D4BF Engine Purchase : Possible SCAM Hyundai Power Plaza Co

danderrr

danderrr

New Member
WARNING: PLEASE READ IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING PURCHASING AN ENGINE THROUGH HYUNDAI POWER PLAZA CO

So I thought I would post my current situation trying to purchase a D4BF engine from Hyundai Power Plaza Co.

I contacted Hyundai Power Plaza Co regarding purchasing a D4BF engine and was initially quoted a price of $3500/unit on October 21, 2019. I was able to negotiate the price down to $3250 and Wyman Lee from HPP sent me a proforma invoice for that price. Payment was to be sent using Bitcoin.

I had issues paying with bitcoin and asked if I could pay via wire transfer but was told that was not an option as they have had issues with wire transfers. I was told that three other engines had been shipped to Portland this year with bitcoin as the method of payment. I have researched this forum and others and it seems like no other person has mentioned payment via bitcoin. I was very skeptical but after reading about other's positive experiences using Hyundai Power Plaza I decided to make payment. I made payment on October 31st, 2019 PST but due to the time difference it was just past midnight November 1st, Korean time zone.

Hyundai Power Plaza acknowledged my payment and said that they would ship the engine. I didn't receive any other messages from Hyundai Power Plaza for several days and when I finally did I was told that I missed the deadline for my original quoted price and would have to pay an additional $362.00 for my engine. I responded within a couple hours and said that is unacceptable and this should have been mentioned when they first emailed to acknowledge receipt of my payment and not 5 days later. I told them that I'd rather cancel my order than make an additional payment. They tell me that the engine has already shipped and they won't send accompanying documents until I send the rest of the payment. At this time it has only been approximately 4 or 5 hours from when they initially told me of the price increase yet they have already shipped my engine.

I responded and told them that I will not be sending any additional payments until I receive tracking information so that I can confirm that my engine is in transit. I'm currently waiting to hear back from Hyundai Power Plaza.

Communication was initially very responsive from Hyundai Power Plaza until I sent payment. After that, communication dropped off until they contacted me demanding an additional payment.

So that is where I am currently at...Basically it seems as if I have been royally scammed by Hyundai Power Plaza and will not be receiving my engine or they are being really petty about an extra $362.00 and are holding my engine and documents hostage.

I really hope that I am just being super paranoid but I'm feeling less and less confident about this transaction. If anyone has any other recent dealings with Hyundai Power Plaza Co and Wyman Lee, please let me know.

I'll update with more info as this saga unfurls.
 
@danderrr and I have been communicating about this in PMs.

I'm essentially in a similar situation right now as well. They said my wire transfer was pulled from their accounts after shipping the engine. Requested I pay 50% of the price through Bitcoin so they can send me the documents for import since my engine has supposedly arrived at the port on 30Oct. They would take the 50% as a 'good faith' payment while we resolve the wire transfer issues. I sent the Bitcoin payment on 29Oct and then lost all communication with them. Finally received an email today saying they are on holiday (Google has no results for Korean holidays right now) and that I would receive my paperwork 'soon'.

Not really sure what to think. A lot of this has felt extremely scammy, but knowing others have received their engines, especially without issue, has me scratching my head.
 
danderrr said:
WARNING: PLEASE READ IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING PURCHASING AN ENGINE THROUGH HYUNDAI POWER PLAZA CO

So I thought I would post my current situation trying to purchase a D4BF engine from Hyundai Power Plaza Co.

I contacted Hyundai Power Plaza Co regarding purchasing a D4BF engine and was initially quoted a price of $3500/unit on October 21, 2019. I was able to negotiate the price down to $3250 and Wyman Lee from HPP sent me a proforma invoice for that price. Payment was to be sent using Bitcoin.

I had issues paying with bitcoin and asked if I could pay via wire transfer but was told that was not an option as they have had issues with wire transfers. I was told that three other engines had been shipped to Portland this year with bitcoin as the method of payment. I have researched this forum and others and it seems like no other person has mentioned payment via bitcoin. I was very skeptical but after reading about other's positive experiences using Hyundai Power Plaza I decided to make payment. I made payment on October 31st, 2019 PST but due to the time difference it was just past midnight November 1st, Korean time zone.

Hyundai Power Plaza acknowledged my payment and said that they would ship the engine. I didn't receive any other messages from Hyundai Power Plaza for several days and when I finally did I was told that I missed the deadline for my original quoted price and would have to pay an additional $362.00 for my engine. I responded within a couple hours and said that is unacceptable and this should have been mentioned when they first emailed to acknowledge receipt of my payment and not 5 days later. I told them that I'd rather cancel my order than make an additional payment. They tell me that the engine has already shipped and they won't send accompanying documents until I send the rest of the payment. At this time it has only been approximately 4 or 5 hours from when they initially told me of the price increase yet they have already shipped my engine.

I responded and told them that I will not be sending any additional payments until I receive tracking information so that I can confirm that my engine is in transit. I'm currently waiting to hear back from Hyundai Power Plaza.

Communication was initially very responsive from Hyundai Power Plaza until I sent payment. After that, communication dropped off until they contacted me demanding an additional payment.

So that is where I am currently at...Basically it seems as if I have been royally scammed by Hyundai Power Plaza and will not be receiving my engine or they are being really petty about an extra $362.00 and are holding my engine and documents hostage.

I really hope that I am just being super paranoid but I'm feeling less and less confident about this transaction. If anyone has any other recent dealings with Hyundai Power Plaza Co and Wyman Lee, please let me know.

I'll update with more info as this saga unfurls.
Click to expand...
This is all really disheartening...I have been communicating with them for some time now and was about to pull the trigger and go for it. At no point have they mentioned bitcoin, only a T/T wire transfer.
 
I am also in the midst of dealing with Wyam Lee. He quoted me 2,860 for a new D4BF. I was about to go thru with it until I Googled his name and this thread pop up on my trusty delica forum. Rising Sun quoted me 6,000USD. That's before shipping and whatever else I need...
 
Abis Unum said:
I am also in the midst of dealing with Wyam Lee. He quoted me 2,860 for a new D4BF. I was about to go thru with it until I Googled his name and this thread pop up on my trusty delica forum. Rising Sun quoted me 6,000USD. That's before shipping and whatever else I need...
Click to expand...
Cad$6,000 including small necessary parts for the work.
vancouver.craigslist.org

Mitsubishi Delica/Pajero 4D56 New Engine Distribution - auto parts -...

We supply & install brand new complete 4D56 (D4BF/D4BH Hyundai Engine ) on your L300 or Pajero 2500cc. Replacement Starts from $9,500 ( part & labour ). Ask for details of engine shipping to...
vancouver.craigslist.org

D4BF price will be up sharply next year for covid-19 impact on material, etc.
 
danderrr said:
WARNING: PLEASE READ IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING PURCHASING AN ENGINE THROUGH HYUNDAI POWER PLAZA CO

So I thought I would post my current situation trying to purchase a D4BF engine from Hyundai Power Plaza Co.

I contacted Hyundai Power Plaza Co regarding purchasing a D4BF engine and was initially quoted a price of $3500/unit on October 21, 2019. I was able to negotiate the price down to $3250 and Wyman Lee from HPP sent me a proforma invoice for that price. Payment was to be sent using Bitcoin.

I had issues paying with bitcoin and asked if I could pay via wire transfer but was told that was not an option as they have had issues with wire transfers. I was told that three other engines had been shipped to Portland this year with bitcoin as the method of payment. I have researched this forum and others and it seems like no other person has mentioned payment via bitcoin. I was very skeptical but after reading about other's positive experiences using Hyundai Power Plaza I decided to make payment. I made payment on October 31st, 2019 PST but due to the time difference it was just past midnight November 1st, Korean time zone.

Hyundai Power Plaza acknowledged my payment and said that they would ship the engine. I didn't receive any other messages from Hyundai Power Plaza for several days and when I finally did I was told that I missed the deadline for my original quoted price and would have to pay an additional $362.00 for my engine. I responded within a couple hours and said that is unacceptable and this should have been mentioned when they first emailed to acknowledge receipt of my payment and not 5 days later. I told them that I'd rather cancel my order than make an additional payment. They tell me that the engine has already shipped and they won't send accompanying documents until I send the rest of the payment. At this time it has only been approximately 4 or 5 hours from when they initially told me of the price increase yet they have already shipped my engine.

I responded and told them that I will not be sending any additional payments until I receive tracking information so that I can confirm that my engine is in transit. I'm currently waiting to hear back from Hyundai Power Plaza.

Communication was initially very responsive from Hyundai Power Plaza until I sent payment. After that, communication dropped off until they contacted me demanding an additional payment.

So that is where I am currently at...Basically it seems as if I have been royally scammed by Hyundai Power Plaza and will not be receiving my engine or they are being really petty about an extra $362.00 and are holding my engine and documents hostage.

I really hope that I am just being super paranoid but I'm feeling less and less confident about this transaction. If anyone has any other recent dealings with Hyundai Power Plaza Co and Wyman Lee, please let me know.

I'll update with more info as this saga unfurls.
Click to expand...
Wow I'm sorry about this. From an outside perspective at least, it sounds incredibly scammy. I've never heard of a product or service requiring bitcoin as payment, that raises so many red flags. Then the story from the point of paying onward just made my stomach drop. Losing contact after paying, requests to send additional money, saying that it's in transit but not providing any documentation. It is either a complete scam or the worst customer service imaginable.

I'm really hoping for a good outcome for you!
 
Abis Unum said:
Just got my engine from Wymann Lee of Hyundai Power Plaza. Legit
Click to expand...
Hi Abis, I know you posted this ages ago but hope you are still active in the Forum :) how did you get on with your new motor from Hyundai Power Plaza? is it running well? any issues? I was about to place an order and came across this thread about a scam :-(
 
danderrr said:
WARNING: PLEASE READ IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING PURCHASING AN ENGINE THROUGH HYUNDAI POWER PLAZA CO

So I thought I would post my current situation trying to purchase a D4BF engine from Hyundai Power Plaza Co.

I contacted Hyundai Power Plaza Co regarding purchasing a D4BF engine and was initially quoted a price of $3500/unit on October 21, 2019. I was able to negotiate the price down to $3250 and Wyman Lee from HPP sent me a proforma invoice for that price. Payment was to be sent using Bitcoin.

I had issues paying with bitcoin and asked if I could pay via wire transfer but was told that was not an option as they have had issues with wire transfers. I was told that three other engines had been shipped to Portland this year with bitcoin as the method of payment. I have researched this forum and others and it seems like no other person has mentioned payment via bitcoin. I was very skeptical but after reading about other's positive experiences using Hyundai Power Plaza I decided to make payment. I made payment on October 31st, 2019 PST but due to the time difference it was just past midnight November 1st, Korean time zone.

Hyundai Power Plaza acknowledged my payment and said that they would ship the engine. I didn't receive any other messages from Hyundai Power Plaza for several days and when I finally did I was told that I missed the deadline for my original quoted price and would have to pay an additional $362.00 for my engine. I responded within a couple hours and said that is unacceptable and this should have been mentioned when they first emailed to acknowledge receipt of my payment and not 5 days later. I told them that I'd rather cancel my order than make an additional payment. They tell me that the engine has already shipped and they won't send accompanying documents until I send the rest of the payment. At this time it has only been approximately 4 or 5 hours from when they initially told me of the price increase yet they have already shipped my engine.

I responded and told them that I will not be sending any additional payments until I receive tracking information so that I can confirm that my engine is in transit. I'm currently waiting to hear back from Hyundai Power Plaza.

Communication was initially very responsive from Hyundai Power Plaza until I sent payment. After that, communication dropped off until they contacted me demanding an additional payment.

So that is where I am currently at...Basically it seems as if I have been royally scammed by Hyundai Power Plaza and will not be receiving my engine or they are being really petty about an extra $362.00 and are holding my engine and documents hostage.

I really hope that I am just being super paranoid but I'm feeling less and less confident about this transaction. If anyone has any other recent dealings with Hyundai Power Plaza Co and Wyman Lee, please let me know.

I'll update with more info as this saga unfurls.
Click to expand...
Wyman Lee is the real deal. Pay them and relax. No more haggling. You'll get your order.
 
just thought I would update this thread.....I contacted Wyman Lee from Hyundai Power Plaza Co yesterday with the story of a possible scam and non-delivery etc., this was his encouraging reply;
Dear Sir,

I am not aware of this fraudulent act. under our company name but thank you for informing us.

As of last year Hyundai stopped supplying the D4BF Engine due to stop of production and now introduces the D4BB.

Early this year Hyundai has supplied a few D4BF Engines to be sold to individuals and not bulk sales.

We are a genuine Hyundai supplier in Korea. You are welcome to visit our Company at any time during working hours.

Would you still want to proceed with your order?

Please confirm.

based on Wyman's reply I have decided to go ahead and order the motor, I will post an update when it arrives and let you know if there are any issues :)
 
stevel said:
just thought I would update this thread.....I contacted Wyman Lee from Hyundai Power Plaza Co yesterday with the story of a possible scam and non-delivery etc., this was his encouraging reply;
Dear Sir,

I am not aware of this fraudulent act. under our company name but thank you for informing us.

As of last year Hyundai stopped supplying the D4BF Engine due to stop of production and now introduces the D4BB.

Early this year Hyundai has supplied a few D4BF Engines to be sold to individuals and not bulk sales.

We are a genuine Hyundai supplier in Korea. You are welcome to visit our Company at any time during working hours.

Would you still want to proceed with your order?

Please confirm.

based on Wyman's reply I have decided to go ahead and order the motor, I will post an update when it arrives and let you know if there are any issues :)
Click to expand...
hi, an update, I tried to make payment to Hyundai Power Plaza Co as per their Proforma invoice, the fraud detection department from my bank (ANZ) called me and said they were not comfortable with the payment and have cancelled the transaction. I had provided the bank with the proforma invoice and emails from Wyman Lee reassuring me that all was good. The bank was not convinced due to numerous red-flag indicators, invoice had 'cut & paste' artifacts, the beneficiary was a new player in the chain and not the company, there are three different addresses listed in Google searches etc. I was not able to convince them to continue with the payment even though I said I would accept the risk and responsibility. This leaves me wondering if I should go ahead using an independent money transfer service or get the motor rebuilt or try and source a motor from a scrap van (does anyone know of a used motor in NZ??) Tomorrow I will talk to an engine rebuild specialist in Auckland to get an idea on cost of rebuild, will update this post as I progress through this :)
 
stevel said:
hi, an update, I tried to make payment to Hyundai Power Plaza Co as per their Proforma invoice, the fraud detection department from my bank (ANZ) called me and said they were not comfortable with the payment and have cancelled the transaction. I had provided the bank with the proforma invoice and emails from Wyman Lee reassuring me that all was good. The bank was not convinced due to numerous red-flag indicators, invoice had 'cut & paste' artifacts, the beneficiary was a new player in the chain and not the company, there are three different addresses listed in Google searches etc. I was not able to convince them to continue with the payment even though I said I would accept the risk and responsibility. This leaves me wondering if I should go ahead using an independent money transfer service or get the motor rebuilt or try and source a motor from a scrap van (does anyone know of a used motor in NZ??) Tomorrow I will talk to an engine rebuild specialist in Auckland to get an idea on cost of rebuild, will update this post as I progress through this :)
Click to expand...
Sounds like you'd be best to avoid HPP Co and spend your money on a reconditioned/re-manufactured engine locally.

I replaced the 4G63 motor in my previous L300 SE with a re-manufactured 'long' engine from HM Gem and was happy with the product and the price. Mine was done on an exchange basis with the original motor returned to them after things like the alternator and aircon compressor were transferred to the replacement motor. They provided a 12 month warranty on the replacement motor (twice as long as I got on my factory-new D4BF :)). I've checked and although HM Gem only operate here in Australia, there seem to be few similar companies pop up in a search in NZ.
 
stevel said:
hi, an update, I tried to make payment to Hyundai Power Plaza Co as per their Proforma invoice, the fraud detection department from my bank (ANZ) called me and said they were not comfortable with the payment and have cancelled the transaction. I had provided the bank with the proforma invoice and emails from Wyman Lee reassuring me that all was good. The bank was not convinced due to numerous red-flag indicators, invoice had 'cut & paste' artifacts, the beneficiary was a new player in the chain and not the company, there are three different addresses listed in Google searches etc. I was not able to convince them to continue with the payment even though I said I would accept the risk and responsibility. This leaves me wondering if I should go ahead using an independent money transfer service or get the motor rebuilt or try and source a motor from a scrap van (does anyone know of a used motor in NZ??) Tomorrow I will talk to an engine rebuild specialist in Auckland to get an idea on cost of rebuild, will update this post as I progress through this :)
Click to expand...
Perhaps the universe is telling you to not send your money into the void and crossing your fingers that things will go well.

If you're in NZ, you should have options on a sourcing a swappable replacement motor in-country. Hyundai H100s, Starex, Terracan and Gallopers all use D4BF engines. Perhaps talking to a local Hyundai or Mitsubishi focussed mechanic could illuminate some local options for you.
 
greendel said:
Sounds like you'd be best to avoid HPP Co and spend your money on a reconditioned/re-manufactured engine locally.

I replaced the 4G63 motor in my previous L300 SE with a re-manufactured 'long' engine from HM Gem and was happy with the product and the price. Mine was done on an exchange basis with the original motor returned to them after things like the alternator and aircon compressor were transferred to the replacement motor. They provided a 12 month warranty on the replacement motor (twice as long as I got on my factory-new D4BF :)). I've checked and although HM Gem only operate here in Australia, there seem to be few similar companies pop up in a search in NZ.
Click to expand...
hi, thanks for the sound advice, I will contact a few local engine reconditioners and see what they come back with ;)
 
Sputnik said:
Perhaps the universe is telling you to not send your money into the void and crossing your fingers that things will go well.

If you're in NZ, you should have options on a sourcing a swappable replacement motor in-country. Hyundai H100s, Starex, Terracan and Gallopers all use D4BF engines. Perhaps talking to a local Hyundai or Mitsubishi focussed mechanic could illuminate some local options for you.
Click to expand...
hi, yeah there might be something in what you say :) ah now that is a good idea, I have tried to find a used 4D56 motor but there's nothing around :( I haven't looked at a used Hyundai 4DBF motor, I'll get on to that later, thanks again!
 
greendel said:
Sounds like you'd be best to avoid HPP Co and spend your money on a reconditioned/re-manufactured engine locally.

I replaced the 4G63 motor in my previous L300 SE with a re-manufactured 'long' engine from HM Gem and was happy with the product and the price. Mine was done on an exchange basis with the original motor returned to them after things like the alternator and aircon compressor were transferred to the replacement motor. They provided a 12 month warranty on the replacement motor (twice as long as I got on my factory-new D4BF :)). I've checked and although HM Gem only operate here in Australia, there seem to be few similar companies pop up in a search in NZ.
Click to expand...

I agree with you, especially regarding the warranty for peace of mind. Greendel, was Hm Gem expensive?

Stevel hope you find something/someone to resolve your issue which is legit
 
it's many years since I had one of their engines fitted to my old L300, but at the time, the cost was significantly cheaper than getting the original motor stripped down and rebuilt by a mechanic/engineering workshop. When I swapped out the 4D56 in my current van for a D4BF, the garage were also doing a reconditioned swap for another Delica and I was told the overall costs were similar for both. The reconned engine was less than the $AU 6k-ish that I paid for the D4BF, but involved stripping ancillary components off the original to the new motors meaning higher labour costs.

The best bet is probably just to give them a call and get an up to date price. It is possible to upgrade from a 4G63 to a 2.4l 4G64 (carburetor model) and I did consider doing that at one point. There used to be a mob in Perth that offered several stages of tuned replacement 4G63s and 4G64s but I can't remember the name of the company I'm afraid. If I do, I'll let you know.

EDIT, just found them online: https://www.rpw.com.au/ they used to have a case study about job they did on an L300 SE 4x4 upgrade.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top