I purchased a 2007 Hyundai Sonata with just over 100,000 miles on it. I commute 150 mile every day. I was told that this was a great economic car, with excellent gas mileage, that it had had a bumper to bumper inspection by the Hyundai dealership in town and that it was in great working order.

I had the car for 66 days before the engine blew a rod out the side of it leaving a hole the size of a man's fist, there was also a small fire under the engine and transmission. I have been looking for a replacement low mileage engine, but there are none with less than 120,000 miles. Because I purchased it through a second party dealer the Hyundai dealer in town will not help me beyond offering a newly rebuilt engine for as much as I paid for the car. I am in too far over my head to junk the car and get a new one. The second party dealership where I purchased the car refuses to helps since I put more than 3,000 miles on the vehicle and they "don't help with engines". From everything I have read online, this is not an uncommon issue.

Engine blew while driving on highway. No oil, apparently. Oil light never came on, temperature never increased. No warnings. A week before the oil level was fine - I checked it when topping up windshield fluid. Had oil changed at 107k miles about 6 months prior, and did so regularly throughout the life of the vehicle. I did not abuse the vehicle, I looked after it - regular oil changes, services etc. Did not drive it like a mad man.

Heard a tapping/spluttering sound about 10 miles before break down. At first I thought it was the truck alongside exhaust brakes, but let the truck pass and listened again finally realizing sound was coming from my vehicle. Thought I had a hole in my exhaust, especially since the sound was markedly prevalent when I took my foot off the accelerator. Kept driving as I was only 15 miles from destination. Ten miles later, car started bucking and misfiring. Felt like an electrical problem; alternator/spark plugs missing a stroke or the like.

Had vehicle towed back to dealer, 75 miles away (thanks to AAA Plus) No sign of oil splutter in engine compartment (as for a blown head gasket), oil filter and drain plug intact, oil level was very low, but not non-existent.

Only help offered was to replace engine at about $4,500 cost to me. No attempt to analyze root cause. Had passed 100k mile warranty, so basically got the big brush off from dealer and Hyundai (albeit through the dealer)

When considering options, dealer had the nerve to offer basically scrap value for vehicle as a trade-in for a new Hyundai. Or fix the car for $4500 and trade it in for about the same.

Like I am ever going to buy another Hyundai (even though I have owned 3 already, including another 2007 Sonata my wife currently drives - can't wait for the sh!t to hit the fan on that one)

I am done with Hyundai.

Bought a Honda Accord within a week.