XTerra or 2007 Sante Fe

Chunkee

Lifer
Jul 28, 2002
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both are pretty nice... can get decked out SanteFe (non 4wd) for 249xx that is the limited version. Nissan has some incentives right now though...

anyone have either?

jC
 

slsmnaz

Diamond Member
Mar 13, 2005
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I have an '05 Xterra and really like it. However, it you're looking for "fully-loaded" the Xterra didn't offer things like leather seats, etc. (IIRC) so there will be a difference there.
 

vi edit

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 28, 1999
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Two really different vehicles. Santa Fe is a car based vehicle, the XTerra is a truck based one. One is built for comfort, the other for function. There are compromises on both ends. The SF will be better on the roads and be more economical, the XT is set up for much more rugged use and will compromise a bit on the roads. It will have a lot worse milage too.

Have you looked a the new Rav 4's? Same size as those two, and a better performing V6 than either. You'll lose out on some options though because Toyota is quite proud of their products.

 

d3n

Golden Member
Mar 13, 2004
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Hmm, Just blank posted again, let me add my thoughts


Get a minivan, I drive one of those.
 

Chunkee

Lifer
Jul 28, 2002
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Originally posted by: vi_edit
Two really different vehicles. Santa Fe is a car based vehicle, the XTerra is a truck based one. One is built for comfort, the other for function. There are compromises on both ends. The SF will be better on the roads and be more economical, the XT is set up for much more rugged use and will compromise a bit on the roads. It will have a lot worse milage too.

Have you looked a the new Rav 4's? Same size as those two, and a better performing V6 than either. You'll lose out on some options though because Toyota is quite proud of their products.

Yes, and I do like the new RAV4...however, you are quite correct...for the same equipped type of Hyundai...i would be paying 6-7 less than a decked out Rav 4, at 30 grand, the RAV 4 is way overrpriced if you ask me.... I know the xterra is more rugged. and i do like to go out to those areas...i live right next to the smokies and also enjoy kayaking and climbing...but the xterra gets crappy gas mileage and does not have a great warranty of the hyundai...i am leaning toward the Hyundai...

jC
 

d3n

Golden Member
Mar 13, 2004
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Originally posted by: Chunkee
Originally posted by: vi_edit
Two really different vehicles. Santa Fe is a car based vehicle, the XTerra is a truck based one. One is built for comfort, the other for function. There are compromises on both ends. The SF will be better on the roads and be more economical, the XT is set up for much more rugged use and will compromise a bit on the roads. It will have a lot worse milage too.

Have you looked a the new Rav 4's? Same size as those two, and a better performing V6 than either. You'll lose out on some options though because Toyota is quite proud of their products.

Yes, and I do like the new RAV4...however, you are quite correct...for the same equipped type of Hyundai...i would be paying 6-7 less than a decked out Rav 4, at 30 grand, the RAV 4 is way overrpriced if you ask me.... I know the xterra is more rugged. and i do like to go out to those areas...i live right next to the smokies and also enjoy kayaking and climbing...but the xterra gets crappy gas mileage and does not have a great warranty of the hyundai...i am leaning toward the Hyundai...

jC

I would look at an all wheel drive station wagon then. Why throw your floats over your head when you could get by with shoulder hight. With some wagons you can get the whole deal inside. I am partial to volvo, maybe a V50.
 

Chunkee

Lifer
Jul 28, 2002
10,391
1
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Originally posted by: d3n
Originally posted by: Chunkee
Originally posted by: vi_edit
Two really different vehicles. Santa Fe is a car based vehicle, the XTerra is a truck based one. One is built for comfort, the other for function. There are compromises on both ends. The SF will be better on the roads and be more economical, the XT is set up for much more rugged use and will compromise a bit on the roads. It will have a lot worse milage too.

Have you looked a the new Rav 4's? Same size as those two, and a better performing V6 than either. You'll lose out on some options though because Toyota is quite proud of their products.

Yes, and I do like the new RAV4...however, you are quite correct...for the same equipped type of Hyundai...i would be paying 6-7 less than a decked out Rav 4, at 30 grand, the RAV 4 is way overrpriced if you ask me.... I know the xterra is more rugged. and i do like to go out to those areas...i live right next to the smokies and also enjoy kayaking and climbing...but the xterra gets crappy gas mileage and does not have a great warranty of the hyundai...i am leaning toward the Hyundai...

jC

I would look at an all wheel drive station wagon then. Why throw your floats over your head when you could get by with shoulder hight. With some wagons you can get the whole deal inside. I am partial to volvo, maybe a V50.


i have been open to that also...including the subaru Outback wagons...but they are high dollar also and a bit on the small side inside... got three kids and the mommy...so i need some room and cargo....

JC
 

vi edit

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 28, 1999
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Originally posted by: Chunkee
Originally posted by: d3n
Originally posted by: Chunkee
Originally posted by: vi_edit
Two really different vehicles. Santa Fe is a car based vehicle, the XTerra is a truck based one. One is built for comfort, the other for function. There are compromises on both ends. The SF will be better on the roads and be more economical, the XT is set up for much more rugged use and will compromise a bit on the roads. It will have a lot worse milage too.

Have you looked a the new Rav 4's? Same size as those two, and a better performing V6 than either. You'll lose out on some options though because Toyota is quite proud of their products.

Yes, and I do like the new RAV4...however, you are quite correct...for the same equipped type of Hyundai...i would be paying 6-7 less than a decked out Rav 4, at 30 grand, the RAV 4 is way overrpriced if you ask me.... I know the xterra is more rugged. and i do like to go out to those areas...i live right next to the smokies and also enjoy kayaking and climbing...but the xterra gets crappy gas mileage and does not have a great warranty of the hyundai...i am leaning toward the Hyundai...

jC

I would look at an all wheel drive station wagon then. Why throw your floats over your head when you could get by with shoulder hight. With some wagons you can get the whole deal inside. I am partial to volvo, maybe a V50.


i have been open to that also...including the subaru Outback wagons...but they are high dollar also and a bit on the small side inside... got three kids and the mommy...so i need some room and cargo....

JC

Have you looked at the Ford Freestyle? It's quite a bit bigger than either the XT or the SF. Pricing isn't *that* much out of line either. It won't be as off road capable as the XT, but will be equal to the Hyundai. Ford is also offering longer warranties now too.
 

Chunkee

Lifer
Jul 28, 2002
10,391
1
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Originally posted by: vi_edit
Originally posted by: Chunkee
Originally posted by: d3n
Originally posted by: Chunkee
Originally posted by: vi_edit
Two really different vehicles. Santa Fe is a car based vehicle, the XTerra is a truck based one. One is built for comfort, the other for function. There are compromises on both ends. The SF will be better on the roads and be more economical, the XT is set up for much more rugged use and will compromise a bit on the roads. It will have a lot worse milage too.

Have you looked a the new Rav 4's? Same size as those two, and a better performing V6 than either. You'll lose out on some options though because Toyota is quite proud of their products.

Yes, and I do like the new RAV4...however, you are quite correct...for the same equipped type of Hyundai...i would be paying 6-7 less than a decked out Rav 4, at 30 grand, the RAV 4 is way overrpriced if you ask me.... I know the xterra is more rugged. and i do like to go out to those areas...i live right next to the smokies and also enjoy kayaking and climbing...but the xterra gets crappy gas mileage and does not have a great warranty of the hyundai...i am leaning toward the Hyundai...

jC

I would look at an all wheel drive station wagon then. Why throw your floats over your head when you could get by with shoulder hight. With some wagons you can get the whole deal inside. I am partial to volvo, maybe a V50.


i have been open to that also...including the subaru Outback wagons...but they are high dollar also and a bit on the small side inside... got three kids and the mommy...so i need some room and cargo....

JC

Have you looked at the Ford Freestyle? It's quite a bit bigger than either the XT or the SF. Pricing isn't *that* much out of line either. It won't be as off road capable as the XT, but will be equal to the Hyundai. Ford is also offering longer warranties now too.



A fellow at church has one...it looks to be very nice and about right...dunno how well they do...i will check them out online.

thanks mate

jC
 

d3n

Golden Member
Mar 13, 2004
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If not for the fact that you drive around in the mountains I would say minivan it is! I really love our 04 Sienna but I have to admit that the Hyundai model is the way I would go now even looks pretty sharp. I do not have an AWD but it is an option.

With the sliding doors and the cargo room I wouldn't get anything else for our family.

Perhaps look hard at a used Volvo XC70.
 

vi edit

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 28, 1999
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If you wanted to look a few years old, you should be able to wheel and deal fairly aggressively on the Highlander Limiteds. The new Rav4 is cannibalizing sales on existing ones, and the current models are slated for extinction shortly. Used ones are just sitting on the lots after a huge lease push by Toyota. You could probably pick up a fully loaded Limited with under 40,000 miles & an a bumper to bumper extended warranty for around $22k give or take a few.

Another option for you anyway. We've got an '05 and it's a nice vehicle. It's one of the safest cars on the road(according to many insurance agencies) and it's very easy to live with. Great visibility and very functional room inside. Gas milage is *ok*. We only get about 22 on the highway with the 4WD version. In town is around 18MPG. Ground clearance is better than the Santa Fe so it will be a bit better off road, but still will not hold a candle to the XT.
 

theeedude

Lifer
Feb 5, 2006
35,787
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Definitely X-Terra if you plan to go off roading. Or that Toyota FJ cruiser. Also, Nissan truck based SUV's have good handling for their class.
Santa-Fe is nice, but let's face it, crossovers are soccer-mom cars.
 

vi edit

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 28, 1999
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Originally posted by: senseamp
Definitely X-Terra if you plan to go off roading. Or that Toyota FJ cruiser. Also, Nissan truck based SUV's have good handling for their class.
Santa-Fe is nice, but let's face it, crossovers are soccer-mom cars.

An FJ cruiser would be at the bottom of my list for a family of 5.
 

Chunkee

Lifer
Jul 28, 2002
10,391
1
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Originally posted by: vi_edit
Originally posted by: senseamp
Definitely X-Terra if you plan to go off roading. Or that Toyota FJ cruiser. Also, Nissan truck based SUV's have good handling for their class.
Santa-Fe is nice, but let's face it, crossovers are soccer-mom cars.

An FJ cruiser would be at the bottom of my list for a family of 5.

that is correct...and it is funny about the soccer mom comment...most soccer moms i see have big ole SUVs like expeditions, suburbans and those tahoe xls. stupid ... buying such a vehicle for 1 or two kids....most only have one child....

The minivan is a good deal right now. we have a 2000 grand caravan that has been flawless...the new ones with the stow and go seats and the incentives right now make them all the more appealing again... my boss has a new odyssey...gets crappy gas mileage and has had problems with it already...i think the hype fo the toyota and honda minivans is just that...my parents have an older odyssey...for the pricepoint, options and reliability...the dodge has suited us very well...been on so many trips...only thing done to it was oil changes, tires and tune ups....and one window motor in 108 thousand miles.... still runs great and the tranny does not slip one bit...

jC
 

ZOOYUKA

Platinum Member
Jan 24, 2005
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My wife drives a 2005 Xterra. We love it. It handles well and it is a very functional vehicle. You get alot of bang for your buck.
 

d3n

Golden Member
Mar 13, 2004
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Originally posted by: Chunkee
Originally posted by: vi_edit
Originally posted by: senseamp
Definitely X-Terra if you plan to go off roading. Or that Toyota FJ cruiser. Also, Nissan truck based SUV's have good handling for their class.
Santa-Fe is nice, but let's face it, crossovers are soccer-mom cars.

An FJ cruiser would be at the bottom of my list for a family of 5.

that is correct...and it is funny about the soccer mom comment...most soccer moms i see have big ole SUVs like expeditions, suburbans and those tahoe xls. stupid ... buying such a vehicle for 1 or two kids....most only have one child....

The minivan is a good deal right now. we have a 2000 grand caravan that has been flawless...the new ones with the stow and go seats and the incentives right now make them all the more appealing again... my boss has a new odyssey...gets crappy gas mileage and has had problems with it already...i think the hype fo the toyota and honda minivans is just that...my parents have an older odyssey...for the pricepoint, options and reliability...the dodge has suited us very well...been on so many trips...only thing done to it was oil changes, tires and tune ups....and one window motor in 108 thousand miles.... still runs great and the tranny does not slip one bit...

jC


The Sienna has a very lexus like feel after it gets a shine down. Smooth and not a problem after two years and 40k miles. The trim and fit put the Ody to shame, even the current year models which still feel 'plasticy'. The problem as I see it with Toyota is the stealerships bank on Toyotas reputation and are very unyeilding in the buying process. I bought mine entierly online which seemed to help cut the crap.

Its plain that Hyundai has come a long way on their vehicles. I would not have looked at thim 5 or 6 years ago but now I would put them on my short list. To echo your soccer mom observation the Volvo dealership where I browse says that is the typical buyer for the XC90 SUV are women with toddlers. Its insanly overpriced in my mind. Most that are serious about a sport utility for functinality go with the wagon. Which is also overpriced imho except for the used market.