Hyundai Sonata 2002 GLS
2.7 Liter engine
256,000 Miles (original engine and transmission)
Started having a small hiccup, which I told the repair shops to diagnose. First shop replaced PCV, IAC, and left bank valve cover gasket cause I mentioned some smoke coming from the engine and probably a leak (it still smokes now...). Second shop diagnosed and replaced the plug and wire connecting to the alternator (Idk what its for, but not the one connecting to the battery). Car is running much worse now, and I take it back to the second shop which they diagnose AGAIN and turns out to be a clogged catalytic converter. I've been also replaced all spark plugs, alternator, and battery myself and have had no other issues from them. Car shifts ok, been had replaced transmission fluid, kept oil changed as it burns oil. Really would just like to drive it around my small town for its remainder, and get something better soon. Don't feel like throwing anymore money at it, it's a money pit. Trying to unclog it myself. Lesson learned...Hyundai - "hope you understand not driving anywhere in sight"...Sonata - "seriously operating never again that's all"
Currently around $700 in parts and labor from both shops. Could I dispute my money back from these shops? Could've used the money for a down payment on a better vehicle. I think if they would have done a proper diagnosis, they would've found the catalytic converter was clogged, thus me not spending anymore money on other than a proper diagnosis...hell I even want my money back for the parts cause seems they just threw parts at it!
At 250k the car had a good run and sounds like took pretty good care of you. As for money back highly unlikely it’s not a stretch to believe all of those repairs were legitimate with that mileage. Cat being clogged unless it throws a code you wouldn’t jump at that if there are other problems you can see and touch. They would have to be resolved first. Cleaning would be unlikely especially if it’s at the point of being a restriction already. I would say cut your loss and replace it the car did what it was supposed to for a good long time
I got about 30,000 more miles out of it. I bought it at 230,000 cause I was being cheap.
Welp, about to get a Toyota or Honda next
Those cars usually do not make it that long, be happy you got what you got out of it. Next time it dies just have it hauled off.
I'm surprised! I bought it at 230,000 tho. I'll just drive it to work and push it a lil bit more till I get another vehicle. Appreciate the response