Otay

 

It's funny this post comes up because I had a "well to do" customer a few weeks back who said she has driven many top shelf SUVs (ML, XC90, X5), and of the group she like a Santa Fe she had to rent while her ML was getting fixed. She dumped the Benz for one after she got it back and now says she'll drive nothing else.

So maybe the thing is worth giving the benefit of the doubt? Interesting....

 

Is "Luxury" real OR perceived?

 

makes you wonder don't it . I mean with some cars going for 75K plus but the actual cost to manufacturer and parts is only like 5K ...

I mean don't get me wrong. the materials used in some cars like stainless timining belts etc make it worth more, but is it really worth paying like 20-50K more than what it costs to make just because its got a tri-star or a porsche on its hood?

 

yeah. like the new honda accord. Tell me that it's a "worse" car than a 530i at twice the price.

 

Funny thing too, my mom bought one. She loved it and stoped driving her MB so she sold it.

She said for what she needs it for, who needs the benz, the Hyundai was perfect. I think all the electronic gizmos in the Mercedes and all the other "luxury" cars was overwhelming... I think my mom's generation thinks the internet is some kind of new contraption to go commercial fishing or something....

 

Exactly what is going to happen to these trucks out of warranty, and/or with miles? Have you seen what's happening to the prices of 04's with miles and out of warranty? More than 50% depreciation for many, in 3 years or less. Sobering.
Unfortunately, we're on the same path with late model 911's. And it's not just Porsches. The other brands are in a similar situation. It looks like the cheapest way to buy a late model Porsche is going to be to lease one. I think the depreciation will be less, as well as the worry. Thank your friends the bean counters who want to sell 60-70000 units. It was better in the old days when there was less product. The late model cars are very cool, but the finance situation is tough. And what I really meant to say was that the Sante Fe is no Porsche, never will be, but a darn good product for the $$$.

 

at the risk of flying beer bottles into the monitor...

the Hyundai Azera doesn't suck. Loaded for well under 30K, more power than a 530i and more interior space than a 7 series... leather, wood, inifinity sound...

Do I want one? Well no. But it's a nice car.

 

What's wrong with you people? Is this even a debate on why the Sante Fe is good?

Luxury is luxury. It's meant to be at a price level that cannot be obtained by everybody. Even though the Porsche is not 3x as good, it's brand is 12x as good. You won't see your friends younger brother drive it (as much anyways), you won't see your friends mom drive (see previous paranthesis).

Is the Louis V bag that much better then Coach? Nah... Does Rolex keep better time? Nope.

I don't understand how I got involved.

 

Are you kidding? Just the depreciation on a Cayenne can get you a brand new Santa Fe.

 

cayenne is probably 1 # in resale value, its been consistently 30K+ even though its a 4 year old model . The 5-series BMW which came out the same year as the cayenne and costs just as much... has dropped so much it can be had for in the 20-25K.

 

I'm unsure how 40-50% depreciation in 2-3 years is good resale...and SO many of them for sale too! Other side of the coin is that an 06 Turbo with great equipment is almost $50 THOUSAND dollars off its new price.....

 

In other words, if you don't give a crap about what you drive why not consider a Hyundai? It goes way beyond "super sharp steering and super balanced engines". The technology, quality of materials, design, funtionality,comfort, performance,etc, etc. I would no more compare a Santa Fe to a Cayenne than I would a Carrera to a Chrysler Sebring other than they both have four wheels. For some people, these other cars are a great option and they are good basic transportation but Porsche stands for something well beyond that. How many guys can't wait to get behind the wheel of their Santa Fe? Its the difference between driving to make good time and driving to have a good time.

 

Okay, I have to come back out of lurker mode for this one.
The Sante Fe is an okay looking car named after a pretty city in the Beautiful state of New Mexico, made by Koreans- why didn't they name it after one of their own cities if the are so proud? (just curious)
Ever see a Hyundai after even a moderate accident? I have- you don't want to be in the car, regardless of the 5 star crash test award.
Warranty? It's great, gotta love it- you'll need it after 60K.
A Santa Fe is 90% of a Cayenne? That must have been some drink you had before you drove it.
My buddy has one, because he is divorced. He said that if he spends more than an hour in the car he wants out, and tries to get me to lend him my Cayenne.
Is luxury perceived? Yes and no. The appointments in the Cayenne are perfect: leather, highly adjustable front seating, ergonomically correct placement of ***** and switches, seats heat up really fast, decent stereo- just the right kind and amount of accessories without feeling like I am traveling in a mobile Radio Shack.
90% of the handling of a Cayenne? Not! If you actually believe that, you obviously have never pushed the car enough to see what it can do.
My advice is that you sell your Cayenne and get a Santa Fe. It seems rather obvious that you don't fully understand and appreciate why Porsche is not just another car.

Porsche, there is no substitute.

 

I was kind of curious if there was a Sante Fe forum and if so what do they chat about. That they are almost a Cayenne? Found one and am still trying to get up off the floor from laughing my head off. Sick smell from A/C, car burnt up, piston through oil pan, where's the jack in my car....