How Long Does the Hyundai Santa Fe Last?

The Hyundai Santa Fe is becoming popular these days. 

When this car was initially presented in 1998, it actually took the market by storm, quickly becoming one of the finest products on sale. 

It has been one of America’s best-sellers for several consecutive years. 

It is easy to see why folks are so enthusiastic about it.

How Long Does the Hyundai Santa Fe Last?

The Hyundai Santa Fe may not have a reputation for being the most formidable midsize SUV, but you can generally expect a Hyundai Santa Fe to last you up 17 years without requiring major and expensive repairs. Regular oil changes and other routine servicing will help you get the most years possible out of your Santa Fe.

When it comes to the engine, you can expect your Hyundai Santa Fe to last between 220,000 and 300,000 miles. 

However, as mentioned before, regular maintenance is the answer to this vehicle’s engine not giving you problems for years to come.

Another thing that makes the Santa Fe so reliable is that Hyundai has made it very easy to work on and repair. 

Mechanics find its engine very easy to dismantle and fix, with most parts being easily accessible. 

Even if your motor finally dies after 300,000 miles, you don’t have to worry about getting a new vehicle. 

In fact, you can rest assured as you can simply take your Santa Fe to a mechanic who can dismantle the old engine and install another. 

Whether you are driving your Hyundai Santa Fe for one year or 10, one thing is for sure – it will always get you there.

The massive popularity of this model has made its spare parts readily available everywhere. 

The great thing is you never have to worry about expensive repairs because any plumber, mechanic, or dealership can easily provide you with a replacement part in most cases.

The Best Model Hyundai Santa Fe To Purchase

Pick the Santa Fe model that best suits your lifestyle. 

If you are a family man, then go for the Santa Fe Sport model, which has plenty of room in its cargo area. 

You can save fuel by buying one that is equipped with a 4-cylinder engine without sacrificing much on performance.

If you are a mechanic, then go for the Santa Fe Classic because it is one of the easiest models to work on.

If you are a young bachelor who travels all around town looking for excitement, I recommend getting the base model 2WD with a 4-cylinder engine. 

It’s not as fancy and high-tech as the other models.  

However, you can still enjoy all the perks of owning a Hyundai Santa Fe without spending too much on gas.

Model Years To Avoid

As with any vehicle, there are some model years to avoid when purchasing a Hyundai Santa Fe.

2004-2006 Models

You should avoid buying one produced between 2004-2006 because these models often come with problems related to transmission and engine.

2013 and 2015 Models

Also, avoid 2013 and 2015 models as they tend to have engine failure close to 90,000. 

2017 Models

The 2017 models have transmission problems. Owners also complain about the Hyundai Santa Fe’s trim pieces peeling off. 

2018 Models

The 2018 sport model has had the most complaints with severe engine issues before reaching 20,000 miles.

Why It Is A Good Buy

The Hyundai Santa Fe is one of the most reliable vehicles of its kind in America – and it’s not just me saying so. 

Many of its owners and mechanics agree that it is a very affordable car to fix, especially if you are attending college and on a tight budget.

It might not be the newest in town, but it has some of the best features like stylish body lines, a powerful engine, and a roomy cargo area.

It’s also versatile and tough enough to be used as a family or off-road vehicle.

Good All Around Vehicle

People love this car because of its speed and mileage and how it can easily take the passengers from point A to point B regardless of the weather outside. 

Some models even come with push-button four-wheel drive, meaning that you can enjoy better gas mileage.

Should the rain or snow come, you can turn on the all-wheel-drive and continue your journey.

Whether you want to drive it around town or to the beach, the Hyundai Santa Fe will not let you down.

Number of Sales

If you are not sold on how dependable the Hyundai Santa Fe is yet, you need to review the number of sales. 

There are currently more than 2 million Hyundai Santa Fe cars on the road today and millions more in homes across America.

There is no doubt that this vehicle has impacted so many lives. 

And many people were able to enjoy owning a Hyundai Santa Fe for several years. 

In the United States, sales have increased over the years. 

For example, in 2005 there were more than 68,000 sales. 

Just last year, in 2021, there were almost 113,000 sales.

Maintenance

The low cost of maintaining and repairing a Hyundai Santa Fe is another reason why many people choose to stick with this model for so long. 

Because parts are inexpensive and readily available, you won’t have a massive hole in your pocket when it comes time to fix or replace something. 

If you take good care of your car, you can safely drive it for more than 10 years before putting money into major repairs.

The main thing that will eventually need to be replaced/fixed is the timing belt. 

You should always keep it on time because its failure will leave you stranded and looking for a tow truck. 

Other than that, this vehicle has few problems. 

The engine, transmission, and tires are long-lasting and durable.

Regular Maintenance

One thing that prolongs the life of a Hyundai Santa Fe is regular oil changes. 

The engine is very durable but needs to be lubricated regularly. 

You don’t want metal components grinding against each other, as it will gradually damage them and create the need for repairs that could’ve been avoided with oil changes.

Wrapping Up

The Hyundai Santa Fe is an exceptionally reliable vehicle that comes in different styles to cater to your lifestyle. 

Its efficient fuel-saving features let you drive it for a long time without breaking the bank.

The cabin’s design is awe-inspiring, and it provides an enjoyable ride for all passengers regardless of their height, weight, age, or gender. 

The cargo area is large enough to hold your luggage during a family vacation. 

It also comes with several storage spaces to keep all your necessities within reach.

Although it does have a few minor problems here and there, most of them are negligible because they represent only a small percentage of all Santa Fe models manufactured over the years. 

It’s also easy to find mechanics specializing in Hyundai cars, so you don’t have to worry about being overcharged for a diagnostic or a repair.