Looking for a small SUV for my wife

[DM1]

I've been looking for a kinda small NEW SUV (Budget of 25K) for my wife, she was soooo in love with the CR-V but when she drove it, she just felt disappointed, then we went to see the CX7 which I liked because it drives like a car and I like the feel of the turbo, however she wants something smoother more "truck like", so we went to Hyundai, and to our surprise, the Santa Fe feels so much better in every way, interior materials, assembly, engine power, features, leather on the seats, everything seems and feels a lot better, so now she wants that one and I would like to hear some opinions, reviews, experiences or so about the Santa Fe before making the buy,... I actually like it a lot compared to other SUV's in the range.

[voltron1011]

We got my wife a RAV-4 V6 Sport for that price and it drives great. It's an absolute rocket with the 3.5 liter 268hp motor. From what it sounds she may want a Limited though. The Rav's also have WAY better resale value than Hyundai's. Although, the Santa Fe is a really great vehicle as well.

[ward]

the koreans are trying awfully hard nowadays,

I thought one of the auto mags actually rated the hyundai over the lexus in a recent roadtest

the interior shots were actually trippy as the cars were almost identical

[///Matt]

I've had bad experiences with Hyundai's quality in the past, but they really are trying a lot harder these days.

My suggestion? Lease it. then you don't have to worry about it being a peice of crap later.

[bimmerlex]

My cousin has Santa Fe for over two years already and she is very happy with it. She told me this is the best SUV she ever owned so far, and it's Hyundai. Go figure...

[voltron1011]

Hyundai has really turned their image around, however I think they still need a couple more good years under their belts before their residual values actually start holding up.

[achien]

Originally Posted by DM1

I've been looking for a kinda small NEW SUV (Budget of 25K) for my wife, she was soooo in love with the CR-V but when she drove it, she just felt disappointed, then we went to see the CX7 which I liked because it drives like a car and I like the feel of the turbo, however she wants something smoother more "truck like", so we went to Hyundai, and to our surprise, the Santa Fe feels so much better in every way, interior materials, assembly, engine power, features, leather on the seats, everything seems and feels a lot better, so now she wants that one and I would like to hear some opinions, reviews, experiences or so about the Santa Fe before making the buy,... I actually like it a lot compared to other SUV's in the range.

I believe you made the right choice, Hyundai came a long way since their '84 Pony.

[bavarian19]

What about purchasing a slightly used SUV? This way you can stay in your price range, but still find a good SUV.

Maybe an SUV thats only 2-3 years old...

[Jaws]

Originally Posted by achien

I believe you made the right choice, Hyundai came a long way since their '84 Pony.

The Pony and Stellar (funny name since they were both such pieces of shit) were never sold in the US. I think the Excel was the first one sold in the States.

[DM1]

I also took in consideration the depreciation and the residual value compared to the Honda or Toyota,... but, I'm not sure if I want to go that way or with the warranty from Hyundai, I mean, the new Santa Fe will probably have a what 5% lower residual value than the CR-V or RAV 4,.... that difference will be covered by having even cheaper maintenance costs in the Sta Fe.

And yes, the Koreans are doing great with their cars now days, the Sta Fe is built in one very new and technologically advanced plant.

[GraphiteBrawler]

I'd get her a Jeep Cherokee, or liberty or W/e their calling it these days. Though I'm not sure its in that budget. I've heard good things about the Santa Fe

[DM1]

Thank you all for your comments,... I believe that it will actually be a better buy, however I will take a look at the RAV 4 just in case my wife likes it better, which I doubt, as as you know,... she's the "boss" so better keep her happy!