Complaint Review: Terry Lee Hyundai

The car was a 2013. In the six months she put just over 6,000 miles on the car and had two oil changes. I did not read the reviews on the Elantra, being that I had two Sonatas before this. Had I done my homework I would have seen review after review that the Elantras engines have a history of this as well as Sonatas at the 100,000 mile mark. Just to clarify no one at Toyota promised me anything or said that kind of thing would never happen, I never discussed it with them. I would not even be writting this review had Hyundai not decided to recommend work that clearly was not necessary. 

My mechanic repaired the "unrepairable" tire, changed the air filter and topped off the oil. This was a $75 charge, I think you and I can both agree no mechanic ever says please dont give us your money. 

The brakes on the Sonata were replaced as recommended by the dealership at 50,000 miles. The car is at 73,000 right now. Terry Lee failed to check with the other Hyundai dealership in the area that did the last set of brakes to see when they were done. There is currently 6mm left on the existing brakes, so definetly not time for replacement. I am super dilligent with keeping up with the cars as I am a single women and not mechaniclly inclined at all. Its is way more cost affective to fix small problems as they come up then to let themturn into large expensive problems. I appreciate your feedback and advice on the brakes. 

Why would I or anyone with common sense think an engine would go out at 130,000 miles? The oil was changed twice within the 6 month period of us having the car. We brought the car in 30 days with a "knock" in the engine, we were told that was normal and let the car warm up before driving it. We later learned that was the barrings going out in the engine.

The online reviews left for Hyundai online tell story after story of this happening in the Elantra and Sonata. The car was drivin by my 17 year old to and from school, so 20-25 miles per day, no excessive where and tear going on. The review is to warn people about the dealership basiclly selling crap to people, but also to warn about telling people they need repairs that dont need to be made. 

 Apparently you bought this car "As Is". Why would you think you are ENTITLED to free warranty service? This car did last six months, at least. How many times during that six months did you or the daughter CHECK OIL LEVEL? How many times was the coolant level checked? How was this car being driven? When was the TIMING BELT last replaced? Was it EVER replaced?

You didn't say what year you purchased, but for that price you likely bought a 2009-2012, so at a minimum likely at least an 8 year old car with probably over 100K miles.  It is obvious you also did not buy an extended warranty(perhaps due to the mileage). Now, the car did last 6 months, and who knows how many miles.

You bought a car "As-Is" meaing that anything and everything that goes wrong with the car is your responsiblity. The only exception to this is if you have a WRITTEN warranty that covers the needed repair. Oh and if you think that Toyota or any other dealer would "Stand behind the purchase" in a similar situation, you are not living in reality.

If you are going to give us the "Well I went to Toyota and the said they would never do that". Of course they will say that, they want your business as the "good dealer". But unless you have something in writing from them, when the time comes you will be treated exactly the same. There isn't a single dealer that would cover the cost of an engine replacement, if you are lucky you may get a dealer who offers to "split" the cost.

As for service, you NEVER take it to the dealer except for warranty work. This isn't unique to Hyundai dealers, and yes this is ALL dealers, are among the highest cost places to get your car serviced.

The interesting thing is you said that the car needed brakes, an air filter and that there was a nail in the tire. So you took it to a mechanic for a second opinion, that was your first smart move.

However, it doesn't appear that the Hyundai diagnosis was that far off. Apparently the second opinion also suggested air filters(or you would have mentioned that too). The tire they were willing to "repair". But I would be asking how exactly is it going to be repaired. Some damage can not be repaired safely(even though some mechanics will).

As for the brakes, how many miles are on the brakes? How much pad was remaining on all 4 brakes according to the dealer? How about according to the mechanic? Or did you just hear that they were fine and happy you didn't have to replace them. Because if they are nearing the minimum lining you are going to still have to have them replaced sooner than later.  If you have 2-3mm remaining you should plan on replacing them soon. If you are at or below 1mm they should be replaced ASAP. Anything above 4mm is generally sufficent.  Having them replaced at the appropriate time can keep you from having a much more expensive repair.  If you thought the cost for a brake replacement was bad, just wait until you have to have them overhauled because you waited too long.