Hi Scotty, recently bought a used HONDA CIVIC LX 2003 from a dealer. 100,000 miles for 4K, however I’ve come to realize that it didn’t have trans fluid, and sometimes the engine Coolant gage when I turn on the car stays at C for awhile. Also they did change the trans fluid for me but sometimes I smell a burnt oil type Oder. Did I get ripped off? It’s a clean title. Help!
I'm sorry to hear you had such a bad experience. Going forward, it is important to remember that a clean title just means the vehicle has never been totalled. It doesn't mean there are no issues. It sounds like you got ripped off badly.
Since you financed it and you're stuck with it, here is what I would do:
1. Take it to an independent mechanic and have him go over the vehicle. Make sure you tell him about the problems you have had so far.
2. If he/she finds issues, have them draw up an estimate for repair costs.
3. If the issues are significant, take the inspection paperwork to the dealer and explain to them that they sold you an un-roadworthy vehicle and you would like to get your money back.
4. Look up the used car buyer laws in your state to see what your legal options are.
5. Decide whether you want to go the attorney route, or just trade the car in somewhere towards a better vehicle and consider the negative equity the cost of tuition on used car buying.
Since it is a cheap car, I'd probably go straight to step 5 myself and trade it in on something better.
Well, you probably should change and/or refresh all the fluids, and do it properly.
Oil changes are easy. Here's Scotty's video on that: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGvjU4CFsnQ
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You can do a better job, if you're diligent, than any quik lube place.
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Draining and filling the coolant is also doable, with a spill funnel, the right OEM fluid, a few tools and patience.
See this video, from 1aauto.com: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGS9BWPWM7c
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Replacing the ATF is a bit more tricky, but can be a DIY project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4cLj-uW94s
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Reading a transmission dipstick is tricky, if the fluid is fresh: Here's how you tell:
http://www.agcoauto.com/content/news/p2_articleid/89
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You might also want to do an inexpensive refresh of the power steering fluid:
http://www.agcoauto.com/content/news/p2_articleid/179
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The more you know and can do, and do well, the less likely you'll be a mark for dishonest sales and service people.
Good luck.
And make sure, if you do any of this, that you use the correct fluids, which are either on the caps (the oil cap, for example) or in the owner's manual. Mixing different oil viscosities, types of coolant, ATF or power steering fluid damages those systems, sometimes irrevocably.
This could be a good learning experience for you, tackling these maintenance issues. Fluid changes are your best hope of making through the payment period with the car intact.
You got ripped off because the owner of the car didn't maintained it well.
Also, check with a mechanic next time when you buy a used car.
Yeah, I had bought it and they told me everything was good and it had a clean title. But when I took it home 2 days after I tried going up hill and my car stalled, gears made a noise now I have an engine light. They added the fluid and it runs better now but now I also get that burnt oil smell. Also I feel that the coolant is on C because it needs to be replaced however I’m not a car adept so I don’t really know. I still have 11 payments of 400 bucks a month on this car should I pull out? I’m just worried it’ll affect my credit or should I take them to court? I’d like to avoid court. They want to give my car a “once over” but I feel that’s their way of avoiding a long court debate since they’ll just say they tried to help me with the vehicle.
@carlos1501 They obviously lied to you. Never trust anybody but a good mechanic.
@Mod_Man and others can help you. I am only 15. Sorry I can't help you with credits and court.
Sure will! This is only my second time buying a car I’m 20 years old. Sadly I have to get ripped off to learn about these sort of things.
I guess all I can do now is pay it off and fix it, sell it. Next time I’ll go for a new car and a decent dealer, check with a good mechanic as well.
https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/qa/faq/ Look at this when buying a used car.
You can buy a used car. Just make sure to check with a mechanic before buying it. If they say no, walk away.
Don't hesitate to ask questions. Me and the other members will help you as much as possible.
I feel bad for you but you really should have had a mechanic check it out BEFORE you bought it, $100 on a Pre-Purchase Inspection for a faulty car is better than paying $4000 and later learning it wasn't maintained correct. I also wouldn't have paid half of what they wanted.
Those cars have a somewhat weak automatic transmission that needs to be cared for. Any car needs to have basic maintenance done as well. The previous owner deceitfully sold you an unreliable car for double the value.
I am not that proficient in mechanical advice except for the basics so Geriscan has plenty of info above and Mod Man is experienced and has been pinged. I wish you the best of luck.
Whatever you are having trouble with, you can go to Scotty's channel and search up your issue as a key word and you should be able to find a fix. If you have a good mechanic that you trust I would talk to him and see what should be done and cross check it with the advice given above.