[Felix]

To all you mechanics out there, HELP!


Just bought a used car. Owned for two days and driven less than 25 miles and already encountering problems. When in 5th gear, if I hit a rough part of road, it pops back into neutral. This happened to me several times so far. I freaked out when I heard my engine and saw my RPM's passing 5000.

Seems like a transmission problem but I have no idea. I guess I am covered by the NYS lemon law.

What is in my favor is that, the dealer still needs to me sign over my check to him. The check was payable to the dealer and myself. They called me yesterday and had the nerve to ask me to come back in because of a mistake on their part!!!!!

1. Does anyone know what is causing this mechanical problem?? 2. Can I hold "them" hostage and not sign the check until they fix my car?? 3. Am I legally obligated to sign the check?

I am dropping the car off today and they are giving me a loaner. What I want to do is have them fix it and then sign the check. I really like the car and if its a fixable problem then I will stay with it.

If not I can refuse to sign the check and give them back their car. But then there is my cash deposit of $1,500. Are they obligated to give it back to me?

I hope this makes sense cause I am fuming right now!

Thanks in advance for any replies/comments/suggestions.

Felix

 

[got_A_way]

Let cool heads prevail

Felix,

I have several friends in the car business. The sales dept will pressure the service dept to repair this until the check is signed. Once signed sales dept. is out of the picture. Sales dept can be an ally of yours. Once you sign then warranty is your only fallback.

Explain to the salesman that you are concerned this problem was not identified and repaired before they sold you the car. Tell them you have every intention of purchasing the car but want this corrected at their expense and no deductable on your part.

So don't sign until its fixed and you get to test drive it over the roughest stretch of road east of the Mississippi.

Good luck - the law is on your side - don't let them get you all worked up. Let the salesman sweat the problem ( his commission ) then go fishing!!

Bob

 

[bobn]

a reputable dealer will repair the problem-you should have some kind of warranty on the driveline-

could be something simple like a motor/tranny mount or a linkage problem-then again it could be internal-

 

[earthworm77]

I am no expert but it sounds like a minor linkage adjustment is nec. I would not believe that you need anything major.

 

[Scott E.]

Felix,

I wouldn't even guess what is wrong without first knowing what kind of car, year, make, model and so fourth.

It could be as simple as an adjustment to the linkage, if it has linkage or it could be a bit more complicated if it is a top loader type tranny, where the shifter bolts to the top of the tranny.

Good luck with it though!!!

 

[Felix]

Thanks for the reply guys.

Scott;

The car is a 2000 Subaru Forester 4 cyl (Perfect to put a jon boat on top) with 54,000 miles.

Currently at the dealer and they even gave me a loaner! I guess its better that it happened sooner than later. From what I have heard so far I dont think that its that big of a problem. Lets see.

Thanks again.

Felix