17th Aug 2006, 20:29
I have a 2000 Hyundai Sonata, bought brand new off the lot, with squeaking brakes, messed up driver's side window, working on my second set of tires, broken timing belt, messed up camshaft sensor, broken alternator belt; all this with only 70,000 miles. I understand your pain. I hope it all works out for you, it sure hasn't for me. I'm thinking of trading it in for a payment that might be reliable.
25th May 2007, 11:28
Some of the items you had to repair are regular maintenance, and no tires do not last forever, 4 years is long enough and then they should be replaced. As for your laundry list of problems, it sounds like you got a lemon, it happens with any brand vehicle unfortunately. You should always do repairs at the dealer though. I know they are not always great, but my town has a good Hyundai dealer. After I bought a used 2000 Sonata there werea couple of minor issues not found during their inspection before they sold it to me, but fixed for free a couple weeks after my purchase. I haven't had any major issues 7 months in on my car, but there is a rare stalling issue that crops up every once in a while when the car is stopped and idling, but mechanics can't find a problem.
31st Jan 2006, 16:33
I have 2002 Hyundai Sonata 2.4L base sedan, 72,000 miles on it. I've had few non-serious problems with my car. So far, I haven't spent any money for mechanical problems, which I haven't had. I'm not sure about the tires. Those tires are well made and last longer than most of its competitors. From what I had heard, the V6 2.7L engine requires more attention than 2.4L I4 engine. You must change the timing belt at 60,000 miles, else you will not be granted with powertrain warranty. Water pump is actually covered for 100,000 miles.
Recently, two of my timing blocks broke out and interfered with a sensor. I paid 800 dollars to get it fixed (including timing belt, water pump, and sensor replacement). I thought my car could hold itself until 100,000 milles. I guess I shouldn't expect Honda or Toyota efficiency, as most of Japanese cars last 100,000 miles. Now my car runs smoothly, just like the first time I drove it off the dealership parking lot.
After the incident, I started to believe Korean cars are not there yet, and you just have to replace parts in given time. I'd done terrible things with my car since this is my first car. But it still runs better than my sister's traded off Pontiac Sunfire. My advice is to you is to change your oil every 3,000 miles, change the air filter frequently, start your engine and leave it on for while before you move it, flush the radiator and transmission every 50,000 or earlier, and change your belts every 60,000 miles or earlier... and rotate your tires before you see significant wear, normally front tires.
Hyundai dealerships are not so nice. Now, I just go to a small shop which I trust, but always questioning.
Good luck to you~