Hyundai Launches Shopper Assurance Program With Money Back Guarantee

Automotive Manufacturers do not have to do this if their cars are well built - reliable -and desired by the consumer. For years Chrysler HAD to do this because they knew their transmissions were unreliable - and to this day - they still have several specific problems that no longer exist in others - and also have software problems as well.

In my area - the discounts available on Hyundai cars are astronomical - and when a local Kia dealer decided to try a "single" no haggle price - he lasted less than 6 months. I am convinced the "success" of these two - are a direct result of pricing - not product.

VW has shown it has NO clue about the American consumer - it sold product well when it was one of the few that actually sold diesels but the Beetle generation of cheap/easy and cheap to fix cars is long gone. However - their reliability is simply horrible AND their pricing does not reflect their actual position in the market.

What is the solution - Produce reliable - stylish - and class leading cars - and stay ahead of the curve. Honda did that one for years and did not need these stunts until they went off track. THE BMW 3 series was a classic example of that - until they went off track. ANd the original Ford Taurus sold until they used a blind stylist for the 1996 generation. (and people forget that the Taurus automatic transmissions were initially junk too).

As a mechanic - I would appreciate that they stop putting bolts in places that require dismantling of the entire front clip to get to as well. Add in a desire to still be able to get at the spark plugs to change them without dismantling the whole intake to get to them (I know that most never even change them anymore). THEN - NIRVANA - the Oil Filter in a place that does not require having three wrist joints to get to. I really really love the Chrysler Pentastar solution - the filter is right on top and easy to get to. Maybe more people would actually change their oil filter this way.

TomM wrote "Automotive Manufacturers do not have to do this if their cars are well built - reliable -and desired by the consumer..."

In my observations, some high-demand cars like Ferrari and Lamborghini don't have to offer lengthy warranties simply because they're in such high demand, regardless of why (e.g., collectors vs few breakdowns).

On the other hand, if a manufacturer builds vehicles they know are mechanically sound, and they wish to differentiate themselves and increase sales, then having a longer and/or more inclusive warranty just might do the trick.

However, the devil *MIGHT* be in the details. For example, a manufacturer might offer a long warranty period buy exclude certain things. For example, the Midas Muffler "lifetime guarantee" applies only to their parts, and not to a "lifetime" of free labor. Installation must be done by Midas, so they can sell cheap parts while making their money on installation costs, all the while seeming like they offer a great warranty.


TomM also wrote "...What is the solution - Produce reliable - stylish - and class leading cars - and stay ahead of the curve..."

I prefer that solution, too. I also recognize there's a price to be paid for that. I owned BMWs from the era of few breakdowns, yet the cost of repairs and maintenance was still very high, so there was no cost savings at purchase or in maintenance or repairs (TCO, or Total Cost of Ownership). For the great many people who can't afford a premium price tag, manufacturers create economy cars that provide good value for the buck. That's where Kia and Hyundai fit in.