It’s an againts-all-odds decision in the Fortuner era when i got this baby more than 2 and ahalf years ago. My testdrive at NLEX got us around 190kph and what i noticed was that it rides better than my Civic FD….rest is history.

I been a lurker in Hyundai Forum back in 2007, wondering how this baby attract car buyer like me in the future. Kinda hesitant coz Hyundai badge is not very familiar to me in terms of reliability until 1 day I saw this baby. That time I engaged na to get the MS GLS SE, I’m Mitsu fanatic and I previously own 2 Mitsu (2002 Adventure LESS and 2004 Pajero Fieldmaster) and I don’t have any major problem during my ownership. After reading lots of reviews I finally decided to take the plunge and try Hyundai brand out of my hard earn money, some of my friends and relatives says its too risky some says “mukhang lasing daw ang fronts” but I still love to own one. December 19, 2008 when my car was shipped to my place in Iloilo City from Hyundai E Rod. (thanks to LR and Marlyn)

During the first 1000km break-in, we went to New Washington, Aklan then proceed to Caticlan all the way to Antique and back to Iloilo City. I ask my passenger frequently about the rides and their reply is “AWESOME!!!”. The next day we drive north of Iloilo Province all the way to Estancia then back to Iloilo City. During those trips we didn’t experience dizziness, muscle pain or exhausted due to long drive given the road condition in that Island.

I know people in Tsikot have seen these photos already but posting it here I guess won’t hurt…

I got my Santa Fe last Dec. 24, 2008, just in time for our Christmas vacation. It was kinda rush but everything went well in the end. Originally, I was originally planning to get the Mitsubishi Montero but after 3 months of waiting, I decided to get the Santa Fe. Not that the Hyundai Santa Fe is my second choice, but because I’m worried about Korean brands. Well, I was wrong - Hyundai is a great brand.

We’re going to Bicol on the 26th to visit my hometown and family.

Here’s some pics of the stock unit: