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The 2004 Hyundai offers a surprising level of driving enjoyment, safety, security and quality construction. But before I talk about this vehicle that I picked up from Olathe's mega dealer, Sunflower Automotive, let's have a math lesson. Years ago in Northwest Arkansas there lived a very successful but uneducated farmer. My father always said that he couldn't read or write, but he could count real well. Lacking a formal education this farmer ran his business well because he minded his money and knew the value of a dollar. With budgets stretched tight it's important to purchase a car you can afford each and every month. For many the decision of which new vehicle to buy often comes down to the monthly payments. Regardless of what deceptive advertisement gimmick you may have seen, car payments are always the result of simple arithmetic. The amount financed, interest rate and length of term are the only components to a car payment. Owing money on a trade may affect the amount ultimately financed or bad credit may affect the interest rate but in the end a car payment is simple math involving these three variables. If I repaid $1,000 over the next 5 years in equal monthly installments with no interest, I would owe $16.67 each month. Add 8% interest and my monthly payment would be $20.28. Therefore if I financed $20,000 at 8% APR for 60 months my monthly payments would be $405.58 or simply 20 X $20.28. Poor credit increases the risk and therefore your rate or special finance deals from the manufacturer may lower your payment. The reality is that most people will pay anywhere from $75-$100 per month for every $4,000 they finance over five years.
So how do I cut my monthly expense? One of the easiest ways to lower your car payment is to finance less money by purchasing a less expensive vehicle. This week I drove a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe 4WD GLS 3.5 from Sunflower Hyundai in Olathe KS. Admittedly you can start out in a very adequate front wheel drive with a 4-cylinder 5 speed manual transmission SUV for $17,549, but we went for the fully equipped four-wheel-drive, GLS powered by the 3.5 liter V6 and 5 speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic. Loaded with a 218 watt Monsoon 6-disc in-dash CD system this little jewel did not reach $25,000. This fifteen foot long sport utility is not only good looking but easy to park with the popular command position seating and great visibility. Large lights and classic styling make this a very attractive vehicle. The interior space is well laid out with large controls placed in uncomplicated logical positions. A stylish dash wraps into the door for easy to reach locks, windows, mirrors and vent controls. Available as a Base, GLS or LX version, the Santa Fe contains a remarkable list of standard features. Our 3-5 V6 produces an impressive 200 horsepower and 219 ft-lbs of torque with the EPA fuel economy advertised as a respectable 17 city and 21 highway rating. Weighing in at less than 4,000 pounds the ride is much more solid and quiet than expected. Zero to highway speed is effortless and quick. While not a true off-road competitor, the four-wheel drive version is automatic and capable of everything but extreme rock climbing. How important is it that your warranty outlasts your car payment? Well consider this, you have paid faithfully on your new car that you financed for 5 years but your warranty ran out at the end of three years. A major breakdown occurs after warranty but you are still obligated to make your $405.53 car payment. Can you afford a big repair and the car payment? The Hyundai Santa Fe simply has the best standard warranty of any new car. The 5 year-60,000 mile standard bumper-to-bumper warranty covers most components while you pay off the car and the 10 year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty protects you from most catastrophic losses long after the car is paid. So if you are on a budget and seeking the security of a long warranty and low monthly payments take a drive in the 2004 Hyundai Sante Fe. You will find a fun great looking vehicle that will make your math teacher proud.
2004 Hyundai Santa Fe 4WD GLS 3.5 Base MSRP $17,999
5 speed Automatic with Shiftronic
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©2003 - Stan Risener