Bought a used car and shocked by bills.

ACTdealchaser on 06/08/2015 - 20:04
Last edited 06/08/2015 - 20:46

Hi,

I bought a used car from a dealer in Fyshwick. Since I am still resolving my complaint with them I will not mention there name for now.

My purchase was based on the information that nothing I needed to know other than the paint problems and that is the reason they offered my price.

However my regular mechanic told me a series of repairs are to be done, cost up to 78% of the purchase price in a short period. My dealer's mechanic told me the brakes were worn around 70% and they were due for replacement in 10k km. I wasn't told any of this at all when I made the purchase.

My question is would it be reasonable for me to expect the dealer to inform me there could be significant amount of maintenance bills to come soon,so at least I could budget for it.

What I am not comfortable is my dealer was not upfront and starightforward when I purchased the car. We would have a very different conversation if I was told : you would expect a major maitenance down the track. that is on the table.

Call me naive but I felt like I needed to be treated better.

Thank you

Automotive

Comments

  • mini2 on 06/08/2015 - 20:12
    +13

    Caveat emptor.

    • ACTdealchaser on 06/08/2015 - 20:54
      -7

      I think there is contract law and consumer requesting the sell side to do something as well.

      But I will be much aware next time.

      I had good experience about cars from buying from private individuals. This time I am a bit lazy and now learned a lesson.

      • mini2 on 06/08/2015 - 21:04
        +4

        Let me guess, the vehicle in question is outside the protection of any statutory warranty in terms of mileage and age?

        Who's fault is it not having it inspected prior to purchase? Not the dealer's that's for sure provided they haven't stopped the inspection from happening.

        • ACTdealchaser on 06/08/2015 - 21:23
          -2

          I am not sure yet about statutory warranty yet.

          I was told that there was no Rego so they can't offer me an inspection to my regular mechanic. Thinking back it is interesting that they got a dealer plate for test drive..

        • mini2 on 06/08/2015 - 22:51

          @Devon:

          Gosh, you've copped an absolute grilling on WP.

          For $3k, I think your chances of a statutory being applicable will be pretty damn slim unless it's a severely hail damaged Chery then you might still be under 10 years old/160k km.

        • terrys on 07/08/2015 - 08:58
          +1

          @Devon: That would have been the time to offer half the asking price, then walk away…

  • nocure on 06/08/2015 - 20:17
    +11

    Answer: No

    Always get a second hand car checked by an independent mechanic.

    • ACTdealchaser on 06/08/2015 - 20:32
      +3

      Lessons learned..

      • nocure on 06/08/2015 - 20:48

        Most things can be done yourself …do a bit of research ,watch some how to videos, use this opportunity to learn more about your car and how to maintain it…have fun.

        • ACTdealchaser on 06/08/2015 - 20:50

          I am a useless office worker.. however sounds like my garage is becoming a real garage from a storage.

        • mini2 on 06/08/2015 - 22:54
          -1

          @Devon:

          Shirley you must have co-workers/friends/family who's handy with cars?

  • slknv on 06/08/2015 - 20:21
    +3

    Not enough info. How old is the car, what make/model, how many kms, how much did you pay.

    Brakes are a consumable, and you're not being specific about what part of the braking system needs to be replaced. Brake pads? Rotors? Brake fluid flush and replace? Brake lines? Master cylinder? ABS unit? ABS sensors? If a $50 set of brake pads are your biggest problem then you're laughing.

    You bought a used car. All cars require maintenance. The more its used, the more maintenance you need, fact of life.

    • ACTdealchaser on 06/08/2015 - 20:41
      -1

      The brakes is 70% worn.

      There are a serious of other things, such as A/C belt, engine parts and such.

      I suppose for individual items there would be an area of different opinions.

      I would like to keep a few information with myself. As what I don't like is more of the way that the dealer was not frank and straightforward .

      "All cars require maintenance. The more its used, the more maintenance you need, fact of life."

      I understand.

      However a regular maintenance wouldn't cost thousands I suppose. The maintenance I am facing is a major one. What I am not comfortable is should such a significant maintenance is required, wouldn't my dealer bother to inform me otherwise wouldn't I being mislead?

      The scenario is more like this I was told the car is all good for 3k. I bought it and found about maintenance cost up to to 2k is down the track.

      • slknv on 06/08/2015 - 20:56
        +4

        Unfortunately any 3K car is going to require some amount of maintenance regardless of whether you bought it from a dealer, privately, scumtree etc. The acquisition price of a car rarely has any relationship to the ongoing labour maintenance cost of the car. If you're paying a mechanic for your work, they're going to charge you exactly the same fixed labour cost per hour as they would for a 10K, 20K, 30K car.

        Of course as the acquisition cost of the car is low, the proportionate outlay on repair costs as a percentage of the car is going to appear high, but really has no relevance nor reason to accuse the dealer of any wrongdoing or "misleading" you.

        For example, my brother just bought a $350 Honda civic that's pretty rough. It was $350, what do you expect? We've spent a few hours raiding wreckers for parts, fixing it up, and parts alone have cost $1200 and counting, not including our own labour.

        In addition, repeating your statement that "The brakes is 70% worn" probably indicates it's only brake pads and/or rotors. A/C belt is a simple fix. "engine parts" really doesn't mean anything without detail. So saying that its "serious", "major" etc without details doesn't mean much.

        If you have the time and inclination, maybe buy a basic set of tools and learn to fix your car with the help of forums/internet/youtube etc. "Eric the Car Guy" is an excellent resource. Brake pads & rotors are generally an easy DIY. A/C belt is a pretty simple accessory belt change. Your $2000 maintenance cost is probably 50% labour. Plus learning to wrench on your car gives you that warm, fuzzy, manly feeling on the inside.

        Final example of why you should try working on your car - my track car needed a replacement wheel bearing; a local shop quoted $550 for a replacement inc labour. I bought two bearings on the 'net, did the job myself for $60.

        Good luck

        • ACTdealchaser on 06/08/2015 - 21:15

          i know you have been very helpful about this and it is very much a sensible idea to fix the car up bit by bit, which my guess it is going to happen.

          In your Honda example, I am quite OK if I am told I should expect a few thousand more to fix things when I made the purchase. However it is not OK if I was told it was OK ANN it is not after all…

  • dylanando on 06/08/2015 - 20:53
    +2

    Honestly, If i was you, Id dump it quick and grab another one thats been checked out by a mechanic. No way would I keep a pile of shit!

    • ACTdealchaser on 06/08/2015 - 20:54

      I would do the same if I am liquid…

    • stevensx on 09/08/2015 - 00:28

      Great idea….Just pass it onto some other poor sucker.

  • Findo on 06/08/2015 - 21:05

    My turd car is currently insured for $4500 and would fetch $3500 on the private market if lucky. Since inheriting it from my parents in 2012, they've spent about $2000/year getting it 100% safe for me to drive. Old cars just cost too much in repairs.

    • snook on 11/08/2015 - 11:45
      +1

      they've spent

      Wow, grateful much in your turd car?

      • Findo on 11/08/2015 - 14:55
        +1

        It's not even a base model BMW…

  • PVA on 06/08/2015 - 21:20

    brakes that are still 30% OK are still fine, the dealer wouldnt need to tell you about that.

    you havent mentioned any other problems.

    I suggest next time get an RACQ inspection.

    • ACTdealchaser on 06/08/2015 - 21:25

      No I haven't mention other problems..

      Other majors are

      Rocker cover gaskets +
      Spark plugs -

      Steering rack ends -

      RH engine mount

      • npc on 06/08/2015 - 21:46

        These all are easy and not expensive repairs. Can't see any issues. Breaks (pads and disks) cant be considered as a defect as such as it is a consumable part and, once again, is cheap and easy to replace.

        Edit. If these repairs cost you 70%+ of your car value then either:
        1. mechanic is ripping you off
        2. your car is worth under $1500 and it's really great that you don't have any other issues

        • ACTdealchaser on 06/08/2015 - 21:54

          There are a few small ones worth another $500.. however I would like to believe you so I will seek a second opinion tomorrow.

        • npc on 06/08/2015 - 21:59

          @Devon: Just do it. Rocker cover gasket and spark plugs can be done within 1-2 hours with a basic tool set e.g. from k-mart***.

          *** Some I6, V6+ and Boxer motors are not easy because of difficult access to plugs…

        • ACTdealchaser on 06/08/2015 - 22:23

          @andyvolk:

          You are a really guru. Mine is a V6 and I knew it was not easy for the exact reason you just said.

        • pjcook on 07/08/2015 - 07:50
          +1

          @andyvolk: Sorry Andy, not true in all cases, Changing Spark plugs are usually a straight forward task, but in certain models it can involve the removal of ancillary parts such as A/C compressors, Power steering pumps etc, and if you are not aware of the potential to damage new plugs it can lead to further problems, also knowing hoe to gap the plugs etc…. With regard to changing gaskets, that too can cause majors issues if not done correctly. A lot of people are completely inept (no fault of there own) at anything mechanical so telling them to just do it is unrealistic, just because you can doesn't mean they can….

  • mit on 06/08/2015 - 22:16
    +1

    Yes you are naive. No the dealer has no obligation to tell you about any problems with the car and they may not even know about any of those problems. I don't really understand why you bought the car knowing that you couldn't check it for any problems. You clearly knew that you needed to get it checked - that's good, but why crumble when they say no? Should've told them to you'll find somebody else to give your money to.

    You should really know, like many sales people (not all), as soon as they make the sale and have your money, that's the last they want to see of you until the next time you want to buy something. If you aren't sure and not a car person like myself, take somebody with you who's got experience with the buying process and knows cars. But this goes for anything you purchase that's a big deal - houses, loans, insurance, moving countries, etc. Surely you've got some of those people in your life? I feel like you knew but just went all impulsive a the last second.

    As you said, lesson learned. Could always be worse.

    I don't think you'll have much luck if you try filing a complaint to the relevant authorities.

    • ACTdealchaser on 06/08/2015 - 22:24

      i know …. this is a lesson for me to become less impulsive for other life important decisions..

  • try2bhelpful on 06/08/2015 - 22:37
    +1

    There are some statutory rights in relation to used cars.

    http://www.ors.act.gov.au/community/fair_trading/purchasing_…

    suggest you have a read.

  • ozhunter on 06/08/2015 - 22:51
    +1

    My dealer's mechanic told me the brakes were worn around 70% and they were due for replacement in 10k km. I wasn't told any of this at all when I made the purchase.

    Well it's a used car, you can't expect it to be brand new.

    • try2bhelpful on 06/08/2015 - 22:57
      +1

      From the website
      The Act requires motor vehicle dealers to provide a warranty in certain circumstances. The motor vehicle dealer must repair any defects that occur during the warranty period so the car is in reasonable condition relative to its age and the distance travelled. Purchasers receive a three month or 5,000km warrantly on all used cars less than 10 years old that have travelled less than 160,000km. Neither you or the motor vehicle dealer may sign away the warranty rights.

      Things not covered by the warranty include tyres, batteries, perishable items such as brake pads and wiper blades, accessories fitted after manufacture such as stereo systems, damage caused by accidents, misuse or negligence after delivery, damage to paintwork or upholstery after delivery, tune-ups or services and tools.

    • GnarlyKnuckles on 07/08/2015 - 01:57
      +1

      "… were due for replacement in 10k km."

      OzH is absolutely right OP, and you do realise that 10,000 km is actually quite a lot too right? For example, you could drive more than 27 km every single day for an entire year, and that's still less than 10,000 km. So it would have been silly for the dealer to chuck these pads away/ replace them with new ones prior to selling this (cheeeap) car, given that they still have about a year left in them (depending on your definition of 'normal' daily usage/ kms). It is also not realistic to expect the seller of a car this cheap to tell you at the time of sale that the brake-pads will need replacing in about a year, if you drive more than 27 kms every day.

  • mini2 on 06/08/2015 - 22:57

    Next time, hop on Tyson's on Facebook and just buy a bomb off there…

    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tysons-Buy-Swap-Sell/80288540…

  • Unorthodox on 06/08/2015 - 23:38

    Asymmetric information, a market failure.

    There's no obligation on the dealer's part to disclose that.

    Always have an independent verification.

  • Cheeper on 07/08/2015 - 00:47
    +1

    Almost all $3000 cars are near end of life and will be expensive to keep roadworthy and safe. False economics.
    All salesmen lie… no matter if is cars or anything. Adopt that lesson and lifes road will be less bumpy for you.
    The items you mention so far are not all that expensive and so far are not bad for a $3k car. Brake pads are cheap and easy to replace… if needed? If you get to drive it for another 10k without it totally carking it then you will have done well for your money.
    Want to get annoyed with someone… then look in the mirror LOL.

    • Davros on 07/08/2015 - 08:03

      My current $3000 car is still soldiering on fine after 5 years, the only thing not working is a bulb for the odometer.

      • Cheeper on 07/08/2015 - 11:14

        You can be lucky. I would not say that every $3000 car would not need $ spent on it.. common sense thing.

        • Davros on 07/08/2015 - 11:56

          I guess I've been lucky with them for 30 years now.
          Alway manage to get either a falcon or a commodore, no more than 10 years old, no more than 160klm's and usually with a good service history.

  • Davros on 07/08/2015 - 08:00
    +7

    Second hand car shows signs of wear.. News @ 11:00

  • idonteven on 07/08/2015 - 12:25
    +5

    You've posted the same post on Whirlpool. They've given you the exact response you've gotten here.

    Lesson learnt for bigger things in life. Just remember to not be gullible because people will lie to your face if it means you'll buy from them.

  • Lockieasy on 07/08/2015 - 17:23
    +1

    Didn't you ever watch the movie Matilda as a kid? All you need to know about used car salesmen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pks7q2qyM-s :P

    • Scorpiogirl on 09/08/2015 - 16:00

      Love this example. I can never look a car salesman in the eye because i detest liars. Sad but true.

  • megadeth on 08/08/2015 - 15:38

    Buy $40 brake pads from SCA when they're on special next time. Keep driving u still have 10000km. DIY when the time comes and remember for next time that the seller is not liable for due diligence on your part.

  • gimli on 08/08/2015 - 19:33

    Talk to Arthur Weasley and see if he will help you make it a flying car

  • T1OOO on 08/08/2015 - 19:40
    +2

    U were lied to by a used car sales man ?

    Welcome to the world!

    • ozhunter on 08/08/2015 - 19:54
      +1

      He wasn't lied to, he just wasn't told that the used roadworthy car he purchased had used parts that will need to be replaced in time and that the car needs to be maintained.

  • tonyjzx on 09/08/2015 - 21:54

    i just read the WP thread for lulz

    thing is OP needs to treat US better… scant on details, doesnt want to tell us about the car

    he dropped himself in it and really, only a fool would give you sympathy

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