primitive gets "screwn" on purchase of used car

[franksolich]

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1018556051

Oh my.

Orrex (39,412 posts)    Wed Jan 15, 2014, 11:52 PM

I got screwn on a used car purchase

My circumstances did not allow me to finance the vehicle, leaving me only the "as is" roulette game.
 
Having owned the car for two weeks, I have identified some significant but mostly non-critical issues. However, two issues have caught my attention, and I'm wondering if I have any options.
 
1. The right rear tire blew out on me during my commute home from work on Sunday. During the test-drive, I noted a "bumping" sound that the dealer assured me was due to low tire pressure. They filled and rotated the tires, but the bumping returned during Sunday's drive, quickly getting worse until.... BOOM! Knowledgeable friends have diagnosed the issue as a broken belt.
 
2. While changing the tire, I noted significant flaking rust on the significantly degraded rocker panels. I was particularly aware of this because that's one of the things that caused my previous car to fail inspection (necessitating the new car).
 
I accept that I'm screwn on the issues requiring repair, including the CHECK ENGINE light that came on two days after purchase and the mysterious "bucking" of the engine when I accelerate from 55 to 60 up an incline. Not sure what to make of that. But here's my question:
 
The dealer inspected the car, slapping a sticker on it that's good until Dec 2014.
 
My suspicions are bolstered because they are also now selling the vehicle that I traded in, which would have required upward of $2500 in repairs to pass inspection. I'm confident that they effected no repairs because it's listed for $1998. Miraculously, that car also has a miraculous Dec 2014 inspection sticker.
 
Do I have any recourse? Has this happened to anyone else?

Most of all I'm irritated that the cliche of the crooked used car salesman turned out to be 100% correct in this case.

Too bad.  But one gets what one pays for.

<<<doesn't expect the same thing from a $600 used car as from a $6000 used car.

TexasTowelie (6,571 posts)    Thu Jan 16, 2014, 12:21 AM

3. Most likely you are out of luck.

An inspection sticker only means that the vehicle passed a minimum number of tests and is no assurance as to the mechanical upkeep of the vehicle beyond the specific items being inspected. That normally means things like do the horns and wipers work, are the lights working and the headlights aimed so that they don't blind oncoming motorists, emissions tests, and pumping the brakes to check if they work along with the brake lights.
 
As far as your old car being sold for $2,000 that needed repairs, keep in mind that although they wanted to charge you $2,500 for repairs it probably only cost the dealership about $500 to fix the vehicle. They would have avoided the markup for parts and the labor costs would be written off under the salaries that the mechanics earned.

Orrex (39,412 posts)    Thu Jan 16, 2014, 12:30 AM

4. Well, some of the inspection-failing issues are still visible on the former vehicle

But I see your point, alas.

I'm not sure about the inspection covering just basic cosmetic safety, either, because that's not what failed me on the previous vehicle. The garage gave me a laundry list of unacceptable deficiencies, including a leaking brake line, leaking oil lines, cracked struts and broken torque mounts. They didn't even mention the headlights or wipers.
 
I'm going to contact the local inspection authority tomorrow, whatever it's called. I spoke with Pennsylvania's DOT today and they basically couldn't answer any questions beyond how to renew a vehicle registration.

grasswire (38,913 posts)    Thu Jan 16, 2014, 01:32 AM

11. there's always social media...

...as a way of keeping them honest.

And local TV investigative units.

^^^

defacto7 (4,787 posts)    Thu Jan 16, 2014, 01:50 AM

14. When ever I have to buy a car there's a recurring phrase I repeat in my head, "caveat emptor" I hate buying cars.

Uh-huh.

<<<usually the last owner of a motor vehicle, because am rough on them, especially the tie-rods and axles.

<<<uses other people's cars and pick-up trucks all the time, but because they're other people's, handle those with kid gloves; nobody's ever been reluctant to lend franksolich a vehicle.

But of own vehicles, well.....

[Dori]

What about the "lemon law", or is that only a state by state thing?

[DumbAss Tanker]

1.  Even a strict inspection only checks the tires for tread depth minimums and obvious safety defects, it won't find a belt separation that hasn't produced a large blister yet.

2.  Pennsylvania fails you for rust holes in your rocker panels???  Can't say even psycho inspectors I've dealt with elsewhere would have done that, short of it looking like a chunk was going to fall off.  Well, there's always Bondo, sandpaper, and spraypaint, dude.

3.  Not numbered, but uphill lugging like that is often the product of your emission system cutting off fresh intake air to rebreathe exhaust gas, but drawing it from a used-up converter that isn't working well (Usually due to accumulated blown oil in it)...though it's also possible you may also have a transmission issue.

[EagleKeeper]

Please tell me that this DUmmie actually test drove the lemon before it bought it.

A broken belt, that's most likely true, but it did not go away after airing it up and rotation.

One thing I've learned over the years, if you just happen to have them, bring along a couple of extra sets of eyes to scrutinize the lemon you are about to purchase. Everybody brings a different skill set to the game.

Anyway, this DUmmie has managed to trade one set of problems for another equal set of problems...congratulations.

[Dori]

Please tell me that this DUmmie actually test drove the lemon before it bought it.

A broken belt, that's most likely true, but it did not go away after airing it up and rotation.

One thing I've learned over the years, if you just happen to have them, bring along a couple of extra sets of eyes to scrutinize the lemon you are about to purchase. Everybody brings a different skill set to the game.

Anyway, this DUmmie has managed to trade one set of problems for another equal set of problems...congratulations.

Don't cars rust out quicker from salt on the roads? What about engine and suspension bolts rusting out? 

[Skul]

Damn...I STILL get a lump in my throat pants when I think about MFM..he had a huge personality rectal apperature, and meant so much to a LOT of us.

Ya, I know.  I'm going to he77 for that. 

[Carl]

A DUmbass getting "screwn" makes God smile.  

[landofconfusion80]

What about the "lemon law", or is that only a state by state thing?

New cars only.
When buying a used car:
RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH- know the problem points of the car you're interested in, don't rely strictly on brand or what somebody tells you at the dealer
If you can't look it over yourself, pay somebody neutral to do so.
If it doesn't seem right, it most likely isn't. that broken belt should have been pretty obvious. walk away

[franksolich]

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1018556155

Oh geezuz gawd.....

[tanstaafl]

I hope his new used car craps out on a busy thoroughfare.

At rush hour.

[EagleKeeper]

I accept that I'm screwn on the issues requiring repair, including the CHECK ENGINE light that came on two days after purchase and the mysterious "bucking" of the engine when I accelerate from 55 to 60 up an incline. Not sure what to make of that. But here's my question:

Have patience DUmmie, if the cars controller does not throw a code for the next three days or so the light will go out of its own accord.

 

[Bad Dog]

A DUmbass getting "screwn" makes God smile.  

They all go through life with a big F*** Me sticker on their forehead.

I'm sure everyone at the dealership is laughing their ass off at the DUmmie because, I'm sure the DUmmie showed up with the usual arrogant know it all lib attitude.

[landofconfusion80]

Oh geezuz gawd.....

[landofconfusion80]

They all go through life with a big F*** Me sticker on their forehead.

I'm sure everyone at the dealership is laughing their ass off at the DUmmie because, I'm sure the DUmmie showed up with the usual arrogant know it all lib attitude.

Not real sure of the guy's political persuasion, but I'm reminded of a happening in my dealing days.  We had a crazy deal on a newer grand am that had just been traded in.  the thing even had a massive spiff(bonus) on it.  This guy comes in and test drives the car. during the drive, the steering wheel adjustment lever falls off.  there are clearly damaged parts throughout.  I flat told the guy "there are much better cars on this lot for the same price, if I were you, I'd be looking at one of those."  Of course not! this was an incredible deal and his relative was a mechanic! He bought the thing and left.  Lots of angry calls later after it broke down on him at midnight on the expressway.  When the salesman is telling you it's a bad car, it might be in your best interests to listen.

[67 Rover]

I hope his new used car craps out on a busy thoroughfare.

At rush hour.

My vote is for unintended acceleration at the bottom of the exit ramp. 

[EagleKeeper]

My brother was recently in the market for a truck that he could use to haul his 5th wheel hitch camper

We looked at some gas powered trucks but for one reason or another they were rejected.

Then we looked at a Chevy Duramax 2500, it was seemingly a nice truck, it drove nice, was spunky and had all the nice gadgets in the cockpit that one might want.

For whatever reason (it was a crappy day and I wasn't really dressed for it) I crawled under the truck and found that the oil pan was covered in oil. when I brought it to the attention of the dealer he blamed it on an oil change gone awry, which when you look at how the Duramax engine is laid out it's totally plausible.

It also had an Allison transmission which I sinfully covet, but he passed on it which gave me a great sigh of relief.

Unfortunately, he wound up with a Ford Powerstroke dually that is now having problems starting in mildly cold weather.

Glow plugs are funny things, I don't think even Ford knows how to trouble shoot the darn things.

Personally, I drive a 1999 Dodge 2500 diesel truck that will not start in -65 F wind chill (as recently demonstrated).

If I had plugged it in it would have started. 

[jukin]

Unfortunately, he wound up with a Ford Powerstroke dually that is now having problems starting in mildly cold weather.

First, never buy GMC.

Second, I'm not a diesel guy but I do know that the newer small displacement (6.8s (?)) diesels by Ford are shit. The old 7.3(?) turbo diesels go for 400k+ and are practically bullet proof. I think they quit making them in 03 or 04. Of course the coldest it gets around here is in the 30s.

[hillneck]

Orrex (39,412 posts)    Wed Jan 15, 2014, 11:52 PM

I got screwn on a used car purchase

Knowledgeable friends have diagnosed the issue as a broken belt.

You idiot, why didn't you take your knowledgeable friends (if they aren't imaginary) with you before you purchased it?    

[Skul]

A buddy of mine has an older (90's) Ford Diesel.
He found a trick to start it when temps dropped.
Instead of relying on the stupid light, he watches the ammeter.
When it kicks back up, plugs are hot and ready to go.

[Wineslob]

Good Lord these DUmmies sure are DUmb.


I'm in the market to get a used Jeep, preferably mid-70's or older (I have my reasons). I just looked at one. Made in 1966, V8 conversion, many new parts, runs. Only $1200.00

I took a GOOD look at it.

The term "butchered abortion" applied. I wouldn't have given the guy $100 for it.


So, DUmmies, KNOW WTF you are looking at.

 

[dandi]

If you're going to buy used, it's generally better to buy from a new car dealer rather than a used car lot. You may not get a warranty but at least they pay more attention to safety items like tires and brakes, and they're at least nominally interested in their reputation.

Then again, if you have only a few hundred to spend you're not likely to find anything at a dealership, whose bottom-of-the-barrel stuff usually starts around 2000, and in which case you're not going to get a reliable car anyway. Unless you can get Grandpa to sell you that old F-150 he only drove to church twice a week.

Yes, the DUmmy, one of The Smartest People On Earthâ„¢, is screwn. Taken by a used car saleman, just like Obama.

On the bright side, maybe Global Warming will defrost us and bring an early Spring so you can give that bicycle a workout.

[HawkHogan]

If you're going to buy used, it's generally better to buy from a new car dealer rather than a used car lot. You may not get a warranty but at least they pay more attention to safety items like tires and brakes, and they're at least nominally interested in their reputation.

Then again, if you have only a few hundred to spend you're not likely to find anything at a dealership, whose bottom-of-the-barrel stuff usually starts around 2000, and in which case you're not going to get a reliable car anyway. Unless you can get Grandpa to sell you that old F-150 he only drove to church twice a week.

Yes, the DUmmy, one of The Smartest People On Earthâ„¢, is screwn. Taken by a used car saleman, just like Obama.

On the bright side, maybe Global Warming will defrost us and bring an early Spring so you can give that bicycle a workout.

Exactly.  I know nothing about cars, so I took someone who did.  The first thing they told me was that I should buy from a dealership, rather than a lot.  In fact, when you buy from a dealership, they usually give you a warranty for major problems. 

[Bad Dog]

Good Lord these DUmmies sure are DUmb.

So, DUmmies, KNOW WTF you are looking at.

 

This is their bottom line, they have a "right" to be stupid and lazy.  That is why they immediately go to the DUmp looking for shithouse lawyers since they expect the state to protect them from themselves.

[Jmartin]

You haven't been screwed till you finance a car with poor credit. Lenders love people with less than stellar credit. Especially if you have never financed through a bank. Right now he just has a rust bucket. He doesn't have something he is going to end up paying double the book value for because of finance charges. It amazes me the things banks get away with. Even if you can afford the payments with no issue you are still being screwed, and practically defrauded.

[thundley4]

It's Obama's fault the DUmmie was screwed.  Cash for Clunkers took a lot of high quality used cars out of the market and destroyed them.