Warranty Coverage

Read the warranty carefully - Hyundai, despite its claims of having "America's Best Warranty," only replaces defective or improperly installed parts. In other words, if something just wears out due to "normal wear and tear," it will not be replaced. So don't be fooled.

But if the part is defective, the labor should be included.

Pretty much it. Wear parts, like brake pads, lights, wiper blades are only for a short time as they do wear out from use. Major engine and drive train parts are usually covered for a long time. Just be sure to read what is and is not covered to avoid surprises and you'll be happy.

OTOH, I just hit 34000 miles on my Sonata and I've yet to go back to the dealer for anything. The car has been perfect and I've done the required maintenance.

Ed, I can vouche for that, I just got rid of my 2005 ( purchased in 2004) XG350L , 4 years old and had 33,000 miles on it NEVER had it back to the dealer once in 4 years, I can honestly say it is the BEST car I have ever owned but because of back problems that hindered my getting in and out of it I traded it in ( sniff sniff I miss it already ) I think I did just as well, I traded for a new 2008 Veracruz and allthough Ive only had it 2 days and have driven the hell out of it already ( 167 miles in 2 days ) I have fallen in love with it 167 miles and 1/4 tank of gas not too bad.Has a gas mileage indacator that says Im geting 19.7 MPGS but we'll see. Widow sticker says

Michael,

Again, for the sake of clarity, I have to repeat my earlier post - READ THE WARRANTY!!! I found out the hard way the Hyundai is very selective in what they cover. A factory rep told me directly that if it is not a defect, they will not cover it under the warranty. If you read the warranty like you are a lawyer it is quite clear .

Ed, I can vouche for that, I just got rid of my 2005 ( purchased in 2004) XG350L , 4 years old and had 33,000 miles on it NEVER had it back to the dealer once in 4 years, I can honestly say it is the BEST car I have ever owned but because of back problems that hindered my getting in and out of it I traded it in ( sniff sniff I miss it already ) I think I did just as well, I traded for a new 2008 Veracruz and allthough Ive only had it 2 days and have driven the hell out of it already ( 167 miles in 2 days ) I have fallen in love with it 167 miles and 1/4 tank of gas not too bad.Has a gas mileage indacator that says Im geting 19.7 MPGS but we'll see. Widow sticker says

No fooling going on about that -- it is the same with all warranties.

As you rightly pointed out, warranties are against defects in manufacture (not sure about the installation bit, unless specifically referring to Hyundai trained technicians). It can never be against wear and tear -- that would be a maintenance service.

Several people I have spoken to over the years have somehow come to the conclusion that (a) cars don't need proper maintenance, and (b) when they break they expect it all should be covered under warranty.

Correct.

Regards, Wayne Moses,

You have the right idea Michael. As the others have said, read a warranty pamphlet before you buy (every car comes with one). That way you'll understand the coverages and terms better.

I rarely see Hyundai deny warranty coverage on anything that's a legitimate warranty claim. "Normal wear and tear" isn't a typical excuse either, unless we're talking about wear items like brake pads, or something is perhaps showing a little wear normal with age and use (such as smoothing of the texture on the steering wheel) but is otherwise functioning normally. The Hyundai warranty, considering what it covers and the length of the warranty, is about the best in the business. I know of one (Subaru) that's more comprehensive on the bumper-to-bumper, but it doesn't last as long.

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