Great and dependable!
We bought our 04 Santa Fe used with under 60k miles. Didn't know the history of this mean machine, so we did exactly what Hyundai recommends at 60k. This is where the journey begins... Our Santa Fe has been our primary vehicle, driving city and highway miles. Gas mileage is pretty decent for this caliber of vehicle, roomy enough for the family and groceries, and the power...we have the 3.5L front wheel drive model...this thing scoots! I'm a die hard Chevy V8 man, but this thing has far exceeded my expectations. We strategically planned to replace this beast after a few years of owning it, but no matter what nature, aggressive driving, and my wife put this thing through, it still has life in it like when we bought it. It's comfortable. I've taken it on a few road trips crossing state lines, and it has never failed. I've watched 4x4's get stuck in the snow, but this little bean of wizardry has had no problems. This is even after I had stopped to help a handful of folks while the Santa Fe sunk into the quick-like-sand of snow and ice. Maintenance...this is fairly easy if you're mechanically inclined. Changing the spark plugs require you to pull the surge tank (upper intake) off. Changing the alternator requires the radiator be removed for easy access. You definitely want to be sure when you're replacing one component, you might as well replace whatever is nearby just so you won't have to dig in that spot multiple times. We still have this vehicle. It survives the technological attacks from the new generation of Hyundai's and other manufacturers as the technology in this old 04 is plain as can be. However, this IS the first generation Santa Fe that paved the road of Hyundai's current success. But, in the grand scheme of things, this vehicle doesn't have the looks of the very attractive 2018 Santa Fe, but rest assured, if you take care of your first generation Santy, it will pay back in kind. Love them, and they will love you back.
Recommended
Verified Owner
