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Car Forum / Hyundai Cars / July 2007

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Choice of Hyundai vs Forester

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Neville MADDEN - 25 Jul 2007 22:19 GMT
Good morning everyone,

I'm planning on buying either a new Hyundau Tucson SX (V6 2.7 Litre, Auto
Transmission) or a Subaru Forrester (base model Auto).  I am leaning
towards the Hyundai as they are offering what, to me seems a better deal,
expecially the 5 year warranty.  The fuel consumption on either is about
the same but the Hyundai offers more power and (I hope) that when I open
the hatchback door it doesn't dump all the accumulated rainwater on me!

I'd appreciate any thoughts or suggestions on the purchase.  I have only
started following this newsgroup so haven't been in touch with much
discussion on the new Hyundai vehicles.

Thanks

Neville
Cootamundra NSW
Australia
Eric G. - 25 Jul 2007 23:20 GMT
G'day.  I am a diehard Hyundai enthusiast.  With that said, let me
compare the two vehicles based on what I know about the Tucson (I have
never owned one personally) and what I know about the Forrester (my
Mother owns one that I have had the chance to drive on many occasions -
a 2006 model):

- The Subaru gets better mileage irregardless of what the window
stickers say.  My Mother AVERAGES 27 MPG in her Forrester.  From what I
have read about the Tucson, most people get about 19-21 MPG on average.

- Build quality and reliability are about equal from where I sit.

- Warranty is Hyundai's hands down.

- Subaru service is a rip-off, but many would say the same about
Hyundai.

- I have never driven a Tucson, but the ride on the Subaru is excellent.  
I suspect the same for the Tucson.

- The Tucson will give you more options and creature comforts for your
dollar.

- Subaru parts are expensive, but as I am learning about Hyundai, due to
a recent accident in my Entourage, so are the Hyundai parts (in fact,
the body shop CLAIMS that the body parts are as expensive as most
Mercedes).

That's about as objective as I can be, and I hope it helps.

Good luck.

Eric

> Good morning everyone,
>
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
> Cootamundra NSW
> Australia
Neville MADDEN - 26 Jul 2007 07:11 GMT
Eric,

Thanks for the info.

> G'day.  I am a diehard Hyundai enthusiast.  With that said, let me
> compare the two vehicles based on what I know about the Tucson (I have
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> I have read about the Tucson, most people get about 19-21 MPG on
> average.

The 21mpg (US I assume) works out to about the 11 litres/100km quoted
down here in Australia so I can handle that.  

> - Build quality and reliability are about equal from where I sit.
>
> - Warranty is Hyundai's hands down.
>
> - Subaru service is a rip-off, but many would say the same about
> Hyundai.
Without checking the manufacturers specs on service I have been told that
the Hyundai's first major service is at 90,000km (55,000 mile) whereas
the Subaru is 50,000km.  Here in Australia the dealer can't force you to
have a vehicle serviced at a Hyundai dealership but as long as the
service is carried out by a licenced mechanic it doesn't void your
warranty.

> - I have never driven a Tucson, but the ride on the Subaru is
> excellent.  I suspect the same for the Tucson.
>
> - The Tucson will give you more options and creature comforts for your
> dollar.

I'm looking at the SX Tucson (V6 auto) and about the only option is a
sunroof which I'm not interested in.  It comes with all the gizmos I, as
a senior citizen, would ever want.

> - Subaru parts are expensive, but as I am learning about Hyundai, due
> to a recent accident in my Entourage, so are the Hyundai parts (in
> fact, the body shop CLAIMS that the body parts are as expensive as
> most Mercedes).
My insurance compay's problem but I'll probably pay through increased
premiums.

> That's about as objective as I can be, and I hope it helps.
>
[quoted text clipped - 21 lines]
>> Cootamundra NSW
>> Australia
Eric G. - 26 Jul 2007 11:53 GMT
> Eric,
>
> Thanks for the info.

You're welcome.  Even with the G'day I typed I lost track of you coming
from "Down Under" :-)

>> G'day.  I am a diehard Hyundai enthusiast.  With that said, let me
>> compare the two vehicles based on what I know about the Tucson (I
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
> The 21mpg (US I assume) works out to about the 11 litres/100km quoted
> down here in Australia so I can handle that.  

Yes, those were US gallons.  Sorry.  My math puts it just about right as
well.

>> - Build quality and reliability are about equal from where I sit.
>>
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> long as the service is carried out by a licenced mechanic it doesn't
> void your warranty.

I was completely comparing the dealers here in the States, having no
knowledge of the "rules" in Australia.  But things do sound similar.  We
have the manufacturer requirements in the manual.  Then we have what the
dealer will try to perform at the regular mileage intervals.  I've heard
of people paying as much as $600 for a 30,000 mile service.  That is
just ridiculous considering only about 10% of that service is actually
recommended by the manufacturer.  But you know they need to make a buck
to keep the lights on :-)

Here in the states, we don't need to use the dealer either.  Heck, we
don't even need a licensed mechanic.  We can do it ourselves too if we
want, as long as we have some type of proof that the work was performed
the warranty stays intact.

>> - I have never driven a Tucson, but the ride on the Subaru is
>> excellent.  I suspect the same for the Tucson.
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> sunroof which I'm not interested in.  It comes with all the gizmos I,
> as a senior citizen, would ever want.

That's what I mean.  The Tucson is loaded by default.  You pay for every
little thing on the Subaru, and sometimes you can't even buy an option
that you might want without getting a "package" with other useless or
non-desirable options as well.

>> - Subaru parts are expensive, but as I am learning about Hyundai, due
>> to a recent accident in my Entourage, so are the Hyundai parts (in
>> fact, the body shop CLAIMS that the body parts are as expensive as
>> most Mercedes).
> My insurance compay's problem but I'll probably pay through increased
> premiums.

True about the insurance company, and hopefully you'll never need their
services anyway, just something to factor into the purchase decision.

I don't think you'll be disappointed either way.  You need to drive both
and see which one you like better (duh!).  My Mom loves her Subie and my
Sonata and she is almost 70.

Eric
hyundaitech - 26 Jul 2007 12:59 GMT
While I think Eric's estimate of Forester fuel economy is a little high for
what the average user will experience, I still think you'll have better
fuel economy with the Forester.

When it comes down to it, the Tucson has all the advantages (and
disadvantages) of an SUV.  The Forester, on the other hand, is much more
like a car in just about every aspect.  Probably the most important thing
you should consider is whether you'd like a lighter station wagon type
vehicle or a heavier SUV type vehicle.  That'll wind up being the largest
difference (aside from the performance).
Eric G. - 26 Jul 2007 14:03 GMT
> While I think Eric's estimate of Forester fuel economy is a little
> high for what the average user will experience, I still think you'll
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> station wagon type vehicle or a heavier SUV type vehicle.  That'll
> wind up being the largest difference (aside from the performance).

I have to agree.  I was very surprised by the fuel economy of the
Forrester.  And my Mom is no light-foot on the accelerator either.  Not a
speed demon, but not like a Grandmother.

But the car-like vs. SUV-like analogy is an excellent one.  It definitely
reminds me of driving a car.  But, again, I have never driven a Tucson.  I
did drive a Sante Fe (a pre-2007 model) and found it more "truck-like" than
I would have liked.

Eric
nothermark - 28 Jul 2007 21:33 GMT
>While I think Eric's estimate of Forester fuel economy is a little high for
>what the average user will experience, I still think you'll have better
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>vehicle or a heavier SUV type vehicle.  That'll wind up being the largest
>difference (aside from the performance).

Let's see - you sit higher so you can roll over easier.  The old
Elantra towed more with better gas milage and would hold almost as
much.  I'd really rather have an Elantra 5 door or wagon.  That would
really compete with the Forrester.  Are you listening Hyundai??????
Leonardo - 29 Jul 2007 23:50 GMT
>> While I think Eric's estimate of Forester fuel economy is a little high for
>> what the average user will experience, I still think you'll have better
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
> much.  I'd really rather have an Elantra 5 door or wagon.  That would
> really compete with the Forrester.  Are you listening Hyundai??????

Elantra will be available in wagon form in '08

http://www.thetorquereport.com/2007/04/hyundais_i30_wagon_will_be_sol.html

L.
Don Allen - 30 Jul 2007 00:37 GMT
The looks very much like the Hyundai version of the Kia Carens (Rondo
in the USA).
Leonardo - 30 Jul 2007 13:03 GMT
> The looks very much like the Hyundai version of the Kia Carens (Rondo
> in the USA).

It does..... but the Rondo is quite a bit bigger (built on the Sonata
platform)

L.
hyundaitech - 30 Jul 2007 17:02 GMT
Who chopped the back end of that wagon?  Wagons should have more cargo area
in the rear.
Leonardo - 30 Jul 2007 23:53 GMT
> Who chopped the back end of that wagon?  Wagons should have more cargo area
> in the rear.

Slaves of fashion....high short rears

There are very few wagons around now that can top the 61 cu ft (seats
folded down) of my '99 elantra wagon.

L.
D&SW - 31 Jul 2007 00:45 GMT
Probably will not be 4WD will it?
I think I would like Elantra wagon better than Tucson, which seems a little
gas hungry.

>>> While I think Eric's estimate of Forester fuel economy is a little high
>>> for
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
>
> L.
nothermark - 31 Jul 2007 00:45 GMT
Whoooohoooo! - Probably my next vehicle!!  I may sneak a truck in
first but it looks like it will be the replacement for my 2006
hatchback as long as it has decent specs.

>>> While I think Eric's estimate of Forester fuel economy is a little high for
>>> what the average user will experience, I still think you'll have better
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
>
>L.
D&SW - 27 Jul 2007 00:49 GMT
Eric G's and Hyundaitech's assessment is right on. I have owned three Subies
with current being a Forester. They are great cars, and for the most part
very reliable. My forester is a 2000 with 90K miles and I get a consistent
26-27mpg. Subaru repairs are high, fortunately they are not needed often.  I
am considering switching to a Tucson because of far better warranty and the
closest Subaru dealer to us is 80 mile away. I have very few bad words to
say about Subaru, however if you follow this forum, you find there is
powerful customer loyalty with Hyundai. To me that says you will probably be
pleased with either choice although my strong impression is Hyundai is not
high in fuel economy. If you live in snow country my vote goes to Subaru.
The link is a great video about what happens when you mix Russian Forester
owners, vodka, and one Land Rover on Moscow snow. funny.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISzVRTeeEvM&mode=related&search

> Good morning everyone,
>
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
> Cootamundra NSW
> Australia
QX - 27 Jul 2007 13:43 GMT
You might also want to  post over on  
alt.autos.subaru
for the opinions of Subie owners.

>Good morning everyone,
>
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
>Cootamundra NSW
>Australia

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