The Ultimate Hyundai Santa Fe Transformation: Reviving the 2016 Model to a New-Like Driving Experience.

Hyundai Santa Fe 2016 Restoration: A 100,000 km Journey

Meet , a renowned car enthusiast and detailer in Vietnam. He has worked his magic on numerous supercars, including the Pagani Huayra, Ferrari F8 Tributo, and Ferrari SF90 Spider. Recently, he turned his attention to a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe with 100,000 km on the odometer, giving it a comprehensive restoration.

“I acquired this Hyundai Santa Fe from a friend who primarily used it for long-distance trips and charitable work in remote areas. When he decided to upgrade, I jumped at the chance to purchase it for my personal use. With the odometer now hitting the 100,000 km mark, I felt it was the perfect time to give the suspension a much-needed overhaul, ensuring optimal performance and safety.”

Upon inspection, Tuan identified the rubber components and shocks as the main areas of concern. “Rubber components, such as bushings and mounts, tend to degrade over time, increasing vibration and noise levels within the cabin,” he explained. “As for the shocks, their deterioration can make the vehicle feel floaty and less responsive, impacting the overall driving experience.”

Tuan’s restoration process involved disassembling and servicing critical components, including the front and rear control arms, all four suspension corners, drive axles, and brakes. He also faced a challenge in sourcing the subframe rubber mounts, which are rarely replaced and difficult to find in Vietnam. He had to special-order them from South Korea, waiting over a month for their arrival.

In total, Tuan replaced between 80 and 90 parts, opting for genuine or OEM components from South Korea. He also invested in a new set of Michelin Primacy 4 tires to enhance the ride quality and reduce road noise. The estimated cost for parts alone was VND 120-130 million, with an additional VND 20 million for the tires. This excludes expenses for sandblasting, painting, and thorough cleaning of the undercarriage.

A Transformative Experience

Many believe that Korean cars tend to deteriorate quickly. As someone who has intimately worked on this Santa Fe, what is your take on the quality of Korean cars in general and this particular model?

In my experience, the Santa Fe’s chassis and suspension held up remarkably well over 100,000 km. Regular maintenance of the shock absorbers and rubber components is key to preserving the vehicle’s stability and comfort. Before the restoration, the car was still running smoothly, with only minor issues related to shock absorber weakness and rubber aging.

You invested a significant amount in this restoration. How different does the car feel now that it’s been rejuvenated?

“Wow!” was my first reaction after driving the restored Santa Fe. I couldn’t believe how smooth and refined it felt, just like a brand-new car. It made me realize why this model was such a hit back in 2016. The improved refinement also highlighted the engine note, which I hadn’t noticed much before due to the increased noise levels.

Not everyone has the opportunity or resources to undertake such an extensive restoration. What advice would you give to regular car owners when it comes to maintaining their vehicles over the long term?

My first recommendation is to regularly clean and maintain the undercarriage, as dirt and mud can retain moisture, leading to corrosion and increased friction between components. When replacing parts, opt for genuine or OEM components, and consider replacing entire assemblies or pairs of components to ensure balanced performance and longevity. Additionally, be mindful of your driving habits, avoiding potholes and navigating rough roads with care to minimize stress on the suspension.

If you have the means and attachment to your vehicle, investing in a major service like this can be worthwhile. It can extend the life of your car by several years, potentially saving you money in the long run. In this case, selling the Santa Fe and upgrading to a newer model would’ve cost an additional VND 500-700 million. Instead, I chose to reinvest in this car, ensuring it performs like new and will serve me reliably for the next 5-7 years.

A Labor of Love

You’ve clearly put a lot of time, effort, and love into this Hyundai Santa Fe. If someone were to make you an attractive offer to buy it, would you consider selling?

Honestly, I’ve driven this car an additional 10,000 km in just a couple of months, and it feels better than ever. The engine, which has been maintained with high-quality oil since day one, is in excellent condition and should easily last another 200,000-300,000 km. Selling it now would mean settling for a lesser car, as the resale value wouldn’t get me anything comparable. I plan to keep this Santa Fe for the long haul, aiming to hit the 200,000-300,000 km mark and beyond. It’s incredibly fuel-efficient, averaging just 5-6 liters per 100 km on long-distance trips.

Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Pham Tuan! It’s inspiring to see the dedication and craftsmanship that went into restoring this Hyundai Santa Fe.

Photos: Courtesy of Pham Tuan