I’ve been trying to find a Santa Fe for a while now. On Halloween night, we were about to buy an SEL, but we couldn’t make it to the dealership because of trick-or-treating. The next day, the price went up, so I started looking at Limiteds. I found one I liked, and the dealer gave me a price that was about $2k less than other dealerships. My husband tried to put down a deposit, but they told us they’d quoted the wrong price and wouldn’t honor it. Now they want us to show them offers from other dealers, and I’m getting really tired of the back-and-forth. It’s just $2k-$3k more, but it’s over my budget.
Is the SEL going to be enough? I love the features of the Limited, especially the pecan interior, but I’m not sure if I can justify the higher price. Should I just walk away and find something simpler? Anyone regret getting the SEL when they wanted a Limited? Or anyone wish they hadn’t gone over budget for a Limited? I’ve never bought a new car before, and I’m feeling really frustrated. I’m a bargain hunter, and I just know I’m going to regret whatever choice I make.
We went with the Limited because of the features and the price difference wasn’t that much. The features in the Limited made it worth it for us.
But if you’re struggling with your budget, do what works best for you. I think I’d regret it if I’d gotten a lower trim after seeing the Limited’s features.
This is how dealerships work. Negotiating is all about the time you put in. They want you to keep coming back, so be patient. Time is on your side because every day they don’t sell the car, they lose money, and your money gets more valuable.
It’s hard, but if you need to take a break for a few weeks, just tell the dealers ‘this is my price, call me when you’re ready to work with me.’
As for which trim, I can’t say which one you’ll love, but I have the Calligraphy, and I adore it. The Santa Fe is a great car. I’ve looked at other brands, but the others just don’t compare at the same price.
I know it’s hard to be patient, but I definitely think the Limited is worth the wait. I tried both trims, and the features were definitely worth the price difference. It feels like a luxury car without the luxury price.
I’m in a funny situation. I have an SEL, but it’s been in the shop for almost a month. The dealer gave me a Limited as a loaner.
The SEL is good, but I love the 360 camera and turn signal cameras in the Limited. If I can get the Limited at a good price, I’d go for it.
That said, I got a great price on my SEL and kept my payment low, which is why I chose it. If the Limited fits your budget, go for it. But if it’s going to stress you out, I’d say stick with your budget.
Dealers need to move the 2024 models. Tell them you’ll talk to them when they’re ready to negotiate.
If possible, don’t buy from that dealer. If you like the Limited’s features and color, just wait. You might get a better deal, especially on a 2024 model.
Cameron said:
If possible, don’t buy from that dealer. If you like the Limited’s features and color, just wait. You might get a better deal, especially on a 2024 model.
Yeah, I don’t want to buy from them. They’re the furthest away from us, and even if I have to settle for a different color, I just don’t want to deal with them. We’re looking for a 2024 model.
Maybe take a break during the holidays. Prices might drop, especially by the end of next month, and you might have more time to save for the trim you want.
I’d stop dealing with that dealership unless they offer something you can’t resist (and put it in writing!).
My last car was a 2022 Limited, and I just upgraded to a Calligraphy. My husband has had lower trims, and you can definitely tell the difference. If you plan to keep the car long-term, it might be worth the wait for the right deal.
We got the SEL, and I’m happy with it. Could have gone for the Limited, but the price difference wasn’t worth it to me. The SEL actually has some benefits: smaller wheels (18” instead of 20”) make the ride quieter and more comfortable. I like the look better too—less chrome trim.
The only real feature I miss is the 360 camera, but I’ve gotten used to the vehicle’s dimensions and the parking sensors work fine.
Here’s my take on other features:
Seats: The SEL’s Softex seats are really nice. The Limited just has leather trim, and I don’t need a power passenger seat.
Heated rear seats: Not necessary for me (I’m in CA, and my kids are grown).
Ventilated seats: Never had them, so I don’t miss them.
Navigation: I don’t need it, Android and Apple CarPlay work great wirelessly.
Sound system: Good enough for me.
So overall, I didn’t think the extra $7k was worth it. If you want some of those features, go for the Limited. But I’d rather save that money for other things in the long run.
@Bowie
Thanks for breaking that down. Some of those features you mentioned I’d really like, but I’m not sure if it’s worth the extra cost. Appreciate your perspective though—it seems like everyone else is saying go with the Limited!
@Blane
We also went with the SEL. The price jump to the Limited wasn’t worth it for me. Plus, I have two kids, and I know they’d make a mess of the interior .
The SEL still feels fancy to me (though I was coming from a 2012 Highlander, so everything is an upgrade!).
I wouldn’t go for an SEL. If I was going with Hyundai, it’d have to be a Calligraphy. We got ours (2024 gas FWD) for $42,000 after negotiating at five dealerships. Dealers are wild these days, and you can’t haggle like you used to. Your best bet is getting a 2024 model. There are still a lot of them around.
@Terry
Yeah, we’re looking for a 2024. I don’t want a Calligraphy because of the captain’s chairs. With three kids, someone would always have to sit in the very back.
