I recently had the engine in my 2016 Sonata Plug-In Hybrid Limited replaced at 97K miles due to oil consumption. I plan to keep the car for as long as possible and want to ensure it stays reliable. What other parts should I consider replacing to minimize long-term issues? Should I look at PCV valves, hoses, struts, or anything else?
When you buy a new car, it will come with a factory warranty that the manufacturer provides to help you pay for repairs that happen prematurely due to factory issues or design problems. After this warranty is up, though, you will be responsible for any repairs, including oil leaks on your used car.
A car that has excessive oil consumption is suffering from defective piston rings, or clogged-up oil control rings. The only way to fix it is to tear the engine apart and replace the piston rings. 99% of the time, the costs of repairing the engine exceed the market value of the car.
If you’re buying a used car, seeing a vehicle with an engine replacement can raise a red flag. However, the work may be beneficial — such as if the replacement was under warranty to repair a defect present in some cars. But sometimes, an engine may be replaced because of damage from a flood, fire, or accident.