SHe went to a garage that she has used for 20 years. It's an independent
garage-no Jiffy Lube crap.  She had oil in it when she started hearing a
tapping and the dealership verified that she had oil in it when they rec'd
the vehicle. It's now 6 weeks with no car. She just had to pay $1500 to
retain a lawyer and now she has to go purchase a used vehicle so she has
something to get to work in.

I don't even know where to start here so I'll try to start from what I
think is the begining. 1st, I currently own an 02 SantaFe with 25K
miles on it with no problems. 2. I do all my own oil changes (and most
maintenance items) that are not covered by a warranty. 3. I always use
a factory flter during the warranty period (less than $4 a change and
most quick lube places will be more then happy to use it and discount
your service). 4. It is COMMON for quick lube type places to let you
drive off without oil in the engine. I would guess about 5% of the
time it happens and it WILL burn the bearings (othewise they wont be
burnt,except for maybe an oil pump problem). 5. The main question here
is how long after you left the oil change shop did the car stop? Most
cars will fail before 10 miles (and alarms will be going off too BTW).
6. DOA engines are not uncommon either, I would guess <1% of ALL
engines not just Hyundia's are DOA. 3000 plus miles is NOT DOA, so
SOMETHING happened. Most likely oil related.
What should happen? Well, if your lucky, Hyundai will replace the
engine, you will get a loaner car and life goes on. That is the most
likely outcome. If you feel like its a lemon, dump it with 5K miles on
it and cut your losses.
Good Luck, and Hyundai DOES make good cars and engines (I know, I've
owned 2 current models and have been very impressed with the quality).

They won't honor it because of an aftermarket filter? That would
really suck. The more I hear about Hyundai, the more I regret buying
this '04 Sonata (I get my oil changed every 3,000 miles, but never at
the Hyundai dealership, so I guess I'd be screwed also if I develop
engine problems)

Has the dealership told you exactly what is wrong with the vehicle?  I am
very curious because my mom's 3 month old Santa Fe (3147 miles) engine
just blew and it's been at the dealership for a month now.  It happened 2
weeks and 285 miles after her first oil change.  Hyundai won't honor her
warranty though because she went to an independent garage and there's an
"aftermarket" filter on the vehicle. Please let me know what they say is
wrong with the vehicle.
Thanks

I need your advice!  My sister bought a 2004 Santa Fe last week and
after driving it for one week, the engine seized.  They *think* they
know the cause, but they are not sure.  The dealership tells her all
they can do is replace the engine, then they want to keep it on the
lot for a few weeks to monitor it to make sure there are no more
problems.

My sister is livid.  She bought a new car and traded in an older one
that was no longer reliable.  She thought a brand new car ensured
reliability (I guess not the case!), now she will be stuck with a
lemon.

She is attempting to get the dealership to replace the vehicle (or do
a trade at her loss, since she does not want the lemon).  She called
Hyundai Canada to see what their policy is, and they said they do not
'replace' vehicles, only fix them.  I guess they do not have any kind
of policy that if you own the vehicle for a certain time frame and an
obvious manufacturer/assembly problem causes a problem, you get a
replacement car.

What kind of rights does my sister have in this case?  If they refuse
a trade/replacement vehicle, can she take them or Hyundai Canada to
court and sue to get a new car?

Thanks!
Paula