked an appointment. I drove to the garage, had it fixed and was home in 1 hour and 10 minutes. The drive is 15 minutes each way. The mileage is not as good as the specs state. It cost us about $450. to Florida and back. I would buy another today. The Sante Fe is changing next year as the Tucson did this year. I never buy a car the first year of a totally revamped or new model. The 2010 Sante Fe has blue tooth.

Hope this helps.

Nepean

 

[dancin Disney style]

I never buy a car the first year of a totally revamped or new model.



Nepean

A re-styling is fine....the bones don't generally change that much.

A new model.....I totally agree a year is often required to work out any kinks.

 

[dancin Disney style]

I'm not sure if this is relevant but I just traded in my KIA Sportage for a 2009 Chevy Trailblazer and would never buy a KIA again. I HATED the KIA - lots of road noise and couldn't hear my daughters if one of them was in the backseat. Driving at night, I felt very unsafe - once I had to stop suddenly (for a deer on the road) and the back end of the vehicle was almost in the air - headlights did not illuminate very much other than 2 pindots on the road in front of me. It did not feel very stable.

I actually hated the vehicle enough to take a loss on it when I traded it.

Very relevant....the best info comes from those that own and drive the vehicles. You don't get a good sense of what a car is truely like until you drive it on a daily basis. Test drives are great but they are intended to cause an emotional response.

 

[BitsnBearsMom]

great info - thanks everyone!

We typically try to do a rental from somewhere first as I agree that the test drive isn't enough to get a good sense of the vehicle!

 

[mickilee]

love my Hyundai 07 santa fe... Never a problem with it. The dealership is awesome ..
and its fun to drive. Only one small blind spot. Since i was used to driving a small car. took a few honks at me to get used to it..

 

[Csaks]

Friends sister has had a 2010 Santa Fe for a few months now and has nothing but good things to say about it. Seriously thinking of trading in for one now.