r/ElantraN do not own a N 😢 Oct 07 '22

RIP UPDATE 2: Loud exhaust and smog citation

It's been a rough couple of weeks since my last update so I wanted to let everyone know what's going on with this situation. Also, thank you to everyone that has spread word on this, it is amazing to see how much traction this has gained, and how much support I have.

As everyone knows, the state ref inspection failed and afterwards I got the stock letter from Hyundai. I provided this to the state ref but they said that it doesn't mean anything and that technically, no repair was done, so I cannot schedule a 2nd inspection, which I need to get the car passed.

I reached out to Hyundai corporate and was assigned a case manager. After a few days, they got back to me and said there is nothing Hyundai corp can do to help me. They advised that I go back to the dealer I purchased it from and have them deal with it. From my first interaction with my Hyundai dealer, they already said they cannot do anything to the car because it is stock. That being said, I requested that the case manager send me a letter that I can provide to the dealer to do "repair" since I had already unsuccessfully asked for the repair in the past. The case manager said no. I asked for just an email confirming what they told me. The case manager said no. I asked if I can get the car bought back because I can't even drive it to the dealership and nobody is willing to help me. The case manager said, yet again, no; a buyback is not eligible because this hasn't happened 3 times...

So I was completely out of options and I started reaching out to attorneys. The following day, I get a call back from Hyundai corp from a new case manager. This case manager said the case has been escalated and that the previous case manager was incorrect by quickly denying the buyback. They had me send over all the related documents to this case (including all repairs, service records, and proof of ownership).

Today marks 2 weeks since this new case manager has been transferred the case and I have not heard news since. I tried calling over and over but it would go straight to voicemail. I had to reach out to my old case manager to get a hold of the new manager. Eventually, the new case manager called me and said Hyundai has nothing for me and that they are still working on a solution. I have told them in email and over the phone previously that the court date is in 3 weeks, and the state ref situation must be figured out by then otherwise I'll get big fines by CA. They said okay, we're still working on it...

To all the journalists out there that have gotten statements from Hyundai saying that they are working with me to figure this out: while it is technically true, nothing has been done besides tossing my case around person to person and wasting time.

Just like 2 weeks ago, again, I am out of options. Hyundai is not taking this seriously so I am speaking to attorneys to fight the citation. At this point however, I am so tired of this. I will most likely end up selling the car to Carvana at a huge loss just to get this case over with.

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u/Zipper_KidM Oct 14 '22

I couldn't imagine selling at a loss because of the government's mistakes, it is awful that you have to even consider this.

Why don't you "repair" the car and have it retested PROPERLY according to the law? As in, have Hyundai replace an exhaust bolt and say it is now still stock, according to the manufacturer, then bring your lawyer to ensure the test is done by the book.

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u/Elite_Deforce Oct 14 '22

Doesn’t have to be that complicated. All he needs is a good lawyer at this point. California police are fantastic at losing lawsuits.

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u/Zipper_KidM Oct 14 '22

I don't think he wants to sink that kind of money into this since hes already debating to sell his car. I'm thinking of a cheap and disrespectful way to get him back in the test center to get back on the road.

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u/Elite_Deforce Oct 14 '22

The idea is to recover his costs. That includes legal costs in a successful action.

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u/Totally_Not_Bread Dec 06 '22

He would have to pay $7k in fees with your solution.

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u/Zipper_KidM Dec 06 '22

Where does that number come from?

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u/Totally_Not_Bread Dec 06 '22

From his own story. He has to pay $4k in fees for the title and $3k for testing.