I bought this car after my 4th Jag XJ-308 was a terrible liability in the snow and ice. Then the power steering packed up at 36,000 miles. That's it, I thought, I'm going for something tough, reliable and practical. Just one problem - Madam. She likes power steering, auto and all the other power toys because she's only little. Only the Santa Fe came in with most of this and at the right price. I bought it from Hatfields in Stockport, who gave me a reasonable deal on the Jag and who prepared the Santa Fe very well. It is an excellent motorway cruiser with good autobox and cruise control, surprisingly nippy, agile and sure-footed around the lanes of West Lancs and returns 30mpg overall in mainly short runs. After the Jag I thought I'd be driving around thinking 'What a come-down' but the Hyundai is a smart car, good to drive, the leather seats are very comfy and the rear, with the seats down, is huge. There have been seven adults in the car on two occasions, once to Blackpool and back: the third row of seats is fine for kids but a bit cramped for two adults on a one-hour journey. The car drove well with all those people in it. The interior, whilst rather plasticky compared to the Jag (a car twice the price though) has proved to be very durable after the mounds of hedge cuttings and r****** I've lugged to the tip, and by the way I have two Lurchers (rascally-looking greyhounds) and they like it much more than the Jag (more dog-headroom). I have had absolutely no problems with the car and after reading Honest John's review of the 2010 Santa Fe, I would definitely have another and would recommend it as a very versatile vehicle, good for just about any use except perhaps weddings and funerals - a Jag would look more the part for those. An added surprise bonus is that Madam likes the Hyundai too: with the high driving position, you can see into peoples' gardens and another thing is you don't get the perceived 'class envy' you can attract with the Jag in certain places - if that bothers you! PS get rear parking sensors.

Report as offensive