Rod thrown while dealer was test driving

[GSX-Tasy]

My 95 Eclipse GSX was running a little slower than ususal and a mechanic friend of mine told me to take it to Mitsubishi dealer thinking it was a simple adjustment to the fuel/air mixture. Manager took it for a test ride and did know what the issue was. Technician took it out and threw a rod. Lifters have been clicking ever since I bought it 6 months ago but it did not seem like a major issue. Now the dealer wants to charge me for both towing and technician time ($168).

People have told me that the dealer is responsible for the damage. However, I cannot find any laws on this subject. Has anyone had a similiar experience or know what my options are? Dealer said he could install 100K mile engine for $3400. Why would I want an old engine in my baby?

 

[dsm-onster]

Why did the rod go?

 

[talon20g]

For $3400 I'll drive to Texas and put a motor in! Did you notice anything out of the ordinary such as a knocking sound before you took it to the dealership. Some of the dumbest people I know work at dealerships but there are some good ones out there too. Don't think just because the dealership has the car it's in good hands. I'd check out the 6 bolt swap that one of the vendors just posted about. A good 6 bolt is almost bullet proof. As far as paying the dealership for blowing up your motor oooommmm well that should be self explanitory, if what you've told us is the whole story.

 

[GSX-Tasy]

Dealer did not elaborate. Told me the tech was slowing down near intersection and it died. They towed it back to the dealership and put it up on a lift and noted a bulge in the block. According to dealer the problem was clear cut and there was no need to investigate any further.

 

[GSX-Tasy]

No. Did not have any extraordinary noises. Thanks for the 6 bolt swap suggestion. Will look into it.

 

[hackish]

Is that a buldge in your block or are you just happy to see me?

Sometimes techs do go beat the hell out of your car but sometimes mechanical failures do occur. I've seen some engines go from a slight bottom end knock to the rod cap failing in a few seconds under only moderate load. Even a faulty ignition system can cause an engine to literally explode if the wrong things happen - ie imagine sparking 40 degrees before it should under boost?

-Michael

 

[VTEC_THIS]

Legally, I'm not sure what the laws are about that sort of thing. But regarding the dealerships quote on a 100k+ motor installing it for $3,400, No Way! Like stated earlier definitly look into a 6 bolt motor, and have it installed by a local reputable dsm shop or if you have some experienced dsm friends around there see if they'll help you out with dropping in the new motor. You should be able to buy a new 6 bolt motor and have it installed into your car for about the price the dealer told you for a beat motor. Good luck and let us know what happens with the stealership.

 

[knighteclipse1]

I'd bite the bullet on the charges and get the car out of their hands. Then get a second opinion, before letting them work on it. It can't hurt, and they may not know their aZZ from a hole in the ground. Did you see the bulge yourself? If it was diagnosed wrong, you might be able to sue them in small claims court for the misdiagnosis. However, I don't think it would be worth the time and effort. Did you ask them to have the vehicle towed? That maybe an issue too, not sure on that one however.

 

[1stGenGSX]

do not pay for towing, that is their problem as they were test driving the car at the time. i have never heard of a shop charging someone for towing when they were checking out the car.

 

[tkelly27]

I wouldn't pay for the towing. I don't know about the rest, but a $3400 engine swap is a bad deal.

 

[snox135]

Don't pay any of it. If the car didn't break down and they did fix anything they wouldn't have charged you. They should be lucky that you don't go after them for fixing it. Blow up there car while test driving it and they will charge you

 

[Karma]

Did the tech call you on the side of the road and ask you if you wanted the car towed back to their shop?

Im thinking no, so tell them that you will not pay for the towing charge or the tech time. Bring a spare key and a u-haul trailer with you, and take your car home. The spare key is becuase they will probably refuse to give you your key.

 

[Dream On]

Wow, I'd probably file a lawsuit. They're trying to "help you" by offering an old used engine for $3400 and want to make you pay for the motor that they destroyed? This doesn't sound right AT ALL.

 

[DSMunknown]

If pictures can be taken and posted, that would be nice.








(I love photos. )

 

[GSX-Tasy]

After a 30 minutes of heated discussion with Service Manager, all I was able to salvage was elimination of all labor charges and only paying for towing ($78). Told them I would in no way have them service my car.

I could not bare to try to sell it. Found a local shop to replace the engine with a low mileage engine imported from Japan for $2,500. Includes new gaskets, timing belt, plugs, etc.

I am attempting to attach a picture as requested.

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[bling5tatus]

Sounds like you need to call a lawyer... they are at fault... it's kinda like, you've got open beer containers in your car, you're driving, oh it's not your car.... well it's still your fault. They were driving, they are responsible, I'd get a lawyer.

 

[redeclipse7782]

First off, a bulge in the block? How are you going to stretch cast iron? If you a blow a rod to the point where you make a mark on the outside of the block then your either going to crack the block or bust a hole through the block, not put a bulge in it. Secondly of course the technician was beating on the car, I would have went with him for the ride, if I even let him drive the car at all, which I wouldn't of because I wouldn't even be at the dealership since there such rip offs. They couldn't tell what the problem is by putting the car on a lift?? They are trying to take advantage of you, they ruined your car, you don't owe them anything, they owe you a new engine, and not a beat up 100k one that most likely has crank walk, which your engine most likely had as well, thats why it failed.

 

[GSX-Tasy]

No crankwalk in this puppie! I had a new crankshaft installed a few months ago.

Might be due to bad oil pump. Always noticed the pressure was a bit lower than I have experienced with other cars. I will find out soon when the shop start installing the engine.

Here are pictures.

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[GSX-Tasy]

Try this again!
http://www.geocities.com/[email protected]/index.html

 

[Black 95 TSI]

I hate to tell you but you wont win in court, what did the tech do wrong? You came to them withand said you car was running slower then ususal, first off with out a test drive to see what its doin, a tech just cant walk out and touch a car and know whats wrong with it, if your timing is off or air/fuel peoblem will casue major problems depending on how long that car was driving. And second if your mechanic friend was dring the car and the engine went, would you make him pay for a new one, Sorry to vent but i am a tech and im tired of being trashed for stuff like this, trust me I know how some techs test drive cars, if i was the tech i would have asked you to drive the car with me playing passanger, alot of times a tach cant find a problem do everyone has differnt driving styles like i said sorry to vent in your post

 

[FasterImage]

^---agreed, im not a tech though. But I do feel they should not be able to charge you for towing with out your consent

 

[dsm-onster]

why did the rod go?

. . .If that is the problem.

What caused the engine to blow up? Until you know exactly what went wrong, you won't know where to lay the blame.

 

[Rick@AP]

After a 30 minutes of heated discussion with Service Manager, all I was able to salvage was elimination of all labor charges and only paying for towing ($78). Told them I would in no way have them service my car.

I could not bare to try to sell it. Found a local shop to replace the engine with a low mileage engine imported from Japan for $2,500. Includes new gaskets, timing belt, plugs, etc.

I am attempting to attach a picture as requested.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

One, go talk to a lawyer. They won't charge you a dime to listen to your problem. I 99% sure that if the lawyer were to write a letter to the owner of the dealership on his letter head you will have the issue resolved in a fair manner. Having a lawyer do this might cost you $250. At worst, if the letter doesn't work you sue the company and get it fixed for free (except for your time without your car).

Second, why would you buy a JDM motor for a car that was built in Normal IL, USA? I've never understood the fascination with JDM parts. If you decide not to go the lawyer route: Go find someone parting out a 1g (91-94), buy the entire engine for +/- $1k, get a shop to drop it in for about $800 and be done.

 

[c4uldr0n]

I don't think anybody would go out of their way to destroy your pride and joy. I understand that you may be upset, but look at this as an opportunity to build it bigger and better

 

[dedlewamp]

I don't think anybody would go out of their way to destroy your pride and joy. I understand that you may be upset, but look at this as an opportunity to build it bigger and better

I dare to disagree. I've seen many instances where people at auto shops, dealerships, etc. take a car out for a little joy ride. They may not mean to break something, but most of the time they don't know any better.

But yes, save some money and swap the motor yourself. You'll learn some more about your car, make sure everything is done correctly, and have more money for parts instead of labor.