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alasda

Hi, I'm looking at buying a santa fe diesel wagon and wanting to spending $15-18k. Most of the vehicles coming up in this price bracket are the older model (06-09) with varying km's, 150,000 to 200,000+km but there are the new (2010/2011) models with the R series engine, albeit with 200,000 +km on the clock. We are looking at using it for daily duties, trips away (with or without a 15ft caravan).

I am also aware of the 2.7 petrol model which are thirstier on the gas, but not as much torque for towing.

So, my question is .. petrol v diesel, and if diesel, is it worth buying older with lower km or newer R series engine with higher km but more efficent and newer technology? If maintained well, with service history, would a higher km vehicle go the distance?

Thanks

Al

Anon

Hi Al,
My preference would be a Diesel for any sort of trips and towing. Usually an older low km
car is better, but diesels seem to be able to handle k's in the multiple hundreds.
I specifically havn't heard bad stories about the R engine, but I recommend speaking to a diesel specialist and get his opinion.