I am having engine trouble..please help?

Question

I have just recently bought a car: Nissan Maxima 07, & it did not pass emissions test because the service engine light came on. I thought it was because it needed oil but after putting some oil in it the engine light did not go away and the low oil pressure light was STILL on. I took a look in the oil cap and needless to say, it looked bad. It looks like the oil was never changed and the car is at 50k mileage. It's extremely dirty and oil is burnt into the top of the measuring stick. I took it to a mechanic and they suggested I take the car right back to the dealer. That's exactly what I did, and they're giving me two options; 1. Try to fix the problem. or 2. Trade in the vehicle for another. (which will be a lower price than what I paid since it's a trade-in). My questions are:
1. Can this problem be fixed? (Can the engine be cleaned out or will it inevitably fail?)
2. What can I do about the dealer's offer? Can I fight this? Or do I have to conform to his two options? 
If it makes a difference, I got the car in MD and I live in VA.

? · Accepted Answer

You'r certainly not obligated to take what the seller dishes out.

You'r a party to a contract and you have full legal rights. The prob at this point is you dont know what they are.

Those rights may include cancelling the deal for a full refund.

It makes a huge difference what state this occured in. If poss, put everything on hold til you've gotten good legal advice and that means at least three opinions prob from MD lawyers experienced in consumer law contracts.

State laws vary widely. Some states like CA & WA are well regulated and therefor protect the consumer well. In WA, you'd be entitled to a refund or having the seller fix it. I'd sure take the refund.

Some states have few regulations and thus enable the ripoffs.

I've never seen MD's laws on used cars, but I've heard MD is well regulated.

Unfortunately in the current atmosphere some well-regulated states are de-regulating under the guise of reducing budgets.

If you can afford an 07, maybe you could afford an 09 that would have, or be eligible for, Nissan's Bumper to Bumper Warranty, the only worthwhile kind. Not a non-Nissan, third party warranty, and not drivetrain/powertrain warranty that exclude more than they cover.

If you feel comfortable w/ this dealer, you could add that to the deal, but that complicates negotiations. First call about 3 Nissan dealers' finance managers and ask about eligibility for that warranty. Again, get a few opinions, and shop around for price, including online.

You might want to look at a more reliable brand like Honda.

I'd def go for that warranty. They cost about $1,000 and are very well worth it.

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Dont buy anything w/o reading Consumer Reports, CR.  http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/index.htm   A non-profit testing organization.  Free site for basic info.  Also @ libraries & bookstores.

------------------------

Honda ranks #1 in Consumer Reports for 2011.  Subaru, Toyota, Volvo & Ford follow in order. 

BMW and Mercedes were down-rated for reliability, with Mercedes in 10th place.

GM & Chrysler were 12th & 13th. 

Vehicles were rated for performance, reliability,  fuel efficiency and other factors.
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http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704615504576172500918475430.html?mod=WSJ_article_MoreIn_AutoIndustryNews    Wall St Journal.

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http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/fast_facts/ffvr35.htm    New [2006] protections in CA for car buyers,  the “Car Buyer’s Bill of Rights.” . 

“Does cover used vehicles, not motorcycles or off-road, etc.  Does not cover private party transactions.   

Two-day contract cancellation option: 

“Consumers who purchase a used car for less than $40,000 must be given an opportunity to purchase a two-day Contract Cancellation Option Agreement.”
.         .   
1-800-777-0133 Ca DMV ,  CA Dept Consumer Affairs www.dca.ca.gov  .  CA Attorney General  www.ag.ca.gov  , 1-800-952-5225  , 1-800-952-5210.  CA  auto emissions   www.smogcheck.ca.gov   , 1-916-255-4300

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http://www.atg.wa.gov/askcolumn.aspx?&id=11954   WA state atty gen’s office.   

WA Attorney General Rob McKenna:  "Although there is no express requirement for a dealer to inspect a used vehicle before it is sold, 

“the car must be safe and legal to drive. 

“If you were sold an unsafe vehicle, you have rights under state contract law and can request that the dealer make the car roadworthy or refund your purchase price...

“Absent the required disclosures and your explicit consent, 

“an  ‘as is’ sticker in the window of a car or a signed waiver is not sufficient to waive the implied warranty... 

“Every used car sold by a dealer in Washington for personal use has an ‘implied warranty of merchantability’ under state law:

“This means that the dealer promises the used car will be fit for ordinary driving purposes, reasonably safe, without major defects, 

“and of the average quality of similar cars available for sale in the same price range. 

(Cars sold by private owners or for business use aren’t covered under this law.)  May, 2006.” Check for updates.

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http://www.civiltree.com/filed_suit.php    “Recent Small Claims Filings & General News...”

Some Automotive Small Claims  Defendants: Audi, $3.5k warranty breach. EconoLube, $6k, negligent credit reporting.  Percision (sic) Tune Auto Care, $15k, overcharge on repairs.  Superb Auto Repair, $1.2k,  shop damaged  vehicle.  Auto Professionals, Inc, $2.3k, warranty breach. Sangera GM dealer, $3k, fraud.  Case evaluation, finding/hiringlawyers, ask a lawyer, search.    http://law.freeadvice.com/small_claims/small_claims/  .   http://www.civiltree.com/filed_suit.php    “Recent Small Claims Filings & General News...”

James · Answer

low oil pressure could mean a number of things. but since it is fairly new and the oil has never been changed its probly a clogged oil  filter or strainer. the strainer would probly be to much money to be worth it but. getting your oil changed is cheap and will do your car good. when they change it they also change the filter so that would fix your light if that is the problem. the fact that the dealership wouldnt help you is BULL they are suppose to find the problem and fix it for you for free... i hope this helped just get your oil "changed" not just add more. also adding to much will cause damage. but just get it changed and if thats not the problem then its not worth the time just trade it

Anonym · Answer

Take option 2, it's not worth the fight, you need to get a car and get on with your life, your love life is obviously suffering too, let's work on that one also, the guy at the car dealership really digs you, you should show more leg and brush up against them to gain a bargaining and negotiating advantage, maybe marry a car salesman, think big, girl.

Otto · Answer

This car has been abused and neglected. Take the option of a different vehicle but make sure to have a trusted mechanic (not one at their dealership) check it over before you complete the deal.

eddieibalz · Answer

carbon on the dip stick, is a sign, that the oil services have not been kept up to date . you need a new engine no amount of flushing is going to help. trade it in for another at the tightest deal you can get , yes you may well be able to fight it all it is going to do is cause you stress and worry

Anonym · Answer

Get another car.

I am having engine trouble..please help?

6 Antworten