How Much Is a 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe Worth Today?

A 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe is typically worth between $1,500 and $5,000 USD in late 2025, with most well‑maintained examples realistically selling in the $2,000–$3,500 range. The exact value depends heavily on mileage, condition, trim, location, and whether you’re trading it in, selling privately, or buying from a dealer.

What Determines the Value of a 2006 Santa Fe?

The 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe is nearly two decades old, placing it firmly in high‑mileage, budget used‑car territory. Its value is now driven less by original MSRP and more by condition, maintenance history, local demand, and how it compares with other inexpensive SUVs on the market.

Age and Depreciation

The 2006 model year was the final year of the first‑generation Santa Fe. At roughly 19 years old, these vehicles have experienced almost all of their depreciation. As a result, values don’t fluctuate dramatically year over year anymore, but instead move with:

• Overall used‑car market conditions
• Fuel prices and demand for compact/midsize SUVs
• Availability of inexpensive alternatives
• Local economic conditions and regional buying power

Taken together, these factors mean the Santa Fe’s price is now shaped more by its current usefulness and reliability than by its original price or model‑year prestige.

Trim Levels, Engine, and Drivetrain

The 2006 Santa Fe came in several configurations that can influence value, though not as dramatically as mileage and condition at this age.

The main trim and mechanical differences include:

• Engines:
  

  • 2.7L V6 (base in many markets)
  • 3.5L V6 (higher trims, more power, often better for towing)

• Drivetrain:
  

  • Front‑wheel drive (FWD)
  • All‑wheel drive (AWD) on many GLS/Limited models

• Trims:
  

  • GL / GLS – more basic equipment, cloth seats
  • Limited – more features, such as leather and upgraded audio

Higher trims, the larger engine, and AWD can add a few hundred dollars in value, especially in areas where winter capability is important, but buyers are rarely paying a large premium for equipment on a 2006 vehicle.

Mileage and Overall Condition

For a 2006 SUV, mileage and condition are usually the biggest price movers.

Typical value patterns by mileage and condition include:

• Under 120,000 miles, very clean, documented maintenance: Often in the $3,000–$4,500 range, possibly a bit more from a dealer.
• 120,000–180,000 miles, average wear, no major issues: Commonly $2,000–$3,500 depending on region and service records.
• Over 180,000 miles, cosmetic wear, or minor mechanical needs: Typically $1,200–$2,500, sometimes less on a quick sale.
• High mileage with serious issues (engine, transmission, rust): Often under $1,500, and in some cases only worth scrap/parts value.

Because repair costs can easily exceed the vehicle’s value, buyers place a premium on cars with recent timing belt service, good tires, working A/C, and no warning lights or rust issues.

Price Ranges by Sale Type

How you buy or sell a 2006 Santa Fe has a major impact on the dollars involved. A private‑party sale tends to sit between a low trade‑in offer and a higher dealer retail price.

Private‑Party Value

When one individual sells directly to another, both typically benefit from eliminating dealer overhead and markup.

As of late 2025, typical private‑party ranges are:

• Clean, lower‑mileage (for age) examples: Around $3,000–$4,000
• Average condition, typical mileage: Roughly $2,000–$3,000
• Rough condition or very high miles: Often $1,200–$2,000

Private‑party deals depend heavily on local demand; in regions where inexpensive SUVs are in short supply, prices can skew toward the top of these ranges.

Trade‑In Value at a Dealer

Trade‑in value is almost always lower than what you could get selling privately, because dealers must cover reconditioning, warranty (if offered), and profit margins.

Typical trade‑in ranges for a 2006 Santa Fe:

• Good condition, reasonable mileage: Approximately $1,000–$2,500
• Average condition: Often $800–$1,800
• Needs work or very high mileage: Sometimes $500–$1,000, or a basic “wholesale” number

Many dealers will send older, high‑mileage Santa Fes directly to auction, which can push trade‑in offers to the lower end of the spectrum.

Dealer Retail / Lot Prices

If you are buying a 2006 Santa Fe from a dealer, expect to pay more than a private‑party price for similar condition and mileage.

Typical dealer asking prices include:

• Clean, well‑maintained examples: About $3,500–$5,000
• Average examples, higher mileage: Roughly $2,500–$3,800
• Bargain “as‑is” units: May appear around $2,000–$2,500, usually with disclosed issues

Dealer prices often include some level of inspection or short‑term warranty, which is part of what buyers pay for in this higher price band.

Other Key Factors That Affect Value

Beyond the basic numbers, there are a handful of common issues and attributes buyers watch for on an older Santa Fe that can swing the price up or down.

Maintenance History and Documentation

At this age, a thick folder of receipts or a clean digital service record is a major plus.

Highly valued maintenance items include:

• Timing belt and water pump replacement (if equipped) within the last 60,000–90,000 miles
• Regular oil changes with documented intervals
• Transmission fluid changes according to manufacturer recommendations
• Recent tires and brakes, reducing immediate ownership costs

A well‑documented maintenance history can easily justify a few hundred dollars more in asking price compared with a similar vehicle with unknown service background.

Accident History and Title Status

Buyers are increasingly checking vehicle history through services such as Carfax or AutoCheck, even on older, inexpensive vehicles.

Effects on value may include:

• Clean title, no major accidents: Best resale position, full market value potential.
• One minor accident (e.g., bumper repair): Often a small impact on price if repairs were done properly.
• Multiple or major accidents, frame damage noted: Can reduce value substantially, often 15–30% below normal.
• Salvage or rebuilt title: Deep discount; in some markets this can halve the value compared with a clean title Santa Fe.

Because repair costs can be high relative to the price of the vehicle, buyers are especially wary of structural damage on older SUVs.

Regional Market Differences

Location can significantly change what a 2006 Santa Fe is worth.

Regional factors that influence price include:

• Rust‑prone climates: Vehicles from snowy, heavily salted regions often rust underneath, pushing values down unless rust‑free.
• Sun‑belt states: Less rust but more interior/paint fade; values may be slightly higher if rust is minimal.
• Rural vs. urban markets: Rural areas with fewer inexpensive SUVs may support higher prices; big metro areas may have more supply and more negotiation.
• Demand for AWD: Cold or mountainous regions often pay more for AWD Santa Fes than warm, flat regions.

Because of these variables, two nearly identical 2006 models can differ by $500–$1,000 or more simply based on where they are sold.

How to Get a More Precise Value for Your 2006 Santa Fe

The broad ranges above are useful, but a precise number depends on your exact vehicle and local listings. A few steps can help narrow it down.

Use Online Valuation Tools

Major pricing sites draw from auction data, dealer sales, and listing trends to estimate value, though they may not fully capture hyper‑local market quirks.

Common tools to consult include:

• Kelley Blue Book (KBB): Offers trade‑in, private‑party, and dealer retail estimates based on your ZIP code, mileage, and condition.
• Edmunds: Similar valuation system with regional adjustment and “True Market Value” estimates.
• NADA Guides / J.D. Power: Often used by lenders and dealers for older vehicles.

These tools won’t match every real‑world asking price, but they provide a solid baseline for negotiations or pricing your own car.

Scan Local Listings

Looking at what similar 2006 Santa Fes are actually selling for—rather than just theoretical values—is critical.

Useful places to research local prices include:

• Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist for private‑party asking prices
• Autotrader, Cars.com, and CarGurus for dealer and private listings
• Local dealership used‑car inventories, especially “budget” or older sections

Focus on vehicles within roughly 50–100 miles of you, and compare mileage, trim, condition, and accident history to get a realistic number.

Get a Professional Appraisal or Inspection

If you want an especially reliable estimate—perhaps for insurance, an estate, or a trade‑in negotiation—a professional opinion can be helpful.

Options include:

• Independent mechanic inspection: Can uncover issues that materially affect value.
• Dealer appraisal: Often free when paired with a trade‑in offer, but expect a conservative number.
• Specialty appraisal services: More common for classic or high‑value vehicles, but can be used in special cases such as legal disputes.

While not always necessary for a budget SUV, a professional check can prevent over‑ or under‑valuing the vehicle if there are hidden problems.

Practical Ranges to Expect in Late 2025

Pulling all these factors together, most 2006 Santa Fe values cluster in a few realistic bands.

Typical real‑world value scenarios include:

• Well‑kept, moderate‑mileage Santa Fe: Expect about $2,500–$3,500 in a private sale, somewhat less as a trade‑in, somewhat more from a dealer.
• High‑mileage but running reliably: Often $1,500–$2,500, with price sensitive to rust, check‑engine lights, and upcoming maintenance.
• Poor condition or major issues (transmission, engine, severe rust): Frequently under $1,500, sometimes near scrap value.

Buyers and sellers should both plan for some negotiation within these bands, particularly when inspection findings or maintenance history come into play.

Summary

A 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe is generally worth between $1,500 and $5,000 in the current market, with the majority of realistic transactions landing around $2,000–$3,500. The biggest drivers of value are mileage, mechanical and cosmetic condition, maintenance records, accident and title history, and regional demand—followed by trim level, engine, and drivetrain. For the most accurate figure, pair online price guides with a careful look at comparable local listings and, when in doubt, a professional inspection or appraisal.

What is the resale value of a Hyundai Santa Fe?

A 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe has depreciated $9,157 or 35% in the last 3 years and has a current resale value of $16,559 and trade-in value of $14,322. The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe is in the 25-75% percentile for depreciation among all 2022 SUVs.

Is the 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe a good car?

Among the 715 owners who provided feedback on the 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe for Kelley Blue Book, consumer sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with 93% recommending the vehicle.

What is a 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe worth?

The value of a used 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe ranges from $843 to $3,385, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.

What year to stay away from Hyundai Santa Fe?

The Hyundai Santa Fe years to avoid are primarily 2011-2014 and 2017 due to widespread engine failure and transmission issues. Other years to be cautious of include 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2019-2020, which have also been associated with a variety of engine, transmission, and electrical problems. It’s recommended to check a specific vehicle’s VIN for outstanding recalls and ensure all major repairs have been completed before purchasing. 
This video explains the common issues with Hyundai Santa Fe models from 2011-2014: 58sCar MavenYouTube · Apr 11, 2025
Years to avoid

• 2011-2014: These model years are particularly prone to engine seizure and failure caused by excessive bearing wear. 
• 2012-2013: These years also experienced significant engine problems, including failures in the 2.4L 4-cylinder engine, and issues with transmission hesitation and rough shifting. 
• 2015: This transitional year had some remaining engine reliability concerns. 
• 2017: This model year is noted for engine failure, excessive oil consumption, and transmission issues like hesitation. 
• 2018: While generally more reliable, some issues have been reported, including engine and transmission problems. 
• 2019: Some models experienced engine issues, and a class-action lawsuit was filed regarding the Theta II engine. 

Years to consider

• 2016, 2018: These model years generally show improved reliability and good build quality. 
• 2019-2023: The fourth generation, starting with the 2019 model year, has been highly rated for reliability, technology, and safety features. 
• 2021 and newer: These models are considered reliable and offer new features like hybrid powertrain options. 

Important considerations

• Check for recalls: Before purchasing any used Santa Fe, check the VIN for any open recalls and ensure all necessary repairs have been made. 
• Service history: Look for vehicles with a complete and well-documented service history, especially for models from the 2011-2014 range. 
• Professional inspection: Have a qualified mechanic thoroughly inspect any vehicle you are considering buying to identify potential problems.