2009 Santa Fe Limited Deal
2009 Hyundai Santa Fe AWD V-6
With all the recent hype surrounding the Cash for Clunkers Program, I had been seriously investigating what kind of "deal" I could get, let alone what kind of SUV or Crossover vehicle would be able to replace my 15-year-old Ford Explorer (with 246,000 miles on it!).
I looked at the Toyota RAV-4, which was too cramped and overpriced. After a test drive, I found that the Ford Escape, which was all plastic, was somewhat of sub-par quality. Finally I found and test-drove the vehicle that was night-and-day above the others as far as quality and comfort at a comparable price: the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe!
I wanted to share my tips and experience so others may possibly benefit from what I did...
About a week ago, I looked at the available Santa Fe models and options at one dealer that I heard good things about and really wanted to negotiate with. The next week, I went to another dealer to get a quote, with the intention of negotiating a better deal at the first dealer.
After getting the run-around, and being presented with an informal offer on paper for the SE model (which I was originally after) which they would not let me take with me, I was told that they could not locate the vehicle I was interested in at any NH dealership. However, I was offered a "deep discount" (LOL - I have to laugh) on the Limited model (leather, premium this and that, power moon/sunroof, etc.), and told how much better it was and what a "steal" I was getting... I told them I had to sleep on it and check with my wife (love you, Samai!), and at least left with a formal invoice listing for a Limited model at a much-discounted price...
The next day I called the first dealer and mentioned price matching, which they agreed they could do. To keep track of the "informal" offer I was made, I had marked up my invoice from the second dealer with a Sharpie, giving myself the original rebate and discounts from the informal quote at the first dealer, plus I put myself in for some additional "dealer" discounts and waived fees.
Then back to the first dealer I went, and armed with my invoice, not really intending to use it but kept it really as a point of reference. I fully expected to have to defend the price.
It's hard to believe, but it worked, and without any haggling! I even negotiated some additional discounts on top of this!
So between the powertrain warranty (10 years/100,000 miles), 6 years/60,000 miles bumper-to-bumper warranty, the 12 month buy-back policy (in case I get laid off), the Cash for Clunkers program (getting rid of my 1994 rotting, gas-guzzling Ford Explorer 4WD), and the bottom line price (less than I originally planned for the SE model), it was a no-brainer... Deepwater Blue metallic exterior, with a Charcoal/Black leather interior... sharp lookin'!
Check out the Santa Fe at the Hyundai USA web site.
OK, so my domestic vehicle allegiance has been shaken a bit. But you can rest at least partially assured that although the Hyundai Santa Fe is owned by a South Korean company, it is designed in Southern California, USA, they have a large manufacturing plant right here in Alabama, USA. So that means American jobs at least!
Here are some more photos:
-Dan
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Well, still no reply from the ‘Bama or Gov. Lynch, but I did find some more info on the Cash For Clunkers. Pass it on to anyone you know who may have used the program:
From the original (no longer active) http://www.cars.gov web site :
Q. Is the credit subject to being taxed as income to the consumers that participate in the program?
A. NO. The CARS Act expressly provides that the credit is not income for the consumer.
From TaxACT.com and also referenced at http://www.irs.gov :
– New Vehicle Purchase Incentive: Qualifying taxpayers can deduct the state and local sales and excise taxes paid on the purchase of new cars, light trucks, motor homes and motorcycles. The deduction per vehicle is limited to the tax on up to $49,500 of the purchase price of each qualifying vehicle and phases out for taxpayers at higher income levels.
Share the knowledge…
Well a week now, and still no comments back from the ‘Bama or Gov. Lynch…
Guess I’ll have to do some digging myself.
More info:
Watch out, because the Cash For Clunkers payments may be taxable!
Depending on your state, you may pay sales tax, state income tax, and regardless of state you may pay Federal Income Tax!!! This was not clearly disclosed in the process from what I recall… which is Ultra-LAME!
I did send out emails about this to Governor Lynch (NH Governor) and President Obama.
-Dan
Too bad, the Cash for Clunkers program is officially over as of August 24, 2009 at 8PM. Right, wrong or indifferent, I hope you got a chance to “clunk” your vehicle if it qualified (and was worth it, of course)…
Now we wait for the next stimulus program, based on the hazardous waste that is created by replacing the battery in a hybrid vehicle. I heard through the grapevine that this might be called “Bills for Batteries” LOL
(sorry, long day…)
Updated 20Aug2009: added some photos…