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Jim
Classic Hyundai.
And no, I don't work for them or have any financial links. They just take care of Chigger on stuff I don't do myself.
Later that evening, I decided to re-inspect the vehicle; the problem became evident in the flood lamp of my garage. I had exhaust pouring out from the passenger side front tire of the car. I pulled the vehicle in the garage to notice a 7 inch gash in my exhaust.
I took the car to my garage and they informed me that the two catalytic converters were destroyed and that my #3 cylinder was malfunctioning ("skipping"). They recommended that it be towed to a dealership. My heart sank. My father, uncle, 2 cousins, and of course, myself have worked for dealerships. This is the last thing you want to hear from a trusted mechanic...at this point, trust is not earned, but found by random chance and is infinitely RARE.
I brought my care to the nearest Hyundai dealership. They confirmed my worst nightmare. Both catalytics were gone (apparently Hyundai has two for a car 1/2 the size of a real vehicle), O2 sensors destroyed and the engine needed some work (plug fouling). I brought it there for warranty work and they said that I needed my 30K checkup forms and since they did not know who I was (was towed from one garage to another) they quoted me a price. It would cost $2,200.00!!! Lots for exhaust parts that have no mechanical parts. Just talked to a sales representative from my company who had an oil pump fail on a Dodge Durango (V-8 engine)...It only cost him $3500 for a new engine installed (all labor included). I bought the vehicle new for about $12,500 and they quoted me a price of 20% of the entire vehicle, new, to repair an exhaust? THEY ARE BASICALLY SAYING THAT 20% OF THE COST TO MANUFACTURE MY VEHICLE IS LOCATED IN THE EXHAUST. NEVER MIND THE OVER 360 MOVING PARTS IN THE ENGINE AND THE COUNTLESS OTHER PARTS IN THE TRANSMISSION...20% IS LOCATED IN A SIMPLE PIECE OF "PLUMBING" UNDER MY CAR with virtually no moving parts.
I figured this was a mistake and decided to have AAA tow the vehicle back to were I purchased. The other company scared me to the point that I did not want them even touching the vehicle! I towed it 18 miles north to "my" dealership.
Later that day, I was called by the customer service representative for the dealership. She immediately went on the offensive and stated that I hit something with the car and that it is not warrantied. I saw the cut in my exhaust and it was almost exactly perpendicular to the ground and that the pipe appeared to have blown outward given the fragmented metal ridges extruding from the exhaust. I cannot argue this though, it is a possibility I might have hit road debris and shot it though the pipe. Otherwise, I would challenge if I hit something in the road, how did the gash end up on the side of the pipe and not the bottom? I know how dealerships work (put you in a position where you have to defend yourself, I am also a certified bill collector and know the technique...oh, by the way did I mention I used to work for a dealership?) They stated this is not warrantied and would cost $1760.00 to fix the exhaust and would talk about the engine later.
As of today, I needed two new catalytic converters, oxygen sensors (more than 1???), new plugs, new ignition wires and a coil pack. The total cost is $2,400.00.
I have given up...All I am requesting is written statements from the customer service rep, mechanic and service manager, whom I have confirmed also saw the vehicle prior to repair and for their copies of all contracts I have signed regarding purchase and warranties.
I am not surprised that the warranty was too good to be true and that they know how to "place the aces" when it comes to customer liability. The only thing I found ironic is the fact that after all they repairs were done, and only then, someone newly discovered that I had not had my 30K checkup done(never came up before). They stated that for $500.00 they would inspect my car and that would ensure that my warranty was continued for the 6 years/ 60,000 miles duration.
I NEVER LAUGHED SO HARD IN MY LIFE!
P.S. Told them I would rather save my $500.00 and invest in a firearm!!!
Sorry for your mishap, but I wouldn't expect the warranty to kick in for that repair to begin with. For all they know, you ran over something that gouged the pipe (which is the most probable cause. Exhausts don't just explode). Road hazards aren't covered by any warranties (except those extra tire warranties you can buy).
My guess is the dealerships are looking at the gash as road hazard and not covered under warranty.
Sounds as if there's a lesson to be learned from some of the above stories. That would be to make sure we keep up with our vehicle's warranty checkups. We can skip them if we want, but eventually we'll have to pay the piper. Granted it's not going to prevent the calamity that jimbeaumi had when he had his "fender bender', or gruntm60's exhaust woes. But for a vast majority of the problems that could and will eventually start to happen if we don't get these checkups, it's a whole lot less to pay for these than to get caught with our pants down when we least expect it. I look back to neglecting all of the warranty checkups on all the previous vehicles I've owned, and I've regretted it. These have led to paying mega $$ right through the nose at the worst possible moments. Always!!
Our '03 Elantra has close to 7,500 miles on it. I had the first oil change at around 3,000 miles. So in my mind, it's due again. I've had nothing but good to say about my dealer. They've treated us "A-1". I'd rather have the oil changed on a more regular basis than the owner's manual calls for.
After signing off this morning, I'm heading out to the car and find out what's due to be checked on our car and get it done. Again, I'd rather have the preventative maintenance done when I want it and not be surprised when I suffer a breakdown when I least expect it.
Again I end by saying this is the best car we've ever owned!! A heckuva lot of car for the money!!
I couldn't be happier with this car. It is still very comfortable and quiet, peppy and looks good in non-winter months (car washes don't last long). Warranty work has never been problematic and overall the problems have been few. This is my very favorite car!
22; 24; 19; 22; 19; 26; 24; 20; 23; 19; 21=AVG-(21.7)
Last fill up I got 25.2 around the city.
ElantraStan
http://www.stanarseneaux.com/elantra/
My 03 Silver Elantra GLS
oh yeah... my GT mileage didn't top 30mpg until after 5000 miles or so.. your mileage should increase a little with more break in time.
Jim
1. Thr trip computer is off by 1 MPG. I calculated 23.5, the computer 24.5. Mostly city driving with the 5 speed GT. Only 1200 miles on it. I switched over to Mobil 1 last Saturday. I hope it gets a little better.
2. This is not a quiet car is it? The only DOHC car I had in the past was a 93 Saturn SL2. That was a bit noisy as well.
3. Experiencing some brake moaning when coming to a "brisk" stop. Others have noted the same thing.
4. I regret getting the 5 speed. We test drove an automatic and was impressed with how it pulled. To save a little $ we opted for the manual. Oh well...
5. Was I ill informed regarding the stock Michelins. These puppys wear out quickly from what I gather. I figured I would get at least 35-40k. For what Michelin charges to replace them, you would think they would last to 60K.
6. When getting my oil changed on Saturday I poked around the Hyundai showroom. I noticed that 5 speeds are rare birds. I also sat in the 4 door sedan (base). The driver seat seems more "snug" than the leather.
7. What is the overall feeling about the quality of the leather. I looked at the Tiburon, Sonata, Santa Fe and X350. Did not see a huge difference in leather quality. I would have thought that for a 15K car, Hyundai would use "cheaper" leather. Any thoughts...
Personally I like the 5-speed because of its extra measure of control and sportiness, but I've driven the automatic and thought it pulled just fine.
the MPG computer: being off by only 1 MPG is pretty good in my opinion. in your case, the computer is 97% accurate.
the leather quality: i personally think the leather is a little cheap feeling; however i have sat in much more expensive cars that had what i felt was cheap-feeling eather. one difference between the $15k GT and the more expensive hyundais is that there is probably less leather overall in the elantra-- remember that only the seating surface is leather; the seat sides, backs, headrests, and the armrest and door inserts are all vinyl. also it may be from thinner hide than what they may use in their more expensive cars.
the seat "grippiness": as far as i know, hyundai uses the same seat and padding for the base and GT models. the difference in grip you noticed is probably due to the fabric versus the leather. leather seats tend to be "slippery".
It it is 22mil to work one way, and 15mil to school one way(2 kids 4th and 5th grade). Also I'm 6'2" 275lbs, will this model be good for me,and what about a 5speed?
Have people complained about topping off the fuel tank? Sometimes the nozzle will click a few times, you jump in the car the gauge does not read full. I am trying to keep track of the mileage vs. the computer. I really want to take a road trip and see how it does on the highway.
I jumped on the engine today. Actually the engine sounds pretty good a 5000 RPM. It pulls nice up the on-ramp.
On superbowl sunday, it was mistaken for a SAAB. One of my buddies commented that I must be making the big bucks, I thought he was giving me the business because it was a Hyundai. Needless to say, he was caught off guard...
I really like the fact that do not see a lot of GTS on the road. Are people buying the sedan GT rather than the hatch?
One more thing. The 5 speeds must be rare birds!
I know that on my GLS it takes about a mile before the gas gauge creeps up to Full after a fil-up. It has done that since it was new.
Jim
are comfortable. I am 6" tall and 240lbs and fit fine.
I am getting 25 mpg in the city and have no complaints with my 03 GLS, but I only have 5500 miles on the speedo.
ElantraStan
Sticker price on GT was 15,400 with rebate and not to much talking, got sticker price down to 11,300. I jumped on the deal, and now I own a new 2004 5 speed Elantra GT. Thanks for all of your help.
I posted there about a Pioneer CD/MP3/WMA unit and a place where you can get the matched harnes for the unit.
I would have to agree with backy though, if you can buy the unit you want at a good price with installation, then let someone else do it.
No major complaint other than the unfixable shimmy.
Slight shimmy from front (around 65 to 75 mph) from day one. Never could get it completely/permanently fixed. Wheel balances, tire rotation, radial force balance, turn rotor, reassemble front brake system, etc all gave temporary fix, but the shimmy returned almost immediately. Funny thing is that shimmy comes and goes? Elantra seems to be very sensitive to minute change in wheel balance.
During first winter, the fuel door latch and the rear door lock froze. I now keep the car inside the garage.
On cold days (i.e., winter), there's a metallic whine from engine when rapidly accelerating. It goes away during spring to late fall. Never did find out what's causing the noise.
Replaced both left and right headlight bulb at 29K and 35K respectively under warranty.
Replaced Michy tires at 41K with Toyo TPT. Michys started to hydroplane and never had any snow traction. Toyo TPT seems to make the car feel heavier, but definitely provides better traction and was cheaper than Michy.
Other than oil/filter changes and recent coolant change, no other maintenance performed.
Gas mileage for 85% highway driving = 30 to 33 mpg.
Not much power at low RPM (less than 3000). Had to push to 4500 RPM to feel any kind of acceleration.
Cost of ownership has been very low! compare to my wife's Chrysler minivan.
I continue to enjoy this car very, very much.
1) The main dash vents always seem to let a certain amount of air through, even when the controls are set to feet only or defrost only, although not as much as when the controls are set for the 'face' vents. Annoying in the winter with the heat on. Is this normal for Elantras, or is this one not quite right? If it was my car I'd definitely complain, but without knowing otherwise, I might be forced to accept a "they all do that" for an answer.
2) Does this car need additional rubberized undercoating (or something similar)? It's already been through an Ontario winter, so it may be later than ideal to do it. How about other types of rust protection for the panels, you know, Krown, Rust-Stop, etc.
And a couple of comments:
This car's engine is noisy, or maybe it's the exhaust system (no, it doesn't have a hole in it). Of course, I find that with most cars with smallish engines and auto trannies - anytime you depress the accelerator very far, it shifts down rather than using the engine's torque. Definitely noisier than my '96 Sentra (5-sp).
These cars definitely dent easier than comparable models. My sentra is 7 years old and has 245,000 km on it, and it only has a few tiny dings. Seems like every late-model Elantra I see has significant dents in its bodywork. Hyundai really needs to step up and use a higher quality and/or thicker steel for their body panels. Also, the plastics the bumpers are made out of are quite soft and easily marred, along with the paint.
And finally, the factory radio/CD player has crappy FM reception. I may be spoiled by my Nissan, however, as I've found that Nissan's antennaes and factory (made by Clarion, I believe) radios have extremely good FM reception.
One more thing - why does the driver's side windshield wiper stop so far short of the edge of the windshield? Again, not a big deal, but annoying.
If I was looking for a replacement for my Sentra tomorrow, I'm not sure I'd consider an Elantra. The features/value is great, but I'm not convinced on the long-term durability and/or reliability. Hyundai's engine refinement and body durability still needs improvement.
ps, in 245,000 km, my Sentra's engine has eaten an alternator and needed the exhaust replaced from the header back, including the cat. That's it for powertrain related issues.