New Car/Truck Day

[buldog5151bass]

I've been reading about these for over two years, and finally bought one - Hyundai Santa Cruz. It's an SUV with a pickup bed in back - think a new generation El Camino. Quite comfortable, rides a lot nicer than any truck, and still is pretty practical. It was worth the wait.

 

[MYLOWFREQ]

Congrats!

 

[bobba66]

Neat!

 

[WI Short Scaler]

Ya know, I think I just saw one of these this AM on the way to work and wondered what it was. Although it was pretty dismal army green color. Now I know anyway.

Enjoy!

 

[Mike N]

Congrats!!

What engine/transmission combo do those come with?

 

[dwm74]

I'd seriously consider one of these. Although I have a mental block when it comes to having front-wheel drive on a truck, I think I can get over that hurdle with one of these, since it's more of a utility vehicle with a bed than an actual truck, per se. Nice.

 

[Jeremy Crockett]

Nice! If Hyundai's website is correct, the base model price doesn't seem outrageously out of line. Congratulations on your new wheels!

 

[kesslari]

Looks great - enjoy it!

 

[buldog5151bass]

@Mike N A standard is a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque (that's the one I have). This can be upgraded to a 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder with 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. Only the top trim line has that. Since my other car is a '66 Karman Ghia (about 42 hp when new), I don't think I need the turbo.

@dwm74 - Most come with AWD, and you can shift to full time 4WD when you need the traction. It's not a serious off-roader - basically a Tucson with the bed and a few goodies, but I don't need a heavy duty truck.

@WI Short Scaler - I don't care for most of the colors - too "SW nuevo" for me, but the grey is nice.

 

[buldog5151bass]

So far, the only negative (other than all the bells and whistles that ALL new cars have) is the gas mileage. It is basically the same vehicle as the Tuscson, that is listed as 26/33. This is listed as 21/27, and so far have been getting about 24/29 (I have a light foot). I think it is a combination of the added weight, and the fact that ANY truck is basically a flying brick. But I'm very happy with it. Anyone considering a small truck should look at this.

 

[sleddogn]

i get 10 mpg with my 2015 rubicon, lol. So you're winning, lol. Congrats on new ride, i like the color myself. Curious what size amp can you haul LOL

 

[pie_man_25]

I'm not going to lie I'm hoping that this and the Maverick demonstrate that compact trucks have a place in the market and get more manufacturers on board with the concept.

 

[Mike N]

I'm not going to lie I'm hoping that this and the Maverick demonstrate that compact trucks have a place in the market and get more manufacturers on board with the concept.

It would be interesting to see others jump on the bandwagon. I can say with all honesty that my ElCamino is probably the most versatile vehicle I've ever owned..... hauls like a truck, drives like a car and looks good, too.

The big negative to the sedan pickup is lack of cargo protection from thieves and/or bad weather. Other than that, I think they rock.

 

[pie_man_25]

It would be interesting to see others jump on the bandwagon. I can say with all honesty that my ElCamino is probably the most versatile vehicle I've ever owned..... hauls like a truck, drives like a car and looks good, too.

The big negative to the sedan pickup is lack of cargo protection from thieves and/or bad weather. Other than that, I think they rock.

I can agree with that. Honestly I'd like to see something like the old Ranger, the Dakota, or the old Chevy that I think was pre-colorado that were still body on frame would be rad. But those days are gone.

 

[MJ5150]

I wouldn't call that a truck, or consider it as an option when I went looking for a truck.
It's cool and all in that it fills in for people who think they need a truck, but not enough need to actually buy a real truck. Hyundai was smart going to market with this ride. I'm seeing them more and more often.

-Mike

 

[Mike N]

I can agree with that. Honestly I'd like to see something like the old Ranger, the Dakota, or the old Chevy that I think was pre-colorado that were still body on frame would be rad. But those days are gone.

I'd really like to see GM bring back the square body S-10 (think 1985 style) with an optional single turbo LS under the hood.

 

[Mike N]

I wouldn't call that a truck, or consider it as an option when I went looking for a truck.
It's cool and all in that it fills in for people who think they need a truck, but not enough need to actually buy a real truck. Hyundai was smart going to market with this ride. I'm seeing them more and more often.

-Mike

I don't know what they really call that style of vehicle. There's a certain practicality to it, so I understand the growing popularity of this, the new Maverick and the Honda Ridgeline.

But at the same time, I also understand that I won't be hauling an enclosed car trailer with it and/or hanging a snowplow off the front of it.

 

[Mike N]

So far, the only negative (other than all the bells and whistles that ALL new cars have) is the gas mileage. It is basically the same vehicle as the Tuscson, that is listed as 26/33. This is listed as 21/27, and so far have been getting about 24/29 (I have a light foot). I think it is a combination of the added weight, and the fact that ANY truck is basically a flying brick. But I'm very happy with it. Anyone considering a small truck should look at this.

Mid/high 20's isn't horrible. I'm not getting much better with my 2013 Subaru Forester.

 

[buldog5151bass]

I'm not going to lie I'm hoping that this and the Maverick demonstrate that compact trucks have a place in the market and get more manufacturers on board with the concept.

Google "chicken tax" and you'll see why the light truck had disappeared.

I wouldn't call that a truck, or consider it as an option when I went looking for a truck.
It's cool and all in that it fills in for people who think they need a truck, but not enough need to actually buy a real truck. Hyundai was smart going to market with this ride. I'm seeing them more and more often.

-Mike

I used to have a Tundra. Loved it, but needed something more practical. My commute (3 days a week) is about 45 miles each way.

This is practical enough to be a daily driver, but can haul a load of firewood, or take my snow blower in for service.

 

[Mike N]

Google "chicken tax" and you'll see why the light truck had disappeared.



I used to have a Tundra. Loved it, but needed something more practical. My commute (3 days a week) is about 45 miles each way.

This is practical enough to be a daily driver, but can haul a load of firewood, or take my snow blower in for service.

For what you need, it's perfect.

My diesel Duramax is practical for towing my car to the track, hauling a load of stone or plowing during the winter. Rides great and gets nearly 20 mpg, but with diesel being $5+ a gallon it's no longer the hot setup for daily driver status..... plus being and extended cab with an 8' box, it's not exactly the easiest thing to find a parking spot for.

That's where my beater Subaru Forester comes in.....