Rage monster and the used car

"Chairman Kaga" (mike-mckinnon)
08/30/2016 at 16:45 • Filed to: None

What would YOU do if your pre-purchase inspection says the car is great, then you buy it, and find out it actually needs to have the front suspension rebuilt?

Took the M35 in for an alignment today at THE independent shop for this work, and learned I’d need a camber kit (control arms - Nissan 72123) because there was no way to bring the front right into spec. They said it was likely previous damage, however the PPI gave full thumbs up for steering (except for a seeping rack, which apparently many Nissans/Infinitis of this vintage suffer), chassis, and subframe.

I realize a PPI might not identify issues as relatively nuanced as camber faults, but if I’d known I’d need to spend $1,000 to make the car stable at highway speeds and also not eat its brand new tires, I probably would not have bought it. Now I’m pissed and scared to tell my wife we’re going to need to spend more money on this amazing idea I had.

DISCUSSION (11)

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > Chairman Kaga
08/30/2016 at 16:47

Is the rage baby you at the sales people or your wife at you?

Any way to get the dealer you bought it from to pay for it? Assuming it was bought recently

Chairman Kaga > Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras
08/30/2016 at 16:49

I think it’s interchangeable.

Bought from a private seller, and in Texas there’s no buyback period for undisclosed damage or anything like that.

Steve in Manhattan > Chairman Kaga
08/30/2016 at 16:51

Take it to the garage that did the inspection and tell them you think they should do it at their cost.

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > Chairman Kaga
08/30/2016 at 16:52

Well...I hope your couch is comfortable

SantaRita > Chairman Kaga
08/30/2016 at 16:53

If you paid a doctor to diagnose you, he says you are 100% well, but you actually have AIDS, who is to blame?

I dont see the value in being ‘inspected’ if it was not. but i think the possibility is that all you will get are your inspection fees back.

Chairman Kaga > Steve in Manhattan
08/30/2016 at 16:54

They have a pretty clear policy in the fine print. Since this is Texas, it’s 100% caveat emptor. At best I could get them to refund the $130 for the inspection, which I’m working on.

Steve in Manhattan > Chairman Kaga
08/30/2016 at 18:06

Throw yourself on the mercy of the court - they might be a standup shop and work something out for you. If not, remind them there’s yelp.com and other review websites.

iSureWilll > Chairman Kaga
08/30/2016 at 18:37

Normally in a PPI you wouldn’t actually put the car on the alignment rack and setup the machine to check the alignment but you mention highway stability... How “unstable” is it at highway speeds? If there is any indicator that it feels weird then that should have been mentioned on the PPI.

My suggestion is to go back to the place that did the PPI and explain to them what’s going on in the nicest way you know how. Tell them you don’t expect them to cover the entire cost of the suspension rebuild and offer a payment on the parts at no markup, and half the standard labor rate. They might counter with no markup and 3/4 labor or something but IMO they should cover at least SOME of the cost, especially if you will let them do the work rather than taking your business elsewhere. If they work with you, then its probably a good place to keep supporting.

Also, if you can get them to cover most of the cost so you’ll only be out $500 then that will be great news for the wifey. Maybe you could cut some of your own treats, like eating out for lunch during the work week, for a while and that will cancel out the extra cost on your amazing idea.

Rico > Chairman Kaga
08/30/2016 at 19:52

Something something Lexus GS

NYankee1927 > Chairman Kaga
08/30/2016 at 20:08

Do what I did. End up spending a ton more money and know your car will be right to the way you want it. PPI didn't reveal I needed new rod bearings, so while I was at it, I tore everything apart knowing my car will be right. That or sell it, buy a different one.

RZT5 > Chairman Kaga
08/31/2016 at 03:28

Hopefully wife is understanding and realizes this isn’t your fault and that you are just as upset as her.

Adjustable control arm is not the right way to fix a bent subframe. Replace the subframe. In my experience, subframes from junkyards are a lot cheaper than those adjustable control arms you mentioned...