I bought the Santa Fe ... with leather seats!
(note: this post is not objective ... I am in love with the Santa Fe! and with my wife too ;-))
I will probably disappoint the frugals amongst you: I've not only bought the Hyundai Santa Fe AWD, but I've bought the top model with leather seats, etc (GLS model). I did manage to get a good deal thanks to White Eagle's tip of using carcostcanada.com. It gives you the invoice price the dealer pays the manufacturer for vehicles. The site says you should expect a markup from 3 to 8%, but I've managed to get it lowered around 1.5%. That's good money saved.
It's really a luxury and not something I needed. But each time, I'll be driving it, I'll feel good about my choice. This car is really the most fun I had on the road since I've bought my first used Corolla 11 years ago. It's pretty cool to have all that acceleration power when you need to pass someone. I also like having the better view because you sit really high. The reviews are great. There's a five year bumper to bumper warranty. It cost less than the equivalent Honda or Toyota car. The safety ratings are excellent and it has all the new features you'd expect: traction control, electronic brake distribution, curtain airbags, active head restraints,etc.
Did I mention that the cargo space is huge? And the seats are heated :-)
Do any of you drive cars that you really like and are more than "it drives me from A to B" types?
