Which used seven-seater should I buy for 15-20k?

Either the Santa Fe or its close cousin, the Kia Sorento are good choices for a seven-seat SUV. In fact, they’ve risen to the top of the heap when it comes to a seven-seater within your budget. Both offered petrol engines, but in this type of vehicle, the turbo-diesels probably did a better job. Unfortunately, the top end of your budget rules out all but the tattiest current-shape Kias and Hyundais. If you can stretch to maybe $3000 or $4000 more, you’ll get into good-condition examples of the current version of either and, thanks to the great factory warranties offered by the South Korean brands, you might even find one with some factory cover left to run. If $20,000 is your absolute limit, that’s not the end of the world, as it will still get you into a very useable vehicle with lots of life left in it. Make sure you check the service record and only buy a car with a documented history of preventative maintenance.

Should I buy a Kia Sorento 2013 to 2017 or Hyundai Santa Fe 2013 to 2017

Hi Nor, the Kia Sorento is generally reliable and robust, with only a few electrical problems being the main issues, but most should have been sorted out by now. As the Sorento is closely related to the Hyundai Santa Fe, the same would apply to that SUV too. The 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine you mention was only available in the UM model from 2009 to 2011. After that a 3.5-litre V6 took over. Both engines are known to be robust and dependable. We'd go for the V6 because it does not have to work as hard as the 2.4L hauling such a big and heavy vehicle around. Note, though, that the V6 is thirsty. The diesel is the best choice out of all of the engines available, as it is strong and hard-wearing as well as much more economical. In our opinion, the Sorento is a better buy than the Santa Fe, since it has more glass area and so is easier to see out of. The interior is pleasant, comfortable and easy to use. And, from the XM model launched in 2015, it is a nicer and quieter car to drive. Finally, the Kia has offered a seven-year warranty as opposed to the Hyundai's five-year warranty since October 1, 2014, meaning it is possible to buy an older Sorento and still be covered by the factory warranty.

Should I buy a Kia Sorento 2020?

The Sorento seems like a pretty good choice. But don’t forget its cousin, the Hyundai Santa Fe which is also a great vehicle. On balance, though, the Kia seems a little better value and has a superior warranty. In fact, the Kia factory warranty of seven years/unlimited kilometres is an industry leader and makes for great long-term peace of mind. If you’re happy with the way the Kia drives and works for your family, then there’s no reason not to make that your first choice.

What SUV should I buy?

The answer all depends on what you call off-road driving, Javed. The Ford Everest, being based on the Ranger, is a very competent off-roader. In fact, it’ll handle anything most owners would ever throw at it, while the Endura is more of a replacement for the Ford Territory. Meaning it has abilities better matched to a trip to the snow, not a true log-jumping, river-fording off-road journey. The Sante Fe is more of the same (as the Endura) that is; a car that can cope with gravel roads and slippery surfaces, but not the rough and tumble of the Aussie bush. So it really comes down to how far off road you need to go. And if the answer is a long way, even if it’s just occasionally, then the Everest is your best choice.

Hyundai Santa Fe 2019: Should I buy the diesel version?

You can work this out mathematically if bald numbers don’t scare you. The petrol four-cylinder Santa Fe is $3000 cheaper than the diesel. In all-wheel-drive form, the diesel has an official combined fuel consumption figure of 7.5 litres per 100km, while the petrol scores 9.3 litres. That means, that for every 100km travelled (based on those official test figures, remember) the petrol will use 1.8 litres more fuel. Based on $1.50 per litre, that means the petrol will cost about $2.70 more to run for every 100km, and that means you’d need to cover roughly 111,000km before you broke even on the extra purchase-price of the diesel. Even then, it’s not that simple as the diesel might be more expensive to service and maintain. Either way, though, petrol starts to look good. That said, you sound like you’re in the perfect situation to make the most of a diesel engine. Yes, the turbo-diesel will tow a small caravan better than the four-cylinder petrol Santa Fe and, provided you do at least some country driving every month or so, you shouldn’t need to worry about the diesel particulate filter filling up or failing. Country driving will also stretch the diesel’s fuel consumption advantage further. My advice? Drive both and make a decision based on the smoothness of the petrol or the relaxed flexibility and towing smarts of the diesel.

Hyundai Santa Fe 2009: Timing belt replacement

The petrol V6 has a timing belt and should be changed every 90,000 km. The diesel has a chain that doesn’t require replacement.

What SUV should I buy?

There are many SUVs that would fit within your budget. I would suggest you try a Toyota Kluger, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Isuzu MU-X, Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Hyundai Santa Fe 2010: Does this model have a timing belt or chain?

Most versions of the Santa Fe diesel had a timing chain, but there was a 2.2-litre CRDi diesel, codenamed aD4EB-V, made between 2006 and 2010 that had a belt. Check the code number of your engine to see if you have that engine.

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Hyundai Santa Fe 2013 Problems

No car is perfect, but we've gathered everything relating to the Hyundai Santa Fe 2013 reliability here to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

Hyundai Santa Fe 2013: Warranty repair issues

Answered by CarsGuide 28 Jun 2019

For starters it’s not a new car; it’s six years old. But if as you say it has only done 61,000 km and has been properly serviced by a Hyundai dealer I would approach the company and seek a good will deal that would cover some or all of the cost of repairs. It does seem like a catastrophic failure, so if dealing with Hyundai doesn’t prove successful, try your state’s consumer affairs people.

Hyundai Santa Fe 2013: Broken transmission

Answered by CarsGuide 2 Nov 2018

The 12-month warranty is designed to give you confidence in the car, but if you’ve completely lost faith in it then it could be best to sell it and move on.

Transmission

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe diff failure

Answered by CarsGuide 11 May 2018

Diff failures are not common, but not unknown either. I would try to get Hyundai to help out with the cost, their obligations to support their vehicles don't end when the warranty expires.

Transmission

Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Kia, Land Rover, and Ram models recalled

10 Aug 2017 · by Justin Hilliard

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced its latest round of national recalls, with models from Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Kia, Land Rover and Ram impacted.

Hyundai, Jaguar, Kia, Volvo models headline latest recalls

19 Jun 2017 · by Justin Hilliard

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued its latest round of recalls, with models from Hyundai, Jaguar, Kia and Volvo impacted by the recent safety notices.

Hyundai Santa Fe 2013: Transmission problems

Answered by CarsGuide 5 Aug 2016

Our trade contacts don't report any significant issues on the Santa Fe auto at this time; they've only done low kays to this point. Hopefully Hyundai replaced the transmission under warranty, so you're not out of pocket. Maybe if other Santa Fe owners have had this problem they might contact us and tell us about their experience.

Transmission

Hyundai Santa Fe 2013: Diesel servicing advice

Answered by CarsGuide 6 Jul 2016

Your mechanic is living in the past, perhaps because he could be out of a job on servicing your car. The Hyundai has a five-year warranty with capped-price servicing, so you know the service costs before you start, and it's still inside the original warranty period so has factory backing.

Diesel

Used Hyundai Santa Fe review: 2000-2015

31 May 2016 · by Ewan Kennedy

Ewan Kennedy reviews the first, second and third generation Hyundai Santa Fe between 2000 and 2015 as a used buy.

Hyundai Santa Fe 2013: Steering wheel peeling away

Answered by CarsGuide 12 Oct 2015

You will be getting a new wheel. I have contacted Hyundai Australia and the company admits it has some rare problems, perhaps caused by people's skin types, but is happy to replace any affected steering wheel after a running change to cars for Australia.

Used Hyundai Santa Fe review: 2000-2013

22 Jul 2014 · by Ewan Kennedy

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the used 2000-2013 Hyundai Santa Fe.

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