Faults:

Transfer case went out at 94,000. Otherwise I did most of maintenance myself and even got 80K miles out of the tires. I changed the spark plugs and plenum gasket. I did the oil changes, rotated tires on a 3000 mile basis and changed the brakes myself. It was a very easy operation. I did have it into the dealer to have the transmission and transfer case oils changed and the belt changed. Hyundai refused to honor the warranty because I could not produce service records. The warranty people told me that the records needed to be from a Hyundai dealer, but, I got them to back off of that it had to be a Hyundai dealer. They told me that owners don't really do the work that they say that they do. I was very dissapointed with Hyundai's response on the warranty. They told me that the transfer case leaked. They were the only ones that touched it.

General Comments:

Otherwise the car has performed well and was comfortable. It was just very disappointing to get the poor response from Hyundai. If it were not for the local dealer and the warranty department, I would get a new one in a second.

Faults:

Cigarette lighter.

General Comments:

Replacement battery.

The stock (OEM) battery is type MF 68 AH (600 CCA), which isn't readily available in the USA, and most battery companies don't list a replacement battery. The notable exception is Interstate, which specifies type 24T.

After considerable research, I settled on the EverStart MAXX-24FN, sold exclusively by WalMart for $62.28 with free installation. Specifications: 700 CCA, 875 cranking amps at 32 degrees F. Warranty:

3 years free replacement; 9 years prorated.

EverStart gets top ratings. It's distributed by Johnson Controls, which also makes several other top brands.

The EverStart battery fit perfectly with just a bit of trimming of the stock battery heat shield cover with scissors.

Significant upgrade from the stock battery. Highly recommended.

Faults:

2 Different Ignition Coils have failed within two months. Mileage around 130,000

I'm sure the next one will go soon. Neither of the dealerships that I ended up at had them on hand when they went out and they had to be ordered. I think I will order one and keep it in my car.

Transfer Case leaking, one seal at the end was replace. Middle seal will have to be replaced soon. Estimate cost $2000. This is more expensive then a new transmission I was told and this is the one item not covered under Hyundai's 100k, 10 year plan. Mileage around 130,000.

I have a funny noise that sounds like scraping when accelerating near the front left wheel, sounds like a metal ring is being spun around a rod, which can't be found. Started around 50,000.

CV Boots Leaking

Mileage around 130,000.

General Comments:

I love it. It's comfortable, reliable, looks good, runs well, accelerates well...

AWD doesn't work that well. More power in the rear than in the front which causes serious fishtailing when power is applied in slippery conditions.

Preventative maintenance is expensive on the 3.5 liter v6. I was told 2.7 liter v6 is cheaper to maintain.