Hi Scotty & Others,
I am an owner of a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. I have had a number of major issues that I have had with this vehicle since I bought it back in December 2020 with around 66,000 miles. the first issue I discovered was that it transmission leak. Fortunately, I was able to use the extended warranty to replace the transmission but still had to pay over $3000 out-of-pocket for other repairs. Recently, I took my car in for an oil change at the Nissan dealer and end up having my check engine go after they serviced it. They ran a diagnostic and told me that it was some sort of fuel pump issue. They already charged me for the previous and wanted to charge additionally for the repair to which I felt it was not right so I took my as-is at that point and to go to my trusted mechanic. I drove around with the check engine light for 2 weeks because of my work schedule. As a consequence for my negligence, my car shut down on me at my job. The car refused to start even after a couple attempts to jump start it. I had to have it towed to my mechanic. So now, they told me that the battery and alternator have to be replaced. To my astonishment, they said it will be roughly 6hrs of labor for this repair just to get it started that will cost me $1500 just for that. And, the mechanic still wouldn't know what the actual cause of the problem is and will ultimately cost me more. Am I being ripped of for this particular repair? Would I have been charged way more at the Nissan dealer for this problem if I paid to have done there? And, is there any legal recourse that I can take for buying this used vehicle from a dealer and being sold this lemon? I live in New York, do anyone know any good lawyers that will take on this situation if I have a case? Thank you.
- VEHICLE INFO: 2013 Nissan Pathfinder/ CURRENT MILEAGE: approx. 79,830+/ manual AWD/ Not sure of the OBDII codes for the fuel pump. VIN#:5N1AR2MM3DC647611
Lemon laws only apply to new vehicles. As-is sales are just that and there is no legal recourse to pursue.
I'm not saying you weren't hosed by the dealer...it sounds like they sold you a bad car. But unfortunately there is likely nothing you can do once the paperwork is signed. I hate these stories because they give all us good dealers a bad name. I feel for you and hope you can get some sort of good ending to your issues.
$1500 for a battery and alternator is very steep to me. I'd let the dealer price the job and compare.
Every state has some agency that regulates auto repair facilities. It's either called the Bureau of Automotive repair or something to that effect. I would write down a clear, detailed account of your experience and file a formal complaint with said agency. You can also contact the BBB. It is unfortunate that we rarely hear about good experiences with dealerships; I am certain they do happen.
There are definitely more negative than positive, unfortunately. Some are not the dealer's fault, of course, but this just sounds like a shady dealer selling a bad car. Hopefully they are a BBB member and can be reported.
Dealer liability for used vehicles depends on the laws of a particular state. For example, when Scotty read the Texas law from his phone, he noted that the law said that the vehicle had to "fit for the use it was intended" (close paraphrase). This included used vehicles, if I remember well.
Scotty specifically said that for Texas, "as is" has no legal standing, as a disclaimer, particularly if the dealer is bonded.
So, check the details of your state's law.
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Having said that, and as you've noted, you neglected to deal with the check engine light on a timely basis, which might be construed as "owner negligence." (That's this layman's assessment. I'm not a lawyer).
At the very least, you probably should have had the car scanned for DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes). A $25 scanner would have given you ,basic information (such as particular DTCs).
So, that's on you, plain and simple.
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As for the need for an alternator and a battery, well, a battery is cheap. Look at this video of an alternator replacement for a 2005-2014 Pathfinder, and determine if you think that the labor cost involved is fair: (See below, from the Haynes Manual people).
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The ultimate issue is whether other system are also problematic, which can't be done without a general inspection. Codes can't be read without a functional electrical system, so that might not be the end of it. Getting a battery and alternator may well not end the cost.
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You'll have to decide whether this vehicle is NEFR (Not Economically Feasible For Repair). It may not be.
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Lessons to be learned:
1. ALWAYS get a pre-purchase inspection, from a competent diagnostic independent mechanic, BEFORE putting down a penny;
2. Don't buy from dealers;
3. Research the reliability of the make and model, generally. For example, Scotty's opinion of these Pathfinders from the last decade is that they are terrible.
Also, check carcomplaints.com for historical data on make and model issue.
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https://youtu.be/TccCYZURZvg (alternator replacement)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7aSoFqAyK8 (on dealerships)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCFsnilrtc0 (on Pathfinders)
Calm please. There's no need to shout at us with your title.
Nothing illegal happened, so don't call your lawyers yet.
Testing the battery/alternator is something you can do yourself, for free, at a place like autozone.
They will also run a diagnostic scan, so you can see for yourself what the problem is.
Normal stuff for an 8yo car.
It kinda sounds like these mechanics are taking you for a ride, but I don't have enough information to say either way. If there's legitimate reason to think a mechanic is shady, then just go somewhere else. That's the best thing you can do.
Thank you all for your help. My apologies for the caps and exclamation marks in the title. I have just been really frustrated and disappointed with this entire experience with this vehicle. Hey, you live and you learn, so be it. Thank you all again.