I’m out $11k after my Hyundai’s engine died – I bought a warranty but dealership refuses to pay me back over ‘neglect’

A DRIVER has requested advice on handling a $11,000 maintenance fee they said they can’t pay because of a $18,000 loan they owe.

The driver went to Facebook to share the details of her situation, explaining that the engine stopped working in her 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, and the manufacturer refused to help her.

Getty

Getty

The exciting part is that, in Brooke Simpson’s post, she explained that Hyundai won’t assist with the cost of a new motor because of someone else’s neglect.

“Hyundai says they will not cover it due to service neglect,” she stated in the post .

“But not because of me as I am the second owner of the vehicle and have done all my oil changes.”

She stressed that, because the first owner of the car took care of it poorly, she had to suffer the consequences, figure out how to pay for a new engine, and keep up with the loan payments.

“The first owner, they don’t have any service records for therefore they will not pay for it,” Simpson said.

“And though I have taken great care of it they are penalizing me. Has anyone had the same problem? Or does anyone know a good Auto lawyer to help me out,

“Because I do not have 11k to burn on a new engine when I still owe 18k on the loan.”

She urged other users to offer her any advice or help with her pricey situation.

“I bought it USED from a Kia Dealership in Memphis, TN at 72k miles, as it was over 7 years old there was no warranty but I did purchase one separately and that was for electrical only,” she further explained.

“BUT there is an engine warranty for engines under 150k miles for certain parts (which mine are those certain parts + I’m at 103k miles) though I cannot find any service records of the first owner or could they – they say due to neglect of that they will not cover.”

The driver said that, since she owns the vehicle, she gets the oil changed “every 3000 miles.”

“And take great care of my car. I’ve had it for only 2 years and have had nothing but problems with it,” she stated.

“Also – I do have a carfax but there are no records from 12k to 32k miles of any services done.”

Over 50 Facebook users chimed in with some suggestions for the driver.

Dealership Tips

Here are some expert tips when purchasing a car from a dealership lot:

• 1. Set your price: Ensure you’ve calculated your monthly budget before going to the lot. You should include the car’s loan payment, insurance costs, fuel, and regular maintenance.
• 2. Research: Make sure you know which cars you’re interested in test driving before you reach the dealership.
• 3. Pre-approval: Secure financing before you go to the dealership. Dealerships may give you a better interest rate if they are competing with an outside bank.
• 4. Test away: Get behind the wheel before making any payments. A car purchase will be worth thousands of dollars – drivers should ensure they like the drivetrain, steering feel, and comfort of the car before taking it off the lot
• 5. Haggle: Drivers should always try to negotiate the price. There are so many good cars on the American market – buyers have a strong hand when negotiating price.

Source: Kelley Blue Book

“Engines usually do not die unless the oil wasn’t changed regularly,” one person said.

“Unfortunately they need service records since new if they suspect neglect especially if sludge is present,” another added.

Someone even scolded Simpson over her post.

“The first owner pays the price for both the vehicle and then the depreciation when they sell or trade it in. The owners after that don’t take as large of a hit on depreciation,” someone said.

“That’s why people buy used. With that in mind, you are knowing or unknowing accepting future outcomes or risk of owning the vehicle. To expect to have the same warranty or treatment as the original owner is delusional,

“We have become such an entitled society it is unrealistic!”