r/carquestions

If you could fix one annoying admin problem in the shop tomorrow, what would it be?

I’m trying to learn what actually matters day to day, not what software companies think matters.

Tldr: Friend bought a used car that several independent mechanics later diagnosed had a transmission that needed to be replaced. The dealership stated over text “there’s no maintenance needed” on the car before the sale. We have asked for a refund but they won’t answer.

Questions: Do we have a case? What should we know about used car law? As-is contracts?

Listen, before I start, I know some people are going to say “the as-is contract is clear.” I’ve been looking into GA used-car law for a while now, I’m aware.

But I’m trying to exhaust every alley and Reddit is somewhere I might find kind souls who would be willing to give us information. Everything we can get our hands on is good.

So anyways, we’re two college kids located in GA, and this guy sold us a car. Major things associated with this case are:

-He represented it as personal sale on fb marketplace (didn’t sell it to us as a personal sale)

-He said through text and other mobile places “there’s no maintenance needed” and the car “works great” when asked directly

-Friend didn’t notice anything major during test drive

-He made my friend sign an as-is contract and gave them the emissions tests, all the legal bare-minimum

-After noticing something weird and taking the car to several places, mechanics independently identified the same problem

-Friend contacted dealership asking for a refund and they sent one text back and then never responded again

We want to go to small claims court for this, but as broke kids we’re worried we’ll spend another $300 we can’t afford on court fees to get our case dismissed. Is there any hope for us?

Car is a 2013 Toyota Camry for anyone asking.

my tire pressure sensor light has been on but the tires are fine, i’m just afraid they won’t let me take the driving test bc of it

2016 Ford Explorer
6 cyl., 3.5l
Ti-VCT engine
109k Miles

I was quoted $1167 to replace my alternator (OEM) and serpentine belt. Fair?

I got a 2nd quote - $750-$950 for a non-OEM alternator. Is that something I can roll with for non-OEM?

Thanks!

I just got the coolant flushed and oil change in my 2015 altima. I was driving it home from the mechanic and noticed it was driving really hot (on the overheat line). blasted hot air and it kept going down to halfway (usually where it stays) and then coming back up. Internet says its an air pocket. I have an appointment at a nissan dealership to get my transmission fluid changed. Is it ok to wait until then to fix the coolant problem? I have to drive to work today and tomorrow before the appointment?

2016 Ford Explorer
6 cyl., 3.5l
Ti-VCT engine
109k Miles

When using my diagnostics tool it revealed my vehicle had 173k miles on it. However my odometer reads 109k miles. What should I do? Which number do I believe? I bought this car 5 years ago from a pretty well known, large Ford dealership. Has it been too long for me to take any action?

Thanks again!

When I press the start button the car starts but it sounds like some of the cylinders are misfiring and the engine runs very rough, shaky, and sounds weak.

I press the start button to turn off the car, then press it again to start it and then it runs normally.

I first noticed this 2 years ago when it would happen once in a few months, now it's happening much more frequently, 2-3x a week.

Any ideas how to diagnose this and where to go to get it fixed other than the dealership (I don't trust them because in my last visit for a software recall they told me that my oil plug was leaking, where it was not).

Ok question for anyone with good knowledge of cars: I was just driving home from work and all the sudden my radio turned off and then I couldn’t accelerate so I pulled over and then my gas and break pedal like locked kind of. Turned off my car and then turned in back on and it started driving like normal? Thoughts on what could be the problem?

**my car is a 2005 ford escape if that makes any difference.

Need some advice because I kinda screwed this up.

About a year ago August I bought a 2017 Jetta 1.4T and never transferred the title into my name. I still have the physical title, but I already filled out/signed the buyer section with my own info back when I bought it.

The bigger problem is the previous owner already moved back to China and probably isn’t coming back anytime soon, so getting another signature or redoing paperwork with him is probably impossible.

So now I’m wondering that can I still legally sell it directly to someone else?

Or do I HAVE to title/register it first since my info is already written on the title?

Lastly the car is 160k miles with no issue beside the window regulator acting stupid occasionally, it’s on Stage 2 setup but with the stock cat on it, (I have the catless downpipe on the side with a turbo from same car that’s 80k miles, I can also provide license and account of ECS tuning and Unitronic)

Is 4200 a fair price?

And if you must know:

1. Yes I never get pulled over with no plate

2. I’m selling it for the money to get a vette C5

3. Title is from NY and I’m in GA

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My friend took me to his friend's house where that guy is actually a aeroplane mechanic but on the side he just fixes cars. He says I only work at the airport for 2 days and rest of the days just work on cars. His house is pretty big and has almost 20 cars on his lot. Some in the backyard. Like is mechanic a profitable business. He says I like the fact I'm only dealing with selling and buying with cash so I don't have to worry about taxes. He says I basically buy cheap cars under $10k from Facebook marketplace or auctions and fixes it then resells it. And also fixes cars for many people. It was pretty amazing how much knowledge a person has about cars and its mechanism. I wish I can learn basic auto skills in my free time. I don't think I can become a mechanic but I guess it's very important to understand the basics of car maintenance..

Hi everyone, I’m in a really time-sensitive situation and I’m trying to figure out my options before my vehicle is sold after repossession.

My car was recently repossessed and I have about 10 days before it may go to auction. I work two jobs earning about $19/hour, but I am currently overwhelmed with bills and caregiving responsibilities.

I also have a neurological condition that requires ongoing medical care. I have important appointments scheduled on 5/20 and 5/21, and I’m trying to make sure I can still attend them and keep up with treatment. Without transportation, that becomes very difficult.

I also care for children who depend on me for transportation, so losing access to a vehicle is creating a serious challenge for both work and daily responsibilities.

Right now I’m trying to understand what my best options are in this situation (reinstatement, payment arrangements, or anything else that might prevent the vehicle from being sold in time).

If anyone has been through something similar or knows how repo timelines and reinstatement options work, I would really appreciate any advice or guidance.

Thank you for reading.