If you read nothing else in this review, remember two - Rob
If you read nothing else in this review, remember two things.
1. RECORD YOUR CONVERSATIONS when buying a used vehicle. If the salesperson
refuses, walk away. At the very least, get every detail about the vehicle’s
condition and service history written down and signed.
2. The service department mechanics WORK ON COMMISSION. That means when you
bring your vehicle in for one thing, you should expect several other services
to be recommended as this is a sig part of their salary. This was confirmed to me directly by the General Manager,Chris.
Now the story.
In August 2023 I bought a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe (100,000 km)from Saskatoon North Hyundai. I actually left a glowing review at the time because my experience with Sal (sales) and Chris (manager)seemed great.
I was told the vehicle had just arrived and had passed inspection with flying colors.
When I asked for the inspection report, Sal said it had been misplaced but assured me everything was good. I specifically asked if all required maintenance was up to date and if the brakes and tires were in good condition. Both Sal and Chris confirmed there were no issues.
Fast forward two years and under 30K later. I brought the vehicle in to fix an oil gasket leak, which Hyundai had supposedly repaired less than a year earlier. After questioning the charge they agreed to redo it for free, but strongly recommended a transmission fluid service. I was told at purchase that this type of maintenance had already been done, but I approved it anyway.
Two weeks later my partner said the vehicle
felt jerky and the engine was revving
unusually high. I brought it back and was told the vehicle had almost no transmission fluid
because of an “error” with the machine used to fill it. Two weeks after that, I noticed oil on my driveway again. Back to Hyundai. This time I was told the problem was a crankshaft seal and it would cost $1,600. I was also told all 4 brake pads were under 2 mm and all rotors needed replacement, $2,000. At the same visit they also recommended another $3000 worth of services including a transmission service (even though it had been done 2 wks previous!!), brake flush, fuel injection flush, differential service, and more.
Remember, this is a vehicle we had driven less than 30,000 km since purchase.
I asked to speak with Chris, the General Manager. I was told he would call me
back the same day. He didn’t. Instead a salesperson contacted me offering to trade the vehicle in and put me into a new one. What a joke! For the next week I left messages and followed up through both sales and service. I left many messages
for Chris at the front desk. Eight days later he finally called. After the usual “with a new car you wouldn’t have these problems discussion, I pointed out that there is no way brakes should go from acceptable to under 2 mm in such a short time, esp when I had specifically confirmed their condition at the time of purchase.
I asked for reimbursement for the crankshaft seal repair, explaining that driving a vehicle that had been losing oil could be the cause of the damage. Chris dismissed the request as “silly” and “unreasonable.” He said he would review the work order and call me back. He never did.
I am frustrated with myself for ignoring my
instincts during the purchase. My goal with this review is simply to warn others so you don’t make the same mistake.
In my opinion, Saskatoon North Hyundai represents exactly why people distrust
the used car industry. Sales promises did not match what I later experienced with the vehicle, and communication from management was extremely poor once problems appeared.
The dealership advertises heavily toward newer Canadians. My advice to anyone, especially those unfamiliar with the local car market, is to be extremely cautious and document everything carefully before
signing anything. If I can help even one person avoid the experience I had, writing this is worth it.
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