Ugh, My Car

[Achan hiArusa]

I had bought a '94 Honda Accord from Nelm's Used Cars in Fayetteville, AR for $5700. I'd never bought a car before. First the odometer broke down, I took it back to the dealer and they got it fixed. Then I the air conditioning failed and I was told the car was sold "As Is". Then the odometer failed again. The door locks lock and unlock until they lock, the driver side window sometimes comes off its track, and the gear shift light doesn't work. But it was driveable and I put some miles on it from OKC to Fayetteville and from OKC to Dallas. Not bad.

After I made all my payments I took it in for an inspection. I was told it needed $1700 in repairs, but only $700 of it was critical. It needed a tail light and a head light which would have cost me $100 at the shop, but I did it on my own with some help for about $20. Just two weeks ago I got the last of those $1700 in repairs for good measure (which included new struts).

Then, earlier this week, my radiator blew. And it will be $740 to repair it, $102 of which I'll get reimbursed through my insurance company (the towing), and $160 for the car rental while I wait to get my car back.

Sigh.

[ssampier]

Ugh is right. Cars can be expensive little buggers. Hopefully you didn't get stranded when your radiator blew.

New cars aren't immune to problems either (knock on wood since I bought a 09 Pontiac Vibe recently).

[Cat Moon]

I was always taught to take a care for a test drive first. When you're doing this take it to have it inspected.

I've saved myself from two very bad automotive purchases by doing this.

[Xath]

Originally Posted by Achan hiArusa

I had bought a '94 Honda Accord from Nelm's Used Cars in Fayetteville, AR for $5700. I'd never bought a car before. First the odometer broke down, I took it back to the dealer and they got it fixed. Then I the air conditioning failed and I was told the car was sold "As Is". Then the odometer failed again. The door locks lock and unlock until they lock, the driver side window sometimes comes off its track, and the gear shift light doesn't work. But it was driveable and I put some miles on it from OKC to Fayetteville and from OKC to Dallas. Not bad.

After I made all my payments I took it in for an inspection. I was told it needed $1700 in repairs, but only $700 of it was critical. It needed a tail light and a head light which would have cost me $100 at the shop, but I did it on my own with some help for about $20. Just two weeks ago I got the last of those $1700 in repairs for good measure (which included new struts).

Then, earlier this week, my radiator blew. And it will be $740 to repair it, $102 of which I'll get reimbursed through my insurance company (the towing), and $160 for the car rental while I wait to get my car back.

Sigh.

#1. You got had on the price if you bought your car recently, especially in that condition. '94 Accords in your area bluebook at about $4000 for what you should expect to pay retail.

#2. I don't know what you have in the way of salvage yards down there, but I'm in a similar situation to you. My '94 Civic needs its radiator replaced. The local salvage yard has tons of 92-95 civics in stock and will sell me a guaranteed radiator for $200, and install it for $100. It'll take them a couple of hours to do it and they're open on Saturdays. If i want to, I can even go out into the garage and watch the guys work on the car, so I can pick up a few pointers.

Don't be afraid to explore all of your options. I'm lucky enough to have 2 separate mechanics who I really trust. It takes some serious shopping around, but the effort is worth it.

In the last month, I've had the following done: (moved to VA and had to get reinspected)

- Replaced both Bellows boots (about $387 parts and installation)
- Replaced 1 axle (part, labor, and tire rotation $250)
- Replaced windshield (part $100, installation $50)
- Replaced right front fender (part $50, installation done by me)
- Replaced driver's seat (part $25, installation done by me)
- Replaced rear tag light (part free, installation done by me)

If I had had these things done at a Honda dealer or the like, the parts alone would have run me about $1000. As it is, I was able to find really good deals on warrantied parts, and get them installed for less.

Like a doctor, it can never hurt to get a second or third opinion on your car.

[megamania]

Used cars...Used car problems.

As said above-

Test drive

If you have a friend whom is knowlable in car repairs / cars have him/her look at it before buying

If possible- research the car AND the dealership. There are salesmen I refuse to go to around here for purchase or repairs.

and yes... the salvage yards are a good place to go. It wouldn't surprise me if the "used" parts dealerships say they use are from the very salvage places you could've used.

Beyond that... there is some luck. My first car was new (inheritence) but all others were used. I've only had one that was so so and that was minor (hole in exhaust that someone used a can and cuplinks to attach so it wouldn't sound off).


From the sounds of it.... you should be set for now. You may wish to check on the spare tire ahead of time however. Several times I found the used car was sold either with no spare or the spare was flat also.

[Achan hiArusa]

I bought it two years ago. Hopefully, the mechanic said it would be fine, they did a full inspection. Thanks, in the future I'll make sure I'm with someone shrewder than I.

[GlassJaw]

Buyer beware.

Honda is a good choice but $5700 is very expensive for a 94.

I would never buy a used car unless it was certified by the manufacturer. Used Hondas are great but you should buy one that is Honda Certified:

Honda Certified Used Cars - the Official Honda Web Site

I would cut my losses, get rid of it, and get something used but newer. Try to buy from a an actual car dealership of the same manufacturer.

[frankthedm]

Sometimes stereotypes are right. Used car salesmen are one of those times.

I've had good luck with the new Hyundai my family got in 2004.

First the odometer broke down,

OK, this is a BIG warning sign in my book. That is when you do your homework on if the odometer was tampered with and check the laws for the state you bought the car. The laws, or the dealer's fear of those laws, might be enough to get a refund. Sadly you let the original place get at the evidence so any proof of tampering may be gone. Still, I recommend looking into this issue.

[Tewligan]

Originally Posted by frankthedm

Sometimes stereotypes are right. Used car salesmen are one of those times.

Hm, my dad was a used car salesman - I don't think he was into ripping people off. When you buy a 14-year-old car, you're often going to have stuff go bad on you.

[Achan hiArusa]

Originally Posted by frankthedm

Sometimes stereotypes are right. Used car salesmen are one of those times.

I've had good luck with the new Hyundai my family got in 2004.OK, this is a BIG warning sign in my book. That is when you do your homework on if the odometer was tampered with and check the laws for the state you bought the car. The laws, or the dealer's fear of those laws, might be enough to get a refund. Sadly you let the original place get at the evidence so any proof of tampering may be gone. Still, I recommend looking into this issue.

Is there a statute of limitations on that? Apparently they fixed it in a slapdash fashion because it broke down again. Now how do I go about doing that? Especially if I want to sell it.

[frankthedm]

Originally Posted by Achan hiArusa

Is there a statute of limitations on that? Apparently they fixed it in a slapdash fashion because it broke down again. Now how do I go about doing that? Especially if I want to sell it.

I strongly recommend you research the situation.

[Achan hiArusa]

Originally Posted by frankthedm

I strongly recommend you research the situation.

That statement sends me back into graduate school flashbacks.

[frankthedm]

Originally Posted by Achan hiArusa

That statement sends me back into graduate school flashbacks.

When a layperson has to look into legal matters, that is what it tends to feel like.

[Achan hiArusa]

I know the whole IANAL and the possibility of being sued for malpractice. I do work at a law library but its in Oklahoma, but I have at least two practicing lawyers as friends in Arkansas so I can ask them. I can at least file with the better business bureau. Might as well as I'm pursuing a grievance against the director of my former program for irregularities in my candidacy and another one against the head of the ASGC and his NASA liaison for breech of confidentiality.