[Resolved]  Hyundai — Why not to buy a Hyundai car

I drive a Verna diesel Sx purchased in 2007 and my wife drives a Santro purchased in 2006. We used to own an Accent and a Santro before that. We purchased 2 Hyundai cars because we were happy with what we had. Our service centre was 2 kms away and the showroom was bang opposite. Over the last 4 years I have noticed certain factors which made me write this piece.
I sincerely feel that anyone who is planning o buy a Hyundai product should read this and reconsider their decision.
My brand new Verna’s fuel gauge pipe was eaten by a rat. The car was picked up (it used to be a free pick up and drop at that time) and I got a call that the fuel tank to the fuel gauge wire was eaten by a rat and would need replacing. I agreed. It took them 5 days to fix the problem because the part was flown in from Chennai. They told me that they did not store parts in Mumbai! Since it was not a manufacturing fault I went without a car for 5 days. Then my AC died while I was in Pune. I came back and spoke to them and they said bring the car to Deonar workshop. I asked for a pick up (I drive my own car) and was told it will take 3 weeks! I drove in May heat to this place and again it took a lot of time to get the spare parts. The car came back without a wash or vacuuming. (Previously they used to deliver the car nicely washed and vacuumed). The AC conked again in 3 months and I was fed up and got a local chap to fix it and decided enough was enough and booked my next car (obviously not a Hyundai) Since the delivery was due in March 2012 I had to get my car serviced. Meanwhile my fuel tank lid broke. I called up the workshop and told them that I want a pick up and drop and a paid service. I was given an appointment after 3weeks so I told them I will need a white colored fuel tank lid and they should procure it. I got a call 3days later stating this job will be done in the body shop, which was Ok with time and reminded them that keep the part ready. My car was picked up and as usual I got a call saying they do not have a fuel tank lid. Apparently the lady while giving me an appointment forgot to let the mechanics j=know! After shouting and howling I was given their customer service head’s mobile. I meanwhile tried their toll free customer care number. I was given a docket number and was told that they will resolve the complaint in 4 days! I asked for a senior and was told they would call back. I finally wrote an email to their customer care. In early 2004-5 I used to get an automated response acknowledging my email. Since last 2 years they do not bother to even acknowledge the complaints. I finally found out the workshop head and he said he would look into it.
Finally the car came back without a lid and it was sent to me y home next evening. Since I had created a ruckus the car this time was washed well. The service head offered to waive off the pickup and drop charges of Rs. 150! I have decline and paid full amount.
I have noted that since last 3 years there is no workshop for south Mumbai and if you do not have a driver they will not support you in an emergency like my AC breakdown. Pick up and drop is charged. The emails are not answered at all. The guy responsible for the car servicing will never update you after the first mandatory call informing the problems found at first inspection. The car for whatever reason will never come back on the same day.
Car washing and vacuuming is not routine now. I wanted to find out whether this was a service centre issue or a Hyundai issue as a whole company. I went and requested a test drive for the new fluidic Verna since the showroom is bang opposite my house. I was never offered one. I then registered on their webpage for a test drive..No response. I once went to see the new Santa Fe at their showroom and sat in the car saw what I wanted and walked away without any sales rep bothering to ask me if I wanted to buy a car.
For sheer customer unfriendly service, poor workshop locations , bad AC machines one should ignore Hyundai.
I also found out a good website called Consumerdady.com. Check it out. Hyundai scores a measly 3.58 out of 10 in customer satisfaction.