Fayad Abdul Karim

4 minutes ago, Frederic said:

Which 95% of most workshops do here unfortunately. I understand your pain. Best is to tackle one or max two issues at a time and visit them to inspect what they are actually doing to your car. Most shops need to be babysitted until you get what you really want. 

Unfortunate indeed. Well, that's an option, one that requires plenty of time. Thanks though, please post back if you hear of a reasonably good option even if they're in Dubai. 

2 minutes ago, desertdude said:

I hate to be the harbinger of bad news, but that is a very costly bill of repairs you are looking at because most of it requires expensive bits and lot of labour charges, I am guesstimating anywhere from 10-15k. depending on where and what kind of bits you use. in the current market thats 50% of the value of your car.

My honest and sincere advice would be unless you really love your car and are emotionally attached to it and want to be buried in it when you leave this world, would be to sell if for 20-25k because good similar ones are selling for 30-35k max.  

Thanks for the honest advise. I'll see if these can be sorted much cheaper than 10-15k, else will seek alternatives.

4 minutes ago, desertdude said:

Read my edited post above again

Thanks D, do you know a mechanic who knows their stuff where I can take the car to. Considering how common Hyundais are, it is surprising how few mechanics specialise in these vehicles.

4 minutes ago, desertdude said:

Did you buy this car new? Or just have had it for sometime now?

Bought it 2 years ago. I'd checked the service history and the car had been regularly serviced at Juma Al Majid until it was sold to me. One of the reasons why I don't intend to return to JAM is their complete neglect of wear and tear inspection. They're one of those agencies which follow the 'Oil change, clean filters, wash, repeat' formula.

5 minutes ago, Frederic said:

Welcome to Carnity @Fayad Abdul Karim

As i am living in Dubai, i won't be able to give you good references of workshops in Abu Dhabi, but looking at the list of issues i wonder what is the current mileage of the car?  and have you been getting it serviced by the dealership so far ?

1. AC compressor does not necessarily come weak. It might need a gas top-up. 

2. I doubt if they have installed original shock absorbers as from what you described.

3. Humming sounds might come from inbalance, or worn CV joints. 

4. Car jerks when coming out of (P)park might indicate your engine mounts are shot.

5. Sluggish acceleration could come from clogged injectors, airfilter, etc... 

6,7,8,9 looks like typical wear and tear on a 6 year old vehicle. Do take care of electrical issues as these might expose your vehicle and yourself to serious danger. A busted fuse should not be ignored, but needs investigation. 

Most workshops will have their own strenghts and weaknesses in my opinion. Either they are good in painting (bodywork), mechanical, or electrical. If you find a shop here in UAE that's genuinly good in all 3 categories and is affordable, than you have find the holy grail  

Better focus first on the mechanical issus for now, and move down as per your priority list. 

 

Thanks Frederic. 

The AC issue wasn't resolved when I topped up the gas last service. The mechanic did mention that the compressor is not maintaining the proper psi pressure which indicates the need for a replacement. Thanks for your inputs on the other issues. 

Well, I'm not looking for the holy grail of "car repair" 🙄 so far. Even if you could refer a good service center for the mechanical issues, I can take care of the body shop repairs at a different place. The inability of most mechanics to sort out the mechanical issues properly is irritating. I don't want to be taking the car repeatedly to the shop because the mechanic is guessing their way around things. So let me know a trusted mechanic please.

Thanks,

Fayad 

15 minutes ago, sertac said:

Wow what is the km of the car. It is really strange 5 year old car having all these issues. Sounds like you better get rid of it and get another car. 

Hey S, thanks for pointing it out. My mistake, I meant to write 2013, I've corrected it now. The car has 140,000 km on it now.

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for a good mechanic or service center who can solve a number of issues with my 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. I live in Abu Dhabi so something in Mussafah would be good, Dubai is okay too as long as the issues can be fixed properly. Not a fan of Juma Al Majid for a number of reasons their long wait times and ridiculous customer service being the main reasons.

A quick list of the main issues that need to be addressed:

1. AC compressor has become weak, needs replacement
2. Recently replaced shock absorbers (<10,000 km), car rides lower than normal ever since, feels bouncy on mildly uneven roads and bit unstable around corners.
3. Humming sound when going around roundabouts, braking, slowing down and during gradual acceleration. I suspect wheel alignment.
4. Car jerks when putting the car into D or R from Park. Feels like the clutch is not properly engaged.
5. Initial acceleration feels sluggish for the past 10,000 km.
6. Sunroof motor requires replacement.
7. Noisy door closing sounds of both front doors.
8. Both rear door hinges need replacement.
9. Some small electrical issues, requires some fuse replacements.

Thanks in advance for all your suggestions.

Cheers,

Fayad