Extreme caution advised: Undisclosed safety defects, - Igor Macedo
Extreme caution advised: Undisclosed safety defects, failed inspection, and shortchanged reimbursement
I strongly advise any used car buyer, especially out-of-province buyers, to exercise extreme caution when dealing with Southtown Hyundai.
In July 2026, I purchased a 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz from sales rep Audi Kropp and manager Cory Cooper. They assured me the vehicle was in "very good condition" with a passed Certified Pre-Owned / Mechanical Fitness Assessment. What followed was a complete failure of safety and basic consumer fairness:
1. Severe Undisclosed Defects & Inspection Failure:
After driving the vehicle 600 km home to Saskatchewan, it immediately failed its SGI Out-of-Province safety inspection. The radar sensor was literally held on by a plastic zip-tie, the lower engine splash shield was missing, wheel alignment failed, and a front winter tire had a dangerous sidewall bulge. When the truck was shipped back to Edmonton, Southtown Hyundai’s own service department confirmed over $6,700 in required repairs, including a complete transmission replacement due to leaking case halves.
2. Customer Service Failures & Delays:
We agreed on a 10:00 AM pickup on Saturday so the vehicle would be detailed and ready. When we arrived after traveling 5.5 hours, the vehicle was not ready until after 1:00 PM (handled by JP). The rushed cleaning left the interior damp with wet stains, and Kal Tire staff pointed out that a waxy spray was applied directly to the brake discs. Multiple cosmetic damages (door/bed scratches, windshield crack, cracked bumper, blurry backup camera) were also never disclosed prior to our trip.
3. Shortchanged on Contract Unwind:
Sales Manager Cory Cooper agreed to unwind the purchase contract and reimburse my direct out-of-pocket expenses ($3,043.21). However, the e-transfer sent fell short by $664.72. Beyond denying travel meals and pet boarding, his math contained an additional $230.74 unexplained accounting error. When I asked for an itemized written breakdown of how his figure was calculated, Cory Cooper flatly refused over the phone, stating he was "done emailing."
4. Active Relisting of Defective Inventory:
Despite knowing this vehicle requires a full transmission replacement and $3,000+ in safety and radar repairs, Southtown Hyundai has already relisted the exact vehicle back on their website for public sale at original price (STK : PW2153, VIN : 5NTJEDAF4RH100121).
An official AMVIC complaint has been filed regarding these practices. Document every interaction and get everything in writing if you deal with this store.
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