Hyundai Santa Fe Problems

You might like your Captiva but we need to compare it with its direct size and price rivals. On that basis, the Captiva runs a very poor third to the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe in many areas, including ride and handling, quietness, quality and warranty.

You will be getting a new wheel. I have contacted Hyundai Australia and the company admits it has some rare problems, perhaps caused by people's skin types, but is happy to replace any affected steering wheel after a running change to cars for Australia.

Please don't do that, even though it's cheap. The Freemont, really a Dodge Journey in a Fiat cloak, is not remotely a CarsGuide favourite. Better to spend extra and get a Hyundai Santa Fe.

Definitely not the Captiva. The Kluger will cost more because of the Toyota badge. I'd favour a Territory — but make sure it's had necessary upgrades to the ball joints. As an alternative, a Hyundai Santa Fe would be a good choice.

You should drive and compare the CX-5, the long-term leader in its class, and the new Tucson. Don’t go for seven seats unless you really need them because of the extra price and ongoing penalty in running costs.

The XC90 is a very old design and one at that price might be a bit doubtful. Your best choice would be a Kia or Hyundai, which are far better than you might think and may even have some factory warranty at your budget.

The Santa Fe gets The Tick, and several friends are very happy with new ones. Kia has also just totally overhauled the Sorento and that's definitely worth a test drive.

You are well within the rated towing capacity with trailer brakes, so the vehicle should be able to handle the hills as long as you approach them sensibly by being in the appropriate gear before you start climbing and don't try and rush it. If you are unsure of the weight of the fully loaded trailer have it weighed at a weighbridge.

I rate the Colorado ahead of the Isuzu but, if you can make do with something that will tow 2500kg rather than 3000kg, also look at a Hyundai Santa Fe as I give it The Tick.

Comparing utes and SUVs is tough. I get complaints from Grand Cherokee owners, the HiLux is being replaced soon and the Outlander is nothing special. The Colorado SUV is probably best for you but drive a Hyundai Santa Fe before you commit.