We’ve got us a Korean in the family now.
The Wife decided upon a 2005 Sante Fe, from Hyundai. And I can’t say that I’m at all disappointed.
We wandered on in and took a look around, found the finance guy (to find out how much Wifey was worth to the salesman) and it was nearly lurve at first sight on this lease return.
Let’s see: 2.7L V6 w/33K Miles (and nearly half the factory warranty left), 10 speaker stereo, ABS, Traction Control, etc. Basically, every option except leather and a sunroof (lack of the latter is a regret of The Wife’s).
My only real regret was that she told me to stop. I’d gotten a grand taken off the price due to a scratch and a bump and was in negotiations (not yet Jedi style “aggressive Negotiations”) for the new set of tires when I was signaled to stop. Still got the full tank of gas though. $14999 out the door.
Edmonds likes them. So do the Motor Trend guys. Car and Driver thought it was only OK, but even after the Cherokee placed tops in the snow, those bozos put it next to last in the class, so screw them.
I really like it’s best in class safety rating, with more airbags than grandmas got cookies and that a 6ft 5in, 275lb human can get in and out of it and be comfortable in any seating spot. The styling is a bit much for me, but it actually works in making the vehicle easier to drive since you can effortlessly look over all the angles.
The Wife thinks it looks like a funky station wagon with a suspension lift. And since its her opinion that counts here, I’ll agree.
My wife doesn’t like the “funky station wagon with a lift” look, unfortunately.
Right now, I’d say the Audi will most likely be replaced by a Nissan Xterra. Even though I’m not a big fan of it’s oversize roof rack.
Just remember not to waste your time with the Supercharged Nissans. The boost is nominal, and therefore so is the performance benefit, and the underhood noise is something along the lines of a very angry hornet zinging around inside of a tin can.
goodluck
Oh what disappointment, I was waiting to see the wood sided station wagon. The big question is, is there enough room for her to pick-up the groceries, dry cleaning, and pack the kids around? You don’t want to get to nice a car, she won’t stay in the kitchen. Although that nice a radio will drowned out the kids screaming.