Hyundai Santa Fe (2006 - 2012) 2.2 CRDi Premium (7 Seats) 5d Auto (2011/11) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I need a big, safe, all purpose car for family duties and the occasional adventure.

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

'Your getting a Hyundai - are you sure? - but you like German cars' Then they come for a ride and get it. Everyone who has been in the car loves it.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes - although Hyundai risk killing a golden goose with the '12 model and its higher prices. The previous model was a hidden gem punching well above its price point, the new model is much closer to premium territory. i will take one for a test drive though.

What are you likely to buy next?

I plan to keep this one for at least the 5 year warrantee period, perhaps more given that sister brand Kia expects its cars to be trouble free for 7 years.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£24,000

When did you buy the car?

July 2011

Did you get a good deal and why?

Bought from.Grays Hyundai Chatham as an ex demo car. I was very happy with the deal, car had less than 400 miles on it when I collected it and was 'as new'.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Needed a family car on return to UK after working abroad.

What was the dealer like?

Brilliant. I was working abroad and made initial contact with a few Hyundai dealers local to me to arrange a test drive during a trip back to the UK. Non of my local dealers had a demo car, Gray did. I spent a couple of hours with them on the demo and decided the car was for me. As I was not returning to the UK for a few months I asked them to stay in touch with me on both lead times for new cars and possible ex demo cars. When they took on a demo car in the exact spec I wanted and got in touch, we make the arrangement that i would buy the car 3 months later when it finished its demo duties. My whole experience with Grays was first class, especially as most of it was by email from half way around the world.

What's it like to drive?

It is easy and comfortable to drive - a mile muncher in fact. Seats are very supportive. Engine is strong and frugal, auto box is smooth. My brother in law has a Mk 1 X5 and is 100% loyal to BMW yet he is thinking of test driving one. One niggle, the functions on the stalks are opposite to most other makes. Indicators on the right and wipers on the left mean on occasion i will indicate with my wipers, if I have switched from my other car!

What's it like to park?

It has sensors front and back which are very necessary.

Have you had any problems with the car?

No. Both my wife and I love the car. In fact we recently drove it to Italy with my young daughter and Mother in Law in the car as well. It could have been a nightmare but the Santa Fe helped make it an adventure.

What's most practical about your car?

It drives very well, the auto box is smooth and economy decent. It swallows large items (cupboard, spinning bike) with ease and is hugely practical. And seats 6 and 7 are practical, even for adults.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The whole package makes it an easy car to live with if you have a family. We didn't take the Nav package as a simple Tom Tom is superior. Auto lights, wipers and cruise control are useful, especially on trips across Europe.