for display only
Big Blue Interactive The Corner Forum  
Back to the Corner

Archived Thread

NFT: Got sold a lemon

JD in NC : 2/12/2016 7:11 pm
I recently became in need of a cheap car after my roommate wrecked my previous vehicle. Bought a 1999 Nissan Maxima SE yesterday, and after I got it home, it hasn't started since. I was assured there were no mechanical issues with the vehicle and it had passed inspection in August. I informed the seller within 8 hours of the purchase and was told she would not accept a return of the vehicle, that she ha never had this issue, and takes no responsibility.

Am I taking it up the ass on this one, or do I have any course of action I can pursue legally? I would really appreciate any advice I can get, I do not make a lot of money and I spent my entire savings on this vehicle. Thanks in advance.
Pages: 1 2 <<Prev | Show All |
Did you pay cash?  
tangled up in blue : 2/12/2016 9:39 pm : link
If you paid with a check call your bank and put a stop payment on it.
RE: Did you pay cash?  
steve in ky : 2/12/2016 9:46 pm : link
In comment 12813129 tangled up in blue said:
Quote:
If you paid with a check call your bank and put a stop payment on it.


That may be illegal
RE: Did you pay cash?  
EricJ : 2/12/2016 9:46 pm : link
In comment 12813129 tangled up in blue said:
Quote:
If you paid with a check call your bank and put a stop payment on it.


JD would lose in court if he did that. When you buy a used vehicle from a private seller like that, the responsibility to have it fully checked out is on the buyer. JD could have had her go over to a place like Midas to have them plug the car in to the computer. Maybe they would charge $50 to do that. I appreciate (as does JD I am sure) all of the advice on what is truly wrong with the car. However, back to the theme of his original post...he does not have a leg to stand on and this is not a lemon.
Thanks for the advice everyone  
JD in NC : 2/12/2016 10:44 pm : link
A lot of this would have taken me hours if not days of research.
Say a prayer it's the fuel pump  
Big Rick in FL : 2/12/2016 11:05 pm : link
Mine just went on my car. Mechanics wanted anywhere from 500-900 for it. Bought the highest rated fuel pump from Amazon. It cost me $79 shipped. I know nothing about cars. Watched a YouTube video & had the old one out & new one installed in 15 minutes.

Is it trying to turn over? My car had the same problem & a coworker suggested the battery, but the lights & radio came on do I knew it wasn't that. Typed the symptoms into Google & found out it was the fuel pump pretty quickly.
RE: Post her picture here.  
Taggart : 2/12/2016 11:14 pm : link
In comment 12813071 Boy Cord said:
Quote:
We'll take it from there. That whore bitch will rue the day she effed over a BBIer.


This. I'll bet the cunt is an Eagles or Skins fan too.
RE: RE: Did you pay cash?  
mitch300 : 2/12/2016 11:34 pm : link
In comment 12813146 EricJ said:
Quote:
In comment 12813129 tangled up in blue said:


Quote:


If you paid with a check call your bank and put a stop payment on it.



JD would lose in court if he did that. When you buy a used vehicle from a private seller like that, the responsibility to have it fully checked out is on the buyer. JD could have had her go over to a place like Midas to have them plug the car in to the computer. Maybe they would charge $50 to do that. I appreciate (as does JD I am sure) all of the advice on what is truly wrong with the car. However, back to the theme of his original post...he does not have a leg to stand on and this is not a lemon.

He might lose in court. At least it would be a pain for her to have to take him to court.
RE: RE: RE: Did you pay cash?  
steve in ky : 2/12/2016 11:39 pm : link
In comment 12813235 mitch300 said:
Quote:
In comment 12813146 EricJ said:


Quote:


In comment 12813129 tangled up in blue said:


Quote:


If you paid with a check call your bank and put a stop payment on it.



JD would lose in court if he did that. When you buy a used vehicle from a private seller like that, the responsibility to have it fully checked out is on the buyer. JD could have had her go over to a place like Midas to have them plug the car in to the computer. Maybe they would charge $50 to do that. I appreciate (as does JD I am sure) all of the advice on what is truly wrong with the car. However, back to the theme of his original post...he does not have a leg to stand on and this is not a lemon.


He might lose in court. At least it would be a pain for her to have to take him to court.


And it wouldn't be a pain for him?

Plus what does he do. wait to fix the car until after he losses in court when he finds himself right back to square one?

And he may find himself in legal trouble canceling a check after having purchased, signed, and transferred the title to his name.
Those late 90's Maxima's were notrorious  
montanagiant : 2/12/2016 11:55 pm : link
For having Ignition switch problems.
It also could be your key fob needs reprogramming. The car will turn over but not start due to the security system
With any car, it's either  
Doomster : 2/13/2016 8:43 am : link
spark, fuel, or compression.....

More likely spark or fuel.....

Pick up a can of carb cleaner.....have someone crank the car while you spray the carb cleaner into the throttle body....don't have to open it, just spray it on the plate.....if the car starts and runs as long as you spray, it's a fuel issue.....either no fuel pressure, or the injectors are not firing(Security problem)....

If it doesn't start, then check for spark.....



Lesson to be learned here: When buying a used vehicle from a dealer, make sure it has a minimum 30 day warranty....

From a private party? You take the vehicle to the dealership that sells your car.....pay one hour's inspection fee.....in that time they can road test it to check engine/transmission performance, alignment, suspension over bumps, the brakes, and various options(like cruise control, HVAC, etc.)..... attach a scan tool to observe data, and check for any codes in the vehicle.....then put the vehicle on a lift, and check exhaust, check for leaks, any damage, check front end, check tires, and potential problems(like rusted brake lines, rusted fuel lines, etc.)......and since they work on these vehicles all the time, they can also tell you the potential problems of the vehicle that may not have reared it's ugly head, yet.....they can also run your VIN number, to see if there are any open campaigns on the vehicle.....this can all be done in an hour.....that hour can save you a lot of money down the road.....it can also reduce the price of the vehicle if you show potential problems that you will have to fix, like brakes, exhaust, etc.
Check this out...  
Doomster : 2/13/2016 8:52 am : link
Google is your friend,
Cranks all day but wont start =( - ( New Window )
RE: As far as the age of the car  
The 12th Man : 2/13/2016 9:45 am : link
In comment 12813037 JD in NC said:
Quote:
My budget was $1800 so as you can imagine I'm not getting 2016 Bentley. The 1999 Maxima was an incredibly highly rated vehicle across the board and had one of the most reliable engines Nissan ever made. I've seen them routinely get up to 300k miles, this was is at 230k.


Set up a Fund me now account let people know what happened and for a vet like yourself I am sure people will donate.
RE: Say a prayer it's the fuel pump  
jcn56 : 2/13/2016 9:53 am : link
In comment 12813220 Big Rick in FL said:
Quote:
Mine just went on my car. Mechanics wanted anywhere from 500-900 for it. Bought the highest rated fuel pump from Amazon. It cost me $79 shipped. I know nothing about cars. Watched a YouTube video & had the old one out & new one installed in 15 minutes.

Is it trying to turn over? My car had the same problem & a coworker suggested the battery, but the lights & radio came on do I knew it wasn't that. Typed the symptoms into Google & found out it was the fuel pump pretty quickly.


Any mechanic that quoted you anything $500 or over for a fuel pump for that car needs to have a couple of fingers thrown in his direction, I'll let you choose which.
Where in NC are you?  
EJV79 : 2/13/2016 2:15 pm : link
I'm in concord, if you are reasonably close i could take a look at it (i'm a tech). A fuel pressure gauge hooked up to the fuel rail will let you know if the pump is pumping any fuel. A noid light will tell you if the injector is getting a signal from the pcm. I would check for codes also, it could be a bad crank or cam sensor causing it not to start. A good scan tool will give you the ability to look at live data, while cranking the car look and see if there is an RPM reading on the scan tool. I believe that car has a coil per cylinder so it's highly unlikely all 6 coils went bad but there may be an issue with none of them getting spark.
RE: Where in NC are you?  
montanagiant : 2/13/2016 5:11 pm : link
In comment 12813634 EJV79 said:
Quote:
I'm in concord, if you are reasonably close i could take a look at it (i'm a tech). A fuel pressure gauge hooked up to the fuel rail will let you know if the pump is pumping any fuel. A noid light will tell you if the injector is getting a signal from the pcm. I would check for codes also, it could be a bad crank or cam sensor causing it not to start. A good scan tool will give you the ability to look at live data, while cranking the car look and see if there is an RPM reading on the scan tool. I believe that car has a coil per cylinder so it's highly unlikely all 6 coils went bad but there may be an issue with none of them getting spark.

Very nice of you to offer that..
EJV79  
JD in NC : 2/13/2016 6:07 pm : link
Dude that is amazing that you would offer to take a look at the car, thank you. I'm in Charlotte right by UNCC, I work at the Guitar Center there, so if you happen to be a musician or ever need anything we have, I will get you the best deal you'll ever see in your life.
RE: EJV79  
EJV79 : 2/13/2016 8:46 pm : link
In comment 12813874 JD in NC said:
Quote:
Dude that is amazing that you would offer to take a look at the car, thank you. I'm in Charlotte right by UNCC, I work at the Guitar Center there, so if you happen to be a musician or ever need anything we have, I will get you the best deal you'll ever see in your life.


I've actually been to that guitar center a few times and i was just talking to my girl about stopping in there tomorrow after we eat at the outback down the road. I have a funny feeling we've met before because i've been in that guitar center a few times with my giants gear on and was talking to an employee there who was a big giants fan.
Yea that's definitely me lol  
JD in NC : 2/13/2016 9:40 pm : link
I remember talking to you a few times, wow that's pretty crazy. Yea if you guys are coming to the store tomorrow I'm working in the morning, should be there til noon or so. Wow, small world!
i'm not sure what time i'll be there tomorrow  
EJV79 : 2/13/2016 10:22 pm : link
but either way, here's my # (631)891-9345 shoot me a text tomorrow or monday and we'll see if we can set up a time to look at the car.
LOL: Only on BBI  
Jim in Fairfax : 2/13/2016 10:28 pm : link
That's really cool!
This is awesome  
timintey : 2/13/2016 10:30 pm : link
Giants fans in the Charlotte area are a special breed (Fort Mill here)
RE: i'm not sure what time i'll be there tomorrow  
JD in NC : 2/13/2016 11:10 pm : link
In comment 12814169 EJV79 said:
Quote:
but either way, here's my # (631)891-9345 shoot me a text tomorrow or monday and we'll see if we can set up a time to look at the car.


Sounds like a plan. I can't even begin to tell you how much I appreciate the help. I didn't think I was going to get out of this without having to take the car to a mechanic I don't know and possibly get raked over the coals for the repairs, and really have no choice but to pay it off somehow.

What are the odds of this situation? Seriously?
lol that's awesome  
Vin R : 2/13/2016 11:54 pm : link
.
This is a BBI Hall of Fame thread  
glowrider : 2/14/2016 12:05 am : link
For real. Beautiful stuff there.
Any written agreement to the sale?  
glowrider : 2/14/2016 12:08 am : link
Fraud is always illegal and would void the agreement.
RE: Any written agreement to the sale?  
JD in NC : 2/14/2016 12:12 am : link
In comment 12814239 glowrider said:
Quote:
Fraud is always illegal and would void the agreement.


We never drew up a contract, but we filled out a form at the DMV to transfer the title into my name, which I assume would constitute a bill of sale, but I would have to ask the DMV for a copy to see what it really says and what the actual language is.
You should certainly collect what info you can reasonably collect  
glowrider : 2/14/2016 12:25 am : link
Hopefully you can diagnose the issue tomorrow and it's no big deal.

Document and keep receipts for everything in case you want/need to go down a different road.
To prove  
NJGiantFan84 : 2/14/2016 1:24 am : link
Fraud you would have to prove she knew the problem existed or that she should have known. Its a difficult task to prove fraud in a situation like this, without solid records to back up the claim. But definitely worth documenting everything from the emails to a descriptikn of any and all conversations you recall.

Please keep us updated. We always get the "Only on BBI" comments whenever there is a post in poor taste or expressing a silly opinion. But many great things have happened on BBI. I am hoping this turns into one of the good stories.
Yes, would love to know the ultimate outcome on this.  
montanagiant : 2/14/2016 3:54 am : link
.
RE: This is awesome  
EJV79 : 2/14/2016 5:39 am : link
In comment 12814181 timintey said:
Quote:
Giants fans in the Charlotte area are a special breed (Fort Mill here)


I love seeing giants fans around here (and there are alot of them) and i don't know about you but the panthers shit got so nauseating i couldn't wait for them to lose the SB.
RE: RE: i'm not sure what time i'll be there tomorrow  
EJV79 : 2/14/2016 5:50 am : link
In comment 12814216 JD in NC said:
Quote:
In comment 12814169 EJV79 said:


Quote:


but either way, here's my # (631)891-9345 shoot me a text tomorrow or monday and we'll see if we can set up a time to look at the car.



Sounds like a plan. I can't even begin to tell you how much I appreciate the help. I didn't think I was going to get out of this without having to take the car to a mechanic I don't know and possibly get raked over the coals for the repairs, and really have no choice but to pay it off somehow.

What are the odds of this situation? Seriously?


Yea small world indeed. The odds are what's crazy, i really don't go on this site that much but whenever i do and i see a car thread i'll read it and try to give advice since i'm in the field, so it's pretty crazy that i logged on yesterday afternoon and saw this thread. When you said you work at guitar center i was like son of a bitch, i bet that's the dude i spoke to a few times about the giants. I think the last time i was in there was probably around the start of the season right before we played the cowboys and maybe a week or two later after we lost to the falcons. I started playing drums in august of 2014 so i go to that guitar center sometimes to pick up sticks and some other shit.
This thread made me tear up!  
NYGmen58 : 2/14/2016 10:19 am : link
Way to go BBI!
RE: RE: RE: i'm not sure what time i'll be there tomorrow  
section125 : 2/14/2016 10:41 am : link
In comment 12814308 EJV79 said:
Quote:
In comment 12814216 JD in NC said:


Quote:


In comment 12814169 EJV79 said:


Quote:


but either way, here's my # (631)891-9345 shoot me a text tomorrow or monday and we'll see if we can set up a time to look at the car.



Sounds like a plan. I can't even begin to tell you how much I appreciate the help. I didn't think I was going to get out of this without having to take the car to a mechanic I don't know and possibly get raked over the coals for the repairs, and really have no choice but to pay it off somehow.

What are the odds of this situation? Seriously?



Yea small world indeed. The odds are what's crazy, i really don't go on this site that much but whenever i do and i see a car thread i'll read it and try to give advice since i'm in the field, so it's pretty crazy that i logged on yesterday afternoon and saw this thread. When you said you work at guitar center i was like son of a bitch, i bet that's the dude i spoke to a few times about the giants. I think the last time i was in there was probably around the start of the season right before we played the cowboys and maybe a week or two later after we lost to the falcons. I started playing drums in august of 2014 so i go to that guitar center sometimes to pick up sticks and some other shit.


Now that would be cool if you really had met before. Good on you EJV for helping.
If this car ends up repaired, this would be an all time great  
jcn56 : 2/14/2016 12:20 pm : link
Right up there with the bolognas of Brooklyn.
RE: To prove  
glowrider : 2/14/2016 12:29 pm : link
In comment 12814278 NJGiantFan84 said:
Quote:
Fraud you would have to prove she knew the problem existed or that she should have known. Its a difficult task to prove fraud in a situation like this, without solid records to back up the claim. But definitely worth documenting everything from the emails to a descriptikn of any and all conversations you recall.

Please keep us updated. We always get the "Only on BBI" comments whenever there is a post in poor taste or expressing a silly opinion. But many great things have happened on BBI. I am hoping this turns into one of the good stories.


Difficult but not impossible. The seller saying the car was checked out and maintained by a location that declined to confirm such worth raises the hairs on my neck, but that argument is tenuous. However, I'd bet that if there is one instance of inappropriate behavior, there's more. I hope this isn't the case, but if it is, he does have some ground to stand on.
Ok, i'm going to go check the car out on tuesday  
EJV79 : 2/14/2016 4:28 pm : link
We're supposed to have some crappy weather here in the charlotte area tomorrow so tuesday works better. On a side note, i was just having lunch with the fiance at the outback down the road from the guitar center JD works at, sitting at the bar with a giants sweatshirt on and a dude with a binghamton mets sweatshirt walks in and tells me he likes my shirt. Turns out he's from binghamton, NY and just moved down to charlotte with his GF, they were living in roanokae VA so we made small talk about the area and we talked about the recent moves (beatty, beason and schwartz).
This thread is great  
Ned In Atlanta : 2/14/2016 11:48 pm : link
kudos EV, way to help out a fellow Giants fan. You guys will have to keep us posted on how things go. This is an example of the strength of weak ties.
For anybody who may interested  
EJV79 : 2/15/2016 7:52 pm : link
JD texted me today and told me a friend of his was able to look at the car today and he found the starter was the culprit, they swapped in a new starter and the car starts fine now.
RE: For anybody who may interested  
Matt M. : 2/15/2016 7:54 pm : link
In comment 12815953 EJV79 said:
Quote:
JD texted me today and told me a friend of his was able to look at the car today and he found the starter was the culprit, they swapped in a new starter and the car starts fine now.
Great stuff on this thread.
Just out of curiosity, how much is a starter? Labor? Is it something the previous owner should have known about, or is it possible it just went?
It's a great story  
AP in Halfmoon : 2/15/2016 7:56 pm : link
Kudos to all involved.

One question though, if the car cranked how was it the starter?
RE: It's a great story  
ctc in ftmyers : 2/15/2016 8:11 pm : link
In comment 12815961 AP in Halfmoon said:
Quote:
Kudos to all involved.

One question though, if the car cranked how was it the starter?


Ha
Thanks again guys!  
JD in NC : 2/15/2016 10:12 pm : link
So far so good with the new starter. I was asking the same question, but I guess even though it wasn't completely out of commission yet it wasn't pushing quite hard enough to get the engine to turn?

It could have been a lot worse, and I'm thankful it's not. We're not exactly having a Long Island caliber winter down here, but NC has been getting some actual winter weather the last few weeks or so.
Now if I can get the turn signals to work as well  
JD in NC : 2/15/2016 10:14 pm : link
I'll be 100% ready to go!
So glad this worked out  
glowrider : 2/15/2016 10:22 pm : link
Nice work!
EJV79  
JD in NC : 2/15/2016 10:23 pm : link
Hit me up next time you're coming down to the store, I'll get you set you with whatever you need brother!
RE: It's a great story  
jcn56 : 2/15/2016 10:26 pm : link
In comment 12815961 AP in Halfmoon said:
Quote:
Kudos to all involved.

One question though, if the car cranked how was it the starter?


Look up, 2/12 | 8:28 - it's not unusual at all for the starter to crank but not crank well enough to kick the engine over.
RE: RE: For anybody who may interested  
EJV79 : 2/16/2016 8:36 am : link
In comment 12815957 Matt M. said:
Quote:
In comment 12815953 EJV79 said:


Quote:


JD texted me today and told me a friend of his was able to look at the car today and he found the starter was the culprit, they swapped in a new starter and the car starts fine now.

Great stuff on this thread.
Just out of curiosity, how much is a starter? Labor? Is it something the previous owner should have known about, or is it possible it just went?


Depending on the make and model a starter could be anywhere from $100 to $300 or more. I had to replace a starter on a twin turbo v-12 benz and i think it was over $1000 just for the part. Labor also depends on make and model, some are a quick 1/2 hour job, others could be a nightmare.
RE: Now if I can get the turn signals to work as well  
EJV79 : 2/16/2016 8:37 am : link
In comment 12816053 JD in NC said:
Quote:
I'll be 100% ready to go!


Start with the basics, check all the bulbs first.
RE: EJV79  
EJV79 : 2/16/2016 8:38 am : link
In comment 12816059 JD in NC said:
Quote:
Hit me up next time you're coming down to the store, I'll get you set you with whatever you need brother!


Sounds good man, i'll be down there soon, need to pick up some felt washers for my cymbal stands and i wanna check out some china and ride cymbals.
Wow great thread  
Metnut : 2/16/2016 9:15 am : link
Go BBI!
Pages: 1 2 <<Prev | Show All |
Back to the Corner