2003 Hyundai Santa Fe review from North America
"I loved it until I hit 130,000 miles"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
2 Different Ignition Coils have failed within two months. Mileage around 130,000
I'm sure the next one will go soon. Neither of the dealerships that I ended up at had them on hand when they went out and they had to be ordered. I think I will order one and keep it in my car.
Transfer Case leaking, one seal at the end was replace. Middle seal will have to be replaced soon. Estimate cost $2000. This is more expensive then a new transmission I was told and this is the one item not covered under Hyundai's 100k, 10 year plan. Mileage around 130,000.
I have a funny noise that sounds like scraping when accelerating near the front left wheel, sounds like a metal ring is being spun around a rod, which can't be found. Started around 50,000.
CV Boots Leaking
Mileage around 130,000.
General comments?
I love it. It's comfortable, reliable, looks good, runs well, accelerates well...
AWD doesn't work that well. More power in the rear than in the front which causes serious fishtailing when power is applied in slippery conditions.
Preventative maintenance is expensive on the 3.5 liter v6. I was told 2.7 liter v6 is cheaper to maintain.
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  | Good car/bad service |
| Hyundai is a Bad Investment!! |
All 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe reviews
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 2003 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.5L V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | |
| Distance when acquired | 100 miles |
| Most recent distance | 135000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Escort |
| Date of Entry | 4th March, 2006 |