We pulled the trigger on a car on Saturday. We went over to Poquet Auto in lovely Golden Valley and got a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe with less than 9000 miles. It looks a lot like the one in the picture, except ours will trade in the seaside backdrop for something more like this.
We reached a point of no return on Thursday night, when our beloved old Lumina broke down in a parking lot in St. Anthony. Our mechanic reported that a new fuel pump was needed and considering that the cost of the repair was more than the car is worth, it was a pretty easy decision. Lazarus will going to a charity and I hope that it will continue to serve someone. But it won't be us.
The new ride is a departure for us in a number of ways. We've always owned only Detroit metal and we've pretty much had sedans, so a Santa Fe is a different choice. The mileage on this model is about the same as we would get with a conventional sedan, so the added versatility seemed to make sense. Hyundai has improved its vehicles considerably in the last 5 years and this model compares favorably with another car I test drove, a Toyota Highlander. Although it looks a bit smaller than the Highlander, the Santa Fe's interior dimensions are almost exactly the same, with plenty of room in the back seat for our growing kids. And considering that this one has low miles and was in our price range, it was a pretty easy decision to make.
Some people are really into cars. We aren't. We've never seen the need to spend a lot of money on a vehicle for its cachet. We just want something that is reliable and adaptable to our prosaic suburban lifestyle. And of course, if Gino drives one, you know it's got to be good.
6 comments:
good choice.
i'm actually on my second sante fe (wife got the first when we split).
i thought maybe it might be a little small for you, but i think the latest generation is actually roomier. i know they perform even better than the 04(my year).
i've test driven them.
Another tradiontally loyal American Car Buyer leaves the ranks and opts for a foreign model. Could this be a mircocasm for the problems that Detroit is having overall?
Funny you should mention that, anonymous. My last two American cars were assembled in Ontario, while this foreign model is assembled in Alabama.
I will admit to wondering about the viability of U.S. automakers, though.
or, just what IS an american car maker.
even the big three are owned in part, or own part of, foriegn makers. its all rather incestuous.
due to their success here, hyundai opend a plant in alabama just a couple yrs ago. mine was assembled in korea.
Looks like a sweet ride--may it serve you for many miles to come :-)
Congrats. Does the new ride have GPS and Directions-finder, or do you need directions to our place for the SB party?
Post a Comment